In a message dated 9/24/03 6:45:59 AM, cc1@EMAIL.CZ writes:

<< "In my experience, the taller the tire, the better it performs in snow and

over the inevitable pot hole

ridden roads of spring.  So, I never use tires with an aspect ratio in their

stated size."

Huh?

A tire with an aspect ratio specified in its stated size can be taller,

shorter, or (roughly) the same as a tire without the aspect ratio listed.

For example, a 205/75/14 tire is slightly taller than a 185R14, while a

195/75/14 is  very slightly shorter.  I believe the 185R14 is actually an 82

aspect ratio.  It's just an older and different way of stating dimensions.

 >>

Carrie,

And a 600/33/14 also has a greater diameter than a 185R14.  If I were to say
"proportionately taller", will the light go on for you?  I don't know how old
or different the 185R14 designation is, but it IS, as you pointed out, the
means of identifying a tire with the highest aspect ratio: i.e., the "tallest"
tire in any particular width.  Here we are talking about the tires deemed
acceptable by VW for mounting on Vanagons, so please spare me any factoids regarding
Piper Cubs, John Deere's or Pinzgauer's.

George