15" vs. 16" tire debate

[gKnow]

The car currently has 14"s, so I would like to upgrade to 15" or 16"s STOCK WHEELS. I currently came across a set of 15" Avalon steelies and caps for $60 and a set of 16" steelies without caps for $40. After doing some research, it looks like the popular sizes to run on a Gen4 Camry are 205 and 215/60/15 and 215/55/16. My problem is trying to justify the extra $80-$100 I would have to spend on the 16" tires, so I would like to hear from you guys about how much of a REAL difference is the 16" tire going to make over the 15" tire, performance wise.

Also, I came across a thread that mentioned they had issues with rubbing with a 215/55/16 which is a concern for me as well, especially since I'll be putting in some H-Techs soon. If anyone can chime in on this, much appreciated.

[Tom 2000]

My 2000 Camry came with 15" wheels stock wrapped with 205/65R15 tires. I bought a set of 16" alloy wheels and wrapped them with 205/60R16 tires.

Some of it depends on the tire selection, but the car rides just as well as it did with 15"s. High speed lane change improved the most. However, it didn't feel that different otherwise.

What I like is that it looks a lot better with 16"s.

As far as rubbing, if you buy the wheels with correct offset, it should be fine. I have 16 X 7 wheels with 42mm off set. With this wheel and 205/60R16 tire combination, the tire is at the very edge of the fender in the front. The back still sits in a little bit. I have no running problems

[ECale3]

none, they both suck equally. You may as well ride on marshmallows

[gKnow]

Originally Posted by ECale3

none, they both suck equally. You may as well ride on marshmallows

Since my wife won't be doing any BTCC or NATCC events this year, I'm sure she'll be content with either tire size. Thanks for the insight though...

[gKnow]

So my decision has been narrowed down to deciding on what size 16" tire to go with. I came across a set of 08' Sienna 16" steelies I'm picking up for $40 and got a set of 16" hubcaps from a 07 Camry for $25 shipped off eBay!

So now I need to figure out if I'm going to have any issues with rubbing if we run a 215/55/16 with the H-Techs.

[gKnow]

BUMP for some help on choosing a 16" tire size! Anyone running 16"s, please chime in.

[ECale3]

Originally Posted by gKnow

So my decision has been narrowed down to deciding on what size 16" tire to go with. I came across a set of 08' Sienna 16" steelies I'm picking up for $40 and got a set of 16" hubcaps from a 07 Camry for $25 shipped off eBay!

So now I need to figure out if I'm going to have any issues with rubbing if we run a 215/55/16 with the H-Techs.

Assuming the sienna steelies have the proper offset for your camry and your alignment is correct 215/55/16 should fit with no rubbing, seeing as it is the correct plus two tire size for a gen 3 4cyl.

Originally Posted by gKnow

Since my wife won't be doing any BTCC or NATCC events this year, I'm sure she'll be content with either tire size. Thanks for the insight though...

This comment is pretty silly, but i'll leave it alone.

[gKnow]

Originally Posted by ECale3

Assuming the sienna steelies have the proper offset for your camry and your alignment is correct 215/55/16 should fit with no rubbing, seeing as it is the correct plus two tire size for a gen 3 4cyl.

I've been googling trying to find out with the offset is on that wheel, but have not been able to find the info. I'll measure them tomorrow. Hopefully, a a spacer can take care of any issues I may run in to. What's the Gen4's proper wheel offset?

Originally Posted by ECale3

This comment is pretty silly, but i'll leave it alone.

My silly comment was in response to your marshmallows comment, which was probably more rude and pointless than silly.

I do appreciate you contributing to the thread though.

[frankierx]

I have '02 camry with 16" stock. I would just go with the stock size of your model year. Meaning, I like everything stock on my camry. However, to answer your question, I notice more stability with the 16" when changing highway lanes. The same could be said with the newer gen 17" wheels. But this goes back to me liking everything stock size on my camry.