Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Will it look right?

Here you go:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Brad P... you can fit the 205/55/15 tires on your car no problem. They aren't any wider than the 205/60/15. The "205" is the width of the tire, while the "60" or "55" denotes the sidewall height, or profile.

My friend Ron has a '95 Contour SE with 205/55/15 tires on it, and the only difference is that the car sits a little lower. Nor does he have any wear problems. He's had them on the car for over 2 years now.

A 205/55 tire may appear to be wider than a 205/60 tire but overall it is not. The 205 part is the overall width of the tire, not the tread. The tread will vary from about 180-200 mm (for a 205 tire) in width depending on manufacturer and construction. A lower profile/higher speed rated tire can be made with a wider tread due to reinforcing of the sidewalls. When buying performance tires always look at the manufacturers specs for tread width as it can vary up to an inch for identically sized tires. After all, contact patch is everything.

Hay thanks for all the response. I don't want to put something on that will not work efficiantly. The Kumho's are the ECSTA Supra 712. They come in 205/55/15 but not in the 60 series. I also looked at cooper cobra XST, but not sure hoy good coopers are. But the cobra XST comes in 205/60/15. Tuff decision on what to do.