Sidewall differences

[turtl631]

I'm looking to go with either a 17x8 wheel with 225/45/17s or a 16x7.5 with 225/55/16s (or wahtever size was recommended by exar for this size wheel, i forget the aspect ratio). Anyways, with the same brand/model of tire, what would the performance difference, if any, be between these 2 setups? Thanks.

[Exar-Kun]

not much, really (it'd be a 225-50-16, FYI) you'd notice, obviously the sidewall height would be smaller, and thus "flex less", but that's more a function of the tire construction and such.

you're talking about a 112.5mm sidewall versus 101.25mm sidewall(225-50 and 225-45, respectively) the OD of the wheels/tire will be very close to the same, but you lose a bit of sidewall, which, in some cases leads to better turn-in and response, but higher ride harshness.

as I've said multiple times before, tread compound and design will affect lateral grip much more than small changes in tire sizing, and the 16" tires area cheaper, and have plenty of sitck tires available..

but, I run the 225-45-17 tires because 1.)I like the look2.)a TON of 'supercars' come with that size, and there are literally too many different sticky Z-rated tires in that size for me to pick from3.) I work at a tire place...I get tires cheap....4.) I dont mind the stiffer ride/higher cost per tire(see above)

hope that helps!-chetPS: I would wager total lateral grip would be the same betwen identical 225-50 and 225-45 tires of the same brand/model...