14 vs 15 inch tires

[Cosworth]

electric PS in Yaris totally blows. I believe it is one of the culprits in why Yaris handles so weird at highway speed.

as for the original comment/question, I really don't think you're gonna see much gas saving based on 14 vs. 15 tire comparison.

I think there's more gas to be saved by just getting an ecometer and drive steadily.

[talnlnky]

Originally Posted by Cosworth

electric PS in Yaris totally blows. I believe it is one of the culprits in why Yaris handles so weird at highway speed.

the only "weird thing i've noticed about its highway handling is how it can be blown around a bit in the wind... but really... any car its size & weight is that way. I've got over 30k on my yaris so far.... of that, 20-25k is highway.

I think people make a lot of statements about how it performs simply because they are used to completely different vehicles. You want to drive a vehicle that is scary at highway speeds... try driving a mid 80's jeep cherokee... small wheel base made the thing turn on a dime... high center of gravity meant it could tip easily... ruts would suck it in and make it feel like you were out of control.

Also... I think a lot of these "weird" issues are reserved to drivers of automatics.... not sure if that says something about the people who buy automatics... or the transmission.

[Cosworth]

Originally Posted by talnlnky

the only "weird thing i've noticed about its highway handling is how it can be blown around a bit in the wind... but really... any car its size & weight is that way. I've got over 30k on my yaris so far.... of that, 20-25k is highway.

My direct comparison is between an EG hatchback which weighs ~2,300lbs. The hatch drive straight as an arrow on the freeway regardless of cross wind. Yeah, it's not as tall as a Yaris, but weighs nearly the same with essentially same wheel base (if not shorter). My opinion still stands. Yaris electronic PS =

[1stToyota]

Originally Posted by talnlnky

the only "weird thing i've noticed about its highway handling is how it can be blown around a bit in the wind... but really... any car its size & weight is that way. I've got over 30k on my yaris so far.... of that, 20-25k is highway.

I think people make a lot of statements about how it performs simply because they are used to completely different vehicles. You want to drive a vehicle that is scary at highway speeds... try driving a mid 80's jeep cherokee... small wheel base made the thing turn on a dime... high center of gravity meant it could tip easily... ruts would suck it in and make it feel like you were out of control.

Also... I think a lot of these "weird" issues are reserved to drivers of automatics.... not sure if that says something about the people who buy automatics... or the transmission.

Good point. I had a '83 Prelude, 1st yr of 2nd gen, 5-speed, handling was great. Got a '86 Prelude to replace it, extra weight of auto seemed to really throw the handling off some. Did not enjoy it near as much.

[docB]

Originally Posted by Cosworth

electric PS in Yaris totally blows. I believe it is one of the culprits in why Yaris handles so weird at highway speed.

as for the original comment/question, I really don't think you're gonna see much gas saving based on 14 vs. 15 tire comparison.

I think there's more gas to be saved by just getting an ecometer and drive steadily.

I have never had weird handling at any speed. I run 42psi front and 35 psi rear. The thing is rock steady and hands free on the highway at 2500 rpm in 5th gear. Sedan w/ 15" wheels. The 14" are slightly narrower, smaller diameter and weigh less. Things that improve acceleration, ride quality all with less rolling resistance. I am working on putting 185/70-14s on some light weight alloys I own. Can't wait to get that in place. Just have to defeat the tpms first.
doc