Tire Size 175/65r14 vs 185/60r14

Looking to choose between tire size 175/65r14 and 185/60r14? Read this comparison article to learn about the differences in overall diameter, tread width, rim diameter, sidewall height, circumference, revolutions, and more to help you make an informed decision.

175/65r14 vs 185/60r14 Table

Here is the table for the comparison of 185/60r14 and 175/65r14 tire sizes.

Specification	185/60r14	175/65r14	Difference
Diameter	22.74″	22.96″	0.22 inches
Width	7.28″	6.89″	0.39 inches
Circum.	71.44″	72.12″	0.68 inches
Sidewall Height	4.37″	4.48″	0.11 inches
Revolutions	886.89	878.53	8.37

Overall Diameter
The first thing to note is the overall diameter. The 185 60r14 has a slightly larger diameter than the 175 65r14. This means that the 185 60r14 will have a slightly larger contact patch with the ground.

This can provide better traction, especially in wet or icy conditions. In short, the overall diameter of the 185 60r14 tire size is 22.74 inches, and the overall diameter of the 175 65r14 tire size is 22.96 inches.

Section Width
The section width is the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall. The 185 60r14 has a wider section width than the 175 65r14. This means that the 185 60r14 will have a larger contact patch with the ground.

This can provide better traction, especially in wet or icy conditions. In short, the section width of the 185 60r14 tire size is 185 mm, and the section width of the 175 65r14 tire size is 175 mm.

Circumference
The circumference is the distance around the outside of the tire. The 185 60r14 has a smaller circumference than the 175 65r14. This means that the 185 60r14 will rotate faster than the 175 65r14.

This can provide better acceleration, but it also means that the 185 60r14 will wear out faster than the 175 65r14. In short, the circumference of the 185 60r14 tire size is 1814 mm, and the circumference of the 175 65r14 tire size is 1831 mm.

Revolutions Per Mile
The revolutions per mile are the number of times the tire will rotate in one mile. The 185 60r14 has higher revolutions per mile than the 175 65r14. This means that the 185 60r14 will rotate faster than the 175 65r14.

This can provide better acceleration, but it also means that the 185 60r14 will wear out faster than the 175 65r14. In short, the revolutions per mile of the 185 60r14 tire size is 886, and the revolutions per mile of the 175 65r14 tire size are 878.

Sidewall Height
The sidewall height is the distance from the edge of the rim to the top of the tread. The 185 60r14 has a taller sidewall height than the 175 65r14. This means the 185 60r14 will have a softer ride than the 175 65r14.

In short, the sidewall height of the 185 60r14 tire size is 111 mm, and the sidewall height of the 175 65r14 tire size is 113.75 mm. The difference between them is 2.75 mm or 2.5%.

Wheel Size
Rim size is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is mounted on. The 185 60r14 can be mounted on a 14-inch diameter wheel, while the 175 65r14 can also be mounted on a 14-inch diameter wheel.

However, the 185 60r14 will have a smaller contact patch with the ground than the 175 65r14. In short, the wheel size of the 185 60r14 tire size is 14 inches, and the wheel size of the 175 65r14 tire size is also 14 inches.

Construction Type
Construction Type is the way in which the tire’s carcass is put together. The 185 60r14 has radial construction, while the 175 65r14 has radial construction. Radial tires provide good handling, a smooth ride, and long tread life.

Radial tires have steel belts running around the circumference of the tire. The steel belts are reinforced by nylon or polyester cords that run perpendicular to the steel belts.

How much taller is a 175/65r14 tire than a 185/60r14?

Based on the provided data, the height of a 175/65R14 tire is 22.74 inches (577.6 mm), while the height of a 185/60R14 tire is 22.96 inches (583.1 mm).

To calculate the difference in height between the two tires, we subtract the height of the 175/65R14 tire from the height of the 185/60R14 tire:
22.96 inches – 22.74 inches = 0.22 inches

Therefore, the 185/60R14 tire is approximately 0.22 inches (or 5.5 mm) taller than the 175/65R14 tire.

How much wider is a 175/65r14 tire than a 185/60r14?

Based on the provided data, the width of a 175/65R14 tire is 7.28 inches (185 mm), while the width of a 185/60R14 tire is 6.89 inches (175 mm).

To calculate the difference in width between the two tires, we subtract the width of the 185/60R14 tire from the width of the 175/65R14 tire: 7.28 inches – 6.89 inches = 0.39 inches.

Therefore, the 175/65R14 tire is approximately 0.39 inches (or 10 mm) wider than the 185/60R14 tire.

Can I use 175/65r14 instead of 185/60r14?

Typically, it is recommended to avoid using tires that differ significantly in diameter compared to the original tires. The overall diameter of a 175/65R14 tire is 22.74 inches (577.6 mm), while the overall diameter of a 185/60R14 tire is 22.96 inches (583.1 mm).

When we calculate the difference between these two tire sizes, it comes out to approximately 0.22 inches (or 5.5 mm), around 1% of the overall diameter.

Since this difference is within the recommended 3% range, using a 175/65R14 tire instead of a 185/60R14 is generally acceptable. It is always recommended to consult with a tire or vehicle professional to ensure compatibility and safety before making any tire size changes.

Can I put a 175/65R14 on a 185/60R14?

Based on the provided data, both the 175/65R14 and 185/60R14 tires can be mounted on a 14-inch rim. These tire sizes’ suggested rim width range is 14″ x 5.0-6.0″ and 14″ x 5.0-6.5″ respectively.

Since the rim width range of 5.0-6.5 inches is common to both tire sizes, it indicates that a 175/65R14 tire can be mounted on a rim that originally had a 185/60R14 tire and vice versa. Therefore, you can put a 175/65R14 tire on a rim designed for a 185/60R14 tire without any compatibility issues.

Alternative Tire Size for 175/65R14
This table presents a concise comparison of various tire sizes, highlighting their overall diameter and percentage difference in relation to the largest size listed.

Tire Size	Overall Diameter	Difference
165/65R14	22.4″ (570 mm)	-2.4%
195/55R14	22.4″ (570 mm)	-2.4%
135/80R14	22.5″ (572 mm)	-2.1%
155/70R14	22.6″ (574 mm)	-1.7%
185/60R14	22.8″ (578 mm)	-1%
225/50R14	22.9″ (582 mm)	-0.3%
205/55R14	22.9″ (582 mm)	-0.3%
145/80R14	23.1″ (588 mm)	0.7%
165/70R14	23.1″ (588 mm)	0.7%
195/60R14	23.2″ (590 mm)	1%
185/65R14	23.5″ (596 mm)	2.1%
135/90R14	23.6″ (600 mm)	2.7%

Alternative Tire Size for 185/60r14
The following table compares different tire sizes based on their overall diameter, indicating the percentage difference compared to the largest size listed for easy reference.

Tire Size	Overall Diameter	Difference
205/50R14	22.1″ (562 mm)	-2.8%
175/60R14	22.3″ (566 mm)	-2.1%
155/60R15	22.3″ (567 mm)	-1.9%
195/55R14	22.4″ (570 mm)	-1.4%
165/65R14	22.4″ (570 mm)	-1.4%
135/80R14	22.5″ (572 mm)	-1%
155/70R14	22.6″ (574 mm)	-0.7%
225/50R14	22.9″ (582 mm)	0.7%
205/55R14	22.9″ (582 mm)	0.7%
175/65R14	23″ (584 mm)	1%
165/70R14	23.1″ (588 mm)	1.7%
145/80R14	23.1″ (588 mm)	1.7%
195/60R14	23.2″ (590 mm)	2.1%

Our Observation
Our observation suggests both 175/65r14 and 185/60r14 tire sizes have their unique attributes. If you are looking for better ground clearance and smoother rides, 175/65r14 with a slightly taller sidewall and diameter may serve better, absorbing bumps and enhancing grip on slippery roads.

However, compared to this, 185/60r14 tires with wider treads provide superior road traction, particularly during acceleration, braking, and cornering but may slightly compromise fuel efficiency and ride comfort. The 185/60r14 tire, with a smaller rim and sidewall, also lends a more sporty and aggressive aesthetic to the vehicle.