Okay, the time has come and I need new tires. I want to keep the same size as stock, I have 15 inch AR wheels, and I want a good high performance all season tire (I live in New Hampshire and the winters can be brutal) I was considering either the Yokahama AVSdb, but they are on backorder or the Dunlop SP5000. I am open to suggestions so please help me out. Also, what does the 65 mean in the 205/65-15? What would the tire look like if I went to a 55 or 60? Thanks guys.

 

you can actually see how tire size compares to stock and also see if the new tires will have the speedo acting up or not--->

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

When I first got the Max, I wanted to change tires. I was undecided between the Michelin Energy, BF Goodrich Comp T/A HR4, and the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Asymmetrical. Like you, I live in an area where winters can be rough (IL) and know that many performance tires are terrible in winter.

I decided to go with the Dunlop based on winter traction, rain performance, and noise level. Bear in mind, Dunlop has 2 versions of this tire. Since you are in a similar climate to mine, go with the Asymmetrical. The Symmetrical version will remind you of trying to run on Gatorbacks.

 

The 65 is the height of the side wall. The smaller the number the lower the profile of the tire. Personaly I wouldnt go any lower than a 60 bc there will be lots of fender gap if your car isnt lowered. This is not very appealing. Well not to me atleast.
BIGDOG

 

KumHo's I think that you should get kumhos

 

DA-MAX,
That link is awesome! Thanks! Thanks to everyone else too! Prinz, The only problem with getting the Asymmetrical tires is that I would have to get the 55 size which is a fairly lower profile tire than what I have, and on 15 in rims that would look kinda strange like BIGDOG said. What did you get??

 

I stand corrected. It's the symmetrical in our size. I must have gotten a tad confused.

 

Oh, Okay. So I should go with the symmetrical Dunlop SP5000 tires? How grippy are they? My tires now spin even when I don't floor it!