Because the key to autox is getting your car to rotate at low speeds. And they are generally pretty decent drivers. Neither of these factors combine to make undersized rears a good idea for a road setup and an average driver.

 

I would still love the OP to explain why he wants 205's on the rear. I just wanna know.

 

Discount Tire wouldn't recommend that fitment just as Tire Rack wouldn't. I'm curious.

 

Is this for a winter tire application? People in St louis run 205's all around in winter. No problems that I am aware of.

 

that would make sense if they are winter tires.

 

yup. winter tires.
the guy at the counter knew the rear took 245s.
i told him i was looking for something in the lower price range since the car will be traded in soon.
i was extremely skeptical that a 205 would fit on the rear rim. i even told him that the rim was 7" wide. he kept telling me it's not a problem.

so i'm getting the tires. if it doesn't fit, i'll make them put on the next size up that will fit. it's his f*&^ up, not mine.

thanks for the reply everyone.

 

AP1 rear rim is 7.5" wide, max rim width recommended for most 205/55-16's. I woulda gone 225/50...