I'm getting a bit confused now. For a 17" wheel the height of the tire is the width x profile. For 235/55 therefore 235x.55=129.25 and 216x.6=129.6
Don’t know where you got this formula, but not true. Overall hight is a result of wheel diameter and tire sidewall height. I think you may be confusing this with how the number for a tire profile is assigned, which is a formula based on the tire’s sidewall height and tread width.
That means that two tires with identical sidewall height will have different profile numbers if the tread width is different. It’s the relationship between sidewall height and tread width which largely defines the handling characteristics of a tire, which is why the profile number is so important.
You seem to have got the relationship between wheel diameter and tyre profile confused, use this to clarify how the change from 16" to 17" wheels with the correct tyres fitted is virtually equal in speed terms.
Maybe it would help to clarify that the whole point of increasing wheel size (not counting bling factor!) is to reduce sidewall height to improve handling. Tom’s choice was to reduce sidewall height, and to further improve handling by increasing tread width. He achieved both of these goals without changing overall height and diameter, but at a cost in mileage due to rolling resistance.
It isn't a case of increasing tyre width & reducing side profile giving improved ride and handling as many car reviews highlight when comparing models fitted with the 'bling' big wheels compared to the more standard wheels fitted on that particular model.
www.tyrereviews.co.uk
Given the same suspension, lower profile reduces sidewall flex, leading to more rapid and precise response to steering input. Downside is that in general this leads to a harsher ride since the sidewalls have less flex to absorb shocks. Other variables such as tire pressure and tread width also have an influence, so this is not as black and white as it might seem.It isn't a case of increasing tyre width & reducing side profile giving improved ride and handling as many car reviews highlight when comparing models fitted with the 'bling' big wheels compared to the more standard wheels fitted on that particular model.
Greatest improvement comes from the actual suspension, ie stiffer ARB's and spring plus damper upgrades which can be cheaper than a set of wheels and tyres. downside is they have no visible 'bling' factor.
As a tyre width increases the road contact area doesn't, wider yes but the front to rear reduces.
This review helps to clarify what is actually the gains-losses with width. A car test but helps to understand the issue.
Do wider tyres give you more grip? Different tyre widths tested and explained - Tyre reviews and ratings
Do wider tyres give you more grip? The logical answer would be yes, the wider the tyre, the more rubber in contact with the surface, but it isn't that simple. Click through for all the technical ...
Precisely.
My 150 dsg Ocean only done 100 miles and up to now showing 33 mpg
but hoping this will improve when run it
33 mpg sounds very good.My 150 dsg Ocean only done 100 miles and up to now showing 33 mpg
I too drive conservatively. I had a 150 and it gave good mileage, 40+ and that was after not trusting the MFD. Now got 4motion with the larger engine; much less frugal!
199 4motion DSG, new at Chrismas 18: 13500 miles so far, 7000 of them fully loaded with bikes on the back including 3500 in Norway. First 3000 commuting 25 miles a day. 31.4mpg overall so far. It is driven conservatively. Best tank has been 42 (light load no bikes, Derbyshire to south coast return), worst 26 - commuting in heavy traffic.
I owned a 2017 Kombi highline 150 dsg before with only 4k on it. I was getting 39 ish motorway light foot driving.
I got similar mileage after accidentally pouring a bottle of Hendricks into the gas tank.
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