What is the difference between R19 and R20 tires?
3 Answers
The differences between tires 245/45R19 and 245/35R20 are: different aspect ratios, different tire thicknesses, and different inner diameters. 1. Different aspect ratios: 245/45R19: The aspect ratio is 45%; 245/35R20: The aspect ratio is 35%. 2. Different tire thicknesses: 245/45R19: The tire thickness is 110.25 cm; 245/35R20: The tire thickness is 85.75 cm. 3. Different inner diameters: 245/45R19: The inner diameter is 19 inches; 245/35R20: The inner diameter is 20 inches. Example explanation of the numbers and letters in a tire model: 225/60R17 99H. 1. 225: Represents the section width, simply understood as the width of the tire tread. 2. 60: Represents the aspect ratio, simply understood as the height of the tire sidewall. 3. R: Represents the tire type code, where R stands for radial tire. 4. 17: Represents the rim diameter, indicating the tire is suitable for 17-inch rims. 5. 99: Represents the tire's load index, indicating the maximum weight the tire can bear. 99 means it can bear a weight of 775 kg. 6. H: Represents the tire's speed rating, indicating the maximum speed the tire can handle. H means it can handle speeds up to 210 km/h.
As someone who frequently commutes by car, I've noticed a clear difference between R19 and R20 tires in terms of rim size. R20 means the rim diameter is 20 inches, while R19 is 19 inches. The larger 20-inch tires look visually cooler and more eye-catching, making the car appear more premium and sporty, turning heads on the street. However, the trade-off is that these tires have a lower aspect ratio, offering less overall cushioning, resulting in a bumpier ride over speed bumps or rough roads—it feels noticeably stiffer. Switching to these tires might also increase fuel consumption due to higher friction. That said, steering and handling do become more responsive, with quicker reactions when taking turns. For young, fashion-conscious car owners, R20 tires are worth considering, but they need to weigh comfort against cost. I recommend checking the original tire size for your car model first and not blindly upgrading, as you might struggle to adapt to road conditions. Maintenance also requires extra attention—larger tires are more prone to curb damage, so you’ll need to be more cautious while driving. Overall, these tires are best suited for car enthusiasts who treat their vehicles like prized possessions and don’t mind sacrificing some comfort for style.
After years of driving, I've found that the key differences between R19 and R20 tires lie in the driving experience. R20 tires are larger with a bigger wheel diameter, offering advantages like more precise steering, stronger stability during high-speed cornering, and significantly improved grip—especially better anti-skid performance in rain or snow. The downsides are generally lower aspect ratios, overly direct road feedback that can cause fatigue on long drives, and slightly shorter tire lifespan with faster wear, leading to more frequent replacements and higher costs. On the other hand, R19 tires are an inch smaller, providing better comfort with softer shock absorption and less bumpiness, making them much friendlier for people with back pain. Fuel consumption differences are minor, with R19 being slightly more economical but the improvement is limited. The choice depends on your driving habits—for example, since I often drive in congested urban areas, I prefer the affordability and comfort of R19. When modifying, pay attention to vehicle compatibility, as mismatched sizes can trigger warnings or affect braking performance. Overall, R20 tires are designed for performance enthusiasts, while R19 is sufficient for regular commuting.
