Tire Size Box

185/80R14 vs 205/80R14

205/80R14 compared with 185/80R14

+4.9% diameter, +0.8" width

205/80R14 is 26.91" tall vs 25.65". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.7"14" rim5.8"7.3" wide
185/80R14 (solid) compared with 205/80R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/80R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.9 mph

205/80R14 is +1.26 inches (+4.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/80R14205/80R14Difference%
Overall diameter25.65"26.91"+1.26"+4.9%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height5.83"6.46"+0.63"+10.8%
Circumference80.59"84.55"+3.96"+4.9%
Revolutions per mile786.2749.4−36.8−4.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/80R14 and you fit 205/80R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.0 mph+1.0 mph
30 mph31.5 mph+1.5 mph
40 mph42.0 mph+2.0 mph
50 mph52.5 mph+2.5 mph
60 mph62.9 mph+2.9 mph
65 mph68.2 mph+3.2 mph
70 mph73.4 mph+3.4 mph
75 mph78.7 mph+3.7 mph
80 mph83.9 mph+3.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/80R14 or 205/80R14?
205/80R14 is taller by 1.26 inches (26.91" vs 25.65"). 205/80R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/80R14 with 205/80R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.9%, 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 205/80R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/80R14 fitted (calibrated for 185/80R14), your real speed is 62.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.9%.
Will 205/80R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.63 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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