I have the OEM 97 SE rims the OEM tire size is 215/55-16 which is the tire size I currently have. My friend is trying to sell me 205/55-16 brand new tires will they fit? What does the 205 number measure?

 

oi, 205 measures the section width of the tire in millimeters. Basically it's the tread width of the inside of the tire.
55 is a measurement of the % of the first number and relates to the sidewall height.
16 is the rim size.

Yes, 205-55-16 will fit your stock rims, but the tire will have a smaller diameter and therefore it will throw off your speed-o-meter. how much? More importantly will you notice it? Not that much <1% @100 km/h. Will you notice it... probably not. You might even gain some quicker acceleration.
hope that helps.

 

Go herehttp://1010tire.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp
and you can see how much it may throw you off by...

 

good find. I forgot about the online calculator.

 

Great. Thanks for the good info & responses.

 

so this tire is essentially smaller. Will it leave a bigger gap between the tire and fenders?

 

Remember the 205 is the WIDTH in mm. It's the same aspect ratio/sidewall height (55) as your existing tire

 

Thanks for clarifying that.

 

one more thing? is it recommended to use that different size? or should I say is it bad? besides the speed-o-meter being off by a alittle bit.

 

205mm = 8.07 inch
215mm = 8.46 inch
225mm = 8.85 inch

 

side wall is a percent of the casing
205 @55%=112.75
215 @555= 118.25
225 @55%= 123.75
height in mm of the side wall.
yes, the same aspect ratio will have a shorter sidewall depending on the casing measurement of the tire.