DH

I had a blow out and it will be two days before I can get a replacement tire for my 17 inch wheels. I am currently using my stock 16 inch sport wheel set-up as a spare. Do you guys think the size difference will cause any problems?

Audiboy

It there will be any noticeable differences, it should just be like having a lower tire pressure (on the 16" side) and you will notice slight pulling to that side. Otherwise, the open differential in the Front and Rear axles can take it. The trouble is when the torsen is forced to take the difference constantly as in the case as putting smaller tires in the front, bigger tires i n the rear.

For your case, it'll be OK. In fact, the loaded diameter of the skimpy spare tire on pre 2000 models is slightly smaller than the stock 16" But then again, they are not designed to run more than 50 miles and faster than 50 mph.

Mark P

17" + 2(225mm*45%) = 24.97"
16" + 2(205mm*55%) = 24.88"

there is a 0.09" (2mm) difference in the diameter.
you've probably used up enough tread to make up the difference.

The only consideration is that the tire is narrower (by 2cm), and for that I'm not sure of the effect.

Mark P

Tires

They are pretty the same size in circumfrance it's ok to run it.. bigger rim (17") smaller side wall(45) smaller rim (16) bigger side wall is about the same

Audiboy

24.9 drops to roughly 24.1 when loaded. But the delta remains about the same.

sha

You best not have a Quattro and do this!

Audiboy

identical? There is not front to back difference that will upset the torsen?

DH

Thought size difference was negligible. I just wanted to make sure. THANKS!!!