285 70r17 vs 35×12 50r17 Tire Size
When you’re shopping for new tires, one of the most important considerations is your vehicle’s recommended tire size. This number will indicate which tire sizes are best suited to your car or truck and its individual characteristics.
Picking the right size can help you achieve better gas mileage, shorter braking distances, and improved handling on the road. To learn more about what these numbers mean and which size is best for your vehicle, keep reading.
285 70r17 vs 35×12 50r17 Table
285 70r17 | 35x12 50r17 |
Overall Diameter 32.71 inches | Overall Diameter 35.03 inches |
Width 11.22 inches | Width 12.52 inche |
Sidewall Height 7.85 inches | Sidewall Height 9.01 inches |
Radial Tire (A Radial-Ply Tire) | Radial Tire (A Radial-Ply Tire) |
Rim Size 18 inches | Rim Size 18 inches |
Circumference 102.76 inches | Circumference 110.04 inches |
Revs Per Mile 616 | Revs Per Mile 575 |
What Does 35×12 50r17 Tire Mean?
The first number, “35” in the 35×12 50r17 tire size, refers to the tire’s height or tire diameter in inches. The second number, “12.50,” refers to the tire width in inches. The “r” in 35×12 50r17 stands for radial, which is the most common type of tire. Finally, the “17” refers to the wheel diameter in inches.
Most people choose the 35×12 50r17 tire size for its wider width, which offers better traction and stability. The wider width also helps the tires grip the road better in wet or snowy conditions. However, the wider width can make the tires more challenging to handle on winding roads.
Tire Diameter
The 285 70r17 tire size has a slightly smaller diameter than the 35×12 50r17 tires. The smaller diameter can make the car feel more agile and responsive on the road. The wider diameter of the 35×12 50r17 tires can give the car a more stable and planted feel on the road.
The tire diameter of 285 70r17 tire size is 32.71 inches, and the 35×12 50r17 tire size is 35 inches. The difference between those two tire sizes is 2.32 inches or 7.1%.
Section Width
The section width of a tire is the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall. The section width of 285 70r17 tires is 11.22 inches, and the section width of 35×12 50r17 tires is 12.52 inches. The difference between those two tire sizes is 11.6%.
The wider section width of 35×12 50r17 tires offers several benefits. The wider width provides better traction and stability on the road. The wider width also helps the tires grip the road better in wet or snowy conditions. However, the wider width can make the tires more difficult to handle on winding roads.
Circumference
The circumference of a tire is the distance around the outside of the tire. The circumference of 285 70r17 tires is 102.76 inches, and the circumference of 35×12 50r17 tires is 110.04 inches. The difference between those two tire sizes is 7.1%.
The larger circumference of 35×12 50r17 tires can make the car feel more stable and planted on the road. The larger circumference can also help the car grip the road better in wet or snowy conditions. However, the larger circumference can make the tires more challenging to handle on winding roads.
Revolutions Per Mile
The number of revolutions per mile (RPM) is the number of times the tire spins around in one mile. The RPM of 285 70r17 tires is 616, and the RPM of 35×12 50r17 tires is 570. The difference between those two tire sizes is 6.6%.
The higher RPM of 285 70r17 tires can make the car feel more agile and responsive on the road. The lower RPM of 35×12 50r17 tires can make the car feel more stable and planted on the road.
Sidewall Height
The sidewall height of a tire is the distance from the edge of the wheel to the top of the tread. The sidewall height of 285 70r17 tires is 7.85 inches, and the sidewall height of 35×12 50r17 tires is 9.01 inches. The difference between those two tire sizes is 14.8%.
The taller sidewall height of 35×12 50r17 tires can make the car feel more stable and planted on the road. The taller sidewall height can also help the car grip the road better in wet or snowy conditions. However, the taller sidewall height can make the tires more difficult to handle on winding roads.
Wheel Size
Rim size is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is mounted on. The wheel size of 285 70r17 tires is 17 inches, and the wheel size of 35×12 50r17 tires is also 17 inches. The difference between those two tire sizes is 0%.
The same wheel size for both tire sizes means that there is no difference in the handling of the car. Both tire sizes will have the exact road grip and handle similarly in wet or snowy conditions.
Construction Type
The construction type of a tire is the way the layers of the tire are put together. The construction type of 285 70r17 tires is radial, and the construction type of 35×12 50r17 tires is also radial. The difference between those two tire sizes is 0%.
Radial tires are the most common type of tire. They are characterized by having the layers of the tire run perpendicular to the direction of travel. Radial tires offer a smooth ride and good handling. They are also the most durable type of tire.
Our Observation
The main difference between 285 70r17 and 35×12 50r17 tire sizes is in the section width. The 35×12 50r17 tire size is 1.3 inches or 11.6% wider than the 285 70r17 tire size. This difference in width affects the other dimensions of the tire as well. The 35×12 50r17 tires have a larger circumference, taller sidewall height, and lower RPM. These differences can affect the way the car handles on the road.
The 35×12 50r17 tires offer a more stable and planted feel on the road. They can also help the car grip the road better in wet or snowy conditions. However, the taller sidewall height and lower RPM can make the tires more difficult to handle on winding roads.
The 285 70r17 tires offer a more agile and responsive feel on the road. The higher RPM can make the car feel more responsive to input from the driver. However, the narrower width of the tire can make the car feel less stable on the road.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a tire that is better suited for off-road driving, the 35×12 50r17 tires would be a better choice. If you are looking for a tire that is better suited for on-road driving, the 285 70r17 tires would be a better choice.
Whichever tire size you choose, consult a professional to ensure that the tires will be compatible with your car. Please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or would like to share your experience with either of these tire sizes. Thanks for reading!
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