Detailed Comparison: 275 70r16 vs 265 75r16 Tire Size

The size of your tires greatly affects the performance and handling of your vehicle. There are many different sizes and classes of car tires, each with unique characteristics.

Choosing the right tire size for your car can take time due to the many options available. Different tire sizes, like 275 70r16 and 265 75r16, make it more difficult

There is no need to worry about these because I will cover more about these tires in the article that compares 275 70r16 vs 265 75r16 tire sizes.

In this article, I will compare these two types of tires, examine their various components, and analyze their differences. The findings should assist you in choosing the right tire size without too much effort. For more information, please read on.

What Does The Number Of Tire Size Mean?

The numbers in the tire’s title refer to the Tire Size Index. There are specific characteristics associated with each number on the tire index. Let’s examine each number and see what it means. 

26575r16 Tire Size Mean

On the tire size index (265), the first number indicates the tire’s width in millimeters. That means that the width of a 265 75R16 tire is 265 millimeters. 

After that is the double-digit number (75), which is the tire’s aspect ratio, it is determined by dividing the tire height by the tire width, then multiplying it by 100. Aspect Ratio= (Height/Width) X 100

A tire’s aspect ratio is also an indicator of the sidewall height or the tire’s profile. The sidewall height is proportional to the aspect ratio. The higher the aspect ratio, the taller the sidewall. A 265 75R16 tire’s sidewall is 75% as tall as its width. 

On the tire size index, the alphabet follows the first two numbers. R indicates that this tire is an industry-standard Radial construction type. Radial tires are made from polyester, steel, and fabric. Rubber-coated tires provide better grip, mileage, and durability. 

The last number (16) indicates the rim diameter in inches. 265 75R16 tires are suitable for 16-inch rims.

27570r16 Tire Size Mean

 Now it is easier to understand what 275 70R16 tires mean.

As you can see from the title, the tire has a width of 275. The tire has a 70 aspect ratio, which means its height is 70% as high as its width.

Additionally, you can be sure that the tire will offer satisfactory mileage and grip and durable construction. Finally, based on the title, it is clear that the tire will fit a 16-inch rim. 

Basic Difference Table Between 275 70r16 Vs 265 75r16 Tire Size

275 70r16 vs 265 75r16 Tire Size

The following table lists all the basic differences between these two tires. To gain a better understanding of the differences, take a look at the following table: –

Features275 70r 16265 75r16Difference
Section Width10.8 inches 10.43 inches0.37 inches
Overall Diameter31.16inches31.65 inches0.49 inches
Aspect Ratio75%70%5%
Wheel Diameter16 inches16 inchesNone
Tire Diameter31.15 inches31.65 inches0.50 inches
Tire Weight20kg19.9kg0.1kg
Tire Pressure36psi36-42 psi0-6 psi
Tire TypeppNone
Tread Depth11/32nds12/32nds1nds
Rim Diameter16 inches16 inchesNone
Rim Width Range7-9 inches7-8 inches1 inches
Load index capacity2601 lbs2280 lbs321 lbs
Construction TypeRadialRadialNone

Details The Basic Difference275/70r16 Vs 265/75r16 Tire Size

Now I will give you a detailed explanation about this difference. It will help you more to understand the two tires clearly.

Section Width

Section width refers to the width of a tire measured from sidewall to sidewall when mounted on a rim and properly inflated. 

A unique feature of section width is that it can vary with the width of the rim on which the tire is mounted. A tire’s section width is also known as its cross-section width.

In 275 tires, the section width is 10.8 inches, whereas 265 tires have 10.43 inches section width. Cross section width difference between the two tires is 0.37 inches.  

Overall Diameter

The overall diameter of a tire is its outer diameter at the center of its tread. It is measured after the tire has been mounted on its industry-determined measuring rim, inflated, and reset to its standard pressure after 24 hours without any load. 

 By multiplying the sidewall height by two (remember a tire has two sidewalls, one above the wheel and one below) and by adding the wheel diameter, the tire’s overall diameter is calculated.

275 tires’ overall diameter is 31.16 inches, whereas 265 tires have a 31.65 inches overall diameter. The difference between the two tires’ overall diameter is 0.49 inches.

Though the difference is insignificant, a tire with a larger overall diameter will travel a greater distance with each revolution. 

Aspect Ratio

The number after the slash marks is the tire’s aspect ratio. Aspect ratios are expressed as percentages. The aspect ratio is calculated by dividing the rim’s height by the tire’s width.

Tires with lower aspect ratios usually offer better vehicle handling performance than tires with higher ratios. 

The aspect ratio is 70% for 275 tires, while 265 tires have a 75% aspect ratio. The difference between the two tires’ aspect ratios is 5%. 

Wheel Diameter

The diameter of the wheel is the distance from the bead seat to the bead seat across its face. This is the way it’s measured because it’s where the tire meets the wheel.

On a dry road, wide wheels provide more grip. Narrower wheels provide a higher surface pressure against the road, which makes them more effective under extreme winter weather conditions.

A narrower wheel performs better in loose snow and slush. A wider wheel will also give you more traction on hard surfaces.

Both 275 70r16 tires and 265 75r16 tires have 16 inches of wheel diameter. 

Tire Diameter

A tire’s diameter equals a wheel’s diameter, and its height is twice its diameter. The formula for tire diameter is: Tire Diameter = Wheel Diameter + 2 × Section Height.

275 tires diameter is 31.15 inches, whereas 265 tires diameter is 31.65 inches. The difference between the two tires’ diameters is 0.50 inches.

Tire Weight

Tire weight depends on the tire’s size, construction, and intended use. Tire weight has a unique impact on vehicle fuel efficiency. A heavier tire can increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy and increases emissions. For lighter tires, the opposite is true. 

The tire weight for the 275 70r16 tires is 20kg. In contrast, 265 75r16 tires weigh 19.9kg. There is a 0.1kg difference in weight between the two tires.

Tire Pressure

Generally speaking, tire pressure refers to the maximum amount of air that can be pumped into a tire. Psi and kPa are common units of measurement for tire pressure.

In 275 tires, tire pressure is 36 psi, whereas 265 tires have 36-42 psi tire pressure. The difference between the two tires’ tire pressure is 0.6 psi.

Tire Type

 Before the tire code number, you will find the tire type. It indicates which types of vehicle you can use these tire . There are mainly four types of tires

  • P metric for passenger car
  • LT metric for lighter trucks
  • T metric for temporary use
  • ST metric for Special Trailer

 275 70r16  tires and 265 75r16 tires are P metric tire types. That means both tires are designed for passenger car.

Tread Depth

A tire’s tread depth is determined by measuring the vertical distance between the highest and lowest tread pattern points. Tire tread depth affects the tire’s performance, safety, and longevity. Traction and handling are both impacted by tread depth.  

275 tires have 11/32nds tread depth, whereas 265 tires have 12/32nds tread depth. Compared to the 275 70r16′ tires, the 265 75r16′ tires have an additional 1nds of tread depth, resulting in better road contact.

Rim Diameter

A wheel’s outer diameter, known as rim size, determines which tire should be mounted on. Tire longevity is influenced by rim size.

The 275 tires and 265 tires both have 16 inches rim diameters. 

Rim Width Range

Tires are typically available in rim width ranges depending on the wheel width to which they can be mounted. A unique feature of rim width range is its impact on tire profile. 

The wheel width on which the tire is mounted determines the section width, aspect ratio, and overall diameter.

Rim widths for 275 70r16 tires range from 7-9 inches. In contrast, 265 75r16 tires have rim widths ranging from 7-8 inches. In this regard, the tires differ by 1 inch.

Load index capacity

A properly inflated tire can safely carry a certain amount of weight. A tire can fail if it is overloaded beyond its maximum load capacity. It is recommended that the load be distributed evenly across all tires.  

In 275 tires, the load index capacity is 2601 lbs, whereas 265 tires have 2280 lbs load index capacity. The difference between the two tires’ load index capacity is 321 lbs.

Construction Type

The construction types indicates in which way the tire is made. There are mainly two way of tire construction.

  • Radial
  • Cross ply

There is no difference between the two types of tires construction because both are constructed in a radial way.

275 70r16 vs 265 75r16 tire size Additional comparison Table 

For more specification I give these additional comparison tables. It will give you a more specific image about these two tires.

Feature275 70r16265 75r16Difference
Speed RatingH 130mphT 118mph12mph
Circumference97.88 inches99.43 inches1.55 inches
Radius 15.58 inches15.82inches0.24inches
Revs Per Mile648RPM637 RPM111 RPM
Actual Speed62.14mph 62.14 mph0 mph

Speed Rating

Speed ratings indicate how fast a tire can maintain over time. The higher the speed rating, the better control and handling you will have at higher speeds – and the tire will be able to handle the added heat. It is generally true that tires with higher speed ratings also handle better at slower speeds.

This rating scale was developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). However, tire manufacturers test their own tires and assign their own speed ratings. Every tire has one of these speed rating codes on the sidewall:

Letter Symbol
 Speed rating
MUp to 81 mph
NUp to 87 mph
P Up to 93 mph
Q Up to 99 mph
R Up to 106 mph
SUp to 112 mph
TUp to 118 mph
HUp to 130 mph
VUp to 149mph
wUp to 168 mph
YUp to 186 mph
Z149mph

The 275 tires speed rating symbol is H . That means it can run up 130 mph speed over time. In contrast, 265 tires’ speed rating symbol is T. So it can run up to 118 mph over the time. The difference between the two tires’ speed rating is 12mph. 

Circumference

Tire circumference, also known as tire perimeter, is the distance around the outside of a tire. Vehicle gearing and transmission are affected by tire circumference.  An effective gear ratio depends on the tire’s circumference, which determines how many rotations are needed to cover a distance.   

275 70r16 tires measure 97.88 inches in circumference. In contrast, the circumference of 265 75r16 tires is 99.43 inches. This difference is 1.55 inches, or 1.5%, between the two tires’ circumferences.

Radius

The radius of a tire is half of its diameter. A tire’s radius is calculated by measuring the distance between its center and outer edge. Tire radius plays a unique role in braking and steering. 

The radius of the 275 70r16 tires is 15.58 inches. In contrast, the radius of the 265 75r16 tires is 15.82 inches. In this regard, the two tires differ by 0.24 inches.

Revs Per Mile

RPM (revolutions per mile) is the number of rotations a tire makes on its wheel during a mile of travel. Generally, the lower the RPM, the better the fuel efficiency.

The revs per mile of 275 tires have 648 rpm. In contrast, 265 tires have 637 rpm. The difference between the two tires’ revs per mile is 111rpm

Actual Speed

When a vehicle travels at an actual speed, it means how fast the vehicle travels relative to the ground.The tires’ actual speed capacity may be lower than their speed rating.

 A tire’s speed rating reflects its performance in laboratory settings, not on the open road. Several factors influence the maximum safe speed of a tire, including its condition, inflation level, the amount of cargo, the road surface, and the weather.

The Actual speed of 275 70r 16 tires and 265 75r16 tires have 62.14mph. Both tires have the same actual speed on the road.

From My Perspective

Based on the features of these two tires, I believe 27570r16 tires are a good option for your vehicle if you compare their features. As 275 tires are wider than 265 tires, you can expect to have more traction and grip on the road .

Having a higher load index is beneficial for carrying a larger load on the road, and having a higher speed rating will give you a better sense of control.

Which Tire Width Is Right For You?

Many people need help finding the right tire width for their vehicle wheels. It’s a common problem because choosing the right tire width can be challenging. 

Nevertheless, I’ll like to make it easier. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you choose the perfect tire for your wheels. 

The first step is to use a tire size calculator to find the tire that matches your rims best. Before replacing the tires, you should check a few things:

  • Check out the tire and vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines and requirements. 
  • Ensure that your customization complies with your state’s regulations and requirements. 
  • With the new tires, a 360-degree rotation should be possible without any difficulty. 
  • Verify that the tire has a standard build quality.
  • It is important to ensure that the tire’s load capacity is adequate.
  • Ensure the construction types of the tire. Radial and bias-ply tires must be fitted on all vehicles. Mixed tire constructions (bias-ply and radial) are unsafe and illegal for cars, caravans, and other light trucks. An emergency spare tire is the only exception.

Wheels or rims should be chosen according to the same guidelines. Drivers must use the wheels or rims recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Final Words

Choosing the right tire size can greatly improve your vehicle’s performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. To find the right tires for your vehicle, you must understand the difference between 275 70R16 and 265 75R16 tire sizes.

The 265 75R16 tire size for light-duty vehicles provides good handling, stability, and traction on and off-road. 

In contrast, 275 70R16 tires are better suited to heavier vehicles, providing better ground clearance and stability, which makes them ideal for off-road use. 

Frequently Asked Questions

This article delves into the frequently asked questions from drivers worldwide concerning the different types of tires available for their vehicles. Discover the answers you need to find the perfect tires for your driving style.

How do you calculate the tire ratio?

Tire sidewalls indicate the aspect ratio as a percentage. The sidewall height is measured from the top of the tread to the wheel rim. An aspect ratio of 65 means the sidewall is 65 percent as tall as the tire.

Which Tire Is Taller, 70 Or 75?

The number 70 or 75 indicates the aspect ratio of a tire. The bigger aspect ratio means higher sidewall height. So, 75 tires are taller than 70 tires. 

Are Bigger Tires Better For Speed?

Car speed is influenced by two major factors: wheel size and tire size. As wheels become larger, they add weight to the vehicle and reduce acceleration. A larger wheel means you can reach a faster top speed, but it will take longer.

Do Bigger Tires Affect Fuel Economy?

Tires with larger diameters are heavier, which decreases your fuel economy, while tires with smaller diameters increase it.

In addition, larger tires have a higher rolling resistance than smaller tires, requiring more effort and resistance to roll.

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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