One of the important decisions vehicle owners have to make once in a while is the tire sizes to put on their vehicles. There is a wide range of tire sizes in the market which offer different performance characteristics. More often than not, one measure is better than the other. Let us focus on the 295/70r17 and 265/70r17 tire sizes.
In comparison, the 295/70r17 tires are 1.65 inches larger in diameter than the 265/70r17. The speedometer difference between the two is 5.0%. The 295/70r17 makes 606 revolutions per mile while the 265/70r17 makes 638 revolutions per mile.
If you are facing a dilemma between the two tire sizes, then this article is for you. It highlights some of the different aspects of each tire size so you can easily make a decision.
265/70r17 vs 295/70r17: Comparison Table
There are some distinct differences between the 265/70R17 and 295/70R17 in terms of specifications.
| Key Factors | 265/70r17 | 295/70r17 |
| Overall Diameter | 31.61” | 33.3” |
| Tread Width | 10.43” | 11.6” |
| Rim Diameter | 17” | 17” |
| Sidewall Height | 7.3” | 8.1” |
| Circumference | 99.29” | 104.6” |
| Revolutions | 638 per mile | 606 per mile |
| Aspect Ratio | 70% of its width | 70% of its width |
What Does 295/70r17 Mean?
These tire dimensions are equivalent to 33.3 x 11.6r17 in inches. From the tire size, it has a section width of 11.6 inches. This width is usually measured from the inner sidewall to the outer sidewall. It has a rim diameter of 17 inches which is a representation of the size of the wheel that can be mounted onto the tire.
Moreover, it has a sidewall height of 8.1 inches (207mm). This is determined by measuring from the wheel rim to the top of the tire tread. This tire has an overall diameter of 33.3 inches, which is typically the tire height as well as the outer diameter.
When it comes to circumference, the 295/70r17 has 104.6 inches which represents the outer perimeter of the tire. It makes 606 revolutions per mile (376 revs/km)—that is the number of times the tire revolves in a given distance in meters or kilometers.
The replacement tires for this size are specified such that they should be within 3% of the original tire diameter. With that in mind, there are several compatible tire sizes that can replace the 295/70r17 such as 305/60r18, 265/70r18, 375/50r18, and many more.
What Does 265/70r17 Mean?
On the other hand, the 265/70R17 represents a tire with a width of 265mm. The tire width is also referred to as tread width. During measurement of this width, any protective ribs, raised letters, or other decorations are excluded.
The sidewall height is 7.3 inches measured from the wheel rim to the tire tread top. It usually depends on the aspect ratio—the lower the aspect ratio the lower the tire profile/sidewall height. This tire has an aspect ratio of 70% of the width and a diameter of 17 inches.
The tire height, which is also the overall diameter of the tire, is 33.3 inches. The outer perimeter (circumference) of this tire is 99.29 inches and it is able to make 638 revolutions per mile. This tire size is common for trucks and SUVs.
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What Are the Differences Between the 265/70r17 AND295/70r17?
Different tire sizes are best suited for different driving styles and needs. The case is the same for the 265/70r17 and 295/70r17. Below are some of the dissimilarities between the two sizes.
Tire Width
These two sizes have a distinct difference in tire widths. The 295/70r17 is wider than its counterpart 265/70r17 by 30 millimeters. This difference may not seem to be significant, but it has a significant effect on the overall vehicle performance.
Generally, wider tires offer better handling and grip. The only downside is that these tires are on the expensive side. However, they offer superb performance, thus, if that is what you are looking for, they are a sure bet. Narrower tires offer an affordable option for those on a budget.
Construction Type
Usually, when denoting tire size, the construction type is represented by the last letter. Here, the R in the tire size means that they are radial tires. These types of tires are the most common in the market today. They are known to deliver good fuel efficiency and handling. Both tires are excellent choices for trucks and SUVs.
Aspect Ratio
Again, when denoting tire size, the two digits after the slash represent the aspect ratio. This number indicates the sidewall height of the tire, expressed as a percentage of the width. With that in mind, both the 295/70r17 and 265/70r17 have a sidewall height of 70% of their width. This makes the 295/70r17 slightly taller than its counterpart due to the slight difference in widths, giving a difference of 21 mm.
Circumference
The difference in circumference between the two tire sizes is a mere five inches or so. While this may not seem much, it could affect how the vehicle handles it. Tires with a smaller circumference do not have sufficient contact with the ground which translates to less grip. On the other hand, larger circumferences have an extended contact patch with the ground and hence more grip and better handling.
Which Factors Should I Consider When Selecting Tire Size?
Tire sizes are often overlooked aspects when it comes to cars. What many do not know is that the sizes can affect the overall performance of your car. It is therefore vital that you choose the right one. With that said, you need to keep in mind three important factors when in the market for tires. These factors include load index, speed rating, and size.
What Do I Need to Know About Tire Size?
Different digits and letters are used when denoting tire sizes, which may not be easily understood by many. For instance, given 265/70R17; the first digits before the slash represent the width, and the two digits after the slash represent the aspect ratio. The letter R stands for radial tires and the digits after that represent the rim diameter.
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FAQs
Final Thoughts
Both the sizes have been explained in detail in terms of dimensions and their effect on vehicle performance. This way, it will be easier for you to decide which one best suits your needs. The final decision will also come down to your budget and personal preferences.
