245/45/16 vs 245/50/16?


245/45/16 are only made by a select few manufacturers.

More common is 245/50/16 which is about 3/4" taller. Would this throw off handling? Would the car be too front biased? How much would the speedo be affected?

I have seen 245/50/16 used in a number of posts mentioning this is the size to use.

Perhaps that was a mistake and they meant 245/45/16,

But I would like to know once and for from a knowledgeable source (s).

Much Thanks.

 

The 245/45R16 is a good size to use but the 245/50R16 is not a good size to use. You would throw off the speedometer, odometer, gear ration, handling and the anti lock brakes. If the tire you choose is not available in the 245/45R16 you would be better off running the 225/50R16 on the rear with the 205/55R16 on the front.

 

I used 245/50/16's just a temp... No ABS wack-out, didn't notice any speed change (not that i'm speeding anyways) I can't comment on handling as it was only a temp to get proper 245/45/16 tires. They worked great and there is a lot more to choose from in the 245/50 range... But since i'm not using my current tire setup in any road course event I got fuzion's and they are awesome.

 

It may only be a 3/4" taller but in circumference it is 3.91% or 3.03" larger/longer. I think that is alot and certainly more than is recommended.

 

Thanks, to all. And from Jim's comments, Don't Do It, so I won't.

Just use 245/45/16

I really appreciate the clarification and now realise some of those earlier posts I read were in error.

 

I wouldn't compromise tire model selection just to get 245/45-16s. Lots of good 225/50-16s to choose from.

Quick search at TireRack.com shows exactly ZERO Extreme or Max Performance tires available in 245/45-16. I'd sooner go with the stock size 225/50 and get truly track-worthy high performance tires than compromise my tire choice or OD to get 245s.

MHO!

 

[QUOTE=ZDan,Mar 7 2007, 09:49 AM] I wouldn't compromise tire model selection just to get 245/45-16s.

 

I bought a set of 245/50-16 tires and I'll report back. I'd rather have the wider tire in the back and a 3% off speedo than I would have a 225 non-OEM tire in the back and a good speedo.

My list in preference would be:

245/45-16
245/50-16
225/50-16 (non-OEM)

 

Again, just me, but I'd recommend more rear camber and toe before insisting on having 245's in back.

 

You don't say what your needs in a tire are but if your looking for a nice tire in the wet with good longevity I would look at the Bridgestone RE-750 ... not as sticky as the S02 in the dry however.

Available in 245/45/16