Question 1

Which tire is taller, 205/50 R16 or 205/40 R17?

Accepted Answer

205/50 R16 is taller by 15.6 mm (2.55%) compared with 205/40 R17.

Question 2

What is the diameter difference between 205/50 R16 and 205/40 R17?

Accepted Answer

205/50 R16 measures 611 mm overall diameter, 205/40 R17 measures 596 mm — a difference of 15.6 mm (2.55%).

Question 3

How much speedometer error does this change create?

Accepted Answer

Switching from 205/50 R16 to 205/40 R17 changes the speedometer reading by -2.55%. At an indicated 100 km/h, your true speed becomes about 97.4 km/h.

Question 4

Is 205/40 R17 a safe replacement for 205/50 R16?

Accepted Answer

Within ±3% diameter — generally considered a safe replacement from a speedometer-error standpoint, provided wheel offset, rim width and clearance also match your vehicle.

Question 5

What else should I check before changing tire size?

Accepted Answer

Beyond diameter and speedometer error, verify wheel offset (ET), rim width, hub bore, load index, brake and suspension clearance, and your vehicle's manufacturer specification. Local regulations may also limit how far you can deviate from OEM.

Metric	205/50 R16	205/40 R17	Difference
Overall diameter	611.4 mm	595.8 mm	-15.6 mm (-2.55%)
Sidewall height	102.5 mm	82.0 mm	-20.5 mm
Circumference	1.921 m	1.872 m	-49.0 mm
Revs / km	520.6	534.3	+13.6
Ground clearance	reference	-7.8 mm	-7.8 mm
Speedometer @ 100 km/h	100.0 km/h	97.4 km/h	-2.55 km/h

205/50 R16 vs 205/40 R17

Detailed comparison

Verdict: excellent

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