[2001 ZTS]

Kalos,Sep 25 2004, 06:47 PM Wrote:........ I've read several places that the extra width of 17" tires doesn't buy better traction, and that taller 16" tires are actually better in snow and probably cheaper than 17" tires.

Wider is definately not better in the case of snow. You need the of skinnier tires to get through teh snow and not float over it, especially when stopping. Plus the ABS is designed to not let wheels skid which is detrimental as this prevents your front wheels from bull-dozing snow when you try to stop.

I run 185 width winter tires (Nokian Hakka 1's) and in a few inches of snow I am pretty sure I can halve the stopping distance of the stock all season 205's.

You are right 16's are definately cheaper than 17's but still not "cheap". Yokohama and Nokian both have a wide selection of excelent winter tires. If you are mostly city/highway I found Yokohama AVS winters work really well on the WRX and would be a great SVT choice too.

Not sure if the size exists but if you can find 195/55R16* winter tires by Yoko or Nokian you will rule winter.

*http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html