Hi, anyone know if I can use 2012 wheels and tires on older 2003?
This is what I have:
My current Tires: Goodyear 195/55r16 - 87H - (Overall diameter is 24.444)

I want to know if I could replace with this:
2012 OEM wheels and tires: 175/65r15 - 84H (Overall diameter is 23.956)

I believe both are run flat. But the 15" - would this work? is it recommended? i guess the overall diameter is a bit smaller. thanks for info
Omar

 

I don't know about it being recommended, but the 15" wheels should work.

More info here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...15-wheels.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...15-wheels.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...15-wheels.html

 

Thanks Pelican. So much to consider. I'm just in need of new tires and a friend bought a new 2012 and would sell set to me because he put on different set. I gues I'm reading that I'd get softer ride and better handling but worse mpg? I'm still confused as to mileage on speedometer ..would I be adding more mileage than actually traveled? I did diameter calculations to see how much overall difference I'd get. Or should I just get new tires with same rima? I live in los Angeles so not really needing to have to switch to winter tires. I guess I can still keep the 16 but not sure about advantage to this. It seems like they may have some advantage. Any recomendations would help thanks. I'm not too knowledgeable about wheels and tires . Thank you.

 

I just found a great website that compared for me the tires I have with what I'd be getting. Also showed pictures so the ones I have look a bit wider- and the revs would have to go up and i'd see a 2% speed increase in my speedometer. anything to worry about?

First is my current ones. so it looks like

Stock Tire - 195/55R16 Tire 1 - 175/65R15

Section Width: 7.67 in
Section Width: 6.88 in

Rim Diameter: 16 in
Rim Diameter: 15 in

Rim Width Range: 5.5 - 7 in
Rim Width Range: 5 - 6 in

Overall Diameter: 24.44 in
Overall Diameter: 23.95 in

Sidewall Height: 4.22 in
Sidewall Height: 4.47 in

Radius: 12.22 in
Radius: 11.97 in

Circumference: 76.78 in
Circumference: 75.24 in

Revs per Mile: 851.0
Revs per Mile: 868.4

Actual Speed: 60 mph
Speedometer1: 61.2 mph

Speedometer Difference: - Speedometer Difference: 2.044% too fast
Diameter Difference: - Diameter Difference: 2.01%

 

I called the dealer and they were no real help. They just said I'd have to have them put on and tested because even wheels from same year might interfere with break system, or other issues.. that they couldn't tell me anything unless they were put on. :(

 

With a smaller diameter, your wheel is turning more revolutions to go the same distance, thus more miles on the odo, and lower effective gas mileage. On the other hand, the narrower width should have slightly less rolling resistance. 2% is not that big of a difference. Can't see how they'd give you better handling.
I don't believe the 15" are runflats. If you get them, get a plug kit (like dynaplug) and a small compressor.
Generally rim size is a personal choice. Lower aspect ratio (more rim, less tire) gives a different look, and more precise handling. They also tend to be more expensive. If you don't mind the look, and you're getting a good deal, it's not a bad idea.

 

Assuming the OP didn't post in the wrong thread, he has an R50, which does have a spare - no plug kit needed...

 

Eric, thanks so much for the reply. I guess if it was more tire and less rim i'm reading that it might give you a softer ride. That would be great but I don't think that is much the case with these that I am looking at. Yes, I'd be getting a good deal and apparently they are run flats. Just the stock ones. I thinkt hey are Continental? not good on ending up with more mileage on the odo but I guess that's just the way it is. I'd be getting the tires and wheels for less than just run flats on my wheels. that's why i'm enticed to do it.

 

If you don't mind me asking, how much are the 175/65r15s you're looking at? I would personally stick the 16s and just get new tires, imo.

-Jorge

 

Awesome info, Thanks