Tire Size 255/70r16 vs 245/75r16
The tire sizes 255/70R16 and 245/75R16 are very similar, but there are some key differences. The 255/70R16 tire is 0.41 inches (10.5 mm) narrower than the 245/75R16 tire but has a slightly taller sidewall.
This means that the 255/70R16 tire will have a slightly smaller diameter, but it will also have a larger contact patch with the ground. This can lead to improved handling and traction, but it can also lead to slightly lower fuel economy.
245/75r16 vs 255/70r16 Table
If you’re seeking clarity on the disparities between 255/70R16 and 245/75R16 tire sizes, consult this useful comparison table.
| Feature | 245/75r16 | 255/70r16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches | 30.47 (773.9) | 30.06 (763.4) | -0.41 (-10.5) |
| Width inches | 9.65 (245) | 10.04 (255) | 0.39 (10) |
| Circum. inches | 95.72 (2431.28) | 94.42 (2398.29) | -1.3 (-32.99) |
| Sidewall Height | 7.23 (183.75) | 7.03 (178.5) | -0.21 (-5.25) |
| Revolutions | 661.93 (411.31) | 671.04 (416.96) | 9.1 (5.66) |
Overall Diameter
The diameter of a tire refers to the distance across its center. For our comparison, the 245/75r16 has a diameter of 30.47 inches (773.9mm), while the 255/70r16 tire measures 30.06 inches (763.4mm). Thus, the 245/75r16 tire is larger by 0.41 inches (10.5mm), about 1.4% more than the 255/70-16.
A larger diameter tire will generally provide a smoother ride as it covers more ground per revolution, reducing the impact of road irregularities. However, it may reduce vehicle acceleration due to the increased rotational inertia.
The smaller diameter of the 255/70r16 tire may offer slightly better acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, but may compromise on ride comfort, particularly on rough surfaces.
Section Width
Tire width, or section width, is the distance across the widest part of a tire. The 245/75r16 tire has a width of 9.65 inches (245mm), while the 255/70r16 tire is wider at 10.04 inches (255mm) – a difference of 0.39 inches (10mm), or 4.1% more.
A wider tire like the 255/70r16 provides a larger contact patch with the road surface, which can lead to better traction and stability, particularly in cornering and wet conditions. Conversely, a narrower tire like the 245/75r16 may provide better fuel efficiency due to less rolling resistance and can perform better in snow because it can cut through the snow to reach the road surface.
Circumference
The 245/75r16 tire has a circumference of 95.72 inches (2431.28mm), while the 255/70r16 tire has a slightly smaller circumference at 94.42 inches (2398.29mm). This difference is approximately -1.3 inches (-32.99mm) or -1.4%.
The smaller circumference of the 255/70r16 tire means it will rotate more times over a given distance, potentially resulting in slightly increased tire wear. Conversely, the larger circumference of the 245/75r16 tire will cover more ground per rotation, potentially enhancing fuel efficiency but potentially decreasing acceleration.
Sidewall Height
The 245/75r16 tire has a sidewall height of 7.23 inches (183.75mm), slightly taller than the 255/70r16’s sidewall at 7.03 inches (178.5mm), a difference of -0.21 inches (-5.25mm) or -2.9%.
A taller sidewall like the 245/75r16 tire offers more flex, which can absorb more shock from road imperfections and potholes, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride.
However, this can compromise on handling precision and cornering stability. A shorter sidewall, such as the one on the 255/70r16 tire, may offer better steering response and cornering stability, but may deliver a harsher ride on rough roads.
Revolutions Per Mile
Revolutions per mile is the number of times a tire will revolve in one mile. The 245/75r16 tire revolves 661.93 times in a mile, while the 255/70r16 tire has slightly more revolutions at 671.04 per mile, a difference of 9.1 revolutions per mile or 1.4% more.
More revolutions per mile for the 255/70r16 tire could mean slightly higher wear rates and lower fuel efficiency due to increased friction. In contrast, the 245/75r16 tire with fewer revolutions per mile may provide better fuel economy and longer tire life.
Alternative Tire Size of 255/70r16
The overall diameter of the replacement tires must be no more than 3% different from that of the original tires.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 225/75R16 | 29.3″ (744 mm) | -2.6% |
| 285/60R16 | 29.4″ (748 mm) | -2.1% |
| 265/65R16 | 29.5″ (750 mm) | -1.8% |
| 245/70R16 | 29.5″ (750 mm) | -1.8% |
| 215/80R16 | 29.5″ (750 mm) | -1.8% |
| 247/70R16 | 29.6″ (752 mm) | -1.6% |
| 315/55R16 | 29.6″ (752 mm) | -1.6% |
| 235/75R16 | 29.8″ (758 mm) | -0.8% |
| 275/65R16 | 30.1″ (764 mm) | 0% |
| 215/85R16 | 30.4″ (772 mm) | 1% |
| 245/75R16 | 30.5″ (774 mm) | 1.3% |
| 285/65R16 | 30.6″ (776 mm) | 1.6% |
| 265/70R16 | 30.6″ (778 mm) | 1.8% |
| 235/80R16 | 30.8″ (782 mm) | 2.4% |
| 345/55R16 | 30.9″ (786 mm) | 2.9% |
Alternative Tire Size of 245/75r16
The overall diameter of the replacement tires should not deviate more than 3% from that of the original tires.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 315/55R16 | 29.6″ (752 mm) | -2.8% |
| 247/70R16 | 29.6″ (752 mm) | -2.8% |
| 235/75R16 | 29.8″ (758 mm) | -2.1% |
| 255/70R16 | 30.1″ (764 mm) | -1.3% |
| 275/65R16 | 30.1″ (764 mm) | -1.3% |
| 215/85R16 | 30.4″ (772 mm) | -0.3% |
| 285/65R16 | 30.6″ (776 mm) | 0.3% |
| 265/70R16 | 30.6″ (778 mm) | 0.5% |
| 235/80R16 | 30.8″ (782 mm) | 1% |
| 345/55R16 | 30.9″ (786 mm) | 1.6% |
| 225/85R16 | 31″ (788 mm) | 1.8% |
| 295/65R16 | 31.1″ (790 mm) | 2.1% |
| 275/70R16 | 31.2″ (792 mm) | 2.3% |
Our Observation
When comparing the 255/70r16 and the 245/75r16 tire sizes, it’s clear that each tire size has its advantages. The 255/70r16 offers better handling due to its wider section width and fewer sidewall height, while the 245/75r16 might offer a more comfortable ride and better fuel efficiency due to its larger diameter and less revolutions per mile.
The choice between these two tire sizes will largely depend on your specific needs, driving conditions, and the type of vehicle. Always remember to consult with a tire expert or your vehicle manufacturer before changing tire sizes, as it can affect vehicle performance and safety.
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.