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Thought 16" tires where bigger. Looking to Put Same size 15"

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by ebikeman, Jul 13, 2024 at 11:35 PM.

  1. ebikeman

    ebikeman Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    When looking for a Prius, I had my sights on a "touring edition" because it had bigger wheels (16") as opposed to the "regular" Prius (15").

    The Touring edition 16" are low profile (/55). I see the regular Prius 15" tires have more sidewalls. I've seen parked in the area with tall 15" sidewalls. Wondering if the 15" Prius high sidewall tires are the same overall size as the low profile 16"?

    I would rather have more sidewall to absorb the bums. I can feel the harsher low profile tires.

    1. Are the 15" rims the same bolt pattern as the 16"?
    2. Is there a 15" tire with higher sidewalls that would make it as tall as a 16" low profile 195/55/16?
    3. Has anyone done the conversion from 16 to 15 and got the same overall size the same?

    Thank you,
    emb
     
    #1 ebikeman, Jul 13, 2024 at 11:35 PM
  2. TNToy

    TNToy Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    All of the factory sizes are the same outside diameter, overall. As the wheel gets larger in diameter, the sidewalls get shorter

    15” wheels offer the softest ride and the best fuel economy: 15” wheels are the lightest, 16” and then 17” wheels are heavier and heavier yet.

    Shorter sidewalls tend to corner and brake better, while they are more susceptible to wheels being damaged by curbs and potholes.

    Factory sizes:

    195/65R15 = 15” tall wheel. 5” tall sidewalls. 25.0” tall.

    205/55R16 = 16” tall wheel. 4.4” sidewalls. 24.9” tall.
    215/45R17 = 17” tall wheel. 3.8” tall sidewalls. 24.6” tall.

    The factory tires size also gets slightly wider as rim sized increased, but that is a separate topic. To keep things simple, I mentioned factory tire sizes only.
     
    #2 TNToy, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:34 AM
    Aloe and Mendel Leisk like this.
  3. ebikeman

    ebikeman Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2023
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    If I go to a wrecking yard and get wheels from a Series 2 Prius with 15", is the bolt pattern the same as the 16"? (will they fit my car?)

    P.S. This is azaming. You think the 16" wheels are larger, but end up smaller. You think HID lights are better, until I go to the store and get quoted $800 for 2 ballast and 2 headlights.

    Thank you
    ebm
     
    #3 ebikeman, Jul 15, 2024 at 5:59 PM
  4. TNToy

    TNToy Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Second and Third gen wheel definitely swap. So should a Corolla, a Yaris, and some Subarus. Anything with a 5x100 bolt pattern. (5 wheel studs on a 100mm diameter circle.) Camry and other Toyotas bigger than those three smaller cars generally do not fit.

    HID lights are definitely much better than conventional Halogen, but the factory toyota stuff is not very reliable. There are cheaper aftermarket options like those from Morimoto which are brighter, far cheaper, and last longer.
     
    #4 TNToy, Jul 15, 2024 at 11:58 PM
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