Tire question...

[besturgeon]

I just bought a 2004 Boxster and the tires that where installed are:
- Front - 205/50 ZR 17 93W M S (Continental)
- Rear - 255/40 ZR 17 94W M S (Continental)

Is it normal to have different sidewall heights?
Thanks

[thstone]

Yes, that is normal. Those are the stock tire sizes.

It is common for many owners to install a 225/45 on the front to reduce the stagger between the front and rear tires to reduce understeer.

[Racer Boy]

Yep, those are the stock sizes. Many sports cars have different sized tires front and rear.

[PaulE]

And in nominal terms 50% of the 205 mm section width is a 102.5 mm sidewall and 40% of 255 mm is a 102.0 mm sidewall. 45% of 225 mm is 101.25 mm. I say nominal because every tire manufacturer's sizes are a little different and the width of the rim the tire is mounted on also affects section width.

[JayG]

Many that track or AX their cars go with the wider (225) front tire. For DD/street, the 205's are fine