245 vs 305 Tires
The main difference between a 245 tire and a 305 tire is the tread width, with the 305 having a width 60mm (2.36 inches) wider than the 245. This equates to the 305 tire being about 24.5% wider than the 245.
245 vs 305 Table
Let’s delve into the key differences by exploring the benefits of both 245 and 305 tire sizes.
| Tire Size 245 | Tire Size 305 |
|---|---|
| More responsive handling | Slightly improved high speed stability |
| Better fuel efficiency | Marginally more traction in mud or snow |
| Smoother ride on pavement | Increased ground clearance |
| Quieter at highway speeds | More aggressive, beefy appearance |
| Potentially longer tread life | Slightly better vibration dampening |
| Easier to cut through snow/ice | More capable light off-road performance |
| Lower speedometer reading | Higher speedometer reading |
| Less rolling resistance | Increased durability over rough terrain |
| More aerodynamic | Larger air volume for shock absorption |
Ground Clearance
The wider 305 tire provides more ground clearance than the 245, which can be beneficial for off-roading over rough terrain. However, the increased clearance may result in a lower speedometer reading.
The 245, with its reduced clearance, could lead to scraping the undercarriage on obstacles but gives a higher speedometer reading. Overall, the difference in ground clearance is minor between the two.
Gas Mileage
The 245, with its slightly smaller contact patch and lower rotational mass, offers somewhat better fuel efficiency than the 305. The larger 305 requires more energy to roll and has higher rolling resistance leading to reduced gas mileage. However, the difference is fairly small and would only be noticeable over long distances.
Ride Comfort
The 305 provides a more comfortable ride over uneven terrain due to its larger air volume and sidewall height, which absorbs impacts better.
But the 245 gives a smoother ride on paved roads. Overall, the differences in ride comfort are minor between the two tire sizes.
Aesthetics Look
The wider 305 has a more aggressive, rugged visual appeal than the narrower 245. However, the 245’s smaller size can provide slightly improved vehicle aerodynamics.
For most drivers, the difference in aesthetics between the tires is a matter of personal taste.
Handling & Stability
The 245 offers quicker steering response and enhanced handling on pavement relative to the wider 305.
But, the 305 provides better stability and traction in off-road conditions due to its larger footprint. Overall, the difference in handling and stability is small between the two tires.
Noise & Vibration
The 245 transmits more road vibration but generates slightly less noise on smooth roads. The larger 305 creates more noise from the tread growl but dampens vibrations better. However, the difference in noise and vibration levels between the two tire sizes is minor.
Durability & Wear
The 245 exhibits more even treadwear and has the potential for longer life. The heavier 305 experiences more stress, which can lead to quicker wear. However, the difference in durability and tread life is not very significant between the two sizes.
Adverse Conditions
The narrower 245 can cut through to the pavement better in snow and ice, while the wider 305 provides more traction in mud.
However, the differences in performance between the two tires in adverse conditions are relatively small.
Speedometer
Due to its larger diameter, the 305 will register a lower speedometer reading than the 245 at any given speed.
However, with today’s digital speedometers, this difference is automatically calibrated and would be barely noticeable to most drivers.
How Much Wider Is A 305 Tire Than A 245?
The 305 tire is significantly wider than a 245 tire, boasting an additional width of about 2.36 inches (or 60 millimeters).
This considerable difference in size not only impacts the vehicle’s aesthetics, offering a more robust appearance, but also affects performance in terms of handling, stability, and fuel efficiency.
How Wide Is A 305 Tire?
The 305 tire measures approximately 12.01 inches (305 mm) in width. This size indicates the tire’s tread width in millimeters, showcasing its broader stance compared to narrower options, thereby enhancing its grip and presence on the road.
How Wide Is A 245 Tire?
The 245 tire is approximately 9.65 inches (245 millimeters) wide. This width measurement, the tire’s first numerical designation, indicates the tire’s cross-sectional width in millimeters, reflecting its size and compatibility with various vehicles.
Our Observation
After reviewing the differences between the 245 and 305 tire sizes, I’m struck by how the wider 305 doesn’t seem to provide significant real-world advantages over the 245 for most drivers.
While the 305 offers minor improvements in some areas like stability, ground clearance, and traction, I feel these benefits are quite small during everyday on-road driving. Personally, I would prefer the 245’s slight edge in handling, ride comfort, wear life, and fuel efficiency over the 305’s modest gains.
Unless you frequently drive off-road, the wider 305 is not worth the trade-offs for daily use. For my needs, the 245 is the better choice, providing an outstanding balance of performance, efficiency, and value from my perspective.
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.