Tire Size 215/75r15 vs 215/70r15
The main difference between tire sizes 215/75r15 and 215/70r15 lies in their sidewall height. The 215/75r15 tire has a greater sidewall height (6.35 inches or 161.25mm) and diameter (27.7 inches or 703.5mm) compared to the 215/70r15 tire, which has a sidewall height of 5.93 inches (150.5mm) and diameter of 26.85 inches (682mm). This results in the 215/75r15 tire having fewer revolutions per mile compared to the 215/70r15.
215/75r15 vs 215/70r15 Table
| Feature | 215/75r15 | 215/70r15 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches | 27.7″ | 26.85″ | 0.85″ |
| Width inches | 8.46″ | 8.46″ | 0 (0) 0% |
| Circumference | 87.01″ | 84.35″ | 2.66″ |
| Sidewall Height | 6.35″ | 5.93″ | 0.42″ |
| Revolution | 728.17 | 751.13 | 22.96% |
| Rim Size | 15″ | 15″ | Same |
| Rim Width Range | 5.5-7.0″ | 5.5-7.0″ | Same |
Overall Diameter
The diameter of a tire refers to the distance from one side of the tire to the other, passing through the center. The 215/75R15 tire has a diameter of 27.7 inches (703.5mm), which is 3.1% larger than the 26.85 inches (682mm) diameter of the 215/70R15 tire.
A larger diameter results in increased ground clearance, benefiting drivers traversing off-road conditions or rough terrain. However, it’s crucial to note that the increased diameter would make your speedometer read slower than your actual speed.
Conversely, the smaller diameter of the 215/70R15 tire reduces ground clearance, potentially causing the vehicle to scrape or become damaged on obstacles or rough roads. This smaller diameter would cause your speedometer to read faster than your actual speed.
Section Width
Both tires share an identical section width of 8.46 inches (215mm), with no difference. A wider tread width usually enhances traction, owing to the larger contact patch. This is particularly beneficial during acceleration, braking, and cornering. However, this can also produce more road noise.
Circumference
The 215/75R15 tire, having a larger diameter, naturally has a larger circumference of 87.01 inches (2210.11mm). This is 3.1% larger than the 84.35 inches (2142.57mm) circumference of the 215/70R15 tire. An increased circumference leads to lower speedometer readings, and vice versa for decreased circumference.
Sidewall Height
The 215/75R15 tire has a sidewall height of 6.35 inches (161.25mm), which is 6.7% taller than the 5.93 inches (150.5mm) of the 215/70R15. A taller sidewall absorbs more bumps and road irregularities, offering a smoother ride.
It also increases traction on snowy or icy roads. However, smaller sidewalls like the ones on the 215/70R15 provide a sportier and more aggressive appearance but might result in a harsher ride.
Revolutions Per Mile
The 215/70R15 tire makes approximately 751.13 revolutions per mile (466.73 per km), which is 3.2% higher than the 728.17 revolutions per mile (452.47 per km) made by the 215/75R15 tire. A higher RPM indicates more wear due to increased friction with the road surface, potentially shortening the tire’s lifespan.
Rim Size
Both tires fit on a 15″ rim, offering flexibility in terms of the vehicle’s aesthetics. Larger rims generally exude a more aggressive, sporty look, while smaller rims can give a vehicle a more classic or conservative appearance. For both tires, the rim width range is 5.5-7.0″, allowing the same set of rims to be used interchangeably.
Construction Type
Both tires have a construction type of “R”, indicating that they are radially constructed. This construction type is widely used due to its advantages, such as better fuel efficiency, longer tread life, and improved handling compared to bias-ply tires.
How much taller is a 215/75r15 tire than a 215/70r15?
Comparing the heights of the two tires, the 215/75r15 tire stands at 27.7 inches (703.5 mm), while the 215/70r15 tire is slightly shorter at 26.85 inches (682 mm). This indicates that the 215/75r15 tire is approximately 0.85 inches (or 21.5 mm) taller than the 215/70r15 tire.
How much wider is a 215/75r15 tire than a 215/70r15?
In terms of width, both the 215/75r15 and 215/70r15 tires measure 8.46 inches (215 mm). Hence, there is no width difference between these two tire types; they are equal in width.
Can I use 215/75r15 instead of 215/70r15?
The general rule of thumb when it comes to tire replacement is to avoid a diameter difference greater than 3% from the original tire size. Here, the overall diameter of the 215/75r15 tire is 27.7 inches, while that of the 215/70r15 tire is 26.85 inches.
The difference between these two diameters is 0.85 inches, translating to a 3.1% difference, which is slightly over the recommended limit. Therefore, although close, it may not be advisable to use a 215/75r15 tire instead of a 215/70r15 without professional advice.
Can I put a 215/75r15 on a 215/70r15?
The 215/75r15 and 215/70r15 tires have a suggested rim width range of 5.5-7.0 inches. This implies that both tire sizes can be fitted onto the same rim size.
So, theoretically, you could replace a 215/70r15 tire with a 215/75r15 on the same rim. However, always check with a professional before making such changes to ensure safety and performance.
Our Observation
Both the 215/75R15 and 215/70R15 tire sizes have their unique advantages and trade-offs. The former offers better ground clearance, a smoother ride, and potentially a longer lifespan due to lower RPM. However, this comes at the expense of a slower speedometer reading and potentially more difficulty in handling.
On the other hand, the latter tire size provides a sportier look and higher speedometer reading but might compromise ride comfort and tire longevity due to higher RPM and smaller sidewall height.
When choosing between the two, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, driving conditions, and preferences. Always remember that it is generally recommended to choose a tire size within a 3% difference from the factory recommended tires to ensure safety and optimal vehicle performance.
Meet Caitlin McCormack, a Tire Size Expert and Blogger Passionate About Everything Related to Tires. With Years of Experience in the Tire Industry, Caitlin Has Become an Expert in Tire Sizes and Their Impact on Vehicle Performance.
