2007 Mazda 3

ProjectMazda3 · May 10, 2015

I have an 07 MZ3 with 16" wheels and looking to lower it with coilovers. I am thinking either Raceland or Ultimo's and possibly dropping down to 15" wheels. What are the drawbacks of me reducing the wheels to 15" instead of leaving them with the 16" I have now?

concept · May 10, 2015

Mostly, a higher tire aspect ratio will reduce steering "sharpness" and increase sidewall flex given equal tire speed ratings.

BrianM3GS · May 12, 2015

I think concept is assuming that the overall diameter would be maintained, but with less wheel and more tire. That would make sense, but since the discussion is about lowering, perhaps the idea was to reduce the overall diameter instead.

The drawbacks of reducing overall tire size include

loss of ground clearance to suspension components,
change in overall gearing so speedo would read high and engine would rev faster for the same gear and road speed,
reduced load capacity of the tires

2007 Mazda 3

ProjectMazda3

Member

concept

BrianM3GS

Member

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