[AdrianBrewster]

now before you bite my head off, I am certain Ive read about this exact question in previous threads....

However, I am on tirerack right now about to place my order for some wheels and cant for the life of me find the thread I am referring to. I am buying an all season tire to help me out with the very short distant commute I have for the rest of the winter. I am torn between getting a 17x7.5 rim, most likely a +45 offset with a 215/40r17 tire (General Altimax HP) OR a 16x7 wheel with a 205/40r17 tire (most likely Cont. DWS).

From what I recall, some running 215/40r17s are running spacers as well. Is that to help with clearance? I am concerned with rubbing I certainly realize a wider tire is not needed in the snow, but I will be using these wheels when I drive on gravel roads to go camping and such as well. It appears with some of tireracks current sales, I cant get both set ups for around the same price. Plus, I am LOVING the new sparco pro corsas.

Please feel free to chime in guys. I love the look of a wider tire. I just wish they made an all season in 215/45r16...

 

[RodMoe]

Try here Post 20 or so
Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
205/40-17 3.2in 11.7in 23.5in 73.7in 860 0.0% STOCK
215/40-17 3.4in 11.9in 23.8in 74.7in 848 1.3% NEW

Based on the Above calc the 215's should fit no issues

Hope thats a typo on the 205/40/17 going on a 16 inch rim..

 

[kamakazee]

now before you bite my head off, I am certain Ive read about this exact question in previous threads....

However, I am on tirerack right now about to place my order for some wheels and cant for the life of me find the thread I am referring to. I am buying an all season tire to help me out with the very short distant commute I have for the rest of the winter. I am torn between getting a 17x7.5 rim, most likely a +45 offset with a 215/40r17 tire (General Altimax HP) OR a 16x7 wheel with a 205/40r17 tire (most likely Cont. DWS).

From what I recall, some running 215/40r17s are running spacers as well. Is that to help with clearance? I am concerned with rubbing I certainly realize a wider tire is not needed in the snow, but I will be using these wheels when I drive on gravel roads to go camping and such as well. It appears with some of tireracks current sales, I cant get both set ups for around the same price. Plus, I am LOVING the new sparco pro corsas.

Please feel free to chime in guys. I love the look of a wider tire. I just wish they made an all season in 215/45r16...

Funny that you mentioned about the Sparco Pro Corsas as I was drooling over these wheels this morning on Tirerack. I was almost considering selling my current set but like you, I'm still on the fence. Don't get me wrong, I love my light set-up (12.5 lb. wheel +18 lb. tire) but I realize the chances of me pushing this car to its limits is close to none as this is my daily driver and I value my license and the well-being of others including myself. With that being said, I'm more focused on changing the aesthetics of the car over improving the handling/power.

Like you, I wish there were more choices for 215/45-16 tires, particularly performance all seasons but they are non existent. For now, I've settled with 205/45-16. I would personally go with a 215/40-17 tire as well if I were to get 17X7.5 wheels. The overall stance would look great! As for comfort, that would be questionable. My 16X7 set-up is slightly more comfortable than the OEM but i'm starting to miss the look of the 17s. Regardless, I'm sure whatever you choose will best suit you.

 

[AdrianBrewster]

Yes, that was certainly a typo!

I went ahead and put in my order. I got some kazera kz-p in 17x7.5 and a general altimax hp in 215/40. I'm excited to get these on the car! The price in the wheel was great and the new sparco won't be in stock until mid march.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[stuntdoogie]

Yes, that was certainly a typo!

I went ahead and put in my order. I got some kazera kz-p in 17x7.5 and a general altimax hp in 215/40. I'm excited to get these on the car! The price in the wheel was great and the new sparco won't be in stock until mid march.

Thanks for the help guys!

"general altimax hp in 215/40" how are these tires working for you? I know General tires have very soft sidewalls can you feel sidewall flex in spirited cornering? I read they have great wet traction but what about dry? A brief review would be greatly appreciated!