Tire Size 195/65r15 vs 205/55r16
Switching from 195/65R15 to 205/55R16 tires is a decision many drivers consider for both performance and aesthetics.
Although the difference between these two sizes is minor, it can have practical effects on how your vehicle performs both on and off the road.
- The wider tire improves stability and grip, especially during cornering.
- The lower sidewall height can reduce ride comfort on rough or uneven roads.
- Aesthetically, the wider tire provides a more aggressive and sporty look.
- Fuel efficiency might drop slightly due to increased rolling resistance from the wider tire.
Fitment Guide
In this case, the difference between 195/65R15 and 205/55R16 is well within that limit, with only a 0.4% diameter difference. This means the interchange is safe and won’t require significant modifications.
However, be aware that the change in width and sidewall height could necessitate some adjustments, especially if you have a smaller or older vehicle where every millimeter counts.
On-Road and Off-Road Impact
Switching from 195/65R15 to 205/55R16 will have both on-road and off-road implications. For everyday driving, expect some changes in how the car handles, its gas mileage, and even the overall look.
Off-road performance, though often less critical for these tire sizes, will also be slightly different, mainly due to changes in ground clearance and sidewall height.
Ground Clearance
With a slight reduction in sidewall height of about 11%, you’ll notice a minor decrease in ground clearance. For most drivers, this won’t make a significant difference on well-paved roads.
However, if you regularly drive over uneven terrain or encounter off-road conditions, this reduction could make the vehicle feel slightly less stable over rocks and bumps.
Gas Mileage
Since the overall diameter and circumference difference is minimal, the effect on gas mileage is also negligible.
However, the wider tire (205mm) could create more rolling resistance, meaning your fuel efficiency might drop marginally, but it won’t be a noticeable difference for most drivers.
Aesthetics Look
The wider 205/55R16 tire provides a sportier, more aggressive look to your vehicle. A wider tire often gives the impression of better performance, even though the practical changes are subtle.
The lower sidewall height also contributes to this sporty appearance, giving your vehicle a more modern aesthetic.
Ride Comfort
Comfort may decrease slightly due to the shorter sidewall. The sidewall acts as a cushion between the tire and the road, so with a reduction in height, you might feel more bumps on uneven roads.
This change won’t drastically affect daily commutes but could become more noticeable during long trips or on poorly maintained roads.
Speedometer Accuracy
The difference in revolutions per mile is minimal between these two sizes, at around 0.4%. While this means the speedometer reading will be slightly off, the change is so small that it won’t cause any significant inaccuracies.
For example, at 20 mph, your actual speed will be 19.92 mph, which is barely noticeable.
Durability & Wear
The 205/55R16 tire, being wider, may experience more even wear across the surface compared to the 195/65R15.
However, the lower sidewall could expose the tire to more potential damage, especially when hitting potholes or curbs.
On the other hand, the extra width can improve stability and cornering performance, making the tire last longer in certain driving conditions.
195/65r15 vs 205/55r16
| Feature | 195/65R15 | 205/55R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 24.98 (634.5) | 24.88 (631.9) | -0.10 (-2.6) -0.4% |
| Width inches (mm) | 7.68 (195) | 8.07 (205) | 0.39 (10) +5.1% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 78.48 (1993.34) | 78.16 (1985.17) | -0.32 (-8.17) -0.4% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 4.99 (126.75) | 4.44 (112.75) | -0.55 (-14) -11% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 807.36 (501.67) | 810.68 (503.73) | 3.32 (2.06) +0.4% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph (32.19 km/h) | 19.92 mph (32.06 km/h) | -0.08 mph (-0.13 km/h) |
Difference Between 195/65R15 and 205/55R16
The main difference between these tires is the width and sidewall height. The 205/55R16 is wider, which offers better grip but has a shorter sidewall, impacting comfort.
Can I Use 205/55R16 Instead of 195/65R15?
Yes, you can use 205/55R16 instead of 195/65R15 since the diameter difference is within the acceptable range. However, expect changes in handling and comfort.
How Much Taller Is a 195/65R15 Tire Than a 205/55R16?
The 195/65R15 tire is slightly taller than the 205/55R16, but the difference is minor at about 0.1 inches, making it negligible for most drivers.
How Much Wider is a 205/55R16 Tire Than a 195/65R15?
The 205/55R16 tire is approximately 0.39 inches wider than the 195/65R15, which offers better stability and grip on the road.
Our Observation
Switching from 195/65R15 to 205/55R16 offers both benefits and drawbacks. The wider tire provides better grip and a sportier appearance, making your car feel more planted during turns.
However, the lower sidewall can reduce ride comfort, particularly on rough roads, and the slight increase in rolling resistance may slightly impact fuel efficiency.
On-road, the changes are mostly positive, especially if you prioritize handling and aesthetics. Off-road, the reduced ground clearance and shorter sidewall height could make the vehicle feel less capable over rough terrain, though this would only be noticeable in more extreme conditions.
Overall, for everyday driving, the difference is mostly negligible, with slight impacts on both comfort and performance depending on your driving habits.
Asma Akter is the lead writer at Tiresizecompare.com, bringing her expertise to the automotive industry. With a strong background in technical writing and a passion for clear communication, Asma excels at breaking down complex tire-related information for readers. Her work helps consumers make informed decisions about tire sizes and compatibility, contributing to safer and more efficient vehicle operations.
