Tire Size 285/70r17 vs 255/80r17
The right tire size can improve your vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and braking distance, while the wrong size can negatively impact all these factors. We will compare two popular tire sizes, the 285/70r17 and the 255/80r17, based on factual information from tirecalculator.com, to help readers make an informed decision.
285/70r17 vs 255/80r17 Table
To summarize the comparison between the 285/70r17 and the 255/80r17 tire sizes, a table can provide a quick and easy reference.
| Tire Size | 255/80r17 | 285/70r17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 33.06″ | 32.71″ | 0.35 inches |
| Width | 10.04″ | 11.22″ | 1.18 inches |
| Circum. | 103.87″ | 102.76″ | 1.11 inches |
| Sidewall Height | 8.03″ | 7.85″ | 0.18 inches |
| Revolutions | 609.99 | 616.6 | 6.61 |
Alternative Tire Size For 285/70r17
It’s important to choose tires that are within 3% of the overall diameter of the original tires.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 235/80R17 | 31.8″ (808 mm) | -2.9% |
| 345/55R17 | 32″ (812 mm) | -2.4% |
| 255/75R17 | 32″ (814 mm) | -2.2% |
| 275/70R17 | 32.2″ (818 mm) | -1.7% |
| 305/65R17 | 32.6″ (828 mm) | -0.5% |
| 235/85R17 | 32.8″ (832 mm) | 0% |
| 255/80R17 | 33.1″ (840 mm) | 1% |
| 295/70R17 | 33.3″ (846 mm) | 1.7% |
Alternative Tire Size For 255/80r17
When replacing tires on a vehicle, it’s important to ensure that the overall diameter of the new tires is within 3% of the diameter of the original tires.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 275/70R17 | 32.2″ (818 mm) | -2.6% |
| 305/65R17 | 32.6″ (828 mm) | -1.4% |
| 235/85R17 | 32.8″ (832 mm) | -1% |
| 285/70R17 | 32.8″ (832 mm) | -1% |
| 295/70R17 | 33.3″ (846 mm) | 0.7% |
| 285/75R17 | 33.9″ (860 mm) | 2.4% |
| 305/70R17 | 33.9″ (860 mm) | 2.4% |
Overall Diameter
The overall diameter of a tire is the distance across the tire’s widest point when it is inflated and mounted on a rim. The 285/70r17 has an overall diameter of 32.71 inches, while the 255/80r17 has an overall diameter of 33.06 inches. This means that the 255/80r17 is 0.35 inches larger than the 285/70r17 in overall diameter, which translates to a 1.06% difference.
Aspect Ratio
A tire’s aspect ratio is the ratio of the tire’s height to its width. The 285/70r17 has an aspect ratio of 70, meaning that the tire’s height is 70% of its width. On the other hand, the 255/80r17 has an aspect ratio of 80, meaning its height is 80% of its width. This means the 255/80r17 has a taller sidewall than the 285/70r17, which can provide better off-road performance and comfort.
Tread Width
The tread width of a tire is the distance between the inner and outer edges of the tire’s tread. The 285/70r17 has a tread width of 9.25 inches, while the 255/80r17 has a tread width of 8.15 inches. This means that the 285/70r17 has a wider tread compared to the 255/80r17, which can provide better on-road performance and handling.
Rim Diameter
The rim diameter of a tire is the diameter of the rim it is designed to fit. Both the 285/70r17 and the 255/80r17 are designed to fit on a 17-inch rim diameter.
Sidewall Height
The sidewall height of a tire is the distance between the wheel rim and the outside of the tread. The 285/70r17 has a sidewall height of 6.5 inches, while the 255/80r17 has a sidewall height of 8.12 inches. This means the 255/80r17 has a taller sidewall than the 285/70r17, which can provide better off-road performance and comfort.
Circumference
The circumference of a tire is the distance around the tire. The 285/70r17 has a circumference of 102.77 inches, while the 255/80r17 has a circumference of 103.88 inches. This means that the 255/80r17 has a larger circumference than the 285/70r17, which can slightly reduce fuel efficiency.
Revolutions
The number of revolutions a tire makes per mile is an important factor to consider when choosing a tire size. The 285/70r17 has 645 revolutions per mile, while the 255/80r17 has 636 revolutions per mile. This means that the 255/80r17 will have slightly fewer revolutions per mile compared to the 285/70r17.
Our Observation
The 255/80r17 has a taller sidewall and larger overall diameter, which can provide better off-road performance and comfort, but it has a narrower tread and larger circumference, which can slightly reduce fuel efficiency. On the other hand, the 285/70r17 has a wider tread, smaller overall diameter, and smaller circumference, which can provide better on-road performance and handling.
You can make an informed decision by understanding the different factors that go into choosing a tire size, such as overall diameter, aspect ratio, tread width, rim diameter, sidewall height, circumference, and revolutions. Comparing the 285/70r17 and 255/80r17 tire sizes should help you determine which size suits your driving needs and preferences.
