185/60R14 vs 165/70R14

165/70R14 is 0.35 in (9.0 mm) taller than 185/60R14, a +1.56% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 185/60R14, an indicated 60 mph is 60.9 mph on 165/70R14.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.56%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 165/70R14 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 185/60R14. 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.

185/60R14 vs 165/70R14 differences
Measurement	185/60R14	165/70R14	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	22.74 in (577.6 mm)	23.09 in (586.6 mm)	+0.35 in (+9.0 mm)	+1.56%
Sidewall height	4.37 in (111.0 mm)	4.55 in (115.5 mm)	+0.18 in (+4.5 mm)	+4.05%
Section width	7.28 in (185.0 mm)	6.50 in (165.0 mm)	−0.79 in (−20.0 mm)	−10.81%
Circumference	71.44 in (1,814.6 mm)	72.55 in (1,842.9 mm)	+1.11 in (+28.3 mm)	+1.56%
Revolutions per mile	887	873	−14	−1.53%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 185/60R14
Indicated	Actual on 185/60R14	Actual on 165/70R14	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.5 mph	+0.5 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.9 mph	+0.9 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	76.2 mph	+1.2 mph

Ride-height change: 165/70R14 raises the vehicle by 0.18 in (4.5 mm) at the axle (half the +9.0 mm diameter difference).

165/70R14 is 0.35 in taller than 185/60R14 and 20 mm narrower, a 1.56% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 185/60R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.9 mph on 165/70R14, and revolutions per mile change from 887 to 873.

Both sizes mount on 14-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 185/60R14

Other comparisons with 165/70R14

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