I recently picked up a 87 240 GL for my 16 year old. The stock alloys are 14x5.5. The local Volvo specialist convinced me to put on a dedicated snow vs the nokian wrg2 and is selling me steel wheels. I assumed they were the stock size but they're 15x6. Since I don't care about appearance, does it make more sense, from a handling/braking perspective, to put 185/70 snows on the alloys and use the steels for a 195/60 or 205/(60,55 whatever) performance tire? My gut feeling is better tire trumps lighter wheel. I haven't purchased any tires yet.

Thank you,

Neal

By themselves, the wheels are of no importance -- the only thing that matters is the tire that you put on them. I, too, use a dedicated set of 4 snow tires for winter.
Dedicated snow tires (real snows, with the "snowflake/mountain" symbol) are the best -- mere M+S (without the snowflake symbol) aren't as good; and all-season tires are a big disappointment when the going gets rough.

However, tire size also plays a significant role, however. For snow, you want the narrowest tire size (the exact opposite of "summer" performance tires which emphasize greater width). Tall also helps, but it's width that is far the most important size aspect.

Whereas your car originally had 185/70-14 tires, you would want to stay close to that width for now.

As for the 15x6 steel wheels, be sure they're Volvo-sized wheels, 5x108mm bolt circle. For that size, they may have come from a 700 or 900 car, so the offset is a little different (25mm instead of the 240's 20mm offset -- which is OK). And yes, save them for "plus one" upgrade in size for summer tires.

All things being equal, which they never are, you'll probably get better handling and braking from the 15" wheels with a slightly wider rim. But since your reason for getting a dedicated set of snow tires is for better "performance" (traction, braking) in winter conditons, I'd use the steelies in winter. If they use a lot of salt on the roads in your area, your alloy wheels will suffer from it unless you hose 'em off frequently in winter. I had to work to keep the Coronas unstained back in snowy CT (where winter road maintenance is brought to you by Morton Salt...).

I also wouldn't go any wider than a 195 profile for a snow tire on a 240. 195/60-15 is almost the exact overall diameter of the stock 185/70-14, so there won't be any speedo/odo correction to deal with.
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In God We Trust. Everyone else, keep your hands where I can see them.

The steelies will handle better; save 'em for summer tires. The alloys will be fine for winter wheels. In fact, the alloys would make better winter wheels anyway since aluminum won't rust, and thinner wheels bite in more on snow.
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'93 244: 'A' cam 4 deg. advanced, 25/22 sways, custom heim endlinks, fully converted to poly bushings, HD springs front, wagon springs rear.

Plus a smaller diameter tire/wheel (14" vs. 15") gives you more torque in snow conditions. This is especially noticeable if you're driving a stick shift, but still helpful in a lower gear of Auto.

One thing good about using Alloys in the summer however, is that they tend to keep the brakes cooler... especially the 240 virgo series, and in heavy braking situations.

My preference would be steelies in the winter, but 14" with narrow Nokian Hakka Q's (discontinued unfortunately) or similar winter tires - then if I hit a curb/hard surface covered in snow, the steelies are more likely to handle it & cost less to replace. Plus, this combo absorbs the rough winter roads up here in Toronto much better.

I'd then go with alloys in the summer, but 15" with wider performance tires. This combo will make you stick to the road, and can also handle rain well (if the tires include this option). This combo is much less forgiving for bumps however, but in the summer you can generally see them and avoid them. Although, that seems to be getting more difficult here in Toronto as well (the roads are TERRIBLE!).

cton.

Thanks. That's what I was thinking. I just needed a sanity check.