Tire Size 175/65r14 vs 185/60r14

The main difference between tire sizes 175/65R14 and 185/60R14 is their section width. The 185/60R14 is 10mm (0.39 inches) wider, making for a 5.7% increase over the 175/65R14’s width. This wider tread impacts various performance factors.

 

Fitment Guide

The overall diameters differ by just 0.9%. This minor variance ensures proper fit as a replacement tire without requiring modifications.

Both sizes should fit the same wheels correctly and provide adequate clearance without rubbing issues.

Gas Mileage

The narrower 175/65R14 offers marginally better fuel efficiency over the 185/60R14. Its more minor contact patch produces less rolling resistance.

Owners can expect a minor but measurable improvement in gas mileage, making the 175/65R14 a smart choice for daily commuting.

Ground Clearance

With a diameter only 0.22 inches larger, the 175/65R14 provides virtually the exact ground clearance as the 185/60R14.

Neither gain nor lose a significant advantage in this area. Both clear similar obstacles and terrain without major differences in scraping risk.

Ride Comfort

The slightly shorter sidewall of the 185/60R14 transmits more road impacts into the cabin. By comparison, the 175/65R14’s extra sidewall cushioning absorbs more vibration for a more comfortable ride over uneven pavement. However, the difference is subtle.

Speedometer Reading

At an actual speed of 20 mph, the 175/65R14 reads 20.00 mph on the speedometer, compared to 19.81 mph for the 185/60R14. This minor 0.19 mph variance has a negligible impact on driving.

Aesthetics Look

Visually, the 185/60R14’s wider tread fills out the wheel well more. Some find this broad-shouldered stance more attractive.

However, the narrower 175/65R14 better preserves a vehicle’s original proportions. Ultimately, aesthetics are a matter of personal taste.

Handling & Stability

The 175/65R14’s taller sidewall flexes more, slightly reducing handling precision. By comparison, the 185/60R14 reacts more directly to steering inputs. However, both offer responsive, stable handling for everyday driving scenarios.

Noise & Vibration

Due to its shorter sidewall, the 185/60R14 transmits more road noise and vibration to occupants.

The extra cushioning of the 175/65R14’s sidewall minimizes harshness for a quieter, smoother ride. However, most drivers would find both acceptably comfortable.

Durability & Wear

With all else equal, the wider 185/60R14’s added tread width distributes wear over more rubber, potentially extending tread life.

However, the variance would be modest at best. Neither size significantly outlasts the other.

Adverse Conditions

Performance in rain, snow and off-road conditions is very similar. The narrower 175/65R14 bites through to the road surface well in slippery conditions.

Meanwhile, the 185/60R14’s wider tread provides a tad more traction in deep snow or mud. Ultimately, both sizes are competent in adverse weather.

Can I Use 185/65r14 Instead of 175/65r14?

Yes, you can use 185/65R14 tires instead of 175/65R14 tires. The diameter difference between these two tire sizes is only 0.9%, which is well under the 3% recommendation for mismatching tire diameters on the same axle.

With less than 1% variance in overall diameter, there should be negligible impact on speedometer/odometer accuracy.

What Does 185/65R14 Mean?

The tire size 185/65R14 can be converted to inches as 23.5×7.3R14. The tire size 185/60R14 provides detailed specifications in a standardized format.

The first number, 185, indicates the tire’s width in millimeters when properly mounted and inflated. The second number, 60, represents the aspect ratio.

The “R” stands for radial construction, where the reinforcing cords under the tread area run perpendicular to the direction of travel for more flexible sidewalls. Finally, the number 14 indicates the wheel diameter in inches that the tire is designed to fit.

What Does 175/65R14 Mean?

The tire size 175/65R14 is equivalent to 23×6.9R14 in inches. The tire size 175/65r14 is presented in a standardized numbering format that conveys key specifications. Let’s break it down.

This tire size indicates that the tire is 175 millimeters wide, with an aspect ratio of 65%, which means the tire’s height is 65% of its width. The “R” indicates that the tire is constructed radially, and it is designed to fit a 14-inch wheel.

How Much Wider Is A 185/60r14 Tire Than A 175/65r14?

The 185/60r14 tire size is about 0.39 inches or 10 mm wider than the 175/65r14 tire size. The 185 width equates to 7.28 inches or 185 mm, while the 175 width is 6.89 inches or 175 mm.

The 185 tire is 0.39 inches or 10 mm wider across its tread surface from sidewall to sidewall. The minor width increase can accommodate most wheel positions at this size range.

How Much Taller Is A 185/60r14 Tire Than A 175/65r14?

The 175/65r14 tire is 0.22 inches or 5.5 mm taller in overall diameter compared to a 185/60r14 tire. The 175/65 size has an overall height of 22.96 inches or 583.1 mm, while the 185/60 size measures 22.74 inches or 577.6 mm tall.

This slight 0.9% difference in tire height should not cause any issues with speedometer accuracy, gearing, or ground clearance.

185/60r14 vs 175/65r14

To help you quickly understand the differences, refer to this comparison table.

Our Observation
Based on the minor performance differences, neither the 175/65R14 nor 185/60R14 is an absolutely better tire choice overall. The 175/65R14 maximizes fuel economy and ride quality, making it the optimal fit for daily commuting.

Meanwhile, the tougher aesthetic and traction of the 185/60R14 suit recreational off-roaders or winter weather.

For most drivers prioritizing responsiveness and efficiency, we recommend the 175/65R14 as the best-balanced choice covering all bases. However, specific needs may favor one size over the other in some situations.