RE: 14s or 15s

["PAT MARTIN" <MARDKINS@msn.com>]

Several benefits.  1st is better steering response since you will get a lower 
profile tire.  2nd you can bump up to a 205.  You can probably do this with 
your current rims but the width of the wheels you have is probably not ideal 
for a 205.  Since you are going to a wider tire you will also get better grip 
at the limit.  Probably the biggest difference is the look.  The 15's fill up 
the wells much better than the 14's do.

Now the disadvantages.  The 15" combination will weigh a little more than the 
14" combo.  This will mean that you will feel a slightly duller front end 
because of more unsprung weight.  More steering effort at low speeds because 
of the wider tires.  Replacement tires will cost more.  Even if you stick with 
195's the 15"tires will cost more.  The rims will be slightly more succeptable 
to bending due to the lower profiles.  This however is not a big issue since 
the 205/50/15 still has plenty of sidewall.  

Pat Martin
> 864000csq  2 1/2 cat back, H&R-Boge,advanced and loving it.  Drilled and
> stopping it.  Koenig Cobra 16x7 with AVS Intermediates, K&N. Turbo coming
> soon.
> 95 subaru legacy
> Bothell, Wa.


I am so undecided about if I sould by new rims and tires, and go with a
plus one, stepping up to a 15 inch rim and tire, or sould I stay with
the stock 14 inch rims? What would be the benefits of stepping up to the
plus one on my 87 4000cs quattro.
Joe Rae