175/65R14 vs 165/70R14

165/70R14 is 0.14 in (3.5 mm) taller than 175/65R14, a +0.60% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 175/65R14, an indicated 60 mph is 60.4 mph on 165/70R14.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.60%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 165/70R14 is a near match for 175/65R14; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

175/65R14 vs 165/70R14 differences
Measurement	175/65R14	165/70R14	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	22.96 in (583.1 mm)	23.09 in (586.6 mm)	+0.14 in (+3.5 mm)	+0.60%
Sidewall height	4.48 in (113.8 mm)	4.55 in (115.5 mm)	+0.07 in (+1.8 mm)	+1.54%
Section width	6.89 in (175.0 mm)	6.50 in (165.0 mm)	−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)	−5.71%
Circumference	72.12 in (1,831.9 mm)	72.55 in (1,842.9 mm)	+0.43 in (+11.0 mm)	+0.60%
Revolutions per mile	879	873	−5	−0.60%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 175/65R14
Indicated	Actual on 175/65R14	Actual on 165/70R14	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.2 mph	+0.2 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.4 mph	+0.4 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.5 mph	+0.5 mph

Ride-height change: 165/70R14 raises the vehicle by 0.07 in (1.8 mm) at the axle (half the +3.5 mm diameter difference).

165/70R14 is 0.14 in taller than 175/65R14 and 10 mm narrower, a 0.60% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 175/65R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.4 mph on 165/70R14, and revolutions per mile change from 879 to 873.

Both sizes mount on 14-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 175/65R14

Other comparisons with 165/70R14

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.