I think you have to take into account the diameter switch and not just the weight difference. The different diameter will change your effective gear ratio and affect your acceleration.

 

Here's what I'm hearing you guys saying, forgive the newbiness!! If I'm going to be putting on 205/55/16 Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Positions on my 16" R94 Bridge-spoke ET48 20.9lb (195/55/16), I'll get more rolling resistance, longer stopping distance, and slower accelleration??

I have my eye on some Enkei RS-M 16" Wheels, but can't swing the $$ for both just yet. But I definitely need new tires now.

 

If you are going from runflats to non-runflats then you will actually be lighter overall and have better performance.

A little wider tire will also give you better grip (marginally). With the tire size change you are talking about you won't notice anything either way in my opinion.

 

The wider tread will give you more rolling resistance. Narrow tires will give better mpg, but less safety.

You should get shorter stopping distances with more tread on the ground, since grip is usually the limiting factor. You will need more braking power to stop a heavier wheel, but in most cases, it is the contact with the road that determines stopping distance.

Whether you get slower acceleration with the 205/55-16 tires than the 195/55-16 will depend on whether your acceleration is limited by wheel grip or engine power. The 205/55-16 will give you more grip. However, it is about 1/2" larger in dia. than a typical 195/55-16 (I'm not sure what "Stock Bridgespokes" are). A larger tire gives you higher effective gearing, so could reduce acceleration if engine power is the limiting factor. The difference is only about 2%, so I expect the increased grip will make more of a difference to you.

You could also go with 205/50-16, which is has a smaller O.D. than stock, but I think you would have to choose a different tire. I don't think RE960AS are available in this size.

 

The comments in response to your and other questions are technically true. That said, the amount of change you're talking would be difficult to perceive let alone measure. The biggest change you will notice is the slightly taller side wall on the non-run flat tire will give you a MUCH better ride quality than the run flat tire. Eventually switching to the Enkei (or some other lighter wheel) will more than offset any negative change the tire itself causes. I'd say go for the tires now and the wheels when you can. You'll most likely be quite pleased with the results.

 

I appreciate everyone's input. Like I said I'm new at the Tire and Wheel Combo choices so I was concerned that the tire/wheel combo that I will be getting would drastically effect the all around handling.

I think the side wall height will be an advantage, I like how the tire will fill out the Wheel Well. The width of the tire will be a bit wider, so another plus.

Again I want to thank everyone for their honest and helpful replies.

Happy Motoring!!