Originally Posted by
KaBlookie
That is entirely incorrect. A wider tire will help with straight-line traction as well as cornering grip, as it will have a larger contact patch with the ground. Tire roll has to do with the tire's sidewall, not the width of the tread. What you said can only be applied if you're comparing a 195-55-15 to a 205-55-15 (which practically nobody gets with our cars cause the sidewall is HUGE). If you do it the right way and get a 205-50-15, you'll actually have a slightly shorter sidewall (102.5mm vs 107.25mm) AND a 10mm wider tire, which will only help you.
Kumho Ecsta SPTs are really good tires, however if he's looking at tires like the Hankook Ventus RS2 Z212 and the Falken Azenis RT615, they just can't compare at all...unless you're looking at wet traction and price...
A tire with that size has an enormous sidewall. Let's compare sidewall heights here:
195-55-15 = 107.25mm (stock)
205-50-15 = 102.5mm
225-50-15 = 112.5mm
...and for reference
205-55-15 = 112.75mm
With those tires you'd be adding about 10mm (almost half an inch) to your overall diameter as well as 30mm (about 1.1 inches) to the tread width over stock...you really don't think that will rub without rolling your fenders? If you really want to go with a 225-section tire, get a 225-45-15...that has a 101.25mm sidewall, which should help prevent some rubbing. I still think you'd be better off with a really good 205-50-15 and forget all of the hassle of rubbing and all.
In THIS case, what bnuk said above will hold true. The enormity of the sidewall will allow it to flex and move around a LOT more than it should, which will have adverse effects on your handling and cornering stability, as compared to what it should be like.
huh? really???
And yeah they'll fit, but the sidewall's huge! Read what I wrote above.