Optima: Different size wheels?

[igya]

I'd like to hear from someone who knows if Optima O.E.M. 16" could be swapped out with 15" wheels using a taller tire and get the same speedo reading and performance. Besides, 15" tires are a lot cheaper than 16" low profiles.

[RahX]

There shouldn't be much difference between 15" and 16" tires as far as price goes.

[igya]

Originally Posted by RahX

There shouldn't be much difference between 15" and 16" tires as far as price goes.

You wouldn't think, but actually they're about $300 more because of the profile.

[RahX]

I doubt it. What is the 16" tire size ? It all depends on how many other cars have that same size tire. The more cars that have the same size tire the less the tire is. Odd sizes cost more obviously. Assuming 205/60/16 tires, a comparable 15" would be 225/60/15. 205/60/16 range from 30$-76$ a tire. The 225/60/15 range from 27$ to 63$. So you wouldn't really save yourself that much money.

[igya]

Originally Posted by RahX

I doubt it. What is the 16" tire size ? It all depends on how many other cars have that same size tire. The more cars that have the same size tire the less the tire is. Odd sizes cost more obviously. Assuming 205/60/16 tires, a comparable 15" would be 225/60/15. 205/60/16 range from 30$-76$ a tire. The 225/60/15 range from 27$ to 63$. So you wouldn't really save yourself that much money.

Even at WalMart, the 205-60-16 tires range from $90 to $180. I KNOW I can beat that in a 15" tire.

[RahX]

Did you try anywhere else? Wal-mart isn't the only place that sells tires. I looked em up on tire rack. It would probably be cheaper to buy em off there and pay someone to mount/balance em.