CarSpecsHQ

245/45R16 vs 205/60R16

205/60R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/45R16: the diameter differs by +4.07%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

16" rim
245/45R16 24.68" · 205/60R16 25.69" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/45R16205/60R16Difference
Overall diameter24.68"25.69"+1.00" (+4.07%)
Section width245 mm205 mm-40 mm
Sidewall4.34"4.84"+0.50"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference77.5"80.7"+3.2"
Revs per mile817785-32
Ride height——+0.50"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.4+2.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.4 mph

With 205/60R16 on a car calibrated for 245/45R16, the speedometer reads 57.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.8 mph
60 mph62.4 mph
70 mph72.8 mph
80 mph83.3 mph

Other sizes close to 245/45R16

Questions

Can I replace 245/45R16 with 205/60R16?

205/60R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/45R16: the diameter differs by +4.07%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/45R16 and 205/60R16?

205/60R16 is 1.00" taller and 40 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.50". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.4 mph.

Will 205/60R16 fit on 245/45R16 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.