215/50/17 or 225/45/17

**megsdad** · 17th December 2012, 22:56

Guys (and gals) Im at the point where i will be needing a full set of tyres soon, Im not after a top end brand nor am i after cheap $h1te, In your opinions which size would you go for and what are the pro's and cons of the difference in size, yes i know size matters

, There going on a facelift cdti 150 estate. I dont thrash it up and down the motorways just general driving.

**spikeyboy** · 17th December 2012, 23:15

225's are cheaper for the same brand/model of tyre

**XPCobra** · 17th December 2012, 23:16

225 45 17 gets my vote,

Cheaper, lower profile, I feel it handled better than the same tyres on 215 50 17 profiles,
Disadvatages are they leave a bigger gap in the arch, but as my car is lowered, its not as noticable.

**jaqubek** · 18th December 2012, 01:19

Originally Posted by XPCobra

Disadvatages are they leave a bigger gap in the arch

I just fitted set of winter tyres (225/45/17) and its not that bad. My summer tyres are 215/50/17 and cant see much difference.Just a little bit lower than summer one but hardly noticable ( or maybe thats my eyes

)

**Graham** · 18th December 2012, 07:52

225/45/17 will be a slightly harsher ride too. Not so much cushion as the 50s. But cheaper.

**Derek Mc** · 18th December 2012, 09:14

215/50 x 17 for me the 225/45 walls are shorter and leave more of a gap round the arches. There is no price differential when you shop about, but the biggest issue is down to the rolling diameter. The 225/45 travels a shorter distance per revolution of the tyre, so, you need to use more fuel about 2.6% more fuel over the life of a tyre say 15,000 miles that is 390 miles further you drive and fuel it for instead of going for a 215/50.

Grip handling and ride are no different either. I know what I'd rather spend money on than fuel,,,ME!

But, as they say, it's your choice

**Ian-Highlander** · 18th December 2012, 10:08

When I'm running my 17's like I am at the moment (19's tyres are knackered and I can't afford to replace them), I always run 225/45's on them. They're slightly lower profile, so slightly harsher ride and don't fill the arches quite as well, although I think they look better with the lower profiles and the ride doesn't bother me (I'm used to 235/35/19's lol).

It will knock your speedo out by about 2 or 3 mph though so be aware of it. I find about 32mph on the clocks is exactly 30mph by the satnav with the 225/45/17's yet with my 19's on the clocks are spot on.

Should also be noted that 225/45/17 is an officially approved size for the Vectra and pressures etc for it are in the handbook.

**lee gsi** · 18th December 2012, 15:51

I run 225/45/17 too.

Neuton from the SAAB place sells them at a good price.

**megsdad** · 18th December 2012, 19:23

Many thanks for all of your reply's, I'm still undecided so i guess i will see what deals are out there.

**chewy71** · 19th December 2012, 09:33

It's just horses for courses and they perform no different so that you'd notice. I prefer not to have a smaller wall tyre and fit the stock size (215/50/17) on my other SRI, not really noticed much difference in price these days but there was not too long ago.

Personal choice so only you can answer this.