I just had a new set 225/45/16 Yokohama AD08s fitted today. I didn't actually put much thought into which tyre size to buy, I just bought 225s because that's what I was previously using and I found a good deal on them too. I am now wondering if 205s would actually be more suitable. Does anyone have a preference?

Apparently, the 225's tramline more than 205s.

Iv had both, and not noticed any difference....maybe pushing on a track you would, day to day driving, I doubt it.

Some talk about extra grip for on the 225's, but its negligible I believe, it been discussed on here quite alot !!

My car does tram line (on the tram lines) quite a lot. That's one reason.

225s look better than the 205s and offer more rim protection, which are good reasons for me to buy them!

I have 225 Toyo R1Rs and they do tramline but the grip is amazing

You spread the rubber and you spread the grip (because the weight over each wheel is the same). Simple physics.

In snow you will get more traction from 4 space-savers. At the moment I have 3 Coupes, one with 205s, one with 215s and one with 225s. The 225s are comfortable and give a decent ride on the original Plus wheels, but they tramline like hell on our crappy motorways in Kent. My best riding car is my Sprinty with 215s, but I've ordered 205s as replacement. My 300bhp+ Scottie has 205 Toyo T1Rs and although I'm an old so-and-so I like a hoon occasionally and I have NEVER lost traction in wet or dry.

In my opinion the width of the tyre is mainly for aesthetic purposes; I see these Audi and BMW barges with garden rollers for tyres on school runs all the time. Maybe the wear is spread but do they handle better?

I'm sure a more informed opinion will be here soon!

225/45 16 is effectively an optional size on all 20VT wheels

The Plus wheel is the same width as the stock 20vt wheel and the Plus came with 225/45 as standard

In my opinion, there are only two reasons to choose 225/45 over 205/50

1) Cost - 205/50 is not a common size and it can often be more expensive than the wider tyre

2) Aesthetics - the wider tyre often looks better

Grip is not a reason - I defy anybody to notice the difference in grip between two sizes of identical tyre makes. Maybe, just maybe, a certified trackday addict could tell the difference in the way a wider tyre holds on slightly better against lateral forces, but breaks away slightly quicker, but I've yet to meet anyone with that degree of feel for their Coupe

Conversely, there are two good reasons to choose the 205/50 over the 225/45

1) Ride - will be slightly softer for a given tyre, but tyre sidewall construction differs so much between tyres that you could easily have a stiff-sidewalled 205 ride more harshly than a soft-sidewalled 225

2) tramlining - again, some tyres seem especially prone to it, especially when worn, but its a common complaint that 225s follow road imperfections more readily

Personally, I prefer the perfect compromise - I run 215/40 17