Tire Size 325/50r22 vs 35×12.50r22
The main difference between the 325/50r22 and 35×12.50r22 tire sizes lies in their overall diameter and width dimensions. The 325/50r22 tire is larger in diameter and width than the 35×12.50r22.
325/50r22 vs 35×12.50r22
| 33/12.5R22 | 325/50R22 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Height 33.02″ | Tire Height 34.8″ | 1.78 Inch |
| Tread Width 12.52 | Tread Width 12.8″ | 0.28 Inch |
| Circum. inch 103.73 | Circum. inch 109.31 | 5.59 Inch |
| Sidewall Height 5.51″ | Sidewall Height 6.4″ | 0.89 Inch |
| Revolutions per mile 610 | Revolutions per mile 579 | -31.21 Mile |
| Speedometer Reading 20 mph | Speedometer Reading 21.08 mph | 1.08 mph |
| Radial Tire | Radial Tire | No Difference |
| Rim Size 20 inch | Rim Size 20 inch | No Difference |
Fitment Guide
The 35×12.50r22 tire has a 5.4% larger diameter and 2.2% wider tread than the 325/50r22. This exceeds the 3% size difference limit for direct replacement without modifications.
Larger tires, like 35″, may require a lift kit or leveling kit to prevent rubbing or fitment issues.
Ground Clearance
With a diameter of 1.78 inches larger, the 35×12.50r22 tire provides more ground clearance than the 325/50r22. The extra clearance is beneficial for off-roading by helping clear rocks, ruts, and other obstacles. However, the larger diameter causes the speedometer to read 5.1% lower.
Gas Mileage
The wider and heavier 35×12.50r22 tire has more rolling resistance, resulting in slightly worse fuel economy than the 325/50r22. The rotational inertia of the larger tire also requires more energy to get rolling from a stop.
Ride Comfort
The 35×12.50r22 taller sidewall and greater air volume absorb bumps and impact better than the lower-profile 325/50r22. The flexible sidewall cushions the ride, especially on rough or uneven terrain. This comes at a handling trade-off.
Aesthetics
Visually, the 35×12.50r22 looks more rugged and aggressive owing to the larger diameter and squared-off tread profile. The 325/50r22 has a lower-profile appearance that some prefer aesthetically on trucks and SUVs.
Handling & Stability
The 325/50r22 offers slightly better responsiveness and handling due to the shorter, stiffer sidewall. But the difference is minor, as both provide responsive and stable handling on-road. Off-road, the 35×12.50r22 added traction and clearance offer better stability.
Noise & Vibration
The 325/50r22 transmits more road noise and vibration into the cabin due to its stiffer sidewall. The extra cushioning of the 35×12.50r22 helps isolate and dampen noise and vibration for a more comfortable ride.
Durability & Wear
The bigger size of the 35×12.50r22 puts more stress on suspension components like ball joints and may cause increased wear over time. The smaller 325/50r22 likely has an even wear pattern and slightly longer tread life.
Adverse Conditions
Both handle rain and snow well. The 35×12.50r22 has a traction advantage in mud, sand, and rocks from the more aggressive tread and sizing. The 325/50r22 maneuvers better on plowed roads.
Speedometer Reading
At the same actual speed, the 325/50r22 reads 5.1% higher than the 35×12.50r22. For example, at an actual speed of 20 mph, the 325/50r22 indicates 21 mph on the speedometer. This must be considered to avoid speeding tickets.
What Does 325 50r22 Tire Mean?
The numbers and letters in a tire size refer to the tire’s width, height, and diameter. The first number, 325, refers to the tire’s width in millimeters.
The second number, 50, refers to the tire’s height as a percentage of the width. The third number, 22, refers to the diameter of the wheel in inches. It offers excellent grip and handling on dry or wet roads.
What Does 35×12 50r22 Tire Mean?
The numbers and letters in a tire size refer to the width, height, and diameter of the tire. The first number, 35, refers to the tire’s diameter in inches. The second number, 12.50, refers to the tire’s section width.
The third number, 22, refers to the tire’s section height. It offers excellent grip and handling on dry or wet roads. Now that you know what the numbers in a tire size mean, let’s compare the two most popular sizes, 325 50r22 and 35×12 50r22.
325/50r22 Equivalent
The 325/50R22 tire has a width of 12.8 inches and a sidewall height of 6.4 inches. When mounted on a 22-inch wheel, its overall diameter is 34.8 inches. The closest metric tire size is 35×12.50R22, which is 0.57% taller and 2.34% narrower than the 325/50R22.
Our Observation
Based on the comparisons above, the 325/50r22 is better suited for vehicles requiring enhanced off-road clearance and traction, such as pickup trucks or SUVs. Its larger diameter and taller sidewall improve ground clearance and absorb bumps better.
However, the 35×12.50r22 is likely the better choice for sports cars or daily drivers, providing responsive handling, efficiency, and even treadwear thanks to its shorter sidewall and smaller size.
We recommend the more well-rounded 35×12.50r22 tire for responsive on-road manners and improved fuel economy for most drivers. But the 325/50r22 is ideal for dedicated off-road use.
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.
