Quote:
Originally Posted by venturaII
Of course the same size tire has slightly more contact with a wider rim. I'm keeping the same size rim width as stock, so the contact patch is 20mm (.79") wider with the 225s. And that's not even accounting for variation in contact patch size going from one make/model tire to another, which has considerably more variation than just the theoretical numbers. Again, look through TireRack's specs for the various tires and sizes and it'll show you measured section width on a specified width rim, as well as the contact patch size for that particular model tire. Using my RT615K+ tires as an example, my 225/50 has 8" of contact when mounted on a 7" rim. 205/55-16 doesn't even exist with that model, so going to a 215/45-17 to compare, it only has 7.5" of contact on the same width rim. Theoretical numbers are just that - theory. Reality differs, sometimes significantly.
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I am talking about reality, not theory. My SUV has a 225 tire on a 7" rim, because in such cases you need more tire flex. It is not ideal for a modern sports car. Even the BRZ PP uses a 215 tire on a 7.5" rim and not a 225. Check whatever modern sports car you like. The chances are minimal to see something like the following by the factory. It is the size you propose on a 16x7 wheel. Maybe it is nice for some retro car people ...
