2004 Mazda Miata need tire advice

I'm no expert...

• I believe the superlight had 205/45 r17 tires. So if you are on 16 inch rims you have lowered the car. Have you changed any suspension settings to compensate?

• Going +1, +2 etc effectively gives you a bigger wheel with a shorther sidewall for the same diameter. Sidewalls are a part of the suspension. ANY car going to a bigger wheel will have a harder ride.

• I wonder if 205 isn't strictly an esthetic choice. Offhand I can't recall the tire widths on the original NA and NB. But I do believe that the 12 cylinder Ferraris in the 60's came with 205 width tires. On a Miata I would say you are gaining a macho look, improved cornering, and better dry traction but at the cost of ride comfort, higher rolling resistance, lower fuel economy, etc.

But as I said, I'm no expert...