I know this probably has been queried....but I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the choices out there (just on Tire Rack alone!) needing some feedback on tires...what have you guys ran and loved?
I'm going with 195/60/15 (from 185/65/15) as I think the wider contact path will perform better and the 195's shouldn't rub (yes i know a bunch of you run 205's but I want to turn the thing in a parking lot without tire rub)
so lay it on me...my pricing is all over the place...also doesn't seem to be a summer tire in this size so i'm guessing I'm limited to AS choices...still performance, sticky and somewhat comfortable top the list of attributes I'm after...

I am running 205 65-15s and don't rub. Lots of sidewall bulge though, the 195s may be the better bet.

I'm always hopeful to start seeing a proper 3 season tire come up. All seasons kinda suck on sports cars.

Zach

Just looking at Tire Rack, the Sumitomo HTR A/S tires look decent. Well reviewed.

There is a Pirelli 3 season tire there, but at $299 A TIRE probably not what you are looking for.

Zach

$1.2k+ m/b and any taxes for a set of tires is ridiculous. Going from 185 to 195 is what? 10mm wider? How much more grip do you think they are going to provide? I found the 'bulging' unsettling in corners on 5.5" rims. 205? Worse. "Do not mount on 5.5 wheels" is embossed on the sidewalls of my 195/60 Zexius. At some point I'll be going to 185/60 or 65 AS.

This may not be a factor for you, but 195/60/15s are almost 2" shorter than the stock 165/85/15s (24.2" vs 26" diameter). For me, they would look a little goofy on the car. They would leave a lot of wheel well even on a lowered car.

205/60/15s are 24.7" in diameter.

195/65/15s are 25" in diameter.

195/70/15s are 25.7" in diameter

Tire Size Calculator

I chose 195/65/15s as a compromise. They look OK on a lowered car like mine, but offer better performance than the 70 series...



Because they are smaller in diameter, my speedometer reads 75 when the GPS shows 70. The odometer reads 82 miles when the GPS shows 80 miles.

good info so far so no on the 60 sidewall ? Sounds like i should either go195/ 65 or 185/65... thoughts?

I just put on a set of Firestone Firehawks - 195/65.
So far I am really happy. They don't look like they are bulged out over the rim, but also are not too skinny. Seem quiet and pretty grippy.
Also, under $400 mounted and balanced.

I did 195 55 15's on my 6" wheels. They look nice. I went with the Yokohama S-Drive. Good looking tire for summer (California) performance. I might be wrong, but I doubt my car will see snow or rain unless I get caught in it by accident.

Interesting. I had always understood the overall diameter to be 25" with stock tires. That said, I have 195-60-15s on one of mine and 205-60-15 on the other. Both narrow bodied 914s with no rubbing problems.

Thanks for posting this. I bought the same tires mounted on my 2L Fuchs. They look great but the car won't be ready to drive until at least next spring. Like you said, the bulge is minimal and I really like the look. I have no idea how they will handle but reviews looked good and I loved the price. Glad to hear you are happy with them.

My Bridgestone Sport Comps, 195-50-15s hold the road impressively. 195 instead of 205 was either a poor decision or 205s weren’t available. I don’t recall why I went with 195s, but I can personally really recommend these tires. I really trust them.

I'm a big fan of Firestone Firehawks, great grip/dollar ratio.