At 28,000 miles, my OEM Conti runflats are about toast. I am very interested in the Pilot Sport A/S 3's but am still undecided about the size. I currently have 195/55- 16. The tire also comes in 205/50 and 205/55 sizes. What are the pros and cons of the other sizes vs the 195/55?

I understand that a lower profile tire will be rougher riding, but I am guessing that the A/S 3's are a softer sidewall tire since they are not run-flats. I still want the great handling but also a better less jarring ride.

Any thoughts from those who have moved to different sizes?

 

The sidewall height (aspect ratio) is related to tire width. Thus, a 205-55 tire will be a bit taller than a 195-55 tire. You could go with a 215-50 and it would be similar to the original tire in overall diameter, but would be wider.

Changing tire sizes is not usually that big of a deal, but there could be some issues. if the tire is too wide, it could rub on suspension components or the inner fenders. Also, a change in rolling diameter can lead to inaccurate speedometer readings and also affect the recording of mileage.

 

You will have much better ultimate grip with the a/s 3 but your turn in will be a bit slower due to the less stiff sidewalls which will improve the ride dramatically. The differences between the sizes you mention aren't terribly different unless you are participating in motor sports.

 

I've been running 205-50-16 tires of various brands ever since I sold off my runflats long ago. I've been happy with that size, no issues for me.

 

205/50-16 is the most common choice when replacing 195/55-16 run flats with conventional tires.

 

I've been running 205/55 ever since I switched to non-RFT. Very happy with them.

 

Ride quality also depends on whether they are summer, all season, grand touring, performance or extreme performance tires. The 16 inch still typically ride rather smooth in comparison to larger diameter tires and wheels. I run stock 15 inch and 17 inch in the summer. I really enjoy the ride quality, and quickness of the 15's. The look of 17's are better but ride quality over time is terrible. Stay with 16's.

 

Anyone have Pilot Sport A/S 3's in 205/50? How much different is the ride/handling from the stiffer 195/55 run flats?

 

25k miles on my Conti run flats and I'm ready to replace too. Decided on non run flats. Exactly why do folks go from 195 to 205?

 

I plus sized to be able to get a little better grip. By going up a size I get a shade more sidewall to help cushion the ride more (bigger impact from being non RFT) and some speedo correction.

 

Anyone?

 

How are your roads? Poor or very smooth?

how long is your commute? Mostly highway or local roads?

What is your weather like?

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 is actually two different tires with the same name, one is W or Y speed rated (costs similar or more depending on size) and is classed as an Ultra High Performance All Season tire while the H and V rated version is classed as a High Performance All Season tire, both are treadwear rated 500.

Expect the W or Y rated versions to be a little stiffer with slightly better handling. The sizes you mentioned are found in the H or V speed rated versions which are fine for normal street use.

The High performance All Season version works with any MINI and functions like it's W and Y speed rated cousins. Unless you drive on a track or at high speeds you really don't need the more expensive version.

195/55-16 is a good size for the MINI, if you move to 205/50-16 you will get a slightly stiffer shorter sidewall for better handling but also a little more rolling resistance, weights will be close. Tire diameter with the 205/50-16 is slightly smaller than OEM at 24.1" but it's close enough.

205/55-16 is a good choice for those with poor roads or if you like more comfort over better handling. It's a slightly heavier tire (2 lbs), and taller than OEM at 24.9" which will be slightly off on speedometer and odometer.
For street driving it is fine. With stock suspension the wheel gap will be smaller with 205/55-16. If you are planning to lower your MINI choose 205/50-16.

Which is better? It doesn't really matter, both sizes will work fine with only minor differences when driven on the street. Sharper handling is usually had by using a shorter sidewall, these tires are still pretty comfortable in 50 series sidewalls compared to any runflats so I think you will be fine with 205/50-16. Prices vary.

H and V speed rated A/S 3 (HP all season tire)
195/55-16 V speed rated, 4 rib design, 21 lbs, 24.4" tire diam. $134 each
205/50-16 V speed rated, 5 rib design, 21 lbs, 24.1" tire diam. $127 each
205/55-16 H speed rated, 5 rib design, 23 lbs, 24.9" tire diam. $121 each
205/55-16 V speed rated, 5 rib design, 23 lbs, 24.9" tire diam. $117 each

W or Y speed rated A/S 3 (UHP all season tire)
205/55-16 Y speed rated, 5 rib design, 23 lbs, 24.9" tire diam. $132 each
225/50-16 Y speed rated, 5 rib design, 23 lbs, 24.9" tire diam. $130 each

225/50-16 will fit the MINI OEM 16" rim but won't look that much wider, just a little. You will get a little more cornering traction but also more rolling resistance, this can lower mpg by about 1-2 vs 195/55-16.

 

Thanks for all the information! I live in the Seattle area so it rains much of the year (or at least seems like it). We do get snow, but I have an SUV for that. Our roads seem to be mostly smooth, but lots of them have rutted areas even on the freeway, I am guessing from the tons of people using studded tires all winter. I am looking for a tire that handles great, like the Contis I have now, but provides a smoother ride so my car doesnt feel like its going to rattle itself to death when I do hit a rough part of the road. My commute is fairly short, but I do take the car on trips where I will drive 200+ miles in a day .

Thanks!

 

Given your situation and driving needs-

Some tires to consider-

Continental ExtremeContact DWS (Ultra High Performance All Season tire)
205/50-16 $112 each, 540 treadwear, 19 lbs, W speed rated, 24.1" tire diameter.

Tire rack test results DWS vs A/S 3 (W and Y speed rated)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=177
Edge to DWS for ride and nosie comfort, good winter performance
Edge to A/S 3 for handling/response in both dry and wet but not quite as comfortable

So if you like to zip around when you drive then pick the A/S 3 and if you like to cruise in quiet comfort then pick the DWS.

 

Great information! Thank you!

 

I am using Conti SSR 3 RunFlat on my 2013 Cooper S. It is uncomfortable and tough.
I will replace with non-runflats.

 

I'm running 205/50-16 wets; but I still recall running 195/55's fondly. They seem to have the perfect ratio of grip to slip for road driving.

 

I am wondering the same thing. Although I am jumping up a wheel size, from the 16" currently to a 17inch wheel come spring. But my question is: how big of an overall difference if I get a tire with a smaller ratio in the speedo and mileage readings? I've read the speedo is already a few MPH off from the factory?
existing size with (factory) 16 inch rim: 195/55R16
plan on upgrade size with 17 inch rim: 205/45ZR17 XL Y speed rated

from reading, the overall diameter is basically the same, which is what affects the speed. correct?

 

you are correct that the diameter affects the speed, and the speedo is definitely out; compare the indicated speed with your speed over land with a GPS and there is a discrepancy, but if you plug in a code reader ie Scanguage to the OBDII socket, that will also give you a difference, even though that information is coming directly from the car's ECU. It seems to me that the speedos are intended to over-read.

Since a 205/45-17 is a stock fitting, you'll have no problem with that size.

 

I'm running 215/40ZR-18 A/S 3's on my Mini S and the change to my ride wasn't what I expected. The ride seems smoother than my original Bridgestone Envigor 205/45-17 i had on the car. I also think changing to a lighter rim also helps with the ride with less unsprung weight for the suspension. I too live in your area of WA and they seem fairly quite on these roads . So I'm very happy with them so far.

 

Saw a post from a guy in Houston that runs 205 50 16 Non RFT's and likes them a lot in an A/S for ride and handing.

I do know at 25" diameter on our R56 puts the speedo dead on running 225 45 17 non RFT. That is a 4" side wall with great ride quality on a 7" width rim, going with a 24.9" diameter in a 205 55 16 will give you a 4.45' side wall (24.9-16=8.9 divided by 2=4.45). That is a lot of side wall on a narrower 6.5" rim and you will loose notable sharpness in the go cart steering feel.

 

The same circumference equals the same speed. Use the tire calculator on Discount Tire Direct.com to see the comparisons.

 

When I had my 2006 R50, I ditched the 195/55-16 runflats for 205/50-16 non runflat tires. The handling was great, and the car felt much "lighter on its feet" without the runflats.