Tire Size???

[Joel96]

I have a 1996 vert and I need to put new tires on it. I have always put the size the manual suggests. However, this size is pretty pricey and I am wondering what size can I get away with since the car has over 230,000 miles as my daily driver.
The manual suggests 205 50 16 low profile high performance. OK so can I go with a 205 55 16?
Any knowledge would be appreciated. Thanks Joel

[Rennsport1]

Well if you want to go with a mushier tire, that should not be a problem, that's not much diffrence. 6.5" wide wheels ?

[Mister Bean]

Sure. Power loss should be minimal. They probably won't turn in as quickly as the 50 series tires.

[Rennsport1]

Yeah, a bit. But they should fit fine though for relaxed driving, and you'll have ever so slightly taller gearing. I have not owned a previous gen SAAB so I can't guarantee anything. Just make sure to run your hand around your current tire and make sure it's not too tight a squeeze, espescially around the top of the front tires at the struts.

[Jeremy R.]

The 9-3 switched to 205/55R16 tires partway through its life, so that size shouldn't cause any problems on a 900.

[Joel96]

OK I think I will go with the 205 55 16 since they are $55 cheaper.

[900t]

Definitely go with 205/55's as the original Viking wheels are so easily bent, the 55 should be easier on them...

[RITmusic2k]

You can go to the 1010tires.com Tire Size Calculator and see at a glance exactly which tires are a good match for you; you type in your stock size and the alternate size you're considering, and it will report back differences in rolling diameter and expected speedometer variability, etc. It's a nice little tool!