Using two different size alloys?

[Conor D]

I've stumbled upon a pair of Buddy Club alloys that are for sale, they're quite cheap partially because it's a set of 2x15" and 2x16" alloys.

Would installing these cause any issues with handling etc? I'm assuming that the actual full wheel diameter (tyre and alloy) is the same - but I'm not sure?

Anyone are to shed some light on this?

[MX7]

If the car wasn't designed to use different sized wheels, I wouldn't fit them.

You tried telling your insurance about it yet?!

[Conor D]

MX7 said:

If the car wasn't designed to use different sized wheels, I wouldn't fit them.

The car is a 1.6 MX5 - sitting on OEM 14" at the minute.

[P I Staker]

Conor D said:

The car is a 1.6 MX5 - sitting on OEM 14" at the minute.

Even if the tyres are slightly different diameters it wont matter as long as you have them matching on each axle.

I don't think you should have any problems.

[MX-5 Lazza]

It should really be a problem but to be honest, on a Mk1 15" is the ideal wheel size and 16" is about the maximum you can get away with. Are the wheel widths the same?
Personally I'd give them a miss.

[aka_kerrly]

Especially with a mx5 id have thought slightly larger diameter possible wider width on the back for grip and slightly smaller on the front wouldn't appear too silly if it's only 1 inch difference between the wheels.

If you consider that a standard 185/60/14 wheel has a diameter of 578mm and a 195/45/16 has a diameter of 582mm can you really imagine 4mm making a substantial difference.

If you then measure the difference a 15 inch wheel makes a 195/45/15 is 26mm smaller than the 16.

The problem you will face is that the car will end up with quite a nose down stance or if its not lowered the front will look high. Also by having increased grip at the rear and reduced grip on the front the car may become more prone to understeer.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Don't go thinking that bigger wheels or wider tyres = more grip. The size & shape of the contact patch is far more important. I'm not technical enough to be able to say a lot more about it than that but I'm sure someone more technical will come along and fill in the gaps.
In my case though I just don't think bigger wheel at the rear would look right on an MX5. Also the lower profile/wider tyres at the rear will mean less traction where you need it most, especially in wet conditions.