I'm sure it's been beat to death, and I really should know better, but I'm going to ask anyway.

Time for new shoes, and I've decided on the Kuhmo Ecsta SPT for the value/performance.

205/55-16 - VR rated, $12 less than the /50, 1.8% taller than OEM

205/50-16 - ZR rated, $12 more than the /55, 1.5% shorter than OEM

The cheap part of me hates to pay $12 for a <3% size delta, and slightly better economy.
The sporty part of me thinks I could use the slightly lower gearing, and better handling that the slightly shorter sidewall would get me.

Thoughts, comments? Is ZR construction that much stronger? It's not like I'm going to be doing 150mph sustained.
TIA.

 

I went with 205/55-16 P-Zero Nero M+S Pirellis. I was looking for comfort on these wheels. I have 17" for canyon carving.

 

I've got 205/50-16s on my R90s. Speedo reads 60 mph, the GPS calculates at 58 mph. I've got Kuhmo ECSTA ASTs. I like the agressive tread design. I do not use the MINI during bad Winter weather. The ASTs make wet roads seem dry! I've got an R50 and the ASTs work perfect.

 

I ordered 205/50-16s but the tire place installed 205/55-16s instead and I didn't catch it until a few weeks later when I installed lowering springs and they began to rub. They probably are a more comfortable ride, but I don't like that much sidewall.

The good news is that the track has chewed them up pretty well, and I should be able to get the ones I originally wanted soon

 

In that case, how about a nice cross country jaunt to finish them for good and help me decide how I feel about the /55?

 

When I replaced my runflats I went with 205/50/16 and for you my advice, fwiw, would be to go with the 50 series for a couple of reasons. Handling, fitments (rubbing if lowered) and speedometer error.

The stock runflats in 16" are 24.2 and in 17" they are 24.4. According to the Tire Rack the sizes of the Kuhmos are 24.1 for the 50 series and 24.9 For the 55 series.

The 50 series will fit and handle better. Bite the bullet, pay the price, enjoy the drive!!

Hope this helps...

 

What kind of driver are you? Do you often drive the speed limit or rarely drive the speed limit? Do you screetch around corners or are you fast and silent around corners?

Do you do lots of fast short runs or long distance commuting?

If you are the normal driver type, looking for comfort, not minding the tall 55 series sidewall look, not planning on any lowering of suspension, and looking for value over performance then
205/55-16 makes more sense.

Z rated not really a big factor or worth the extra $$$.

205/50-16 is the better overall tire size for the MCS. The only really drawback is tire selection for the tire class you are looking for and the price.

I don't think you will go wrong with either tire size for street driving.
For any high performance driving school events the 205/50-16 is better.

 

...and the same size as a VW MK IV...

Reminds me a guy in the Classifieds selling a set of 225/50-16 GS-D3's... which is the size I've run on my Jetta... can't imagine trying to stuff them under the wheel wells of my MINI...

 

I've found that my Nitto Neo Gens (205/50/16) fit just right with my 16X7 Rota's with a 40mm off set. I'm using M7 springs W/Alta Lower control arms and they fit perfect. Any bigger and there would be trouble for sure.

 

Thanks for all the input!

Good summary (as always) minihune!
In the end I fall more into the performance category, though I had to laugh at "not minding the tall 55 series sidewall look", as I recall when 60 was 'low profile'
Guess I'll suck up the $50 (which is what, a tank of gas?) and enjoy that ever so slightly better gearing in first.

 

For the street I have 205/50/16 Goodyear F1's.

For the track I have 205/55/16 Toyo RA-1's.

If I had to do it over again, I'd go for 205/55/16 for the street as well. The track tires handle stupendously and they are comfortable to boot.

And driving through Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan the 205/55's will be safer for my rims and my back.

On a lowered setup with PSS9's.

 

I had Kumho Ecsta SPT on my 15" BBS RG-F. They have a very soft sidewall, so you'll get a nice ride at the expense of turn-in. So soft the car shimmied side to side when closing the door