205-50-15 Vs. 195-50-15

sirbob · Postby **sirbob** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 2:21 pm

I've decided to purchase a set of Khumo Ecsta SPT KU31 from tyrepower capalaba. They'll do a set of 8 (group buy with a mate) for the following:

195-50-15: $110/wheel Fitted and Balanced
205-50-15: $150/wheel Fitted and Balanced

The price difference is significant, i was just wondering if there is any significant difference in performance? I currently run a 195-50 Sumitomo \"Indestructor\" (or similar

) but was interested in trying a 205-50.

Any thoughts???

Charlie Brown · Postby **Charlie Brown** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 4:47 pm

Should be getting the 45 series in the 205s not the 50 series.

What width are your rims? You need 7\" for the 205s, 6.5\" for the 195s. :?:

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 4:55 pm

195/50 is the OEM size. 205/50 will put more tread on the road (10mm wider tyre) but the rolling diameter will increase slightly. If your speedo over reads by 5% like mine, 205/50 will put it closer to correct.

There should be a bit of an improvement in grip but whether you'll notice it......................

It's your $160

OMY005 · Postby **OMY005** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:50 pm

A very slight gain in grip but a loss of feel with the increased side wall height of the 205 are my thoughts. Id go for feel over grip. $160 is two skidpan session to hone that feel.

Andrew.

sirbob · Postby **sirbob** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:55 pm

Thanks guys...

I've ordered eight 195-50's. I figured that what was said was right, $160 is two saturday sprints @ QLD raceway and a hell of a saving...

These Khumo's are a great deal, good grip @ great prices. I mean, to be honest it means that i can go skid panning and track days without worrying about destroying my nice new Precedas, or Advans (or others i was considering), and im still not that far removed from either in terms of performance.

Go Khumo!

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 11:58 pm

sirbob wrote:Any thoughts???

fwiw, norm garrett suggests anything over 195 is for forms sake unless you've got strong engine mods &/ or you're racing, in which case you've probably got at least some engine mods.

sirbob · Postby **sirbob** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:00 pm

For the sake of completeness...

Purchased the Kumho SPT KU31's on staurday, immediatly went up Mt Nebo...

Grip is not incredible, but is not poor either, probably a happy traction medium. They have zero noise and the car rolls bootifully on them, but hey, who cares, at $110 a pop i'm more than impressed. At least now i wont cry myself to sleep each night each time i go out to the LVMA or racetrack...

Money well spent....