I'm getting close to replacing the OEM Dunlop SP 7000's that came on my 2009 Fit Sport. I want to go with a different tire size to open up some replacement options.

The 205/50R16 circumference is slightly larger than the stock 185/55R16, but the spedo reading is pretty close, only 0.2% slow (at 60 mph on the spedo you'd be going about 60.1 mph). Most of these tires are a couple of pounds heavier - not sure about the acceleration drawbacks vs the cornering improvement.

The 195/50R16 circumference is smaller than the stock 185/55R16, and the spedo reading is 1.4% fast (at 60 mph on the spedo you'd be going about 59.2 mph). I guess that might help me avoid a speeding ticket or two. Tire weight is about the same. I wonder if the car feels slightly quicker due to the smaller circumference tire?

I know these cars are tuned very specifically, and don't want to sacrifice my gas mileage. I used to own a 2007 Civic Hybrid, and when I replaced the lightweight OEM tire with a better handling, heavier Yokohama (almost 4 pounds heavier per tire) with a more aggressive tread pattern, my highway MPH dropped from 43 to 37. I regularly get 37 mpg in my Fit, I just wonder how bad that will be affected with a tire size change?

So, has anyone mounted a different size tire on the factory 16" wheel?

What were your results like?

 

Lots of people have tried that size--there is a thread about it somewhere.

Here are a few links I found by searching 205/50/16

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...k-16-inch.html

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/fit-...s-answers.html

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...ng-thread.html

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/fit-...questions.html

 

I recently made the switch to that size until I decide on getting rims....

I've had it on about a month and have driven close to 1,000 miles on them....much better than stock though it does poke a bit from under the rim.

I say give it a shot....my mpg has gone down a bit about 3mpg, but for thje handling, performance, and look, I was willing to sacrifice it (I have a bit of a leadfoot anyway so who was I kidding)

 

I WENT WITH 205 45 16, Continental DWC, they are 19 lbs in my situation i WAS ABLE to up size from the 15's and lose some wight. I just got 37 mpg on the way to D/C from Eastern Long Island AND 34 on the way home , lots of wind.
I like the stock size because it has a lower sidewall witch should improve stiffness. the tires handle great they are not auto cross tires but very respectable probably could auto cross with them and o much better than the stock dunlops

SS RICH

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'm pretty well convinced now that I will keep the factory Fit Sport wheel, but mount a beefier 205/50/16 tire when it comes time.

I'm leaning towards the Conti ExtremeContact DWS tire based on the reviews on Tire Rack. That, and the tire is basically the same weight as the Dunlop SP Sport 7000. The Conti's treadwear rating is 540 as opposed to the Dunlop's 340, so the rolling resistance should be less as well.

I was looking at the Falken Ziex ZE912, but it's 3.5 lbs heavier than the Dunlop. I love the ZE912 tire, I mounted them on my wife's CR-V about 2 months ago. It drives like a completely different vehicle.

I was a powertrain engineer at Ford for a few years, and tend to focus on the physics that affect gas mileage. If you start deviating too far from the factory specs, especially increasing the tire weight on a car with a low-HP/torque setup that's designed/tuned for efficiency, the first thing that's going to suffer is gas mileage. Granted, since 95% of my driving is on the Interstate, I "might" lose a mile or two MPG from the wind resistance of a wider tire, but nothing like the MPG loss a wider AND heavier tire would guaranteed.

 

Thanks for suggesting that tire. It may have everything I'm looking for. Let us know if you get them and your feelings about them.

 

Here's the Tire Rack link to the specs for the Conti ExtremeContact DWS

Continental ExtremeContact DWS

 

Sorry about the misspelling of the tire. I was exhausted when I posted.
The Conti extreme DWS has good feedback and specs. I spoke with Jim from Tire Rack at length an decided it was the best blend of performance, and weight.
One thing to be aware of is this tire needs aprox 500 mile break in period.
On my trip to D/C the car felt squirmy I called Jim mid trip. He explained there is a release compound in the outer rubber that helps get the tire out of the mold. This makes for initially a squirmy tire.
MY TIRES are now broken in and handle way better than the original Dunlop's or the Goodyear eagles I had on the car before The up grade to the HFP 16 inch wheels and conti DWS TIRES.

I must say I am extremely happy with the tires after the break in period.
they did not affect my mileage at all in fact a slight improvement and the car accelerates ( seat of the pants dyno ) a little quicker .
Good luck I dont think you will be disappointed .
Deal with Jim at Tire Rack if you can he is very helpful

 

PS: I CONSIDERED THE 205 /50 But Jim said they are an inch taller and would most likely rub during the full stroke of the suspension.

 

 

And this is why the 205/50 size is as close to perfect as we can get while changing size.

 

The 205 45 16" will allow your speedometer to register closer to your actual speed, drop the final gearing lower and lower the weight of rotating mass for better acceleration. Reduce unsprung weight, improving the ride allowing quicker response from your springs and dampers and steering response .... There would be a drop and increase in the sacred gap of 4/10" which is the width of the nail on my pinky finger. I can hook you up with a post by guy that has 195 45 15" size tires on some very nice and light wheels on a GE.... It looks very trick and he is astounded by the difference in the way his car drives and performs. Modifying means making changes. Try to get some performance benefits that won't hurt and actually does good for the car when you have a chance to

 

My goal is to keep these tires/wheels until I get my bonus in September (hoping hoping) and then I will get some 16 inch wheels with 205/50 tires.
My bonus will be about 800 so it will pay for the majority of the "upgrade."

 

I know that whatever you choose will be a well thought out and tasteful choice.... Maybe a little bit dignified but not so much that it is boring...... School teachers are cool.

 

As far as I have been able to determine, the speedometer is just a hair fast with the stock tires; by calculation, and by reports from others 205/50-16 is pretty much spot on. The 95/55-16 tires should result in slightly shorter gearing, lighter tire, better gas mileage, etc.

 

Selden you are so right.... Sometimes I seem to wonder why my brain has turned on me like it has in recent years..... I should have never changed the crazy habits I had when I was younger, I wasn't as goofy then but I should have been.

 

Do you know if putting bigger tires on the car than what it came with screws with the TPMS or the extended warranty?

 

"If I'd known I was gonna live this long, I'd have taken a lot better care of myself." -- Mickey Mantle

I've been housebound since March 19, with a cracked wrist and 4 broken bones in my right foot (3 hour surgery, 2 titanium plates, and a bunch of screws). And yet, I still plan to get back on a motorcycle as soon as I am able.

 

The 205/50R16 circumference is slightly larger than the stock 185/55R16, but the speedo reading is pretty close, only 0.2% slow (at 60 mph on the speedo you'd be going about 60.1 mph). So the TPMS should be a non-issue. As far as the warranty is concerned, I'm not quite sure if any deviation from the stock specs would affect coverage. Then again, with the treadwear I'm getting on the stock Dunlop's, I probably will be out of warranty by the time I replace the tires anyway!

 

I have the 205/50R16 ExtremeContact DWS on the OEM stock rim for my 2010 SSM sport. The handling and feel of the new tires are like no comparison to stock. I had to change to this b/c of a nail in the tire for the Dunlop and that tire had a lot more wear on it than the others. Had a blizzard in NYC today and I am glad i put these puppies on. I drove on the stock tires in the snow/blizzard before when new and it is no picnic. With these new tires, it feels like I can conquer the snow. The new tires feel great in the dry, with better grip due to the better rating. Stopping distances are shorter. Turning at a traffic light yields less understeer than stock. A lot more precise than the stock. A little bit of the Fit's agility is lost, but much more stable road manners. Bumps are less painful. Steering effort is a little higher due to the higher contact patch, but I like the better feedback from the wheel. The extra width keeps you from curbing your wheels and the stance looks much more aggressive. I really dont think the bead on the tire will ever break because of the way the tire is built and seals to the rim. The tires are definitely worth the money. The treadwear rating is also a lot higher, so the higher cost is justified. Won't need to get another set of wheels for a while longer.