205/60R14 vs 185/70R14

185/70R14 is 0.51 in (13.0 mm) taller than 205/60R14, a +2.16% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/60R14, an indicated 60 mph is 61.3 mph on 185/70R14.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +2.16%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 185/70R14 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 205/60R14. 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.

205/60R14 vs 185/70R14 differences
Measurement	205/60R14	185/70R14	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	23.69 in (601.6 mm)	24.20 in (614.6 mm)	+0.51 in (+13.0 mm)	+2.16%
Sidewall height	4.84 in (123.0 mm)	5.10 in (129.5 mm)	+0.26 in (+6.5 mm)	+5.28%
Section width	8.07 in (205.0 mm)	7.28 in (185.0 mm)	−0.79 in (−20.0 mm)	−9.76%
Circumference	74.41 in (1,890.0 mm)	76.02 in (1,930.8 mm)	+1.61 in (+40.8 mm)	+2.16%
Revolutions per mile	852	834	−18	−2.12%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/60R14
Indicated	Actual on 205/60R14	Actual on 185/70R14	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.6 mph	+0.6 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	61.3 mph	+1.3 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	76.6 mph	+1.6 mph

Ride-height change: 185/70R14 raises the vehicle by 0.26 in (6.5 mm) at the axle (half the +13.0 mm diameter difference).

185/70R14 is 0.51 in taller than 205/60R14 and 20 mm narrower, a 2.16% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/60R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.3 mph on 185/70R14, and revolutions per mile change from 852 to 834.

Both sizes mount on 14-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 205/60R14

Other comparisons with 185/70R14

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