So our Search and Rescue team could possibly have some tires donated to us. Right now, we have a 1989 Suburban that is running 15 inches wheels. The ones that the guy wants to donate are 16. Can you guys tell me the difference between the two and if it even makes a difference? The only reason we're considering it is because the tires that come with the new wheels are brand new.

 

16" have a bigger hole in the middle than the 15"



15" used to be the standard until disc brakes started showing up,
then 16" was needed to clear the calipers.
(No idea what they were smoking when they came up with 16.5" rims )

Now 17" is becoming the standard as beefier calipers are becoming the norm.

It's the tire circumferance that factors into MPG's and clearance problems, etc.


phox