tire size

[mgonza21]

ok.. i need to change my tires... i have 17 inch rims...i currently have 215 45 17 tires... how much bigger are the 215 50 17... can i get them... or will i have problems??? what do you think?

[coach]

215/45/17 sidewall = 96.75mm

215/50/17 sidewall = 107.50mm

Stick with the 215/45/17 as it is the closest match to stock tire and won't throw off your speedo or odometer

with 215/50 when your speedo reads 60mph, you are actually going 61.9

[coach]

I just noticed the new tire size comparison at the bottom of www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
205/60-15 4.8in 12.3in 24.7in 77.6in 817 0.0%
215/45-17 3.8in 12.3in 24.6in 77.3in 819 -0.3%
215/50-17 4.2in 12.7in 25.5in 80.0in 792 3.2%

[chuck34gboro]

215/45 is the best 17" tire i've ever felt. but i just love my winter 195/65/15's!

[bzkit]

no whatever you do dont get 215/50/17 believe me. i had them and the tires hit the fenders over any little bump i hit. plus they are ugly looking with such a fat tire

215/45/17's dont rub and look best

[Decoy]

agreed