195/50R16 vs 215/40R17
215/40R17 is a safe swap for 195/50R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.40%.
Speedometer and odometer
With 215/40R17 on a car calibrated for 195/50R16, the speedometer reads 59.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.4%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.1 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.2 mph |
| 60 mph | 60.2 mph |
| 70 mph | 70.3 mph |
| 80 mph | 80.3 mph |
Other sizes close to 195/50R16
Questions
Can I replace 195/50R16 with 215/40R17?
215/40R17 is a safe swap for 195/50R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.40%.
What's the difference between 195/50R16 and 215/40R17?
215/40R17 is 0.09" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is -0.45". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.2 mph.
Will 215/40R17 fit on 195/50R16 wheels?
No — 195/50R16 needs a 16" wheel and 215/40R17 a 17" wheel. This is a plus/minus-size swap that changes wheels too.