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Exactly... There are too many variables that effect efficiency. In my case, I just wanted to keep to 'real-world' driving to see what would happen. I could have overinflated the tires, but I kept them at 35psi. However, I think that over inflation would have resulted in more rubbing, and worse handling. The type of tire tread is a big factor too, but I had no control over this because of economy and availability. The condition of the engine. I know that at 162K miles that the my little Civic isn't as efficient as it was at 30K.
However, from this, we now know that.
1. Changing the final drive gear drastically affects driving characteristics and doesn't always result in more efficiency.
2. 185/65/15's and 195/60/15's will fit a 6th gen Civic hatch without modifications to the wheel wells. However, there will be some rubbing in some extreme cases.
3. It can be assumed that any size increase above this will probably result in more rubbing unless modifications are made to the wheel wells.
4. Even with the required wheel well modifications using something larger, say 185/75/15 would result in unacceptable vehicle handling (in my opinion).
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