I am wondering if I can use a 245/45R16 on the rear as opposed to the stock 225/50R16. I know that it would fit on the car but my question is, how will it change the handling characteristics? I would like to have the stock size in the front with a larger rear tire. Has anyone tried this combo? How did you like it? and what tires did you use with this combo?

I currently have Yokohoma ES100's on my car (stock size). The rear tires only lasted about 8500 miles, mostly spirited driving in the hills. I would like to get more mileage, if possible. The car never sees snow, and rarely sees rain.

Search didn't come up with anything.

 

You are supposed to use 245 in the rear whenever you go to non-OEM 16" tires. The OEM 225 is closer to a 245, so going to that size only keeps the car's handling the same. The front OEM sizing is more in keeping with standardized sizing. Look here:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=48572

If you want better tread life, go to the Tire Rack website and check out all the tires that are suitable for this car and compare tread wear indexes. Keep in mind that very few tires (non-OEM) will grip like the SO2s do.

 

Thank you! I didn't know that I was supposed to be running a 245/45 in the rear. I would like to have a good gripping tire, with good tread life. But keep in mind that money is an object and SO2's and SO3's are alittle pricey.