https://jalopnik.com/the-best-size-o...15s-1830156753

And some love/hate on the Fit

For the Fit I personally prefer 15s

 

Jalopnik has good articles, but the comments usually have me LOLing.

That Fit in the article is running some ridiculously low-sidewall/aspect ratio tires. That owner must like replacing or fixing their dented wheels.

And, I loved how 15s looked on my Integra back in the day. Lowered 2.5", every parking lot with speed bumps was an obstacle course.

 

Lol nice.

I actually prefer 16's on the Fit but that Fit also has too low a profile for 15's.

Besides not clearing the brakes my GTI would look ridiculous with anything smaller then a 17".

 

I really don't know this but----doesn't the ride improve with the larger tire??

 

Yes it does. I went from 18's to 17's on the GTI for weight savings and the ride did improve a smidge. Steering feel was not as sharp so it was a trade off. I think TireRack has a video on the subject.

Civic Type R has 19's to help with those great road manners but a lot of people swap on smaller wheels for better ride/protection, lighter weight and cheaper tires.

 

You mean that you get a smoother ride with a SMALLER TIRE???

 

By smaller do you mean smaller sidewall (larger diameter) or smaller tire (smaller diameter)?

On a smooth nicely paved road I could tell no difference in the ride between 18's and 17's. The difference is more felt when you are on crappy roads. Of course type of tire plays a roll in this and both sets of wheels do not have the same tire. The 17's are summer tires while the 18's have all seasons.

 

When we are talking about the difference between 17" and 18" tires, aren't we actually talking about the large diameter or size of the tire and not the "thickness" so to speak?

 

When he's saying 17s or 18s, he's talking about wheel size is how I'm understanding it. The tire will go up/down on the aspect ratio to keep the overall diameter and circumference similar to the stock size.

 

I loved 15s on my gk5. it made for affordable tire purchases, and the weight savings over 16s made for nice mpg gains.

 

Yeah the Fit really benefits from the smaller lighter wheels. I prefer the look of the 16's but you can't beat the cost, weight and mpg savings of 15's.

Yes what 2Rismo2 said. I was referring to wheel size but anytime you go up or down a size you need to change the aspect ratio to keep the same rolling distance. Well you don't have too but it is best to keep it as close to stock as you can. Since I went down a wheel size I had to increase my aspect ratio (sidewall thickness) to keep the same rolling distance.

 

True...at least in the case of the Fit. The super low pro stuff is a bit silly on the street.