The 1971 Audi 100 came from an era when Audi was establishing its modern identity with clean European sedan design, front-wheel-drive practicality, and a more refined road manner than many compact imports of the day. That makes tire choice especially important, because the car can be kept in a traditional vintage presentation or fitted in a more road-oriented radial setup. The 1971 Audi 100 uses either a 165R14 radial or a 560-14 bias-ply tire, both on 14-inch rims. Available options range from blackwall European-style radials to blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall bias-ply choices. The right selection depends on whether appearance, period character, or day-to-day driving behavior matters most to your car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1971 Audi 100
The 1971 Audi 100 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied mainly to construction rather than wheel diameter, since both fit a 14-inch rim. The first step is deciding whether your car should stay with a traditional 560-14 bias-ply tire or use the 165R14 radial size, because that choice shapes the car’s appearance, driving feel, and the range of product styles available.
A 165R14 uses a nominal section width of 165 millimeters, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter; in this format, the aspect ratio is not stated and is commonly treated as an 80-series type of radial. For the 1971 Audi 100, this is the modern-feeling primary fitment, with blackwall radial choices from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those options include established series such as Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. This size suits owners who want a period-appropriate European radial presentation while keeping the car on its correct rim diameter.
A 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 560 designates the tire’s nominal section width class, roughly 5.60 inches, and the 14 indicates a 14-inch rim. On the 1971 Audi 100, this size preserves the traditional bias-ply construction choice associated with many earlier replacement practices for compact European sedans. Available products come in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is worth considering when period-style appearance and a more vintage tire profile are more important than moving to a radial layout.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1971 Audi 100 sub-model lineup, because the same two primary tire sizes appear across Base, LS, and GL. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm whether the car should remain bias-ply in presentation or move toward a radial setup on the same 14-inch rim diameter.
1
1971 Audi 100 Base, LS & GL
The 1971 Audi 100 Base, LS and GL share the same basic tire-fitment situation, with a choice between 165R14 radial and 560-14 bias-ply construction. That means the real decision is less about trim-specific sizing and more about selecting the tire type, sidewall style, and overall look that best matches the car’s intended use.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1971 Audi 100 Tires for Sale
Available 1971 Audi 100 tire choices split clearly between 165R14 blackwall radials from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein, and 560-14 BFGoodrich bias-ply tires in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form. That makes it easy to compare construction, series character, and sidewall presentation within the correct 14-inch fitment.
Common 1971 Audi 100 tire questions usually come down to choosing between 165R14 radial and 560-14 bias-ply fitment, understanding the 14-inch rim setup, and deciding how appearance, restoration priorities, and road use affect the final choice.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1971 Audi 100?
The 1971 Audi 100 uses two primary tire sizes: 165R14 in radial construction and 560-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the car and both use a 14-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about diameter and more about which construction and tire style best suit the car.
That means selection starts with the type of driving and presentation you want. A 165R14 keeps the car in a classic European radial format, while a 560-14 keeps a more traditional bias-ply look. Before choosing either one, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and check for any wheel or suspension changes made over the years.
What size rim does a 1971 Audi 100 use?
The tire sizes used on the 1971 Audi 100 are built around a 14-inch rim diameter. That is true for both the 165R14 radial and the 560-14 bias-ply size, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire constructions differ.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the full fitment question, because wheel width also matters. Some 165R14 radial products are intended for wider rims than the 560-14 bias-ply options, so an owner should confirm the actual wheel dimensions before changing construction. That step becomes especially important if the car no longer has its original steel wheels.
Do all 1971 Audi 100 sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1971 Audi 100 Base, LS and GL sub-models share the same tire-fitment choices. Each of those sub-models can use either the 165R14 radial size or the 560-14 bias-ply size, both on 14-inch rims.
That shared fitment keeps the process simpler than on cars where trim level changes the tire size. Even so, the construction choice still affects the character of the car, so it helps to decide whether the goal is a more traditional bias-ply presentation or a classic radial setup. Wheel width and any past modifications should still be checked before final selection.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1971 Audi 100?
Start with the correct primary size and construction for the way the car will be used. The 1971 Audi 100 can be fitted with a 165R14 radial or a 560-14 bias-ply, so the first decision is whether you want a classic European radial layout or a more traditional bias-ply presentation.
After that, compare the details that actually separate the available products: brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. A blackwall radial may suit a road-driven sedan, while a bias-ply whitewall may better support a restoration-oriented look. The car’s actual wheels should be measured before changing from one construction type to the other.
What sidewall styles are available for 1971 Audi 100 tires?
Sidewall choice depends on which tire size and construction you select. The 165R14 radial options are offered as blackwalls, while the 560-14 bias-ply options are available as blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall tires.
That gives the Audi 100 owner a clear visual choice. A blackwall radial keeps a restrained European look, while the whitewall bias-ply options create a more stylized vintage presentation. Sidewall style should be chosen only after the correct size and wheel compatibility are confirmed, since appearance is secondary to proper fitment and intended use.
What brands offer tires for the 1971 Audi 100?
The 1971 Audi 100 has radial tire options from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in 165R14, while the 560-14 bias-ply choices come from BFGoodrich. Those brands cover both sides of the car’s fitment story, from classic European-style radial touring tires to traditional bias-ply replacements.
Brand matters most when it connects to the tire series and the kind of presentation you want. Michelin XAS, Pirelli Cinturato CA67, and Vredestein Sprint Classic all support the radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich handles the bias-ply option with multiple sidewall treatments. The better choice depends on construction, wheel setup, and the look you want to preserve.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1971 Audi 100?
A period-style 1971 Audi 100 can be approached in two different ways. The 165R14 radial keeps the car in a classic European radial format, while the 560-14 bias-ply size gives it a more traditional vintage-tire appearance. Either choice can support an older, authentic-looking presentation, but they create a different visual and driving impression.
The best direction depends on what period style means for your car. A road-focused restoration may lean toward the blackwall radial options, while a more nostalgic visual treatment may point toward the bias-ply size and its whitewall choices. When exact originality matters, compare your car against marque references, period photography, and restoration records before settling on one look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1971 Audi 100?
Tire construction changes the overall visual character of a restored 1971 Audi 100 even when the rim diameter stays the same. A 165R14 radial gives the car a classic European blackwall look, while a 560-14 bias-ply creates a more traditional vintage profile and opens the door to blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall styling.
That visual difference can be just as important as the mechanical fitment. A restrained restoration may look more natural on blackwall radials, while a more stylized presentation may benefit from the bias-ply whitewall options. Construction also affects wheel-width compatibility, so appearance should be weighed alongside the actual wheel dimensions already on the car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1971 Audi 100?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1971 Audi 100 even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can all influence how a 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains.
That is why an older Audi should be checked as it exists today rather than assumed to be stock. Measure the wheel diameter and width, look for steering or fender clearance issues, and confirm that the car sits evenly. A fitment that worked years ago may no longer be appropriate after wheel or suspension changes.
What should I inspect before driving a 1971 Audi 100 on new tires?
Before driving a 1971 Audi 100 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. Make sure the new tires match the car’s intended size and construction, and check that the wheel diameter and width are suitable for the specific 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply being installed.
Road readiness also depends on the basics that are easy to overlook on an older car. Verify inflation pressure, look for rubbing at full steering lock, and make sure the tires clear the fenders through normal suspension movement. A short test drive followed by a second inspection can catch clearance or seating issues before regular use.
How should tires on a collector 1971 Audi 100 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1971 Audi 100 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car is on 165R14 radials or 560-14 bias-ply tires, owners should watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, uneven wear, and any signs of slow air loss.
Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so maintenance goes beyond tread depth. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and moving the vehicle occasionally can reduce stress from sitting in one place. A close inspection before each driving season is a smart routine on a lightly used vintage Audi.
