[hlz360]

Hi everyone, new member here. Does anyone know whether or not the wider 205/45VR17 tires on the Lusso/Abarth provide more grip compared to the 195/50VR16 on the Classica?

More specifically, are the wider tires wider because they are made of softer (grippier) compounds compared to the narrower tire, or are they wide purely for cosmetic reasons?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Stewie]

Generally more contact patch (wider) the more grip you'll receive. But depends on what kind of tires they are I guess.

 

[hlz360]

Come to I think of it, there's probably no difference in tire compound since they're both rated V, so it's purely down to tire width and aspect ratio.

I found this helpful article on tire specs vs handling in case anyone else is curious.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/plus-size-tires-when-more-is-less/index.htm

 

[Good-Win Racing]

Yes, the wider tire....on wider wheel...will give you more ultimate grip.

 

[Dhuntr41]

Hi everyone, new member here. Does anyone know whether or not the wider 205/45VR17 tires on the Lusso/Abarth provide more grip compared to the 195/50VR16 on the Classica?

More specifically, are the wider tires wider because they are made of softer (grippier) compounds compared to the narrower tire, or are they wide purely for cosmetic reasons?

Thanks in advance!

Up graded to BFG comp-2 225/45/17
On my lusso. Tracked both sets, the Comp-2 made a world of difference, both ride and handling.

 

[Chipshot]

OEM tires are usually chosen for cost, rolling resistance, noise, and availability. I've only had one car with which I was really happy with the original tires. That said, my 2004 NB Miata was a close second.

 

[FSpidie]

OEM tires are usually chosen for cost, rolling resistance, noise, and availability. I've only had one car with which I was really happy with the original tires. That said, my 2004 NB Miata was a close second.

The last few cars I've purchased, I've ended-up replacing the OEM tires fairly soon. At least with those cars, the over-riding car manufacturer's criteria seemed to be MPG and cost for the car. What may make the car manufacture happy may not work for you.

One of the cars was a new Honda Accord. The OEM tires rode like a Fred Flintstone-mobile, from both the noise and ride-comfort aspect. The handling wasn't bad but I replaced the OEM's with some better, more expensive tires just to get a much quieter, more comfortable ride with similar handling, maybe losing a mile per gallon or so in MPG. The difference was noticeable in ride and noise and I'd do it again. Just decide what requirements are really important to you in a tire and wheel, analyze on-line tire reviews for your particular vehicle, would be my recommendation.

 

[Chipshot]

The last few cars I've purchased, I've ended-up replacing the OEM tires fairly soon. At least with those cars, the over-riding car manufacturer's criteria seemed to be MPG and cost for the car. What may make the car manufacture happy may not work for you.

One of the cars was a new Honda Accord. The OEM tires rode like a Fred Flintstone-mobile, from both the noise and ride-comfort aspect. The handling wasn't bad but I replaced the OEM's with some better, more expensive tires just to get a much quieter, more comfortable ride with similar handling, maybe losing a mile per gallon or so in MPG. The difference was noticeable in ride and noise and I'd do it again. Just decide what requirements are really important to you in a tire and wheel, analyze on-line tire reviews for your particular vehicle, would be my recommendation.

Agreed. Just wish tires were more like shoes so you could try on a set to see how you like them. Also aggravating to spend hundreds of dollars to replace the originals. Any credit received for them will be minimal. When the time comes I may have to decide between tires and that juicy Mopar cat-back exhaust.

 

[Stewie]

I would go for tires first.. just because it'll make more of that difference that you can feel, but that's just me.

 

[hlz360]

Haha you guys are rich! I'm gonna wear out the OEMs till they start looking like slicks before getting any upgrades!

Anyway yeah it'd be great if dealers carry cars without wheels so you get to choose tire size and rim style before buying.