255/35R19 vs 215/50R17
215/50R17 has an overall diameter of 646.8 mm (25.46") compared with 661.1 mm (26.03") for 255/35R19, a difference of -14.3 mm (-2.16 %). The sidewall changes by +18.3 mm, section width by -40 mm and ride height by -7.1 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 255/35R19 turns 496 times per kilometre and 215/50R17 turns 507 times. With 215/50R17 fitted to a car calibrated for 255/35R19, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 97.8 km/h, and the odometer records 102.2 km for every 100 km driven. This is close to the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance, so check clearance and local rules.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 255/35R19 | 215/50R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 255 mm | 215 mm | -40 mm |
| Sidewall height | 89.3 mm | 107.5 mm | +18.3 mm |
| Rim diameter | 19" | 17" | -2.0" |
| Overall diameter | 661.1 mm (26.03") | 646.8 mm (25.46") | -14.3 mm (-2.16 %) |
| Static circumference | 2077 mm | 2032 mm | -45 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2016 mm | 1973 mm | -44 mm |
| Revs per km | 496 | 507 | +11 |
| Ride height | -7.1 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 26x10R19 | 25.5×8.5R17 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 8.5″–10″ | 6″–8″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 39.1 | 48.9 | 58.7 | 78.3 | 97.8 | 107.6 |
| Error (km/h) | -0.9 | -1.1 | -1.3 | -1.7 | -2.2 | -2.4 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 255/35R19. Odometer records 102.2 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 215/50R17 is 14.3 mm (2.16 %) smaller in diameter, so your speedo will read high and your odometer will over-record distance.
- Section width changes by -40 mm. Check guard, strut and inner-arch clearance and that the rim width is within the approved range for the new tyre.
- Rim diameter changes from 19" to 17", so new wheels are required.
Is 215/50R17 legal in Australia? More info needed
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) Diameter change of -14.3 mm is within the +15 mm / -26 mm allowance for a passenger car (MA/MB) (measured against the largest size the manufacturer designates for the model). | OK |
| Speedometer (ADR 18/03) A smaller tyre makes the speedo read high: at an indicated 100 km/h you would be doing 97.8 km/h (over-read 2.2 km/h; ADR 18 allows up to 13.8 km/h at that speed). | OK |
| Load index (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard load index and the replacement tyre load index to check. | ? |
| Speed rating (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard speed rating and the replacement tyre speed rating to check. | ? |
Frequently asked
Can I fit 215/50R17 instead of 255/35R19?
Overall diameter changes by -14.3 mm (-2.16 %). That is close to the 3 % rule of thumb; it may fit, but check guard, strut and brake clearance and your local rules. In Australia VSB 14 allows up to +15 mm for passenger cars and +50 mm for 4WDs/goods vehicles without certification.
How much will my speedo be out with 215/50R17?
Your speedo will read high by about 2.16 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 97.8 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 107.6 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 215/50R17?
Static circumference is 2032 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 1973 mm, which is 507 revolutions per kilometre.
215/50R17 in inches
215/50R17 is approximately 25.5×8.5R17: 25.5" tall, 8.5" wide, on a 17" rim, with a 4.2" sidewall.
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