Quote:
Originally Posted by CapriRacer
First, the image contains 4 different tires - and not just different sizes:
175/80R14 88T ContiEcoContact EP
195/65R15 91V ContiEcoContact CP
The load indices, speed ratings, and tire names are different.
205/55R16 91W ContiSportContact
225/45ZR17 ContiSportContact (This tire has an implied Load Index of 91)
The speed ratings are different.
Second, the image doesn't support your contention that long and narrow is better - only that the areas are different. There is no data in that image that supports how this affects the vehicle.
I'd be willing to bet that if you actually tested those tires, you'd find that there is a mix of "better" and "worse" - it would just depend on what parameter you chose to compare.
There are a few more things that I could mention, but I've made my point.
Be very careful about drawing conclusions based on the work of others. There could be differences in the comparison that aren't mentioned in the write up. I'll give you one:
Those top 2 tires are very, very likely to be OE tires. The clue is the slight difference in the name.
OE tires are designed to the vehicle manufacturers specs - each tire is unique even if the names on the sidewall are the same. That could be true for the lower 2 as well.
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I also go by what I feel, not just the numbers or appearances.
Even though both cars suspensions are in good shape for their years, correct cold tire pressures applied, I find myself more engaged with the steering of my 2010 Honda Accord, with its 50 series tires, than I do with the steering on my wife's 65 series equipped 2004 Corolla. I just point the Corolla where I need it to go, and it stays that way, until I input a turn command at the wheel.
The Accord (225-50R17), needs more frequent, albeit minor, inputs to counter ruts and other road imperfections.
What I found fascinating when I learned about it was the "coefficient of self-aligning torque": the tendency of a tire & wheel combo to want to go straight. The biggest effect on self-aligning torque, according to the same text book where I got those tire prints from, is tire pressure setting. Lower = stronger self-straightening, higher = less. Wider wheels also decrease self-aligning, though to a lesser degree, acc. to the text.
So what I read in the tire section of that text book confirmed what I know now, and dispelled what I assumed years ago, regarding "wider tires are better". It depends on what you need them for. Myself, I'll go narrower, given same height, same vehicle, all other things also equal.
As far as being different models, both of the top pair are of the ContiEcoContact line, so splitting hairs. The bottom pair are both ContiSportContacts. It’s the principle of the matter, widening the wheel & tire just reorients the contact patch