1985 Ford Thunderbird — Elan
The 1985 Ford Thunderbird Elan shipped with 2 different factory tire sizes, depending on the wheel package it left the factory with (this can also reflect a staggered front/rear setup). Check your tire sidewall or door placard to confirm which one applies to your vehicle.
This trim shipped with more than one tire size (staggered fitment, front/rear, or optional wheel package). Confirm which one matches your vehicle by checking your tire sidewall or door placard.
205/70R14
| Section width | 205 mm |
|---|---|
| Aspect ratio (sidewall height) | 70% (143.5 mm) |
| Rim diameter | 14" |
| Overall tire diameter | ~25.3" |
| Revolutions per mile | ~797 |
Compare prices at:
215/70R14
| Section width | 215 mm |
|---|---|
| Aspect ratio (sidewall height) | 70% (150.5 mm) |
| Rim diameter | 14" |
| Overall tire diameter | ~25.9" |
| Revolutions per mile | ~780 |
Compare prices at:
What this size means for your Ford Thunderbird
On the 1985 Ford Thunderbird Elan, the factory 205/70R14 measures about 25.3″ in overall diameter with a 143.5 mm (5.6″) sidewall, and completes roughly 797 revolutions per mile. Its 70-series aspect ratio gives a tall sidewall of the kind used on trucks, SUVs, and older passenger cars, built for cushioning and load. In tire terms it is a small-diameter fitment typical of older or economy vehicles.
The 205/70R14 and 215/70R14 differ in both width and overall diameter (0.6″, 2.4%), which usually means a staggered front/rear setup — the two sizes are not interchangeable side to side, so match each to its correct axle.
Because the 1985 Ford Thunderbird predates many current tire lines, confirm this size is still stocked before ordering — some vintage fitments are now served mainly by specialty and classic-car tire suppliers.
Other 1985 Ford Thunderbird trims
- Base Model 205/70R14 / 215/70R14
- Fila 205/70R14 / 215/70R14
- Turbo 225/60R15
Ford Thunderbird tire sizes by year
- 2005 Ford Thunderbird 235/50R17
- 2004 Ford Thunderbird 235/50R17
- 2003 Ford Thunderbird 235/50R17
- 2002 Ford Thunderbird 235/50R17
- 1997 Ford Thunderbird 205/70R15 / 215/70R15
- 1996 Ford Thunderbird 205/70R15 / 215/70R15
- 1995 Ford Thunderbird 205/70R15 / 215/70R15
- 1994 Ford Thunderbird 205/70R15 / 215/70R15
- 1993 Ford Thunderbird 205/70R15 / 215/70R15
- 1992 Ford Thunderbird 205/70R15 / 215/70R15
How to read a tire size
A tire size like 225/45R17 breaks down into three parts:
the first number is the section width in millimeters
(the tire's width from sidewall to sidewall), the second is the
aspect ratio — the sidewall's height as a percentage of
that width — and the number after the "R" is the rim
diameter in inches. A letter prefix (P or LT) indicates
Passenger or Light Truck construction; its absence usually means
Euro-metric sizing.
Some trucks and off-road tires instead use "flotation" sizing, like
37X12.50R17 — here the numbers are the tire's overall
diameter and width in inches directly, with the rim diameter last.
Always verify against the tire information placard on your driver's-side door jamb or your owner's manual before purchasing — tire size can vary by factory option package even within the same trim.