245 70r17 vs 265 70r17 Tire Size: An Essential Guide

Are you looking for the perfect tire size for your vehicle? With so many options out there, it can be difficult to choose. Two popular choices are the 245 70r17 vs 265 70r17 tire sizes. Let’s take a closer look

  • These two tires show differences in stability and handling.
  • One is lighter and another is heavier.
  • Differences in size and weight of these tires result in responsiveness, performance, and fuel economy.

Let’s check out this complete guide to learn more about the 2457017 vs 265 70r17 tire size differences at a glance for perfect decision at your end.

Comparison Table between 245/70r17 vs 265/70r17 tire size

245 70r17 vs 265 70r17 Tire Size

Depending on your requirements and driving habits, you can choose either  245 70r17 or 265 70r17. To understand which tire is the most suitable for your vehicle, keep on looking at the table and the detailed discussion following the table.

Features245 70r17265 70r17Differences
Overall Diameter30.5 inches31.61 inches1.11 inches
Weight44 pounds53.6 pounds9.6 pounds
Sidewall Height6.75 inches7.3 inches0.55 inches
Section Width9.65 inches10.43 inches0.78 inches
Revolutions Per Mile661/ml638/ml23/ml
Circumference95.83 inches99.29 inches3.46 inches
Rim Size17 inches17 inchesN/A
Rim Width Range6.50-8.00 inches7-9 inches0.50-1 inches
Price$85-$422$110-$850$25-$428
Radial TireA Radial-ply TireA Radial-ply TireN/A

Overall Diameter

  • Overall diameter is shown as the first number in the floatation tire size.
  • You can get the overall diameter of a tire by measuring the distance across the tire’s outermost circumference.
  • The larger the tire’s diameter, the more it can stabilize the car.
  • This dimension of the tire determines the ability of a tire to ride on different road conditions.
  • The larger overall diameter contributes to the improvements in traction.
  • The smaller overall diameter shows improved diameter readings.

The 265 70r17 tire has a larger overall diameter of 31.61 inches, and the 245 70r17 tire has a smaller overall diameter of 30.5 inches. Though the difference is insignificant, it can affect how the vehicle can handle different road conditions.

Weight

  • The lighter a tire is, the better the choice for performance vehicles.
  • Extra weight of the tire helps it to give better performance and fuel economy.
  • Heavyweight tires are a better choice for SUVs and heavy-duty trucks.

There is a significant weight difference between 245 70r17 and 265 70r17. The 245 70r17  tire may weigh approximately 44 pounds, whereas the 265 70r17 weighs nearly 53.6 pounds. So, the weight difference between these two tires is almost 10 pounds, which determines the vehicle’s performance and fuel economy.

Sidewall Height

  • If you measure the distance from the tire’s edge to the rim, you will get its sidewall height.
  • The taller sidewall of the tire helps the vehicle to make a smoother ride.
  • The shorter sidewall of the tire makes the vehicle more responsive than the taller one.

The sidewall height of 245 70r17 is 6.75 inches, and the 265 70r17 has a sidewall height of 7.30 inches. On the other hand, though the 245 70r17 has a shorter sidewall, it makes the car more responsive than the 265 70r17.

Section Width

  • The section width refers to the width of your tire from sidewall to sidewall.
  • Width is the first number of the tire size information.

While the 245 70r17 tire’s width is 10.43 inches, the 265 70r17 tire’s width is 9.65 inches. So, the former has 0.78 more widths than the latter one, which helps the wider one offer better traction and create more drag on the car.

Revolutions Per Mile

  • Revelation per mile of a tire refers to how many times the tire can go around in a mile.
  • The tire with higher revolutions per mile can cover more ground within a specific time.
  • The lower revolutions per mile don’t allow a tire to cover more ground.

While the 245 70r17 tire has about 638 revolutions per mile, the 265 70r17 tire has 661 revolutions per mile. So, the difference of 23 miles affects the speed rate of the vehicles. 245 70r17 can’t cover as much ground as 265 70r17.

Circumference

  • To get a tire’s circumference, multiply the diameter measurement by pi.
  • The larger circumference helps the tire cover more ground per revolution.

The circumference difference between 245 70r17 and 265 70r17 is approximately 3.46 inches. Therefore, you will get a better highway driving experience with 265 70r17.

Rim Size

  • The next number of the diameter code onto which a tire can be mounted.
  • The number refers to the distance between two bead seat areas.
  • It also includes the width and offset.

The 245 70r17 and 265 70r17 are the same, 17 inches. Both tires can be mounted on a 17-inch wheel. It is important to note that the larger rim size of the tire offers more stability, and a smaller rim size cannot provide better traction.

Rim Width Range

  • Rim width range refers to the wheel’s width.
  • Tires have a range of rims to be mounted on.

Regarding rim compatibility, there is a significant difference between 245 70r17 and 265 70r17. Smaller tires can be used on 6.5-8 inches rims, but larger tires like 265 70r17 can be used on 7-9 inches rims. The larger tires are wide to fit in 6.5 inches rims. Therefore, if you want a 265 70r17 tire, consider a rim at least 7 inches wide.

Price

  • The price varies depending on the model and brand of the tire.
  • High-end tires that provide ultra-high performance are the most expensive.
  • You can choose the more costly one if there is no budget issue.
  • Expensive tires are safe to use as they are highly engineered products.

The price ranges of 245 70r17 and 265 70r17 also significantly differ. 245 70r 17 tires are less expensive, ranging from $85-$422 than 265 70r17 tires that are pretty costly, ranging from $110 and may go up to $850. If you are looking for a new tire within a tight budget, 245 tires will be your go-to option.

Radial Tire

  • Radial tires consist of the radial structure of cords.
  • Radial-ply tires help the vehicle to make a smooth and comfortable ride.

Regarding the construction type, there is little difference between 245 70r17 and 265 70r17. However, the 245 70r17 tire can only be made with radial construction, but the 265 70r17 tire is made with radial construction. They both are radial-ply tires and are able to make a very smooth ride.

Other Differences Between 245 70r17 vs 265 70r17 tire size

Apart from the sizing differences, there are a few other factors left to differentiate between  245 70r17 and 265 70r17. Let’s look into the aspects mentioned in the table and discussion on those aspects to have a better understanding of the tires. 

Aspects245 70r17265 70r17
NoiseSmoother noiseSlight noisy
AccelerationExcellentExcellent
HandlingBetter performanceLess responsive
ComfortabilityLess comfortableMore comfortable
Driving ConditionsGood for driving on dry and snowy roadsGood for driving on wet roads
Rolling Resistance and Fuel EconomyBetter fuel economyBetter rolling resistance

Noise

If your car tire produces more noise, it might not be comfortable to enjoy a good riding experience. So, consider how much noise a tire can make before purchasing it. The 245 70r17 tire is less noisy than the 265 70r17 tire.

Acceleration

If you judge a tire by acceleration, you can be relaxed after purchasing either 245 70r17 or 265 70r17, as they both provide excellent performance. However, you should note that a smaller and lighter tire has more advantages due to its lower rolling resistance, which helps the car accelerate quicker than the heavier one.

Before choosing a tire, consider how often and how much you will use your vehicle and what type of performance you want from your tire.

Handling

The smaller and lighter tires are more responsive in high-speed turns. So, regarding handling, the 245 70r17 offers better performance to the vehicle owner. However, you can use the 254 70r17 tire for more stability and traction while riding slippery roads.

Comfortability

Comfortability while riding is one of the most important factors you have to consider. For a better riding experience, consider purchasing a 265 70r17 tire that is more comfortable for its height and width.

On the other hand, the 245 70r17 tire also offers a very smooth ride, but it may not be as comfortable as the 265 70r17.

Driving Conditions

245 70r17 and 265 70r17 tires have different driving conditions. While 245 70r17 is suitable for snowing or dry road conditions, 265 70r17 is ideal for wet road conditions. The 265 70r17 also offers better traction as its design allows it to handle aggressive riding.

Rolling Resistance and Fuel Economy

When it comes to the tire’s fuel economy and rolling resistance, 245 70r17 and 265 70r17 provide different performances. While 245 70r17 is better for Will economy, as they are not much wide, 265 70r17 is better for rolling resistance for more width.

The wider tire, like 265 70r17, can make more contact with the road for better rolling resistance. But you should remember that wide tires have lower fuel efficiency.

What We Think

From the above discussions, you have several notable differences between 245 70r17 and 265 70r17. Both tire sizes have some benefits and drawbacks but clearly it is seen that 265 70r17 owns more benefits. With a larger diameter and width, 265 70r17 has improved handling and stability.

In addition, the wider a tire is, the more stability and grip it provides. On the contrary, a narrow tire is more likely to be agile. The larger sidewall of 265 70r17 offers better traction in complex road conditions.

If your aim for more stability, comfortability, better acceleration, and capability to handle dry and wet conditions, 265 70r17 will be a better option.

Also Read: 225 45r17 vs 235 45r17 Tire Size – Updated Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Does A Bigger Size Tire Affect A Car’s Performance?

Yes, the larger the tire size, the better the vehicle can perform, depending on its overall diameter. You can never expect the best performance from your vehicle without determining the tire’s size.

You must remember that even a slight difference can affect your car’s performance. A bigger tire has a larger diameter, affecting the car’s gear and final drive ratios. Ultimately, you will see changes in speed, fuel efficiency, acceleration, traction, and many other things.

How Does A Car’s Weight Affect Its Performance?

A larger tire generally has more weight than smaller tires, increasing the car’s unsprung weight. The heavy weight of the vehicle eventually affects its suspension and handling. Therefore, you cannot expect a smooth and easily controllable performance from the vehicle with the heavyweight tire.

Why And How Should I Determine The Right Tire Size For My Vehicle?

If you want the best performance and ensure the highest safety for your vehicle, you must choose the right tire size. You can check the vehicle owner’s manual to determine the car’s size.

The side wall of the vehicle has the information about its size printed. You will see a series of letters and numbers. You can also consult the websites of your vehicle manufacturer to know the recommendations about determining a tire size for a particular car.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Larger Tires?

Larger tires offer many benefits, like better handling and traction, but their downsides might be stressful. They are more expensive and likely to wear out faster than the smaller ones.

Since larger tires need high-speed ratings, they are more costly to replace. So you must consider these factors before upgrading to a larger tire size or purchasing a new one for your vehicle.

Closing Thoughts

Knowing the differences between tire size, performance, and efficiency is essential before choosing between 245 70r17 vs 265 70r17 tire size. Both have good features but 265 70r17 gives better off-road performance and improved stability at high speed compared to  245 70r17.

This article might have fulfilled all the requirements regarding 245 70r17 vs 265 70r17 tire size. The decision of which tire is more suitable for meeting your needs and preferences is up to you.

I am an engineer and the chief editor of tireslover.com, I am a passionate blogger as well. I am the person who can ensure a perfect, informative, honest, and helpful, guide with 10 years of work experience with different varieties of tires.

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