I'm sure it depends on the application. I know in autocross wider is almost always better. More rubber on the road will give more rubber surface to the road and more stick right?

But in AWD - particularly in off-roading and rally racing, it's interesting to see that most tires are 14" to 15" and range from 145 to 215 widths. Most are in the 185 to 205 width range. I guess the dynamics are different for dirt.

http://www.falkentire.com/rally_ad.htm

http://www.michelinsport.com/sport/f...ue=604&lang=EN

http://www.taborrallyteam.com/silverstone/s525.html

I guess that explains why my 93 impreza came with 175/70-14 or something like that.

 

1. gather wood
2. build fire
3. jump in it
4. die