>
> These observations are for vans running the stock size tires (14").  Once
> you get into larger size rims, the sidewall and load ratings of car tires
> tend to increase and the differences in performance are reduced.

thanks for clarifying this jeff, as I really think the discussion is kind of
mood if we do not make a differrence between stock 14" and 15" or 16"
wheels.
Your observations are also congruent with what most VW shops in Germany do,
which is actually to code there (and believe me,  there are a lot of rules
about what may or may not be mounted on your vehicle in my Heimatland):
truck tires in 14" and passenger tires in 16".
so maybe in the future we could always reference the rim size if we express
an opinion pro/contra passenger tires.

flo