Kind of a dumb question, I know.

The 245/50 16 Michelin Pilots Sports came in today and I put them on to match the 225s that I moved to the front. I thought I'd try a little VTEC on the way to work and, wow, I honestly think there is a noticeable difference in acceleration (butt-o-meter). The 245s are huge (although about the same footprint size as the S02 225s) and look great.

Is it my imagination, or do tires really make the car "faster?" My S02s in the back, although worn, wouldn't necessarily spin or lose traction on acceleration, but maybe they WERE and I just didn't notice it until now??

 

Probably in you head, but it is possible that the Michelin Pilots are lighter than the SO-2.

 

If they truly are 245/50 I would guess acceleration is hindered as they are larger in diameter than the 245/45 which is the same diameter as the stock 225.