Hi, I'm new here. I have a new Impreza (not WRX/STi), but those OEM tires (Potenza RE92A 205/55 R16) are horrible. What tires would you recommend me? I'm not thinking on changing the rims for now, so they have to be the same size.

Also, I was on tire rack and I read that the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 are very good, but they are a bit undersized. Is it safe to go, for example, for a set of 215's instead of the 205's? thanks in advance

 

Goodyear F1's would be my choice

 

I've driven them on 16's, 17's and 18's

width of 205 is the least of the problem Put any 55 profile tyre of any discription/make handling will be Pooh IMHO

Just bite the bullet and buy new wheels (use the old ones for flower pots) The car really need to be on 18"s for any sort of handling but 17"s would improve it no end

Should be some secondhand 17's kicking around from WRX & STi hatchs changing 17's to 18"s

If you put lower profile and increase tyres on 16" you'll improve it but lower gearing and lower MPG = cost, still be not as good as 17"s

TYRESAVE: Tyre Size Calculator tyre size calcultor, enter original size, and by changing dimensions you find the size that keeps the rolling raduis as closest to original, but 225x45x17 maybe your best option

Then save up for some Powerflex bushes for suspension, heavier rear anti-roll bar and 4WD geometry set up

IMHO

Tony