CarSpecsHQ

205/60R16 vs 205/65R16

205/65R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/60R16: the diameter differs by +3.14%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

16" rim
205/60R16 25.69" · 205/65R16 26.49" · drawn to scale

Side by side

205/60R16205/65R16Difference
Overall diameter25.69"26.49"+0.81" (+3.14%)
Section width205 mm205 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.84"5.25"+0.40"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference80.7"83.2"+2.5"
Revs per mile785761-24
Ride height——+0.40"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.9+1.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.9 mph

With 205/65R16 on a car calibrated for 205/60R16, the speedometer reads 58.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.9 mph
45 mph46.4 mph
60 mph61.9 mph
70 mph72.2 mph
80 mph82.5 mph

Other sizes close to 205/60R16

Questions

Can I replace 205/60R16 with 205/65R16?

205/65R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/60R16: the diameter differs by +3.14%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 205/60R16 and 205/65R16?

205/65R16 is 0.81" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.40". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.9 mph.

Will 205/65R16 fit on 205/60R16 wheels?

Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 205 mm tire and the fender clearance.