I have a Ibiza 1.2 70PS, with the stock 215/45 R16.
Since is a difficult tire size to find, i research for other options. I found that 195/50 R16 is the exactly same circumference, so on my country is legal to change the size if circumference size is similar.
I wanted to share my experience, because, you cant find many feedback about reducing tire size.
I have changed the tire width from 215/45 R16 to 195/50 R16.
Possible advantages:
- Better acceleration
- Better fuel economy.
Possible disadvantages:
- Worse grip
- Longer brake distance
- Faster wear (more weight for less surface area)
After change i noticed:
- Better ride comfort (maybe because the tires are new)
- The steering is a lot lighter than before (maybe that can be adjusted if the power steering is electronic)
- better fuel consumption at higher speeds (120Km/h), but there is almost no diference on slower speeds.
- Grip is better because the tires are new. Didn't test braking distance.
So overall, diferences between the tire size aren´t significant, but still is easier to find tires on 195/50 R16 size
Since is a difficult tire size to find, i research for other options. I found that 195/50 R16 is the exactly same circumference, so on my country is legal to change the size if circumference size is similar.
I wanted to share my experience, because, you cant find many feedback about reducing tire size.
I have changed the tire width from 215/45 R16 to 195/50 R16.
Possible advantages:
- Better acceleration
- Better fuel economy.
Possible disadvantages:
- Worse grip
- Longer brake distance
- Faster wear (more weight for less surface area)
After change i noticed:
- Better ride comfort (maybe because the tires are new)
- The steering is a lot lighter than before (maybe that can be adjusted if the power steering is electronic)
- better fuel consumption at higher speeds (120Km/h), but there is almost no diference on slower speeds.
- Grip is better because the tires are new. Didn't test braking distance.
So overall, diferences between the tire size aren´t significant, but still is easier to find tires on 195/50 R16 size
