The 205/70/14 is slightly smaller diameter. That means if you rely on
the speedo and odometer the same as before you will be traveling a
little slower than before without knowing it, thus getting better
mileage, plus the odometer will record a few more miles per tank over
the same actual distance. Combined these 2 effects could add up to maybe
a seeming 1/2 mpg "better" but really not.

If you have stock alloys I would strongly consider the 205 if the Load
Index was sufficient. Uh oh, tire thread danger.

Mark

PB wrote:
> I'm about to buy Hancook tires for my van.  From this forum, I figured that
> I would need Hancook RA08, 185R14, but my VW mechanic (Bela) told me he has
> 205 70 14 on his Westy, which is the same as Westy.  He said that the 205
> would give better handling and better mileage.
>
> What do you think?
> Patti
> 90 Westy Automatic
> Los Angeles
>