15-inch vs 16-inch rims · tyre size comparison
195/80 R15 vs 175/80 R16
175/80 R16 is 6.6 mm (0.26 in) shorter than 195/80 R15, a -0.95% difference in overall diameter. That is well inside the ±3% limit commonly used to screen a tire size change; it is a nominal calculation, not a fitment approval.
- Diameter difference
- -6.6 mm
- -0.26 in · -0.95%
- Indicated 70 mph
- 69.3 mph
- Actual speed on 175/80 R16, if the speedometer was accurate on 195/80 R15.
- Sidewall height
- -16 mm
- 156 mm to 140 mm.
Dimensions side by side
| Measurement | 195/80 R15 | 175/80 R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 693 mm27.28 in | 686.4 mm27.02 in | -6.6 mm (-0.95%)-0.26 in |
| Section width | 195 mm7.68 in | 175 mm6.89 in | -20 mm-0.79 in |
| Sidewall height | 156 mm6.14 in | 140 mm5.51 in | -16 mm-0.63 in |
| Circumference | 2,177.12 mm85.71 in | 2,156.39 mm84.9 in | -20.73 mm-0.82 in |
| Rim diameter | 381 mm15 in | 406.4 mm16 in | +25.4 mm+1 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 739.21 | 746.31 | +7.11 |
| Revolutions per km | 459.32 | 463.74 | +4.42 |
Calculated from the nominal size codes, without load or tread wear. Real tyres vary by model, rim width and pressure, so the exact tyre's published dimensions take priority.
Speedometer with 175/80 R16
If the speedometer was accurate on 195/80 R15, fitting 175/80 R16 means the car is travelling 0.95% slower than it shows, and the odometer over-records distance by about the same amount.
| Speedometer shows | Actual on 175/80 R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 29.71 mph | -0.29 mph |
| 50 mph | 49.52 mph | -0.48 mph |
| 60 mph | 59.43 mph | -0.57 mph |
| 70 mph | 69.33 mph | -0.67 mph |
| 50 km/h | 49.52 km/h | -0.48 km/h |
| 100 km/h | 99.05 km/h | -0.95 km/h |
UN ECE Regulation 39, used in the UK and EU, does not allow a speedometer to show less than the true speed, so many read slightly high from the factory. A shorter tyre adds to it. Calibration varies by car; these figures are the tyre-size effect only.
What changes from 195/80 R15 to 175/80 R16
Wheels
These sizes need different wheels: 15-inch for 195/80 R15 and 16-inch for 175/80 R16. The larger wheel usually weighs a little more; the smaller one must still clear the brake calipers. Check rim width, offset and load rating for whichever wheel you fit.
Sidewall and ride comfort
175/80 R16 has 16 mm less sidewall (140 vs 156 mm). A shorter sidewall usually sharpens steering response, but rides noticeably firmer and leaves the rim more exposed to potholes and kerbs.
Contact width
175/80 R16 is 20 mm narrower in nominal section width (10.3%). A narrower tyre usually copes a little better with standing water and snow and rolls more easily, with less ultimate dry grip.
Wheel well clearance
Ride height changes by about -3.3 mm, and the top of the tyre moves the same distance away from the arch. On the same wheel width and offset, each sidewall moves about 10 mm further from the arch lip and suspension. A smaller tyre rarely creates new rubbing.
Gearing
The effective final drive changes by +0.96%: 3,000 rpm at a given road speed becomes about 3,030 rpm. Gearing gets slightly shorter, so acceleration in each gear sharpens and cruising revs rise.
ABS, stability control and AWD
These systems compare wheel speeds. Fit the same size on both ends of an axle, and follow the car maker's rolling-circumference limits, which can be much tighter than 3%.
General tendencies from the nominal numbers, not a test of any tyre. Load index, speed rating, tyre construction and the car's approved sizes matter more than these rules of thumb.
Explained in our guides
- Plus-sizing wheels: tyre diameter and speedometer changesWork through a 17 to 18 inch wheel change, compare tyre diameters and speedometer effects, and understand why a 3% rule cannot approve fitment.
- Staggered vs square wheels: tyres, rotation and AWDCompare square and staggered wheel setups, calculate front-to-rear tyre diameter, and understand rotation limits and all-wheel-drive requirements.
- How to read a tyre size, load index and sidewall markingsDecode tyre width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, load and speed markings, then calculate sidewall height and diameter using a 225/45 R17 example.
Cars in our guides using these sizes
Factory trims and popular community setups from our fitment guides. A popular setup is not a factory approval; each guide explains its trims, axles and clearance limits.
195/80 R15
- Suzuki Jimny JB64/JB74 (4th gen) (2018–present)Factory trim
175/80 R16
- Suzuki Jimny JB64/JB74 (4th gen) (2018–present)Factory trim
More comparisons
195/80 R15 compared
Questions
Can I use 175/80 R16 instead of 195/80 R15?
Only on 16-inch wheels, not the 15-inch wheels that take 195/80 R15. The diameter difference is -0.95%, well inside the ±3% screening limit. That does not approve fitment: check the car maker's approved sizes, load index, speed rating, rim width and clearance first.
How much bigger is 175/80 R16 than 195/80 R15?
Overall diameter is 6.6 mm (0.26 in) smaller: 686.4 vs 693 mm. Section width is 20 mm narrower, and the sidewall is 16 mm shorter. These are nominal figures; real tyres vary by model and rim width.
Will 175/80 R16 change my speedometer reading?
Yes, by 0.95%. If the speedometer was accurate on 195/80 R15, an indicated 60 mph would be about 59.4 mph on 175/80 R16, and an indicated 100 km/h about 99 km/h. You would be going slower than the speedometer shows.
Which is better, 195/80 R15 or 175/80 R16?
Neither in general. 195/80 R15 has the taller sidewall, which usually rides more comfortably; 175/80 R16 usually steers more sharply. 195/80 R15 is wider, which can help dry grip; the narrower size is usually better in standing water and snow. The size listed for your car's trim, on its placard or in the handbook, is the safe default.
Check the exact tyre
Size codes give nominal dimensions. Before buying, confirm the size is approved for your car and check the exact tyre's load and speed ratings and published dimensions.