Originally Posted by pizzaguy
Fair enough, but.... I never would have thought of it, but look at page 159 of the owner's manual:
"If you need snow tires, the recommended size for the front and rear is the same size as the original equipment front tires. This size tire on the rear allows the use of tire chains on the rear wheels. Selection of this size tire also requires the purchase of two additional wheels with the same size specification as the original equipment from wheels."
Sure, they go on to warn that snow tires (which my car will NEVER see) are not to be driven at speeds over 75 mph... but I see no other warnings against same-size tires.
Now, maybe the warning is IMPLIED and they assume you will go back to performance tires and different sizes when spring comes.... and that you will never go fast with the same-size tires all around because they are snow tires.
But it doesn't SAY that.
Just a thought I have been mulling over ... I'm still willing to listen.
'
So keep talking!
It is somewhat mechanical, such as not having the correct speed displayed on your speedo (only a marginal difference). But the biggest thing is if you do not do larger size sidewall in the rear, it will not have the stance it should, and once you go to a larger sidewall in the rear, you eliminate the ability to rotate front to rear, so you are in the same boat. The car was designed for staggered wheels from the beginning, it is the only way it can be right IMHO. If you are limping through rough weather on snow tires, maybe that is on thing, but with a lady this pretty, I say go 19" front and 20" rear, don't downsize
