Tire size can make a huge impact on the performance and handling of your vehicle, but with so many options available, it can be tough to choose the right one. If you’re torn between 255 85r16 and 315 75r16 tires, you’re not alone.
In this article, “255 85R16 vs 315 75R16 Tire Size” we’ll dive deep into the key differences between these two tire sizes to help you make an informed decision.
From load capacity to overall performance, we’ll cover everything you need to know. So if you’re ready to master the differences between 255 85r16 and 315 75r16 tires, read on.
255/85r16 Vs 315/75r16 Tire Size: First Table of Comparison
We have compiled our very first table which shows all the major differences that these two tires possess. He is the table: –
| Key Parameters | 255 85R16 Tire Size | 315 75R16 Tire Size | Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidewall Height | 8.53 inches | 9.30 inches | 0.77 inches |
| Section Width | 10.04 inches | 12.40 inches | 2.36 inches |
| Overall Diameter | 33.07 inches | 34.60 inches | 1.53 inches |
| Circumference | 103.88 inches | 108.71 inches | 4.83 inches |
| Revs Per Mile | 609 | 582 | 27 |
| Radius | 16.53 inches | 17.30 inches | 0.77 inches |
| Rim Diameter | 16 inches | 16 inches | None |
| Tread Depth | 18/32 inches | 15/32 inches | 3/0 inches |
| Typical Weight | 54.4 lbs | 68.2lbs | 13.8 lbs |
| Tire Type | A-Radial Ply Tire | A-Radial Ply Tire | None |
255 85r16 Vs 315 75r16 Tire Size: Discussion of the Comparison
Now let us discuss the differences in detail so that you may enlighten yourself more. Here is the discussion: –
Sidewall Height
The sidewall height of a tire refers to the distance between the wheel rim and the tread of the tire. It is usually measured when the tire is properly inflated and mounted on the wheel. It is also known as the aspect ratio of a given tire.
The 255 85r16 tires have a sidewall height of 8.53 inches. On the contrary, the sidewall height of the 315 75r16 tires is 9.30 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 0.77 inches. Percentage-wise the difference stands at 8.3%.
Section Width
The section width of a tire refers to the measurement of the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall. The 255 85r16 tires have a section width of 10.04 inches.
Whereas, the 315 75r16 tires have a section width of 12.40 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 2.36 inches or 19%. The section width of a tire can influence the tire’s performance and ride comfort, as well as the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Tires with wider section widths can provide improved handling and stability. On the other hand, narrower tires can offer improved fuel efficiency and a smoother ride
Overall Diameter
The overall diameter of a tire refers to the complete distance around the circumference of the tire. The overall diameter for the 255 85r16 tires is 33.07 inches. Whereas, the overall diameter for the 315 75r16 tires is 34.60 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 1.53 inches or 4.4%.
In general, tires with larger overall diameters provide a smoother and more comfortable ride, as the tire’s circumference is longer and the tire can roll over road imperfections more easily.
On the contrary, tires with smaller overall diameters can provide improved acceleration and handling, as they reduce the rotating mass of the vehicle and can increase the responsiveness of the suspension and drivetrain components.
Circumference
The circumference of a tire refers to the total distance around the outer edge of the tire. The circumference of the 255 85r16 tires is 103.88 inches. On the contrary, the circumference of the 315 75r16 tires is 108.71 inches.
The difference between the two tires in this regard is 4.83 inches. Percentage-wise the difference stands at 4.4%. The 315 75r16 tires have a slightly higher circumference than the 255 85r16 tires.
Revs Per Mile
Revs Per Mile, also known as revolutions per mile, refers to the number of times a tire rotates in a single mile. It is a measure of the tire’s rotational speed and is an important factor that affects a tire’s performance and longevity.
The revs per mile for the 255 85r16 tires is 609. Whereas, the revs per mile for the 315 75r16 tires is 582.The difference between the two tires in this regard is 27. Percentage-wise the difference stands at 4.6% only.
Radius
The radius of a tire refers to the distance from the center of the tire to the outer edge of the tire. It is half of the tire’s overall diameter. The radius for the 255 85r16 tires is 16.53 inches.
On the other hand, the radius for the 315 75r16 tires is 17.30 inches. The difference between the two tires in terms of the radius is 0.77 inches. The 315 75r16 tires have a slightly higher radius than the 255 85r16 tires.
Rim Diameter
The rim diameter of a tire refers to the diameter of the wheel’s rim, where the tire is mounted. It is an important measurement because the rim diameter determines the tire size that will fit the wheel.
Tire sizes are typically listed using a standard numerical code, such as “225/50 R17”, where “17” refers to the rim diameter in inches. For both the tires 255 85r16 and 315 75r16, the rim diameter is 16 inches each.
Tread Depth
Tread depth is a measurement of the amount of tread or the rubber surface of a tire, that is in contact with the road. It is expressed in 32nds of an inch or millimeters and is an important factor in determining a tire’s performance and safety.
The 255 85r16 tires have a tread depth of 18/32 inches. On the contrary, the tread depth of the 315 75r16 tires is 15/32 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 3/0 inches.
Typical Weight
The weight of a tire is an important factor to consider for several reasons. For example, heavier tires can increase the weight of a vehicle and negatively impact its fuel efficiency.
The weight for the 255 85r16 tires is 54.4 lbs. Whereas, the weight for the 315 75r16 tires is 68.2 lbs. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 13.8 lbs.
Tire Type
A radial tire is a type of tire that has its cord plies arranged at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, or “radially.” This is in contrast to older tire technologies such as bias-ply tires, which have their cord plies arranged at an angle to the direction of travel.
Both the tires 255 85r16 and 315 75r16 have the same radial tire construction type. It is the most common and the most popular tire construction type in the marketplace.
255 85R16 Vs 315 75R16 Tire – 12 Replacement Tire Sizes
Both the tires 255 85r16 and 315 75r16 can be replaced with many other tire sizes very easily. But you have to keep in mind that the tires that you are going to choose as the replacement have to be within 3% of the original tire’s overall diameter. Here is the table: –
| 375/55R16 | 32.2″ (818 mm) | 305/75R16 | 34″ (864 mm) |
| 265/80R16 | 32.7″ (830 mm) | 335/70R16 | 34.5″ (876 mm) |
| 285/75R16 | 32.8″ (834 mm) | 375/65R16 | 35.2″ (894 mm) |
| 305/70R16 | 32.8″ (834 mm) | 355/70R16 | 35.6″ (904 mm) |
| 275/70R17 | 32.2″ (818 mm) | 285/75R17 | 33.9″ (860 mm) |
| 305/65R17 | 32.6″ (828 mm) | 305/70R17 | 33.9″ (860 mm) |
| 235/85R17 | 32.8″ (832 mm) | 275/80R17 | 34.3″ (872 mm) |
| 285/70R17 | 32.8″ (832 mm) | 295/75R17 | 34.4″ (874 mm) |
| 275/65R18 | 32.1″ (815 mm) | 305/65R18 | 33.6″ (853 mm) |
| 255/70R18 | 32.1″ (815 mm) | 285/70R18 | 33.7″ (857 mm) |
| 305/60R18 | 32.4″ (823 mm) | 345/60R18 | 34.3″ (871 mm) |
| 285/65R18 | 32.6″ (827 mm) | 295/70R18 | 34.3″ (871 mm) |
255 85R16 Vs 315 75R16 Tire Size – Load Index Chart
Load index usually refers to the number that tells you how much load your tires are capable of carrying safely. Load indexes do not stand for the actual load, which is given in pounds(lbs).
We can usually find the load index of a particular tire printed on the sidewall of the tire and it sits just before the English alphabet which represents the speed rating of a tire.
For example, in the following tire size “P 255 / 40 R 18 94 Y” the number 94 represents the load index of that particular tire. Here is the actual chart of the load indexes: –
| 75 | 852 |
| 80 | 992 |
| 85 | 1135 |
| 90 | 1323 |
| 95 | 1521 |
| 100 | 1764 |
| 105 | 2039 |
| 110 | 2337 |
| 115 | 2679 |
| 120 | 3086 |
255 85R16 Vs 315 75R16 Tire Size: 2nd Table of The Comparison
We have compiled a second table of differences so that we can cover every little difference just for you. Here is the table: –
| Key Parameters | 255 85R16 Tire Size | 315 75R16 Tire Size | Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rim Width Range | 6.50-8 inches | 8-10 inches | 1.50-2 inches |
| Max Load | 3415 lbs | 3860 lbs | 445 lbs |
| Max PSI | 80 | 65 | 15 |
| Max Speed | 99 mph | 106 mph | 7 mph |
| Actual Speed | 62.14 mph | 59.38 mph | 2.76 mph |
| Sidewall Letters | Black | Black/ white | None |
| Aspect Ratio | 55 | 75 | 20 |
| Speedometer Reading | 100 km/h | 95.56 km/h | 4.44 km/h |
| Speedometer Reading Status | Correct | Slightly different | None |
Rim Width Range
- It specifies the minimum and maximum widths that the tire can be mounted on.
- It is a crucial factor in determining the compatibility of a tire with a wheel.
- The rim width range can vary widely depending on the tire’s size.
The rim width range for the 255 85r16 tires is 6.50-8 inches. On the other hand, the rim width range for the 315 75r16 tires is 8-10 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 1.50-2 inches.
Max Load
- The maximum load capacity of a tire is molded into the sidewall of the tire.
- The maximum load capacity of a tire is also dependent on its inflation pressure.
- Tires with higher maximum load capacities tend to be larger and more robust.
The max load-carrying capacity for the 255 85r16 tires is 3415 lbs. On the contrary, the max load-carrying capacity for the 315 75r16 tires is 3860 lbs. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 445 lbs.
Max PSI
- It is also known as the pounds per square inch of tires.
- It is crucial to maintain the correct inflation pressure.
- It is an important factor in determining the performance and safety of a tire.
The max psi for the 255 85r16 tires is 80. On the contrary, the max psi for the 315 75r16 tires is 65. The difference between the two tire sizes in terms of the max psi is 15. The 255 85r16 tires have a higher max psi than the 255 85r16 tires.
Max Speed
- It is simply an indication of the tire’s maximum safe operating speed.
- It is not a measure of the tire’s acceleration, braking, or handling capabilities.
- It must be equal to or greater than the top speed of the vehicle.
The max speed for the 255 85r16 tires is 99 mph. Whereas, the max speed for the 315 75r16 tires is 106 mph. The difference between the two tires in this respect is 7 mph. The 315 75r16 tires have a higher max speed compared to the 255 85r16 tires.
Aspect Ratio
- The aspect ratio of a tire is the ratio of the tire’s section height to its section width.
- It can influence the maximum load capacity and inflation pressure of a tire.
- It also influences the tire’s handling and performance as well.
The aspect ratio for the 255 85r16 tires is 55. On the other hand, the aspect ratio for the 315 75r16 tires is 75. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 20. The 315 75r16 tires have a higher aspect ratio.
Our Point of View
The 255 85R16 and 315 75R16 tire sizes are two popular tire sizes used in light trucks and SUVs. Both of these tire sizes have their own unique set of characteristics that can impact their performance and suitability for a particular vehicle.
The 255 85R16 tire size is commonly used on light trucks and SUVs and is known for its balanced performance, offering good handling and stability, as well as a smooth ride.
The 315 75R16 tire size is commonly used on larger trucks and SUVs and is known for its exceptional load capacity and off-road capabilities. It is well-suited for off-road and rough terrain driving conditions.
Also Read: 205 55r16 vs 205 50r16 Tire Size – View The Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Vehicle owners around the world ask these important questions most frequently. Some of the questions are discussed below: –
What Is the Difference in Aspect Ratio between 255 85R16 and 315 75R16 Tires?
The aspect ratio is the ratio of the height of the tire’s sidewall to its width. In the case of the 255/85R16 tire, the aspect ratio is 85%, while in the case of the 315/75R16 tire, the aspect ratio is 75%. This means that the sidewall of the 315/75R16 tire is shorter in comparison to the 255/85R16 tire.
Which Tire Size is Better for Highway Driving?
The 255 85R16 tire is generally better for highway driving because it provides a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency. The narrower width of the tire and the taller sidewall also provide improved handling and stability at highway speeds.
Which Tire Size is Better for Off-Roading?
The 315/75R16 tire is generally better for off-roading because it provides better ground clearance and a more aggressive look. The wider width of the tire and the shorter sidewall also provide improved stability in off-road conditions.
How Does the Load Capacity of These Two Tire sizes Compare?
The load index of a 255/85R16 tire is typically around 116, while the load index of a 315/75R16 tire is typically around 126. This means that the 315/75R16 tire has a higher load capacity compared to the 255/85R16 tire.
Also Read: 205 55r16 vs 225 50r16 Tire Size – Which one Is Better?
Final Verdict
In conclusion, choosing the right tire size is an important decision that can greatly impact the performance, fuel efficiency, and safety of your vehicle. It is essential to understand the differences between 255 85R16 and 315 75R16 tire sizes to make an informed choice.
The 255 85R16 tire size is best suited for light-duty vehicles and provides good handling, stability, and traction in both off-road and on-road conditions.
On the other hand, the 315 75R16 tire size is better suited for heavier vehicles and provides better ground clearance and stability, making it ideal for off-road use. If you want to learn more about these two tires then feel free to read this.
