Tire Size Box

215/70R16 vs 215/80R16

215/80R16 compared with 215/70R16

+6.1% diameter, 0.0" width

215/80R16 is 29.54" tall vs 27.85". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.9"16" rim5.9"8.5" wide
215/70R16 (solid) compared with 215/80R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/80R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.6 mph

215/80R16 is +1.69 inches (+6.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/70R16215/80R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.85"29.54"+1.69"+6.1%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.93"6.77"+0.85"+14.3%
Circumference87.49"92.81"+5.32"+6.1%
Revolutions per mile724.2682.7−41.5−5.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/70R16 and you fit 215/80R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.2 mph+1.2 mph
30 mph31.8 mph+1.8 mph
40 mph42.4 mph+2.4 mph
50 mph53.0 mph+3.0 mph
60 mph63.6 mph+3.6 mph
65 mph69.0 mph+4.0 mph
70 mph74.3 mph+4.3 mph
75 mph79.6 mph+4.6 mph
80 mph84.9 mph+4.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/70R16 or 215/80R16?
215/80R16 is taller by 1.69 inches (29.54" vs 27.85"). 215/70R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/70R16 with 215/80R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.1%, 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 215/80R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/80R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/70R16), your real speed is 63.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.1%.
Will 215/80R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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