As mentioned in another thread I've just replaced my '98 outback with an '09 and I wanted to make sure my existing snow tires will work.

 

the snow tires from the '98 are "205 70R 15"

the tires on the '09 are "225 60R 16"

 

if I use the math from wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plus_sizing

 

or the tool located here

http://www.cargister.com/calculator-tire

 

I get a difference in circumfrence of about 1 inch, and a difference at the Speedo of about 1.25% with the snows being smaller and slower.

 

That does not seem like enough to worry about and in the past if run much bigger differences on some of the old POS cars I've had. But this car isn't a POS so I wanted to make sure these will be OK.

 

Thanks

You need to check to see if the 15" wheels will fit around the brakes on the '09.

 

They may not fit.

Rats.. never thought of that.. very glad I asked.