Difference Between 245 and 265 Tires (Performance & Size)

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Have you ever wondered what the difference is between 245 and 265 tires? While both types of tires are designed for passenger vehicles, they have some distinct differences. Here’s a closer look at the key difference between 245 and 265 tires:

One of the most notable differences between 245 and 265 tires is their width. As their name suggests, 245 tires are 10.43 inches wide, while 265 tires are 9.65 inches wide. That may not seem like a big difference, but it can actually have a pretty significant impact on your car’s performance.

how big is a 265 tire

Generally speaking, wider tires offer better grip and traction than narrower ones. That’s because they have a larger contact patch with the road, which gives them more surface area to grip onto. Wider tires are also more stable than narrower ones, making them less likely to wander or slip in wet or icy conditions. To know which tire is the best for your vehicle, keep scrolling!

What Does 245 and 265 Mean On A Tire? 

The numbers 245 and 265 refer to the width of your tires in millimeters. The first number is the tire’s width from sidewall to sidewall, while the second number is the tire’s diameter. These dimensions are important to know because they affect how your car handles the road. 

A wider tire will provide more grip and stability, while a narrower tire will be more agile. The tire’s diameter also affects the gear ratio of your car, so it’s important to choose the right size for your needs.

What’s The Difference Between 245 and 265 Tires? 

Weight

There is a big difference between 245 and 265 tires regarding weight. The 245 tires weigh approximately 44 pounds, while the 265 tires weigh 53.6 pounds. That’s a difference of nearly 10 pounds! The extra weight can make a big difference in performance and fuel economy. 

The 245 tire is significantly lighter than the 265, making it the better choice for performance vehicles. If you’re looking for the best possible fuel economy, the 245 tire is also the way to go. However, the 265 tire offers better traction and stability, making it the better choice for heavy-duty trucks and SUVs.

Rim Compatibility

There is a big difference between 245 and 265 tires regarding rim compatibility. The smaller 245 tires can be used on both 7.5 inches rims, while the 265 tires can be used on 8 inches rims. The 265 tire is too wide to fit on a 6-inch rim. So, if you have a 6-inch rim and want to use a 265 tire, you’ll need to buy a new rim that is 7 inches wide.

265 75r16 rim width
Wheel rims

Price

Price is the biggest difference between 245 and 265 tires. And the price of both tires varies greatly according to the car’s model and the tire’s brand. The 245 tires’ price starts from $85 and can go up to $422. On the other hand, 265 tires’ price ranges from $110 to over $850.

There may be a slight difference in performance, but it is not significant enough to warrant the extra cost of the 265 tires. If you are on a budget, 245 tires are the way to go. If money is no object, then get the 265s.

Handling

Regarding handling, 245 tires may offer better performance in high-speed turns. This is due to their lighter weight, which can make them more responsive. However, 265 tires can provide more stability and traction in slippery or off-road conditions.

Acceleration

Regarding acceleration, both 245 and 265 tires can provide good performance. However, lighter tires may have a slight advantage in this area. This is due to their lower rolling resistance, which can help the vehicle to accelerate more quickly. When choosing between the two tires, it is important to consider how the vehicle will be used and what type of performance is desired.

Rolling Resistance & Fuel Efficiency 

There is a big difference between 245 and 265 tires regarding fuel efficiency and rolling resistance. Regarding fuel efficiency, 245 tires offer better fuel economy because they are not as wide as 265 tires. 

However, 265 tires offer better-rolling resistance due to their width, which directly impacts the amount of contact the tire has with the road. A wider tire will have more contact with the road, which means it will have more rolling resistance. Rolling resistance is the force that is required to keep a tire rolling. The wider the tire, the higher the rolling resistance and the lower the fuel efficiency.

Comfort & Noise

Comfort refers to the feel of the ride, while noise levels refer to how much tire noise is generated while driving. Both of these factors can affect the overall driving experience. 

265 tires are generally more comfortable because they have more height and width but may also be noisier. On the other hand, 245 tires offer a smooth ride, but they may not be as comfortable. It really depends on your personal preferences as to which type of tire is best for you. 

Driving Conditions & Traction

The 245 tires are best for driving on dry and snowy roads or conditions but not wet roads, whereas the 265 tires can handle wet and rainy conditions. If you’re looking for a tire that offers better traction and is designed for more aggressive driving, a 265 tire is a better option. 

Tire Size Comparison: 245 Vs 265 Tires

265 65r17 vs 265 70r17

Aspects265/65R17265/70R17Difference
Diameter 10.4 inch10.4 inch0 inch (0%)
Width 30.6 inch31.6 inch+1 inch (+3.4%)
Circumference inches96 inch99.3 inch+3.3 inch (+3.4%)
Sidewall Height659.9638.1-21.8 (-3.3%)
Revs per mile6.8 inch7.3 inch+0.5 inch (+7.7%)
Aspect Ratio6570+5 (+3.5%)

245 75r16 vs 265 75r16

Aspects245 75R16 265 75R16 Difference
Diameter 9.6 inch10.4 inch+0.8 inch (+8.2%)
Width30.5 inch31.6 inch+1.2 inch (+3.9%)
Circumference inches95.7 inch99.4 inch+3.7 inch (+3.9%)
Sidewall Height 661.9637.2-24.7 (-3.7%)
Revs per mile7.2 inch7.8 inch+0.6 inch (+8.2%)
Aspect Ratio75750 (0%)

245 75r16 vs 265 70r16

Aspects245 75R16265 70R16Difference
Diameter773.9777.43.5 (0.5%)
Width24526520 (8.2%)
Circumference inches95.7296.150.43 (0.5%)
Sidewall Height 183.75185.51.75 (1%)
Revs per mile661.93658.95-2.98 (-0.5%)
Aspect Ratio75705

Pros & Cons of 245 Tires

Here are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:

Pros

  • Includes grease fittings with dust caps and an install tool adapter. 
  • Antitrust coating guards the housing.
  • Specifically designed to resist vast wear and tear. 
  • Ease of installation.
  • Much more inexpensive than the OEM equivalent. 
  • Limited lifetime warranty.
  • Premium quality ball joints under $30. 

Cons

  • None 

Pros & Cons of 265 Tires

Here are some pros and cons to consider before making a decision about buying 265 tires:

Pros

  • Increased traction and grip.
  • Better handling in both dry and wet conditions.
  • Provides better acceleration

Cons

  • More expensive than other tire sizes.
  • More fuel consumption 

Things To Consider In Choosing The Right Tire Width

There are a few things you need to take into account when trying to determine the best width for your tires. 

Width Of Rims

First and foremost, you need to ensure that your tire’s width is compatible with the width of your rims. 

If the width of your tire is too wide for your rims, it can cause several problems, including decreased handling, increased fuel consumption, and even damage to your suspension. On the other hand, too narrow tires for your rims can cause your tire to overheat and wear out much faster than normal.

Road Conditions

The second thing to consider is the terrain you’ll be driving on. If you know, you’ll be driving mostly on pavements, and you should choose a narrower tire. 

Narrower tires provide less rolling resistance, making them more efficient on pavements. However, if you plan on doing a lot of off-road driving, you’ll want to choose a wider tire. Wider tires provide more traction and are better able to grip the terrain. 

Vehicle’s Type

The last thing to consider is the type of vehicle you drive. You’ll want to choose a narrower tire if you have a smaller car. You’ll want to choose a wider tire if you have a larger SUV or truck. Ultimately, the best width for your tires will depend on your specific needs and driving habits.

Check Out How To Choose The Right Tire Type | Tire Guide:

YouTube video

FAQs

Can I use 265 tires instead of 245?

You can replace your 245 tires with 265 tires as long as the new tires are the same width and have the same load rating. The only potential issue you might run into is that the larger tires might rub slightly on your car’s suspension or body, but you can resolve this by installing slightly wider wheel spacers.

Can I replace the 235 tires with 265 tires?

Yes, you can use 265 tires instead of 235. Many people do choose to use wider tires for their vehicles. There are a few things to remember if you’re thinking about switching from 235 to 265 tires.

– One thing to consider is the width of your wheel wells. If you have narrow wheel wells, wider tires may cause some rubbing when you turn or go over bumps. You can solve this problem by getting wider wheels or trimming your wheel wells.
– Another thing to think about is the height of your vehicle. Wider tires can add height to your vehicle, so if you’re worried about it being too tall, you may want to stick with the 235 tires.

Which tire is larger, 265 or 255?

Generally speaking, a 265 tire will be wider than a 255 tire, but the difference in width may not be significant. So, generally, a tire with a wider width will be bigger than a tire with a narrower width. 

However, the height of the sidewall can also affect the overall size of the tire. A taller sidewall will make the tire appear bigger, even if the width is the same. So, in conclusion, it is difficult to say which tire is bigger definitively without knowing all the dimensions.

Can you use wider tires on the same rim?

Yes, you can put wider tires on the same rim, but there are a few things to remember. 

– First, the wider tire will have a smaller diameter and will not fit as snugly on the rim.
– Second, the wider tire may rub on the suspension or frame of your vehicle. You may need to make some adjustments to accommodate the wider tire. 
– Finally, the wider tire may affect the handling of

Final Thoughts

The main difference between 245 and 265 tires is that 245 tires are narrower than 265 tires. This width difference can affect a vehicle’s performance, so choosing the right tire for your car or truck is important.

245 tires, such as sedans and coupes, are typically used on smaller vehicles. They offer good handling and are less likely to cause problems with vehicle stability. 265 tires are wider and are often used on larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks. They provide better traction and can improve a vehicle’s towing ability.

Ultimately, deciding which tire size to choose is up to you. Be sure to consult a professional if you’re unsure which size is right for your vehicle.

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Matt's life has been driven by his great love for cars, from the revving sounds of his childhood to the digital tracks of Gran Turismo. He is a big fan of cars and loves to learn about their inner workings and share his knowledge with other car fans. Even though he doesn't have ASE certifications, he works on cars all the time, so he's always up to date on the latest innovations and trends. Matt doesn't just want to write; he also wants to connect with other people who love cars as much as he does.