Tire Size 305/70r17 vs 285/70r17
Tire size is a critical factor in choosing the right tires for your vehicle. It impacts the overall performance of your vehicle, from handling and braking to fuel efficiency and ride comfort. Two popular tire sizes in the market today are the 305/70r17 and 285/70r17. We will compare and contrast these two tire sizes to help you make an informed decision.
305/70r17 vs 285/70r17 Table
This comparison table will help you to understand the differences between the 285/70r17 and 305/70r17 tire size.
| Feature | 285/70r17 | 305/70r17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 32.71″ | 33.81″ | 1.1″ |
| Width | 11.22″ | 12.01″ | 0.79″ |
| Circum. | 102.76″ | 106.22″ | 3.46″ |
| Sidewall Height | 7.85″ | 8.41″ | 0.55″ |
| Revolutions | 616.6 | 596.5 | 20.1 |
Alternative Tire Size For 305/70r17
Take a look at the table below, which shows the overall diameter and the difference in diameter for some of the most commonly used alternative tire sizes.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 255/80R17 | 33.1″ (840 mm) | -2.3% |
| 295/70R17 | 33.3″ (846 mm) | -1.6% |
| 285/75R17 | 33.9″ (860 mm) | 0% |
| 275/80R17 | 34.3″ (872 mm) | 1.4% |
| 295/75R17 | 34.4″ (874 mm) | 1.6% |
| 315/70R17 | 34.4″ (874 mm) | 1.6% |
Alternative Tire Size For 285/70r17
The following table for the overall diameter and diameter differences of some of the most frequently used alternative tire sizes.
| 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% |
Overall Diameter
The overall diameter of a tire refers to the distance across the tire from one end to another. The 305/70r17 tire size has an overall diameter of 33.81 inches, while the 285/70r17 has an overall diameter of 32.71 inches.
This means that the 305/70r17 is taller, giving your vehicle a higher ground clearance. On the other hand, the 285/70r17 is slightly shorter, providing a lower center of gravity for better handling and stability.
Tread Width
The tread width is the width of the tire’s contact patch with the road. The 305/70r17 tire size has a wider tread width of 12.01 inches, while the 285/70r17 has a tread width of 11.22 inches.
This means that the 305/70r17 provides more surface area for better grip and traction, especially in off-road conditions. However, the 285/70r17 offers better handling and cornering performance due to its narrower tread width.
Rim Diameter
The rim diameter refers to the size of the wheel on which the tire is mounted. The 305/70r17 and 285/70r17 tire sizes both have a rim diameter of 17 inches. This means that you can use the same wheels for both tire sizes.
Sidewall Height
The sidewall height is the distance between the rim and the outer edge of the tire. The 305/70r17 tire size has a higher sidewall height of 8.41 inches, while the 285/70r17 has a sidewall height of 7.85 inches. This means that the 305/70r17 tire size provides more cushioning and protection for your vehicle’s rims and suspension, especially in rough terrains.
Circumference
The circumference is the distance around the tire’s outer edge. The 305/70r17 tire size has a circumference of 106.22 inches, while the 285/70r17 has a circumference of 102.76 inches. This means that the 305/70r17 tire size covers more ground with each revolution, resulting in fewer revolutions per mile than the 285/70r17.
Revolutions
The number of revolutions a tire makes per mile can impact its fuel efficiency, speedometer accuracy, and overall performance. The 305/70r17 tire size makes 596.5 revolutions per mile, while the 285/70r17 makes 616.6 revolutions per mile. This means that the 305/70r17 tire size covers more distance with each revolution, resulting in better fuel efficiency and lower speedometer readings.
Our Observation
The 305/70r17 tire size is ideal for off-road enthusiasts who need more ground clearance and better traction. It provides better cushioning and protection for your vehicle’s rims and suspension, especially in rough terrains. However, it may have a slightly negative impact on your vehicle’s handling and cornering performance due to its wider tread width and higher center of gravity.
The 285/70r17 tire size, on the other hand, offers better handling and cornering performance due to its narrower tread width and lower center of gravity. It also makes more revolutions per mile, resulting in better speedometer accuracy and overall performance. However, it may not provide as much traction and ground clearance as the 305/70r17, making it less suitable for off-road driving.
Ultimately, the best tire size for your vehicle depends on your driving style, location, weather conditions, and personal preferences. If you prioritize off-road driving and need more ground clearance and traction, the 305/70r17 may be the better choice. If you prioritize handling and cornering performance and do more on-road driving, the 285/70r17 may be the better choice.
Related Article
