205/50R16 vs 195/55R16
195/55R16 is a safe swap for 205/50R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.55%.
Speedometer and odometer
With 195/55R16 on a car calibrated for 205/50R16, the speedometer reads 59.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 1.6%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.5 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.7 mph |
| 60 mph | 60.9 mph |
| 70 mph | 71.1 mph |
| 80 mph | 81.2 mph |
Other sizes close to 205/50R16
Questions
Can I replace 205/50R16 with 195/55R16?
195/55R16 is a safe swap for 205/50R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.55%.
What's the difference between 205/50R16 and 195/55R16?
195/55R16 is 0.37" taller and 10 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.19". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.9 mph.
Will 195/55R16 fit on 205/50R16 wheels?
Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 195 mm tire and the fender clearance.