I have a 2015 Fit EX and I'm thinking of changing the wheels. Currently have the standard 16x6 wheels and have been looking into wider wheels and tires. Specifically 16x7 or possibly 15x7. Regardless of wheel size, I want to keep the tire circumference as close to its factory measurement as possible. That means I'll have to get tires with a larger sidewall if I go the 15" route.

What are some of the pros/cons of 16" wheels vs 15" wheels (all things being equal - circumference, width)?

Thanks! I'm rather new to all of this.

 

In a nutshell, given equal type of tires...

Pro's of 15's will be more sidewall for more impact absorption. The car will ride softer. Possibly less expensive.

Con's of 15's are more sidewall will give more flex which negatively impacts handling.

Reverse of that is true for the 16's. Less smooth ride, but better handling.

 

I'd say that about sums it up

 

also 15's are cheaper than 16's no?

but what are u trying to achieve? better grip? just get stickier tires

 

As time goes on, it will probably be more difficult to find performance tires in 15" than in 16". There's decent options now, but some of them aren't offered in 15" at all, and some not even in 17". The trend is for larger and larger wheels, almost entirely for cosmetic reasons, but of course that affects the tire sales too.

 

A bit early, but some of us in snow country chose to get 14" wheels with larger sidewalls and narrower profiles that bite into the snow better.

As far as i can tell the 16" trend is all for show. You get better handling in exchange for a harsher ride and more expensive tires. Maybe they look better? The Fit is not a fast car and everyone knows it. Any Fit can upsize to 16" but why?

 

How does your Fit fare in the snow with the new wheel and tire setup? The Honda Fit is truly a jack–of–all–trades!

 

i run WS60's in 16's for snow on the GK. i took them off my GE when i sold the car and they are 205/50/16's.

as far as driving in the snow.. it does fine. the car is light so you really benefit from snow tires.. but as toronto boy said, it's better to get narrow tires for snow as it bites harder. i ran 175/185's before in snow and they bit better than the 205/50's on the Fits.

for all season fun i run DSW06 on all my cars.. these tires do very well up about 2inches of snow.. then snow tires sets itself apart. in my area they do a decent job plowing so the DWS06 do fine... only in a blizzard do i just call in sick. lol

 

That is not always true. Pro 15: wheel lighter weight, less sprung weight, less mass inertia, accelerates faster, reduces stopping distance, handles better, but in the case of the Fit, it is too under powered to make a difference.

 

2016 fit here. I've blown 2 tires and cracked a rim already hitting pot holes. Dealership said it's because of the lower profile tire. I also put 45k on the car by the time it turned 1yo.

 

Haha, yup VDOT has caused me at least one popped tire, multiple rim dings and a scratched front bumper with their pothole management.

I've since put in 205/50/16 so we'll see if this winter is better

 

It sounds like your road conditions are telling you to downsize tire size, such as a -1. If you are in 16s then consider 15s. They will give you a bit more cushion and protection, to a point. If you hit something hard enough, even with 14" tires, it'll pop.