Tire Recommendations, Which Size is Best on OEM 15 1/2 Jx15 Fuchs? Options

[914_7T3]

Was Wondering the differences in ride characteristics for all 3 available sizes:

165/80, 185/70 or 195/65, what do you recommend?

[arne]

To answer the original question, those three sizes will not have much difference in ride quality, as all have a pretty substantial sidewall. There will be more difference in ride from tire design than from sizes. A very high performance tire (not many in these sizes) will ride harsher than the same size all-season tire. But in general, no tire in these three sizes will deliver a bad ride. Of the three sizes, the narrower 165/80 may be a slight touch more harsh as its sidewalls are pulled out as wide as they were designed to accommodate, adding a bit of tension and stiffness.

For a 914 I prefer to stick with one of the three sizes you noted, as those three are essentially all the original diameter. I'm a fan of the original tall sidewalls, for appearance, ride quality and suspension compatibility.

Some people like more modern low profile sizes, such as either 195 or 205 in 60, 55 or 50 series profile. The 205 width is about the max you should run on a 5.5" rim. Any of these sizes will be shorter in height than stock, with the associated change in gearing and speedo calibration.

Of the three sizes you mentioned, the 165/80 (or the original 165R15) IMO is really only for concours-correctness. There is no reason to stay with this size for a car that will be driven much.

The 185/70 is a special case. The available tires in theis size are expensive, being marketed as original options for the 911 and a few other cars. Again, not something I'd normally want to put on a driver 914. A nice size for the car, but too expensive.

The 195/65 is a nice choice for my tastes. Wide enough to look good on the rim, but not too wide either. Not very many high end performance choices, but in reality, even a modern mini-van tire will have more grip than the tires these cars came with. So an all-season touring or basic performance tire will give all the grip you will need for normal, or even enthusiastic street use.