What do you think of Elon Musk? Have your say | No thanks
Buying a Volvo V40 - which wheel size is best?
In considering a purchase of a new Volvo V40 the standard wheel/tyre is a 16-inch alloys (called Matres) with 205/55 tyres. A paying option (assumed to be an improvement) is to select the 17-inch alloys (called Mannan) with 205/50 tyres.
Wheels seem to get larger on the more expensive models. I would assume that the depth of tyre would have to be larger on the smaller diameter wheel, for the speedo to be equally accurate compared with a lower profile tyre on the larger diameter wheel, but what does wheel size do for comfort and ride?
I'm guessing that the smaller wheel would give a softer ride, by having more rubber under, which assumes that the overall diameter of each of the wheel/tyre options is the same. Have I misunderstood something?
What is the preferred choice?
Thanks
David
Wheels seem to get larger on the more expensive models. I would assume that the depth of tyre would have to be larger on the smaller diameter wheel, for the speedo to be equally accurate compared with a lower profile tyre on the larger diameter wheel, but what does wheel size do for comfort and ride?
I'm guessing that the smaller wheel would give a softer ride, by having more rubber under, which assumes that the overall diameter of each of the wheel/tyre options is the same. Have I misunderstood something?
What is the preferred choice?
Thanks
David
Asked on 25 October 2014 by New Volvo 40
Answered by
Honest John
All correct. For comfort, go for the 205/55 R16s. But can tell you that the 205/50 R17 are not terrible as that was the size on the S60 D4 DriveE 181 that I ran for 8 months.
From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.
Tyre News And AdviceSimilar questions
I have severe and chronic back pain. Road conditions these days are generally not very good, especially with speed humps, potholes and even driving over a drain in the road you can often feel a big bump....
My 10 year old Peugeot 307 SW, which I have enjoyed, needs replacing. Both the new SEAT Ateca 1.4 petrol DSG (18-inch wheels) and the new Volkswagen Golf Estate 1.5 petrol DSG (16-inch wheels) suit my...
I need a small, easy to drive car for my parents. They have severe back problems and need soft suspension and, ideally, wide opening doors. If it was economical that would be better - but comfort is more...
Related models
Comfortable and enjoyable to drive, a good (if rather confusing) range of engines, fabulous record on safety.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
