5.5 wheel width vs. 7 inch, advantages and disadvantages Options

[opera guy]

well, it looks like i have my heart set on a set of ATS Classics wheel. i think i will get the 15 inch diameter ones. but im not sure of it yet.

what is the advantages of 15x5.5 over 15x7 besides i have to add flares?

is 15x5.5 in front and 15x7 in the rear a good set up? good compromise?

how much slower/faster is the 7inch over 5.5 inch? (diminish low speed performance? like 0-30mph)?

how bout 15inch vs 16 (or 17inch) besides speedo discrepency? like.. performance wise

[Mueller]

what are your plans for the car?

as with everything, comprimises will occur....

a 5.5" rim with a 195/60 or 205/50 will give you good handleing and a decent ride

a 205 tire on a 7" is a darn near perfect match, the sidewalls will be stiffer, making for a better handleing car, but the ride might be a little firmer as well

with the proper rim, you can fit 205/50/15's on 7" rims under stock fenders.....finding the these rims will be tougher and slightly more expensive (see other your other post for rim options)

the ATS rims can be bought for I think $165 each brand new and of course less if used.

how much slower/faster is the 7inch over 5.5 inch? (diminish low speed performance? like 0-30mph)?

no difference at all...it's all about the overall diameter of the tire, if you do a search here, there a few links to "tire calculators" which will let you play with different diameters (and you can input the stock tire size as well) (I lied, the wieght difference can affect the acceleration, but some 5.5" rims weigh more than some 7" rims)

same as with the diameter of the rim, you can change the tire to make the overall diameter smaller or larger to meet your needs....
my 205/45/17's are approx. the same size as my 205/60/15's