Tire Size Box

185/70R14 vs 205/70R14

205/70R14 compared with 185/70R14

+4.6% diameter, +0.8" width

205/70R14 is 25.30" tall vs 24.20". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.2"14" rim5.1"7.3" wide
185/70R14 (solid) compared with 205/70R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/70R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.7 mph

205/70R14 is +1.10 inches (+4.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/70R14205/70R14Difference%
Overall diameter24.20"25.30"+1.10"+4.6%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height5.10"5.65"+0.55"+10.8%
Circumference76.02"79.48"+3.46"+4.6%
Revolutions per mile833.5797.2−36.3−4.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/70R14 and you fit 205/70R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.9 mph+0.9 mph
30 mph31.4 mph+1.4 mph
40 mph41.8 mph+1.8 mph
50 mph52.3 mph+2.3 mph
60 mph62.7 mph+2.7 mph
65 mph68.0 mph+3.0 mph
70 mph73.2 mph+3.2 mph
75 mph78.4 mph+3.4 mph
80 mph83.6 mph+3.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/70R14 or 205/70R14?
205/70R14 is taller by 1.10 inches (25.30" vs 24.20"). 205/70R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/70R14 with 205/70R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.6%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 205/70R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/70R14 fitted (calibrated for 185/70R14), your real speed is 62.7 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.6%.
Will 205/70R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.55 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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