Do you want to purchase a new set of tires and want to know which set of tires will suit your vehicle the best? Do you want to choose between the 205 55r16 and 215 55r16 tires? If your answer is yes then believe me, you are at the right place.
This article “205 55R16 Vs 215 55R16 Tire Size” is a unique article that will not only provide an elaborate discussion of the differences but also deal with the key advantages that make these two tires outstanding.
So, if you really want to know all about these two tires and learn all the amazing things that make these tires great, then read till the end without skipping anything.
205/55r16 Vs 215/55r16 Tire Size: detailed table of Comparison
This numerical table is designed in such a way that it will show all the number-based differences in detail. Here is the table: –
| Main Parameters | 205 55R16 Tire | 215 55R16 Tire | Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidewall Height | 4.44 inches | 4.66 inches | 0.22 inches |
| Section Width | 8.07 inches | 8.46 inches | 0.39 inches |
| Overall Diameter | 24.88 inches | 25.31 inches | 0.43 inches |
| Revs Per Mile | 836/ ml | 822/ ml | 14 / ml |
| Radius | 12.44 inches | 12.66 inches | 0.22 inches |
| Circumference | 78.16 inches | 79.52 inches | 1.36 inches |
| Rim Diameter | 16 inches | 16 inches | None |
| Typical Weight | 20 lbs | 20 lbs | None |
| Tread Depth | 10/32 inches | 9/32 inches | 1/32 inches |
| Tire Type | A-Radial Ply Tire | A-Radial Ply Tire | None |
205 55R16 Vs 215 55R16 Tire Size – Broadly Discuss
Let us now discuss everything in detail that you have already seen in the table given above. Here goes the discussion: –
Sidewall Height
Sidewall height refers to the ratio of the height of a tire’s sidewall to its width. It is commonly represented as the two-digit number following the slash in a tire’s size code (e.g. 205/55).
The 205 55r16 tires have a sidewall height of 4.44 inches. Whereas, the sidewall height of 215 55r16 tires is 4.66 inches. The difference between the two tires for sidewall height is 0.22 inches. Percentage-wise the difference stands at 4.7%.
Section Width
Section width of a tire is the width of the tire measured in millimeters from the widest point of the outer sidewall to the widest point of the inner sidewall when mounted and measured on a specified width rim. This width measurement is the tire section width, and it’s the basis for the tire size.
The section width of the 205 55r16 tires is 8.07 inches. On the contrary, the section width of the 215 55r16 tires is 8.46 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 0.39 inches or 4.7%.
Overall Diameter
The overall diameter of a tire is the distance, measured in inches, from one side of the tire’s tread to the opposite side of the tread, passing through the center of the tire. It’s the total height of the tire, including the sidewall and the tread.
The overall diameter of 205 55r16 tires is 24.88 inches. On the contrary, the overall diameter of 215 55r16 tires is 25.31 inches. The difference between the two tires in this respect is 0.43 inches or 1.7%.
Revs Per Mile
Revs per mile, also known as revolutions per mile (RPM), is a measurement of how many times a tire rotates for every mile it travels. It’s the number of times the tire completes one full rotation while traveling one mile.
The RPM of 205 55r16 tires is 836/ ml. Whereas, the RPM of 215 55r16 tires is 822/ ml. The difference in this regard is 14 / ml. Percentage-wise, the difference stands at 1.7%.
Radius
The radius of a tire is the distance from the center of the tire’s tread to the outer edge of the tire and it is generally measured in inches. The radius of a tire is important because it determines the height of the tire and its relationship with the wheel.
The 205 55r16 tires have a radius of 12.44 inches. On the other hand, the 215 55r16 tires have a radius of 12.66 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 0.22 inches.
Circumference
The circumference of a tire is the distance around the outer edge of the tire. It is usually measured in inches. It’s the total distance that the tire covers in one complete rotation.
The circumference of the 205 55r16 tires is 78.16 inches. On the contrary, the circumference of the 215 55r16 tires is 79.52 inches. The difference between the two is 1.36 inches or 1.7%.
Rim Diameter
The rim diameter of a tire is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is mounted on. It is the distance from one end of the wheel to the other. It’s the size of the hole in the center of the wheel where the tire bead sits.
The rim diameter is an important measurement for determining which tires will fit a specific wheel. Tires are designed to fit on wheels with specific rim diameters. For both tires 205 55r16 and 215 55r16, the rim diameter is 16 inches.
Typical Weight
The weight of a tire is an important factor to consider when thinking about fuel economy and vehicle performance. Tires that are heavier will require more energy to rotate, which can negatively impact fuel economy.
Additionally, heavy tires can also affect the vehicle’s handling and braking, as well as wear out the suspension and steering components faster. Both the tires 205 55r16 and 215 55r16 have the same typical weight of 20 lbs each.
Tire Type
Radial tires are a type of tire that has radial construction, which means that the cord plies, or layers of reinforcing material, run at a 90-degree angle to the tire’s direction of travel.
This construction provides several advantages over other types of tires, such as bias-ply tires. For both the tires 205 55r16 and 215 55r16, the tire construction type is radial which is actually a great thing indeed.
205 55R16 vs 215 55R16 Tire Size: Next Table of Differences
If you think we have missed some important points above, then don’t worry as we have prepared another numerical table just for you. Have a look: –
| Main Parameters | 205 55R16 Tire | 215 55R16 Tire | Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Load | 1279 lbs | 1433 lbs | 154 lbs |
| Rim Width Range | 5.50-7.50 inches | 6-7.50 inches | 0.50 inches |
| Max Speed | 130 mph | 118 mph | 12 mph |
| Max PSI | 51 | 44 | 7 |
| Actual Speed | 62.14 mph | 61.07 mph | 1.07 mph |
| Sidewall Letters | Black | Black/ white | None |
| Aspect Ratio | 55 | 55 | None |
| Speedometer Reading | 100 km/h | 98.29 km/h | 1.71 km/h |
| Speedometer Reading Status | Correct | Slightly different | None |
Let us now provide a detailed discussion what we have seen presented above. The discussion is as follows:
Max Load
The maximum load indicator of a tire is the maximum weight that a tire is designed to carry safely. It is the maximum weight that can be loaded on one tire and is specified by the tire manufacturer.
The max load carrying capacity for the 205 55r16 tires is 1279 lbs. Whereas, the max load carrying capacity for the 215 55r16 tires is 1433 lbs. The difference between the two tires in this respect is 154 lbs.
Rim Width Range
The rim width range of a tire is the range of wheel rim widths that a tire is designed to fit on. It’s the range of widths in inches that the tire manufacturer recommends for the specific tire model.
The 205 55r16 tires have a rim width range of 5.50-7.50 inches. Whereas, the rim width range of 215 55r16 tires is 6-7.50 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 0.50 inches
Max Speed
The maximum speed indicator of a tire, also known as the speed rating, is the maximum speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of time.
The max speed indicator for the 205 55r16 tires is 130 mph. On the contrary, the max speed indicator for the 215 55r16 tires is 118 mph. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 12 mph.
Max PSI
The maximum psi indicator on a tire is a safety feature that ensures that the tire is not over-inflated. Overinflation can cause the tire to wear out prematurely, and it can also lead to poor handling and stability on the road.
In extreme cases, overinflation can cause the tire to blow out while driving. The max psi of 205 55r16 tires is 51. Whereas, the max psi for the 215 55r16 tires is 44. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 7.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio of a tire is a measure of its profile, or how tall the tire is in relation to its width. It is usually represented as a percentage and it is a part of the tire size code.
The aspect ratio is calculated by dividing the height of the tire’s sidewall by the width of the tire’s section. Both the tires 205 55r16 and 215 55r16 have the same aspect ratio and it is 55.
205 55R16 Vs 215 55R16 Tire Size: the Main Advantages
We have only discussed the main numerical differences that these two tires have. But now we are going to throw some light on some of the main advantages that these two tires possess.
Advantages of 205 55R16 In Inches Tire
Some of the main advantages of the 205 55r16 tires are discussed below so that you may know what you are dealing with. Here are the advantages: –
Ride Comfort
Narrower tires have larger sidewalls which make steering response a lot smoother. Large sidewalls offer additional protection from road imperfections. All of these aspects make 205 55r16 tires very comfortable indeed to ride with.
Less Noise
It is the habit of smaller tires to capture less air and they are not as close to the ground as the wider tires. Thus they produce a lesser amount of noise compared to the larger tires. So, it is safe to say that 205 55r16 tires make less noise indeed.
Fuel Economy
Narrower tires usually have less rolling resistance than wider tires. This means that it takes less energy to rotate a smaller tire than a larger one. Since the 205 55r16 tires have less rolling resistance, they would burn less oil to rotate and run.
Better in Wet Condition
Narrower tires are usually less prone to hydroplaning than wider tires. They can also remove water from under the vehicle quite easily as well. For this reason, they perform better on wet surfaces.
205 55r16 tires can provide better performance in dry conditions as they are less likely to hydroplane and provide a better grip on the road. They can also remove water faster from under the wheel as well.
Lower Price
Manufacturers need fewer materials to produce 215 55r16 tires. And they also produce them in large quantities. So, the production cost of 215 55r16 tires is quite less.
Advantages of 215 55R16 In Inches Tire
Some of the main advantages of the 215 55r16 tires are discussed below so that you have a clear picture of what you are dealing with. Here are the advantages: –
Better Handling
This aspect ratio of 215 55r16 tires provides a larger contact patch with the road, which improves handling by increasing the tire’s grip and stability. Additionally, the tire size and design of 215 55r16 tires also typically provide better-handling characteristics than smaller tire sizes.
Better in Dry Surfaces
215 55r16 tires are typically designed to provide optimal performance on dry surfaces such as pavement and concrete as these tires have large contact patches.
Provides Better Weight Distribution
As already mentioned above, the 215 55r16 tires have improved handling and this is possible due to the better weight distribution process. It also enables the vehicle to move comfortably through sharp corners as well.
Improved Stability
215 55r16 tires are designed to provide improved stability at high speeds due to their larger size and aspect ratio. The larger contact patch and aspect ratio of these tires can provide more surface area in contact with the road, which can improve the tire’s grip and stability.
Increased Load-Bearing Capacity
Being wider and larger than the 205 55r16 tires, the 215 55r16 tires have increased load-bearing capacity, which can be beneficial if you frequently carry heavy loads in your vehicle.
205 55R16 Vs 215 55R16 Tire Size: What Do Those Numbers and Letters Mean?
In this section, we are going to decode all the numbers and letters that these two tires contain with them. After this process, you will be able to know all about these letters and numbers clearly. Here is the explanation: –
| Symbols | Description |
| 205 & 215 | These two number tells you that the width of the first tire is 205 millimeters and the width of the second tire is 215 millimeters. |
| 55 | This number indicates the aspect ratio of both tires. To put it simply, the sidewall height of both tires is 55% of the total width. |
| R | This letter refers to the construction type of the tire. “R” stands for radial and it is the standard tire construction type that is used in 99% of tires. |
| 16 | This number indicates that both tires are designed to fit the wheels that are 16 inches. |
Also Read: 205 55r16 vs 205 50r16 Tire Size – View The Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Tire users around the globe ask many different questions to get legitimate answers to their queries. Some of the most commonly asked questions are discussed below: –
Will a 205 55R16 Tire Fit on a Vehicle that Originally Came with 215 55R16 Tires?
It depends on the specific vehicle and the clearance available in the wheel. It’s important to consult a professional mechanic to ensure that the tires you choose will be a proper fit and will not cause any issues with the vehicle’s alignment or handling.
Can a 215 55R16 Tire Improve the Vehicle’s Speed?
A wider tire can provide a larger contact patch with the road, which can increase the rolling resistance and decrease the vehicle’s speed. However, the overall speed of the vehicle is affected by multiple factors and not only the width of the tire.
Will a 215 55R16 Tire Have a Larger Diameter Than a 205/55R16 Tire?
The diameter of a tire is determined by multiple factors, including the width, aspect ratio, and construction of the tire. A 215 55R16 tire has a slightly larger diameter than a 205 55R16.
Will a 215 55R16 Tire Be more Susceptible to Damage from Road Hazards than a 205/55R16 Tire?
Yes, a 215 55R16 tire has a taller sidewall and can provide better protection from road hazards such as potholes or curbs, than a 205/55R16 tire which has a shorter sidewall.
Final Thoughts
In the article “205 55R16 vs 215 55R16 Tire Size” We have given a detailed discussion on both tires. When choosing between 205 55R16 and 215 55R16 tires, it is important to consider various factors such as vehicle compatibility, driving conditions, and personal preferences. 205 55R16 tires can provide better fuel efficiency, improved steering response, and better performance in dry conditions.
While 215 55R16 tires can provide better traction and handling in wet conditions, improved stability at high speeds, and increased load-bearing capacity. Ultimately, the best tire for your vehicle will depend on your specific driving needs and preferences.
