195 55r16 vs 205 55r16 Tire Size
You may be wondering if the switch to 205 55r16 or 195 55r16 is worth it. Here we will break down the pros and cons of each size so you can make an informed decision. Keep in mind that there are many other factors to consider when choosing tires, such as climate and driving style. But if you just want to know which size is better on paper, read on!
195/55r16 vs 205/55r16 Table
This comparison table will help you to understand the main differences between these two sizes.
205/55r16 | 195/55r16 |
Overall Diameter 24.88 inches | Overall Diameter 24.44 inches |
Width 8.07 inches | Width 7.68 inches |
Sidewall Height 4.44 inches | Sidewall Height 4.22 inches |
Radial Tire (A Radial-Ply Tire) | Radial Tire (A Radial-Ply Tire) |
Rim Size 16 inches | Rim Size 15 inches |
Circumference 78.16 inches | Circumference 76.8 inches |
Revs Per Mile 810 | Revs Per Mile 825 |
Overall Diameter
Tire overall diameter is the measurement from one side of the tire to the other, through the center. This is important to know because it will affect how your car handles.
The overall diameter of the 205 55r16 tire size is 24.88 inches, and the 195 55r16 is 24.44 inches. So, the 205 is slightly larger in diameter. The difference between those two tires is 0.43 inches or 1.8%.
Section Width
Section width is the measurement of the width of the tire, from sidewall to sidewall. A wider tire will give you more stability when cornering, but it can also make your car feel sluggish.
The section width of the 205 55r16 is 205 millimeters, and the 195 55r16 is 195 millimeters. So, 205 is wider by about 10 millimeters or 5.1%.
Circumference
The circumference is the distance around the outside of the tire. This is important to know because it will affect your speedometer and odometer readings.
The circumference of the 205 55r16 is 78.16 inches, and the 195 55r16 is 76.8 inches. So, the 205 55r16 is about one inch larger in circumference, and the difference is 1.36 inches or 1.8%.
Revolutions Per Mile
This is how many times the tire will go around in one mile. This number is affected by the diameter and circumference of the tire.
The 205 55r16 has revolutions per mile of 810, and the 195 55r16 has 825. So, the 205 is slightly lower in revolutions per mile. The difference is about 14 or about 1.7%.
Sidewall Height
This is the measurement from the edge of the tire to the point where it meets the tread. A taller sidewall will give you a smoother ride, but it can also make your car feel less stable.
The sidewall height of the 205 55r16 is 112.75 millimeters, and the 195 55r16 is 107.25 millimeters. So, the 205 is taller by about 5.5 millimeters.
Wheel Size
The wheel size is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is mounted on. This can affect your speedometer, odometer readings, and gas mileage. The 205 55r16 can be mounted on a 16-inch wheel, and the 195 55r16 can be mounted on a 16-inch wheel. So, the sizes are the same in this regard.
Construction Type
The construction type is the way the tire is put together. The 205 55r16 can be either radial or bias-ply, and the 195 55r16 can be either radial or bias-ply. So, the sizes are the same in this regard. In this tire size, both are radial.
Our Observation
After looking at all the facts, we think the 205 55r16 is the better size. It is slightly larger in diameter and has a taller sidewall. It is also the same size as the 195 55r16 in terms of wheel size and construction type.
The only downside is that it has slightly lower revolutions per mile. But overall, we think the pros outweigh the cons, and the 205 55r16 is the better choice.
Conclusion
The main difference between 195 55r16 and 205 55r16 tire size is in the section width. The 205 55r16 tire size is 0.39 inches or 5.1% wider than the 195 55r16 tire size. I hope this article was helpful in understanding the difference between these two sizes. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
