Tire Size 235/70r16 vs 265/70r16
One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is choosing the right size. The size of your tires affects not only the appearance of your vehicle but also its performance and safety on the road. We’ll take a closer look at two popular tire sizes: 235 70r16 and 265 70r16.
235/70r16 vs 265/70r16 Table
By referring to this table, you can easily discern the dissimilarities between tire size 235 70r16 and tire size 265 70r16.
| Feature | 235/70r16 | 265/70r16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 28.95″ | 30.61″ | 1.65 (5.7%) |
| Width | 9.25″ | 10.43″ | 1.18 (12.8%) |
| Circum. | 90.96″ | 96.15″ | 5.19 (5.7%) |
| Sidewall Height | 6.48″ | 7.3″ | 0.83 (12.8%) |
| Revolutions | 696.59 | 658.95 | 37.63 (5.4%) |
Alternative Tire Size of 235/70r16
When replacing tires, ensure that the overall diameter of the new tires is within 3% of the original tires’ diameter.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 205/75R16 | 28.1″ (714 mm) | -3% |
| 195/80R16 | 28.3″ (718 mm) | -2.4% |
| 225/70R16 | 28.4″ (722 mm) | -1.9% |
| 265/60R16 | 28.5″ (724 mm) | -1.6% |
| 215/75R16 | 28.7″ (728 mm) | -1.1% |
| 205/80R16 | 28.9″ (734 mm) | -0.3% |
| 275/60R16 | 29.0″ (736 mm) | 0% |
| 255/65R16 | 29.1″ (738 mm) | 0.3% |
| 225/75R16 | 29.3″ (744 mm) | 1.1% |
| 285/60R16 | 29.4″ (748 mm) | 1.6% |
| 215/80R16 | 29.5″ (750 mm) | 1.9% |
| 265/65R16 | 29.5″ (750 mm) | 1.9% |
| 245/70R16 | 29.5″ (750 mm) | 1.9% |
| 247/70R16 | 29.6″ (752 mm) | 2.2% |
| 315/55R16 | 29.6″ (752 mm) | 2.2% |
| 235/75R16 | 29.8″ (758 mm) | 3% |
Alternative Tire Size of 265 70r16
The table shows various tire sizes with their corresponding overall diameter and the difference in percentage compared to the average overall diameter of all the tires listed in the table.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 235/75R16 | 29.8″ (758 mm) | -2.6% |
| 255/70R16 | 30.1″ (764 mm) | -1.8% |
| 275/65R16 | 30.1″ (764 mm) | -1.8% |
| 215/85R16 | 30.4″ (772 mm) | -0.8% |
| 245/75R16 | 30.5″ (774 mm) | -0.5% |
| 285/65R16 | 30.6″ (776 mm) | -0.3% |
| 235/80R16 | 30.8″ (782 mm) | 0.5% |
| 345/55R16 | 30.9″ (786 mm) | 1% |
| 225/85R16 | 31″ (788 mm) | 1.3% |
| 295/65R16 | 31.1″ (790 mm) | 1.5% |
| 275/70R16 | 31.2″ (792 mm) | 1.8% |
Overall Diameter
The overall diameter of a tire is the distance from the ground to the top of the tire when it’s mounted on a wheel and inflated. The 265 70r16 tire has a larger overall diameter than the 235 70r16, measuring at 30.61 inches compared to 28.95 inches.
This means the 265 70r16 tire is taller, giving your vehicle a higher stance and a more aggressive look. However, the larger diameter also means that the 265 70r16 tire will cover more ground per revolution, which could decrease fuel economy.
Tread Width
The tread width of a tire is the width of the contact patch, which is the portion of the tire that comes into contact with the road. The 265 70r16 tire has a wider tread width than the 235 70r16, measuring at 10.43 inches compared to 9.25 inches.
A wider tread width means the tire will have more surface area in contact with the road, providing better traction and handling. However, it’s important to note that a wider tread width can also lead to a higher risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions.
Rim Diameter
The rim diameter is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is mounted on. The 235 70r16 and 265 70r16 tires have the same rim diameter of 16 inches, meaning they can be mounted on the same wheels.
Sidewall Height
The sidewall height is the distance from the rim to the outer edge of the tire. The 235 70r16 tire has a taller sidewall height than the 265 70r16, measuring at 7.3 inches compared to 6.48 inches.
A taller sidewall height provides more cushion and flexibility, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride. On the other hand, a shorter sidewall height can improve handling and responsiveness. Still, it may also result in a rougher ride.
Circumference
The circumference of a tire is the distance around the tire’s outer edge. The 265 70r16 tire has a larger circumference than the 235 70r16, measuring at 96.15 inches compared to 90.96 inches. This means the 265 70r16 tire will travel a longer distance in one revolution, which could slightly increase the speedometer error.
Revolutions
The number of revolutions a tire makes per mile is an important factor in determining its overall performance. The 265 70r16 tire makes fewer revolutions per mile than the 235 70r16, with 659 revolutions compared to 697 revolutions. This means that the 265 70r16 tire will wear more slowly and may provide better fuel economy.
Our Observation
After analyzing the differences between the two tire sizes, we conclude that the 265 70r16 tire is better suited for off-road driving and heavy-duty vehicles. In contrast, the 235 70r16 tire is better for highway driving and lighter vehicles.
The larger size of the 265 70r16 tire provides more ground clearance and better off-road performance, but it can also result in a decrease in fuel economy and speedometer error. On the other hand, the 235 70r16 tire is more fuel-efficient and provides a smoother ride, but it may not be as suitable for off-road driving.
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.
