Upgrade tire size

741 Views 6 Replies 7 Participants Last post by SAEDave, Feb 8, 2002

Jaybrock

Discussion Starter · Feb 6, 2002

Who has increased tire size from 195/65/15 to either 205/60/15 or 215/60/15. I know the math. I Want to know your experiences. Worth it ? Looks ? Handling ? Snow and rain ? Rubbing etc. Want to stick to All -season & good treadware.
Thanks
2001.5, 1.8T, Loaded,Trip,1.8T badge, Blk with beige

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mgan

· #2 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Upgrade tire size (Jaybrock)

I replaced the stock tires on my Wellingtons with 215/60/15 Dunlop Sport A2's and they ride very well -- better cornering and stopping (dry and wet) and the slightly larger tire width looks proportional to the width of the car (looking from the front or back) and the slightly larger tire circumference fills the wheel well just a bit more to make it look very proportional. The '02 A4's are using 215/55/16's which is an even larger diameter tire than 215/60/15 on a smaller car SO I think 215/60/15's are made for the '01.5 Passat. Also, the larger tires make the bulbous nose less "pronounced". JMO. Thks

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wishen4a1.8T

· #3 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: Upgrade tire size (Jaybrock)

In 12/01 I bought 205/60/15 Yokohoma AVS db's and put them on my steelies. Folks on this site told me I would experience significantly improved handling and now I agree. Wish I had taken one person's advice and got the larger 215's because my 205's do look a little small in the tire cavity. Also, the 215's are closer to the stock speedometer setting. On the plus side, the tires are quiet and tread water very well, which we do alot of out here.

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MaTTK

· #4 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: Upgrade tire size (Jaybrock)

I use 205-60-15 for my snow setup and am happy with dry performance. However, the Dunlop Winter Sport M2 tires are quite a bit wider than my stock Continentals and my snow performance isn't really where I'd like it to be. The width creates a floaty feel on snow and understeers like mad.
Matt

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sameero

· #5 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: Upgrade tire size (Jaybrock)

I got the Dunlop Sport A2 205/60/15. And I am quite happy with them. They are quiter and stiffer. But in Michigan after the snow I think it was better to have the 195's than the 205's because they do slip a little more on the snow. Going to 215's would be worse. But make your own judgement. I am guessing you do have to deal with snow in winter

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TexasVWdriver

· #6 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: Upgrade tire size (sameero)

225/50/16 is a perfect fit on 16x7 VW wheels. It's not too wide. And the side wall is the same height as stock 16's so it won't throw off you speedometer. And you can get 225/50/16 Kuhmo's for only $78 at Discount Tire. http://www.tires.com

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SAEDave

· #7 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: Upgrade tire size (Jaybrock)

FYI VW Europe used 205/60-15 size on all wheel drive models for several years. That was before AWD was available in the U.S.

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