245 75r16 vs 265 75r16 tires – What’s the Differences?

The comparison between 245 75r16 vs 265 75r16 is a close call. Both tires have a similar model, which will make it quite tricky to decide which one is better for your tire.

245 and 265 refer to the tire width, 75 refers to the aspect ratio, R is for the construction type (Radial) and 16 is for the rim diameter. 245 75r16 and 265 75r16 have an aspect ratio of 75% and the same diameter (R16). 

The core difference between 245 75r 16 and 265 75r16 is in the tire’s width. The 20-millimeter difference between both tires plays a huge role in their performance. You will notice this difference in the speed of the car, fuel economy, performance, and handling.

what does 245/75r16 mean?

245 mm tires are better at offering great traction in winter and snowy conditions, offering drive comfort, reduced noise, and rolling resistance that impacts fuel efficiency. 245 75r16 tires are not just the average 245 tires, but also have a 75% aspect ratio, radial construction, and 16-inch rim diameter. This impacts its overall build and performance.

At a 30.47-inch height, 245 75r16 tires have a 9.65-inch width and a 95.72-inch circumference. With a sidewall height of 7.23 inches and a rev per mile of 661.93 km, 245 75R16 also achieves a different speedometer reading. 

what does 265/75r16 mean?

265 tires are better at offering great traction on dry and wet roads, offering a better grip and control even at sharp turns. This includes better aesthetics, less noticeable impacts when it collides with small obstacles, and enhanced safe rides because of its shorter stopping distance.

265 tires don’t just fall into the category of regular 265 tires, but also have a 75% aspect ratio, radial construction, and 16-inch rim diameter. They fit better in a 16-inch wheel rim.

At a 31.65-inch height, 265 75r16 tires have a 10.43-inch width and a 99.43-inch circumference. They are considerably larger than 245 r16 tires. 265 75r16 tires have a sidewall height of 7.82 inches and a 637.23km rev per mile.

The overall build of 265 75r16 tires impacts its performance and even its speedometer readings.

245/75r16 vs 265/75r16 – 6 key Differences explained

Features245 75r16265 75r16
Sidewall Height (Inches)7.237.82
Rev Per mile (KM)661.93637.23
Circumference (Inches)95.7299.43
Diameter (Inches)30.4731.65
Width (Inches)9.6510.43
Handling and GripGoodBetter
Load Capacity (Pounds)24032756
Tread section widthNarrowerNarrow

#1- Manufacturer’s specifications

The first question that should come to your mind before choosing either 245 75r16 or 265 75r16, should be; which offer of these tires did the manufacturer suggest for my car. Knowing the default specification of your car will help you maintain the balance, grip, and control and reduce safety risks. 

Manufacturers decide on the perfect tire for each vehicle after considering its stability, load needs, handling, and control. Switching or mixing tires might greatly compromise the balance and control.

Cars like Chevrolet 8, Dodge 4, Ford 2, GMC 4, Wrangler Jeep (1997 – 2018), Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, and Lincoln (1), including other cars with similar specifications use 245 75r16. GMC, Holden, Land Rover, Baic, Ram, and Suzuki (1), Hummer 2, Chevrolet 4, Dodge 3, Ford 2, and Nissan 4 are some of the cars that use 265 75r16.

Winner: Both

#2- Fuel economy

Tire sizes play a great role in fuel economy. The bigger the size, the surface area, the greater the power it needs to move. This directly impacts the rolling resistance. 265 75r16 has a greater rolling resistance than 245 75r16. 

This will cause an increase in fuel consumption in 265 75r16 but will achieve fuel economy for 245 75r16. If you are a fan of fuel economy, then you should stick to 24575r16.  You can go for 265 75r16 if you are not concerned about rolling resistance.

Winner: 245 75r16

#3- Size

265 75r16 is the big kid in the block. 265 75r16 tires are bigger than 245 75r16 in terms of sidewall height, Sidewall Height (Inches), Circumference, Diameter, Width, and Tread section width. 265 75r16 is bigger than 245 75r16 in width. 

This small variation makes a huge difference. It reflects in the comfort and noise, rolling resistance, handling, and vehicle compatibility. This also includes the road conditions that are great for each of them.

Winner: 265 75 r16

#4- Grip and Handling

A larger tire surface area automatically impacts its grip, handling, and balance. 265 75r16 has a bigger width and circumference. This makes it have a better grip and handling than 245 75r16. 

This is also reflected in its traction and acceleration.

Winner: 265 75r16 

#5-Vehicle Demands

The best use case for 245 75r16 and 265 75r16 varies. Although 245 75 r16 is good for wet grounds, 265 75 r16 is good for vehicles with heavy load needs. 

245 75r16 has a load capacity of 2403 pounds, while 265 75r16 has a load capacity of 2756 pounds. The load index also varies for both tires, with 265 75r16 scoring an upper hand in the lead.

The narrow form of 245 75 r16 gives it better performance in snow and winter conditions, but you should also consider the traction it offers. 265 is a better tire with a wider surface area and improved handling.

You should pick any of these tires according to your needs.

Winner: Both

#6- Price

Price might pose a major factor in your market decisions and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. 265 75r16 tires are costlier than 245 75r16, while 245 75r16 is more affordable.

Winner: 245 75r16

people also ask (FAQs)

1. Can you mix tires with different load ratings?

It is best to use tires with the same load ratings and index. This maintains balance across all angles in your car. 

However, if you must mix tires with different ratings, you should use tires with a higher rating on the rear end of the vehicle. You should also ensure that the load difference between the load ratings is not much.

2. Can you mix tires with different aspect ratios?

You should not mix tires with different aspect ratios. It will affect the handling, grip, and fuel efficiency of your car. If you must mix tires of different aspect ratios, you shouldn’t go too low across all tires.

3. What happens if you mix tires?

Mixing tires in the same vehicle will affect the ease of driving. This will affect the acceleration, brake ability, grip, and traction. You shouldn’t mix different tires. 

Maintain conformity down to your brand choice and tread pattern. 

closing thoughts

Choosing the best tire for your vehicle might become confusing, especially when you are choosing between similar tires. 245 75r16 is good for fuel economy and a reduced rolling resistance or your regular everyday driving on dry and wet grounds.

If you need something more solid, a wider surface area, and you don’t mind the extra cost, then you should go for 265 75r16.

Check out these helpful tire comparison related posts below!

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