Thread: 205/45R17 vs. 215/45R17 vs. 225/45R17

I currently have 205/50R15 Bridgestone RE-11's on my 96 right now. It looks like I will be going to 17"s on the 96 and moving the 15"s to the 93. Just can't decide what size tire to put on the 17"s. They are 17x7.5


Someone help me make up my mind. 40 series are not available in these sizes unfortunately.



205/45R17 Bridgestone RE-11


215/45R17 Bridgestone RE-11A
225/45R17 Bridgestone RE-11A

I think you mean 205/40/17 and 215/40 17

The RE-11 and RE-11A are not made in those sizes

you can get another brand that is just as good

Not for what these are going to cost

Given your choices, I would go with the 215/45/17 RE-11As. I have the RE-11's in a 15 as well and they're a great tire, but the A's are supposed to be a good improvement. Best case would obviously be a RE-11A in a 205 size, but that's not offered. So 215's are my vote unless the 225's are a significant cost savings.

The supposed advantage of going with a 225 width tire over a 215 or 205 would be the assumption that a wider tire equal more grip... and that the greater width of the tire means a wider contact patch. That's an ill informed assumption. It also ignores how the each size's sidewall will flex on the same width rim as well as aero/rolling resistance. For a street tire, none of this really makes that much difference as you shouldn't be pushing a street car to the limits on the street. On track, at least for the Miata (take that for what it's worth to you), the consensus is a bit of stretch on extreem high performance street tires is desirable as it provides the fastest lap times and least amount of flex (providing consistency).

Personally, I have 205/50/15s on both 6.5 and 7in wheels on my 15in street wheels... both of which are a bit narrow for fastest times, but again, street cars. For a HPDE/track toy using street tires, I'd try to fit 205's on an 8in wheel or 225s on a 9in if the car could handle it.

Go big or go home.

Thanks for you input - these are going on a 96 200SX with (some) boost - I was thinking the 215 also at the side wall on the 225 gets a bit big looking thou I am more concerned with roll.

Thanks again.

- - - Updated - - -



That's my line. Been reading my posts huh.

I have used Nitto Neo Gen 205/40/R17 they are awesome specially for lowered cars they are build specially for lowered cars.(best damn tire I have ever own). Another tire that are great in my opinion ACHILLES ATR Sport 205/40/R17 great tire have used them for 4 years no problems.