^I suppose you are right, because the 'original' size is simply becoming obsolete. If these tires last long(80k warranty?), and the car is still working well, I'll consider trying to find the "OE" size again.
Thanks for the vote of confidence in the Michelin tires, as replacements are needed and it's a great deal on them.
My only concern, aside from being able to run higher PSI(peace of mind withstanding anyway, heh), was the steering. This car has no power steering and I just had the outer/inner tie-roads replaced(new boots as well). The steering was great right after the swap, but as things 'settled in' it's gotten quite stiff at times(basically feeling as it did before replacing the tie rods...perhaps my steering rack is just not what it used to be new lol). The smaller original would probably handle better, that was my reasoning. If better MPG/fuel efficiency gains could be had, that was a plus for me. I don't necessarily want to run all out PSI, I just wanted more headroom in the other tire(running between 45-48 PSI on those tires)...instead the Michelin's should do fine around 44 PSI.
If we had more snow here in GA, I'd try harder for the Sumitomo tires for this reason, as last year it was murder attempting to drive around on these lame Goodyear Viva2 tires with worn outer tie rods...then again the snows here are really damp and heavy, thus the freezing/icing over aspects post 'snow' storms.
