Sorry to make a new topic for such a silly thing, so an admin can delete it after somebody answers it.

My 850 has the 16" Columbia wheels and is fitted with 205/55/16 tires. I want to switch to 205/50/16...will they fit for sure?

Also - about the brand. I know it's mostly about personal preference, but what do you think is better - Falken or Kumho?

 

Yes it will fit. I personally like the 205/50/16, gets a bit more feel of the road and doesn't rub the inner fenders which I later found out on the 205/55/16. My mom hated the 50's for making the ride rough and ended up gething the 55's which I regret.

PS, Suposably the 850's came with 205/50/16 from factory, but people complained of geting the rims bent from potholes and Volvo changed to 205/55/16 but end up with rubbing on inner fenders from what I heard.

 

You might have a larger wheel well gap with the 50s, I don't know if that bothers you or not, if not, than it doesn't matter

 

I believe the actual recommended size is a 50. I dont know about all your cars but my wagon has a sticker in the gas door that has the tire sizes.

 

I have 205/55/16 and I like it. 50 is the recomoended size however.

I would say Falken would be better.

 

what is you driving style/ price range?
that will help people give you the tire per $

depending the the tires' sidewall, the 50s will generally give you less foldding in corners, and should offer quicker acceleration.

 

I'm all for that.

I have no idea why the previous owner fitted 55s. The label on the gas cap doesn't help, because my car is a NA and originally came with 15" wheels.

My wheel wells were already destroyed by the larger tires when I bought the car. I'm actually leaving the 55s in the back, only the fronts will be 50s.

I think I'm gonna go with the Falkens.

 

Put 205/50/16 on my sons 850. Replaced 205/55/16's. No noticeable difference in ride or size of tire in well.

 

Having a N/A, I'm not sure that you will benifit from things like acceleration. Any smaller tire will effect the speedo a little. I find that my car is off my 2 or 3 mph at 70, according to 2 GPS units. If you are not an agressive driver, I would recommend Michelins.

 

Both places I've taken my car to here in Chicago have recommended 195/60/15 for my 850's...any reason for that?

 

I believe that is the stock tire size. that is why.