205/65R16 vs 215/70R16
215/70R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/65R16: the diameter differs by +5.13%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 215/70R16 on a car calibrated for 205/65R16, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.1%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.5 mph |
| 45 mph | 47.3 mph |
| 60 mph | 63.1 mph |
| 70 mph | 73.6 mph |
| 80 mph | 84.1 mph |
Other sizes close to 205/65R16
- 205/65R16 vs 225/55R17+0.95%
- 205/65R16 vs 215/55R17-0.68%
- 205/65R16 vs 215/65R16+1.93%
- 205/65R16 vs 215/55R16-4.46%
- 205/65R16 vs 215/60R16-1.26%
- 205/65R16 vs 205/60R16-3.05%
- 205/65R16 vs 225/60R16+0.52%
- 205/65R16 vs 235/50R17-0.91%
- 205/65R16 vs 225/65R16+3.86%
- 205/65R16 vs 235/60R16+2.30%
- 205/65R16 vs 225/55R16-2.82%
- 205/65R16 vs 205/70R15-0.73%
Questions
Can I replace 205/65R16 with 215/70R16?
215/70R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/65R16: the diameter differs by +5.13%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 205/65R16 and 215/70R16?
215/70R16 is 1.36" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.68". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.
Will 215/70R16 fit on 205/65R16 wheels?
Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 215 mm tire and the fender clearance.