CarSpecsHQ

215/65R15 vs 205/75R15

205/75R15 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/65R15: the diameter differs by +4.24%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

15" rim
215/65R15 26.00" · 205/75R15 27.11" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/65R15205/75R15Difference
Overall diameter26.00"27.11"+1.10" (+4.24%)
Section width215 mm205 mm-10 mm
Sidewall5.50"6.05"+0.55"
Rim15"15"same
Circumference81.7"85.2"+3.5"
Revs per mile776744-32
Ride height——+0.55"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.5+2.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.5 mph

With 205/75R15 on a car calibrated for 215/65R15, the speedometer reads 57.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph46.9 mph
60 mph62.5 mph
70 mph73.0 mph
80 mph83.4 mph

Other sizes close to 215/65R15

Questions

Can I replace 215/65R15 with 205/75R15?

205/75R15 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/65R15: the diameter differs by +4.24%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/65R15 and 205/75R15?

205/75R15 is 1.10" taller and 10 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.55". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.5 mph.

Will 205/75R15 fit on 215/65R15 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.