I just bought 98 T5 with manual transmission (love the car!). It came with 225/50 size tires on 16 inch rims (all four of them). I want to get new front tires and tirerack.com says the original equipment size is 205/50. My question is: Should I get 205 or 225 size tires. And is there really an advantage of having 225 size tires for me, since I am not really sport driving or racing, just having fun with turbo Volvo with stick shift. Thanks

 

Well does it drive nicely with the rubber on it now? I would just go with what is on it now.

 

205 is the correct size. I run Continental Conti's size 215 55 16 on a c70. The reason for this is the better ride (55 aspect vs 50) and the fact that the chuck holes with the higher aspect tyres do less damage to rims. There truly is no difference handling between the two. The previous owner of your auto may have determined he/she wanted more rubber on the road.
Reg