Tire Size 275/55r20 vs 265/60r20
The main difference between the two tire sizes is the width. The 275/55R20 tire is 0.4 inches (10 mm) wider than the 265/60R20 tire. Let’s explore how these dimensional variations impact real-world performance.
| / | R |
| / | R |
| Parameter | 235/35 R18 | 205/40 R18 | Differ. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Height | |||
| Section Width | |||
| Circumference | |||
| Sidewall Height | |||
| Revolutions | |||
| Rim Size |
Fitment Guide
Replacement tires should be within 3% of the original size’s overall diameter. The 1.9% difference between these two falls under that limit, so fitment is not an issue.
Larger variations may require adaptations like lifting to prevent rubbing or clearance problems.
Ground Clearance
With a diameter of 31.91 inches, the 275/55r20 provides 0.61 inches more ground clearance than the 265/60r20.
This added clearance is useful off-road to avoid scrapes over obstacles. However, the larger 275 diameter causes a slightly lower speedometer reading than the 265.
Gas Mileage
The 265/60r20’s smaller contact patch and less rotational mass improve efficiency and fuel economy versus the larger 275/55r20. Reduced rolling resistance and weight are key in extracting more miles per gallon.
Ride Comfort
While the 265/60r20 may ride smoother on pavement, the 275/55r20’s taller sidewall and diameter better absorb impacts off-road. Larger tires cushion the ride thanks to more air volume and sidewall flex.
Aesthetics
The 275’s taller sidewall provides a “stretched” look some prefer, versus the 265’s shorter sidewall. Larger tires suit trucks aesthetically, but smaller diameters benefit aerodynamics.
Handling & Stability
The 265/60r20’s shorter sidewall enhances handling precision and turn-in response on the pavement. The 275/55r20 exhibits slightly more flex, reducing handling sharpness. Both remain stable at speed.
Noise & Vibration
Expect more road noise and vibration with the 265/60r20 as its stiff sidewall transmits more harshness into the cabin. The 275/55r20 better isolates and dampens vibrations.
Durability & Wear
The 265/60r20 may deliver more even treadwear and longer life before replacement is needed. The larger 275/55r20 endures more impact, but its weight causes more wear on suspension components.
Adverse Conditions
Performance in snow, ice, rain, and off-road is similar. The 275/55r20 provides slightly better traction off-road, while the 265/60r20 handles inclement weather well on pavement.
Speedometer Difference
At an actual vehicle speed of 20 mph, the speedometer reading will differ slightly between 275/55r20 and 265/60r20 tires. The 275/55r20 tires will show an exact speedometer reading of 20 mph.
However, the 265/60r20 tires, having a marginally smaller diameter, will register a speedometer reading of 20.38 mph at the same true speed of 20 mph.
This 0.38 mph difference highlights the minor variation in speedometer precision between these two tire sizes.
What Size Tire Is A 265/60r20?
The tire size 265/60R20 indicates the following:
- 265: This number represents the tire’s width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
- 60: This number is the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the tire’s height to its width. In this case, the height is 60% of the tire’s width.
- R: This letter stands for “radial,” the most common type of tire construction.
- 20: This number indicates the wheel diameter (in inches) the tire intends to fit.
So, a tire with the size 265/60R20 has a width of 265 millimeters, a height that is 60% of the width and is designed to fit a 20-inch wheel. Tire Size 265/60R20 is equivalent to 32.5×10.4R20 in inches.
265/60r20 vs 275/55r20
Use this comparison table to gain a better understanding of the variances between tire sizes 275/65R18 and 265/70R18.
Will 265/60r20 Fit 275/55r20?
Yes, the 265/60r20 tire is compatible with the 275/55r20, as the diameter difference is only 1.9%, which falls within the recommended threshold of 3%.
Ensure that the load capacity of the 265/60r20 meets or exceeds that of the original tire for optimal performance and safety.
What Size Tire Is A 275/55r20?
The 275/55R20 tire has a width of 275 millimeters, an aspect ratio of 55 (indicating the sidewall height is 55% of the width), and is designed for a 20-inch rim.
This tire size is commonly used in various vehicles, providing a balance of width and sidewall height for performance and aesthetics. The tire size of 275/55R20 is equivalent to 31.9×10.8R20 when measured in inches
How Much Taller Is A 265/60r20 Tire Than 275/55r20?
The 265/60R20 tire is 0.61 inches (15.5 mm) taller than the 275/55R20 tire. This represents a 1.9% difference in diameter.
The 265/60R20 tire has a height of 32.52 inches (826 mm), while the 275/55R20 tire has a height of 31.91 inches (810.5 mm), based on the diameter measurements.
How Much Wider Is A 275/55r20 Tire Than A 265/60r20?
For instance, the 275/55R20 tire is 0.39 inches or 10mm wider than the 265/60R20 tire. This means that the 275/55R20 tire is 3.6% wider.
By measuring the width in inches and millimeters, we can see that the 275/55R20 tire is 10.83 inches or 275mm wide, while the narrower 265/60R20 tire is 10.43 inches or 265mm wide.
What Size Rim For 275/55r20?
To ensure optimal performance for the 235/75r15 tire size, it is important to use a rim with a diameter of 20 inches. For the 275/55R20 tire size, rims with a width ranging from 7.5 inches to 9.5 inches are suitable.
If you have a truck with this tire size, the recommended stock rim width is 8 inches, which will provide a perfect fit for the tire.
What Size Rim For 265/60R20?
The 265/60r20 tire is designed to fit a 20-inch rim. As for the 265/60r20 tire size, rims that are 7.5 to 9.5 inches in width are appropriate. Therefore, the recommended rim size for a 265/60r20 tire is 20 inches in diameter.
Our Observation
The differences in the 275/55R20 and 265/60R20 tires are fairly minor overall. The 275 offers more ground clearance and a smoother off-road ride, while the 265 provides slightly sharper handling and better fuel economy.
I don’t think these subtle differences matter much for most drivers doing a mix of city and highway driving. Personally, I’d recommend the 275/55R20 for its well-rounded capabilities on and off the pavement.
The extra cushioning and bold styling are excellent bonuses in my opinion. While the 265/60R20 is a capable tire, the 275 seems ideally suited for an active lifestyle with occasional off-road needs. Ultimately, you can go right with both – they are more similar than different.
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.
