CarSpecsHQ

215/65R16 vs 205/70R16

205/70R16 is a safe swap for 215/65R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.09%.

16" rim
215/65R16 27.00" · 205/70R16 27.30" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/65R16205/70R16Difference
Overall diameter27.00"27.30"+0.30" (+1.09%)
Section width215 mm205 mm-10 mm
Sidewall5.50"5.65"+0.15"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference84.8"85.8"+0.9"
Revs per mile747739-8
Ride height——+0.15"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.7+0.7 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.7 mph

With 205/70R16 on a car calibrated for 215/65R16, the speedometer reads 59.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 1.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.3 mph
45 mph45.5 mph
60 mph60.7 mph
70 mph70.8 mph
80 mph80.9 mph

Other sizes close to 215/65R16

Questions

Can I replace 215/65R16 with 205/70R16?

205/70R16 is a safe swap for 215/65R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.09%.

What's the difference between 215/65R16 and 205/70R16?

205/70R16 is 0.30" taller and 10 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.15". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.7 mph.

Will 205/70R16 fit on 215/65R16 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.