Toyo vs Kumho, which is bigger at 275 size?

[Dave B]

I'm sure some of you folks know the answer. On a 9.5 " wide wheel, which is bigger , the Kumho Victoracer or Toyo RA-1 in 275/40-17 sizes? Ever seen them side by side?

[Jeff F]

Well, I can tell you that when I had a stack of 4 Victoracers next to a stack of 4 RA-1's (all 275/40/17 on 9" wheels), the stack of RA-1's was taller. This would of course be sidewall-to-sidewall, not necessarily tread width.

 

I imagne the same would hold true on a 9.5" wheel

[Keith]

You can compare the dimensions by going here:

 

http://www.toyo.com/tires/tire_specsheet.cfm?id=1

 

and here:

 

http://www.kumhousa.com/Products/PtnDetails.asp?mainCatID=1&PtnID=V700

[Dave B]

Thanks Keith, Those measurements would imply that the Kumho has 5 mm more tread than a comparable Toyo (0.2"). I am not sure if that is why they are considered faster as I can tell you that at the rear, at least , I am not using all the tread width of the Kumho anyway on 9.5"rims. I do seem to have good use of the fronts with neg 2.5 camber.

[Keith]

I personally believe that Kuhmos are faster due to a softer tire compound. I can't imagine 5mm making that much of a difference all by itself.