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Tire Size Comparison

215/70R15 vs 205/70R15

Switching from 215/70R15 to 205/70R15 changes overall diameter by -2.05% (26.85 in → 26.30 in).

-2.05%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 215/70R15, fitting 205/70R15 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.2 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.8 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h78.4 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h97.9 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h117.5 km/h75 mph73 mph

Full comparison

215/70R15
Overall diameter682.0 mm · 26.85 in
Section width215 mm · 8.46 in
Sidewall height150.5 mm · 5.93 in
Circumference2142.6 mm · 84.4 in
Revolutions per mile751
Revolutions per km467
205/70R15
Overall diameter668.0 mm · 26.30 in
Section width205 mm · 8.07 in
Sidewall height143.5 mm · 5.65 in
Circumference2098.6 mm · 82.6 in
Revolutions per mile767
Revolutions per km477
Original tire
New tire
-2.05%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
26.926.3
Original
Overall diameter682 mm · 26.85 in
Sidewall height150.5 mm
Circumference2,142.6 mm
Revolutions / mile751.1
New
Overall diameter668 mm · 26.3 in
Sidewall height143.5 mm
Circumference2,098.6 mm
Revolutions / mile766.9
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -2.05%. With a speedometer calibrated to the original tire, that same percentage is how far the speedometer and odometer read off — a taller tire means your true speed is higher than indicated and the odometer under-counts distance.

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.2 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.8 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h78.4 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h97.9 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h117.5 km/h75 mph73 mph

See individual specs: 215/70R15 · 205/70R15. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.