Hi,

It's time to for new tires and a few places say I should go with 205/R17 instead of my current 195/R16. On my previous 2015 One, I went from 15" to 16" and really like the ride/handling on the 16", even though I seem to have lost about 1km per liter.

My question: What is the difference in handling/ride between the 195/R16 and 205/R17?

TIA

 

Slightly stiffer ride on the average, but
Depends heavily on the tire models chosen.
Difference in wheel weights factors in, too.

 

It's a tradeoff between comfort and sportiness. Here's a good video comparing 17, 18, 19" on a VW:


Same principles apply. Remember though that going up 1" wheel size is trading only 1/2" of rubber for metal between your car and the ground. There is still 3 or 4 more inches of tire. So it's a difference, but not a huge difference.

From personal experience- I have 16" wheels on my S, with coilovers. I find them a bit squishy. If I came across a set of 17" wheels I'm in love with, I'd like to go that route. Plus there are a lot more high-performance tire options, though they will be more expensive.

If you choose a lightweight wheel, and keep the overall tire dimension the same, there should be no issue with mileage. If the wheel is really really light, you might gain a little in theory.

Helpful link finding alternate sizes:
https://tiresize.com/calculator/

I'd like to comment as well- I wouldn't listen to a tire shop trying to up-sell you on wheels! And I especially wouldn't buy wheels from a tire shop. Make it a careful and deliberate process. Get something high quality and light weight, that you love the looks of. They don't have to cost a ton. Plenty of info on these forums. My 2 cents =)