CarSpecsHQ

215/60R15 vs 205/70R15

205/70R15 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/60R15: the diameter differs by +4.54%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

15" rim
215/60R15 25.16" · 205/70R15 26.30" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/60R15205/70R15Difference
Overall diameter25.16"26.30"+1.14" (+4.54%)
Section width215 mm205 mm-10 mm
Sidewall5.08"5.65"+0.57"
Rim15"15"same
Circumference79.0"82.6"+3.6"
Revs per mile802767-35
Ride height——+0.57"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.7+2.7 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.7 mph

With 205/70R15 on a car calibrated for 215/60R15, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.0 mph
60 mph62.7 mph
70 mph73.2 mph
80 mph83.6 mph

Other sizes close to 215/60R15

Questions

Can I replace 215/60R15 with 205/70R15?

205/70R15 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/60R15: the diameter differs by +4.54%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/60R15 and 205/70R15?

205/70R15 is 1.14" taller and 10 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.57". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.7 mph.

Will 205/70R15 fit on 215/60R15 wheels?

Both use a 15" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 205 mm tire and the fender clearance.