I am going to get Buddy Club P1 SF wheels for my 2011 Honda Fit Sport. I have been reading that a lot of people prefer the 15" wheels over the 16", because of mpg, and handling. What are the benefits of the 16" wheel over the 15". I was wondering if I should consider getting 15" wheels. Keep in mind I will be putting Swift Sport Mach Springs on as well. Will I have really bad ground clearance issues with the 15" and the Swift's?

 

The 15" wheels allows the wheel and tire combo to be a little lighter if you get the right combo. But, the taller tires might flex more, so a different kind of handling suffers.

16" wheels mean that the tires don't have to be too tall.

As for ground clearance, that's actually a difficult one... because it's really an issue with where you drive.

For me, I have problems crazy dips (scraped my car at stock suspension) and a few driveways that are steep when meeting the road. So, if I go slow and at an angle at the driveways, I'm fine with my Swifts.

 

i say
GD3= 15s
GE8= 16s

anthing small on the ge looks weird do to the wheels gap but get what you want but thas my opinon. also also all depends on what size tire you are going with on ground clearence

 

Thank you for the useful information Goobers. You bring up some very good things to consider. I see what you mean about the 16" wheels being able to have a thinner profile. I believe I am probably going to just stick with the 16" wheels. That way, I can use the Dunlops that I have right now until I can pick up some better tires.

I was thinking maybe some 205/50/16's.

P.S. Would I be able to get away with using the 185/55/16 Dunlops on the Buddy Club P1 SF 16x7 wheels for a short while until I could pick up some better tires?

 

Thanks for that nxtfit_08 I just read what you said,. I think I'll stick with the 16" for sure then. Which do you think would be the better choice out of 195/50/16's, or the 205/50/16's?

 

i would go with 195/50 just so you have a little more clearence

 

I see. I hear some people being fine with 205's with being dropped with no rubbing, while others say they rub all the time with them. I think I would rather be safe than rubby. 195/50/16 will still be a heck of a lot better than the stocks.
Do you think the amount of tire stretch from the 185/55/16's on the 16.7 wheels be ok for a little while until I can get better tires? Say 1000 miles or so?

 

it wont be that bad at all barely any almost flush
this is a 195/50 on a 15x7 same thing though
fitpics010.jpg?t=1303744930
it the same that im running not alot of stretch at all these ar my old wheels but nno stretch all

 

nxtit_08, thank you so much for helping me out with my this. You have been a big help. I plan on ordering Buddy Clubs today. I am excited!

Also, when I decide to upgrade tires, If I go 195, I was looking at the Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires. They seem pretty decent for price, and performance.

Firestone Firehawks look pretty nice in the 205 size as an alternative.

Thanks again!

 

no problem dont get firehawks they arent that great of tires

 

Hey Cicatrix,

I just ordered some 15" Buddy Clubs P1 SF about 4 weeks ago, but my tires were back ordered. I ordered 205/50/15 Yokohama S.Drive tires, but there is a national back order. I am still waiting for the tires, but I might be changing to 195/55/15 instead (they have this size in stock). I currently drive a GD3 in white. What tires are you planning to get?

 

What offset are you guys getting. I had p1s at one time offset +35. They rubbed like crazy. Hope you got +42 or +45.

 

I keep flip flopping on whether to get 195's or 205's. Thanks for the heads up on the Yokohama S Drive back order news. I like the idea of 205's with the more aggressive look/stance to them, but I think other than that, the 195 is a pretty good choice for this particular car. 205's could possibly rub if your lowered and don't plan on rolling your fenders. I purchased the Swift springs which is a modest drop at 1.4 in front and 0.8 in rear, so I think if I went with 195's I would not have a problem at all rubbing, and would not have to worry about rolling my fenders. It seems like some folks rub, and others don't with 205's. Since I have neither, this is all speculation, and I am just going by what I have been reading, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Also, the offset of the wheels that I purchased are at +43.

 

If you are ge like I think you are either tire size would work with that spring offset combo. No rubbing. If you have a gd go with the 195. Ge fit on swift springs with 16" +43. 205 or 195 no problems.

 

Thanks for this, very nice to know. I have a question, is the acceleration indeed better with 195's compared to the 205, or is this negligible?

 

you can run 15"-18"x7-8 with 195-215 tires... offset is the key

 

Acceleration is arguable. 195s will be lighter than 205s so acceleration will be better on 195s right. However the weight between the two is not dramatic so you will probably never notice.

 

The difference is around 2 lbs from a 195 to 205. My car is a daily driver so I am going with 195. 195 gives better fuel mileage as well too.