1997 850 GLT - Columba Tire Size

Post by **1997volvo850** » 09 Mar 2014, 18:08

I have Columba rims on my 1997 Volvo 850 GLT. I need to replace all four tires.

The current tire size is 205 55 R16. I believe this is the current standard for the Columba rim.

I have two brand new 205 50 R16 tires from a previous vehicle. I've done a lot of searching and it
seems the Columba rims were originally equipped with 205 50 R16 but due to bent rims the tire
was changed to 205 55 R 16.

It appears I should be able to mount these tires. I'm just wondering if it's a bad idea. Any experience?
If the 50's will work but not idea I'm wondering about the size of the other two tire I would need
to purchase. My calculations indicate the difference between the 50 and 55 is less than an inch in height.

Any help is appreciated.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 09 Mar 2014, 20:07

I had a set of 205/50/16 tires on my Columba rims for a couple of years. With the short sidewall profile cornering is great but you can feel every pebble on the road. I hit some stuff pretty hard and didn't bend one but I was always afraid that I would. When it came time to buy new tires I went ahead and bought the 205/55/16s.

BTW the rims are named Columba, not Columbia. Volvo names their wheels after galaxies.

...Lee