I am getting close to replace my worn out original tires on my 2009 Vantage w/sportspack with the new PS4s. But which size? I am debating between the 235/40/19 & 275/35 or 245/40/19 & 285/35/19. The newer S has the wider tires but with a 1/2 wider rear wheel (10" vice 9.5") I know some of you have gone for the wider tires with non-S Vantages.


Feedback and recommendations?

 

There are no issues at all running the 245/285 setup on the standard 8.5"/9.5" wheels if you want a wider tire. That's what I've been running on my grey '07 V8V for years.

 

Rich,
Other than the 'look' of the wider tires have you noticed any difference in handling? Also, do the wider tires on stock rims offer any additional protection against 'curbing' a rim?

Many thanks for your input.
John

 

You're getting a slightly wider tire so you should see a touch better grip when you're pushing the car. In normal driving there's no difference because you're not pushing the tire anywhere near its limits. I noticed a massive difference in performance going from a set of 235/275 Hankook Ventus Evo V12 tires to the 245/285 Michelin Pilot Super Sport setup I've been running the last few years. The tire type is a big part of that change, and that's where you'll get the biggest benefit. These cars can get a bit tail happy, so the extra width is good to have in back regardless.

The extra tire width will help a little with protecting you from curb rash, but Michelin is already really good about having a rim protecting shoulder built into the sidewall. It's a nice bonus with the MPSS and MPS4S tires even in the 235/275 sizes.

The 245/285 tires are also slightly taller in overall diameter than the 235/275 tires, so you'll have a slightly higher ride height (which is great if you worry about scraping, especially if you're on H&R springs) and what is effectively a slightly taller final drive ratio.

Any of these taken on its own is going to be negligible effect the vast majority of the time. Personally, I recommend the 245/285 sizes because there's no reason not to do it if you need new tires. You get a few small benefits that add up, even if they aren't noticeable to the driver, and you get what I think is a better look. I wouldn't bother getting rid of a good set of tires for the slightly wider size unless you're also upgrading the tires at the same time (say, going from Hankook tires to the MPSS or MPS4S tires).

 

I am also running 245/285 on my 2009 Sports Pack wheels, here is a look at my car


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