Are you planning to choose between the 205 50r17 tire and 225 45r17 tire but don’t have the least idea about some of the major differences that these two tires possess? Then guess what, this is the place where you will find your desired type of tire.
The article “205 50r17 vs 225 45r17 tire size” is designed in such a way that you will get to know about all the little differences between these two types of tires very easily in this one place.
So, don’t waste any time and jump right into the article to gain this special knowledge that has been prepared just for you. What’s more the knowledge that you will get from here will certainly help you make better choices in the future.
205 50R17 Vs 225 45R17 Tire Size – Detailed Comparison Table
This comparison table is full of insightful details about these two types of tires. Besides showing all the small details in the form of a table, this also tells you how much different these two tires are from each other. Here goes the table: –
| Main Subjects | 205 50R17 Tires | 225 45R17 Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Section Width | 8.07 inches | 8.86 inches |
| Sidewall Height | 4.04 inches | 3.99 inches |
| Overall Diameter | 25.07 inches | 24.97 inches |
| Circumference | 78.76 inches | 78.45 inches |
| Revs Per Mile | 807 | 804 |
| Radius | 12.54 inches | 12.49 inches |
| Rim Diameter | 17 inches | 17 inches |
| Tire Types | A-Radial Ply Tire | A-Radial Ply Tire |
| Tread Depth | 10/32 inches | 9.5/32 inches |
| Actual Speed | 62.14 mph | 62.38 mph |
205 50R17 Vs 225 45R17 Tires- the Visible Differences
Now let’s have a quick look at the top 10 Main Points from the table shown above. This will help you understand the differences better. So read the discussion below and know all about the visible differences. Here goes the discussion: –
Section Width
Cross section width or section width is one the first things we will discuss today. It affects your vehicle’s traction, steering response, and ride comfort. So, it is not something to be taken lightly.
The section width of the 205 50r17 tires is 8.07 inches or 205 mm. On the contrary, the section width of the 225 45r17 tires is 8.86 inches or 225 mm. The difference between the two is 0.79 inches or 20 mm.
Sidewall Height
For a more comfortable driving experience and smoother handling, your tires’ sidewall height plays a very major part in it. Moreover, it affects the looks of the vehicle as well.
The sidewall height of the 205 50r17 tires is 4.04 inches or 102.50 mm. On the contrary, the sidewall height of the 225 45r17 tires is 3.99 inches or 102.25 mm. The difference between the two is 0.05 inches or 0.25 mm.
Overall Diameter
The overall diameter of a tire is important because it enhances the look of your vehicle and makes it more aggressive. It also affects the overall handling of the vehicle as well.
The overall diameter of the 205 50r17 tires is 25.07 inches or 636.80 mm. On the other hand, the overall diameter of the 225 45r17 tires is 24.97 inches or 634.30 mm. The difference between the two is 0.01 inches or 2.5 mm.
Circumference
The circumference of a tire equals the total distance it has traveled in a single revolution. The readings from the speedometer, odometer, and also gear ratios all get affected by this.
The circumference of the 205 50r17 tires is 78.76 inches or 2000.57 mm. Whereas, the circumference of the 225 45r17 tires is 78.45 inches or 1992.71 mm. The difference between the two is 0.31 inches or 7.85 mm.
Radius
To know the radius of a tire, you have to combine the sidewall height of the tire with the radius of the rim. If you want to get the spare parts for your tires easily then you have to know the radius of your tires.
The radius of the 205 50r17 tires is 12.54 inches or 318.40 mm. On the contrary, the radius of the 225 45r17 tires is 12.49 inches or 317.15 mm. The difference between the two is 0.5 inches or 1.25 mm.
Tread Depth
The tread depth of a tire is usually measured from the very top of the tread rubber and to the lowest bottom of the tire’s deepest grooves and it is done vertically.
The tread depth of the 205 50r17 tires is 10/32 inches. Whereas, the tread depth of the 225 45r17 tires is 9.5/32 inches. So, in terms of the tread depth, both tires are in perfect shape without any doubt.
Rim Diameter
The rim diameter of your vehicle’s tires is another very crucial aspect that you must take into consideration before choosing a specific type of tire. It affects the driving safety of your vehicle a lot.
The rim diameter for the 205 50r17 tires is 17 inches. The same measurement is also applicable for the 225 45r17 tires. So, it means that both tires will fit on a 17-inch wheel.
Revolutions Per Mile
The RPM of a tire usually means how many times the tire will roll or complete a full round while making a distance of 1 mile. The higher the RPM, the faster the vehicle will run.
The 205 50r17 tires have an RPM of 807. Whereas, the 225 45r17 tires have a PRM of 804. The difference between the two is only 3. This means that the 205 50r17 tires are slightly faster than the 225 45r17 tires.
Tire Types
For both the 205 50r17 and 225 45r17 tires, the construction type is Radial. This is indeed one of the best construction types for tires. It has a very good reputation for reducing the build of heat for tires.
Actual Speed
The actual speed for the 205 50r17 tires is 62.14 mph. On the contrary, the actual speed for the 225 45r17 tires is 62.38 mph. The difference between the two is 1.08 mph.
205 50R17 Vs 225 45R17 Tire Size – Some More Differences
There are some more differences between the 205 50r17 tires vs 225 45r17 tires. The differences are shown in the form of a table and later discussed in detail for your better understanding.
| Main Subjects | 205 50R17 Tires | 225 45R17 Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Weight | 23 lbs/ 10.4 kg | 26.9 lbs/ 12.20 kg |
| Rim Width Range | 5.50-7.50 inches | 7-8.50 inches |
| Max PSI | 50 psi | 50 psi |
| Sidewall Letters | Black | Black |
| Max Load | 1433 lbs/ 650 kg | 1477 lbs/ 670 kg |
| Max Speed | 118 mph | 118 mph |
| Speedometer Reading | 100 km/h | 100.39 km/h |
Now we are going to discuss the main subjects once again so that you may understand better. Here goes the discussion: –
Typical Weight
The typical weight of tires is important because it increases the overall weight of the vehicle. If the overall weight of a vehicle becomes too high it cannot accelerate properly or decelerate on time either.
The typical weight of the 205 50r17 tires is 23 lbs or 10.4 kg. Whereas, the typical weight of the 225 45r17 tires is 26.9 lbs or 12.20 kg. The difference between the two is 3.9 lbs or 1.76 kg.
Rim Width Range
The rim width specification informs us on which size of the wheel the tire can be mounted on. The rim width specification of the 205 50r17 tires is 5.50-7.50 inches.
On the other hand, the rim width specification of the 225 45r17 tires is 7-8.50 inches. The difference between the two is 1.5-1 inch Which is not a lot actually.
Max PSI
Pound-force per square inch or PSI is an imperial measurement system and is used to measure the pressure of gases or liquids. The normal pressure for tires is around 32-40 psi.
The max psi for both the 205 50r17 and 225 45r17 tires is 50. So, in terms of the max psi, there is no difference between the two tires. It differs from one manufacturer to another.
Sidewall Letters
The sidewall of a tire contains some useful letters and numbers which include the size, tire type, width, aspect ratio, wheel diameter, load index, speed rating, etc.
These things are either printed in black or white letters. For both the tires, 205 50r17 and 225 45r17, the sidewall letters are written in black. Though it differs from one company to other.
Max Load
It is natural that wider and larger tires can carry more loads than smaller tires. The 205 50r17 tires can carry a max load of 1433 lbs or 650 kg. On the contrary, the 225 45r17 tires can carry a max load of 1477 lbs or 670 kg. The difference is 44 lbs or 20 kg.
Speedometer Reading
The speedometer reading in the case of the 205 50r17 tires is 100 km/h. On the other hand, the speedometer reading in the case of the 225 45r17 tires is 100.39 km/h. The difference is 0.39 km/h only.
Tires that are wider and bigger show an incorrect speedometer reading whereas, tires that are smaller give a correct speedometer reading. In the case of the max speed, both tires provide the same reading.
205 50R17 Vs 225 45R17 Tires: 5 Differences in Performance
In this section, we are going to discuss the 5 major differences that these two tires have in regard to their performance as well as quality. Here is the discussion: –
Fuel Economy
The general rule of thumb is that tires that are bigger and wider tend to use more fuel than tires that are smaller and narrower. The 205 50r17 tires are smaller and thus they need less fuel to operate.
But in the case of the 225 45r17 tires, they need more fuel to operate because they have a higher rolling resistance.
Noise Level & Ride Comfort
Wider tires tend to capture more air than smaller tires. Thus, wider tires make more noise while driving and make driving uncomfortable. The 225 45r17 tires are bigger and have more width. So, they make more noise while driving.
On the contrary, the 205 50r17 tires are smaller and narrower than the 225 45r17 tires. So, they cannot make as much noise as the 225 45r17 tires and offer a more comfortable driving experience.
The Grip on Wet Surfaces
Tires that are bigger and wider really find it hard to brake on wet surfaces because they fail to dispel extra water from under the wheel. But it is really easy for the smaller tires to do so.
The 205 50r17 tires are smaller compared to the 225 45r17 tires. Thus the 205 50r17 tires can very easily remove water from under the wheel. So, it becomes very easy for the 205 50r17 tires to grip wet surfaces. But for the 225 45r17 tires, the exact opposite is true.
Design
The wider and bigger tires give your vehicle an enhanced look and make it look aggressive and gorgeous. Since the 225 45r17 tires are bigger, they make your vehicle look more beautiful than the 205 50r17 tires.
The Grip on Dry Surfaces
The general rule of thumb is that bigger and wider tires have higher traction and an increased contact patch. These tires perform a lot better on dry surfaces.
In that sense, the 225 45r17 tires have good gripping on dry surfaces as they are bigger and wider. On the other hand, the 205 50r17 tires are smaller and thus can’t perform as much better as the 225 45r17 tires.
Also Read: 215 65r17 vs 225 65r17 Tire Size – Visible Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding these types of tires are given below:
What Is the Actual Width of the 205 50R1 Tires?
The 205 50r17 tires have a width of 8.1 inches or 205 mm. This measurement of the tire’s width is taken from its inner sidewall to its outer sidewall.
Which One Is Better, Wider or Narrower Tires?
Wider tires are good for providing better grip on dry surfaces but they come with a greater risk of hydroplaning on wet or slippery surfaces. Whereas, narrow tires offer better traction on slippery conditions but they are not suitable for heavy or large vehicles.
Which One Is Faster, 205 50R1 or 225 45R17 Tires?
The tires that are wider or bigger tend to be faster than the smaller tires. This is because, in the case of wider tires, the engine requires less energy to apply casing flex. Thus, the engine can run faster and so does your vehicle. So, the 225 45r17 tires are faster than the 205 50r17 tires.
Which Tire Offers More Handling, 205 50R1 or 225 45R17?
Larger tires tend to more weight on your vehicle and also limit your drivetrain. So, they cannot offer more handling. The 225 45r17 tires are larger than the 205 50r17 tires. So, the 205 50r17 tires offer more handling.
Which Tire Is Safer, 205 50R1 or 225 45R17?
On dry surfaces, the 225 45r17 tires provide more safety than the 205 50r17 tires. But in the case of dry and slippery surfaces, the 205 50r17 tires are much safer than the 225 45r17 tires.
Final Thoughts
In this 205 50r17 vs 225 45r17 tire size article, we have tried to give you a detailed analysis of the major differences between these two tires. Despite having a lot of differences between the two tires, both of them are quite popular in the market and have a very good reputation in terms of quality and performance.
If you have a small to the mid-range vehicle then 205 50r17 tires will be best suited for you. But if you have a mid to large-range vehicle then you can go for the 225 45r17 tires. So, it’s up to you then to choose the best one for your vehicle.
