1971 Mazda RX-3 Tires

The 1971 Mazda RX-3 is associated with two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction and size format matches the car’s current setup and intended use.

That matters because a 560-13 bias-ply tire and a 155R13 radial do not represent the same kind of replacement decision, even though they share the same rim diameter. A careful selection starts with checking the actual wheel width on the car, then deciding whether the goal is a more period-style presentation or a radial-based configuration.

The primary tire sizes associated with the 1971 Mazda RX-3 both use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 155R13 radial and the 560-13 bias-ply size, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire construction and sizing systems differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. It is still important to confirm the actual rim width before choosing a tire, because the available radial and bias-ply products do not share the same width ranges and that can affect compatibility.

The 1971 Mazda RX-3 Base is associated with the same two primary sizes used on this model overall: 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply. In other words, the Base sub-model does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a unique third size that changes the basic fitment direction.

The practical choice is deciding which of those two fitment paths suits the car. A bias-ply setup leans toward a more traditional appearance, while the radial option keeps the 13-inch rim diameter but uses a different construction and sizing format, so wheel width and clearance still deserve a close look.

On the 1971 Mazda RX-3, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric bias-ply sizing format, where the first number reflects nominal section width and the final number refers to the 13-inch rim diameter.

That makes 560-13 the more traditional-looking choice of the two primary fitments associated with the RX-3. Buyers comparing it to a radial option should keep in mind that matching rim diameter does not make the two constructions automatically interchangeable, so wheel width, overall setup, and the intended character of the car should guide the decision.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series alternative, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series alternative. These are all radial-equivalent sizes associated with the original 560-13 bias-ply fitment.

A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to that equivalent group, which is useful when checking whether the wheel on the car matches the intended conversion. Equivalent sizing should still be treated as a fitment comparison rather than an automatic swap, so wheel width, tire dimensions, and vehicle clearance remain important.

Both approaches are associated with the 1971 Mazda RX-3. The 560-13 size represents the bias-ply fitment, while 155R13 represents the radial side of the fitment picture, giving owners a choice between a more traditional construction and a metric radial format on the same 13-inch rim diameter.

The right direction depends on what matters most for the car. A period-style presentation often points toward bias-ply, while a radial-based setup may appeal to owners prioritizing a more modern tire format. Either way, the actual wheel width and the car’s present-day configuration should be confirmed before settling on one construction.

Start with the fact that 560-13 is the bias-ply fitment associated with the 1971 Mazda RX-3. Within that size, choices differ by brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width specification, so the decision is about more than simply finding any tire marked 560-13.

BFGoodrich and Firestone options give this size a traditional bias-ply presentation, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles available. It helps to decide early whether the car is being kept restoration-oriented or simply period-inspired, then confirm the wheel width on the car so the selected tire matches both the appearance goal and the hardware.

The available sidewall styles for 1971 Mazda RX-3 tires include blackwall on the 155R13 radial options, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall on the 560-13 bias-ply options. That creates a clear appearance divide between the radial products and the more traditionally styled bias-ply offerings.

Choosing among those sidewalls depends on how the car should present visually. Blackwall keeps the look simple and sporty, while whitewall treatments add a stronger vintage accent. Since sidewall style is tied to specific tire constructions and series here, appearance should be considered alongside size, wheel compatibility, and the broader direction of the car.

Available tires for the 1971 Mazda RX-3 come from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone supply 560-13 bias-ply choices in classic-style whitewall formats.

That spread gives owners a useful way to narrow the search by construction and appearance before comparing individual products. A buyer looking for radial blackwalls is in a different part of the catalog than someone looking for a bias-ply whitewall, so confirming the tire size path first keeps the brand comparison meaningful.

For a period-style 1971 Mazda RX-3, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the most traditional starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and bias-ply construction associated with the car. Available options in this size also include classic whitewall presentations that can reinforce an older visual character.

The exact look still depends on how authentic or simply era-inspired the project needs to be. Buyers chasing strict originality should compare their choice against marque references or vehicle-specific historical material, while owners building a road car can focus on selecting the sidewall style and brand presentation that best suit the finished car.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1971 Mazda RX-3 more than many buyers expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire carries a distinctly vintage format and is available with whitewall styling, while the 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires with a more modern metric sizing presentation.

That difference can shape the car’s stance and overall feel even before it moves. Owners trying to keep a stronger early-1970s appearance often lean toward the bias-ply route, while a radial setup can make sense when the build aims for regular road use and a less overtly vintage tire presentation.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1971 Mazda RX-3 even when the tire size itself is associated with the car. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, or body and fender work can all influence whether a bias-ply or radial setup clears and sits as expected.

That is especially important on a small car using 13-inch tires, where minor changes can have noticeable effects. A useful check includes confirming actual wheel diameter and width, then turning the steering through its range and inspecting fender and suspension clearance before committing to a replacement or equivalent-size conversion.

Before driving a 1971 Mazda RX-3 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure lug hardware seats properly, and verify that the tires have adequate clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering components. Tire pressure should also be set appropriately for the tires being used.

A collector car deserves a broader walk-around before road use, especially if it has been parked for long periods. Check for fluid leaks, uneven ride height, worn bushings, or brake issues that could affect how the tires behave on the road, and recheck the tires after the first drive for rubbing or unexpected air loss.

Tires on a collector 1971 Mazda RX-3 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular tread wear, and gradual air loss, whether the car is on 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials. Low annual mileage does not prevent tire aging, so visual condition matters just as much as tread depth.

Storage conditions also play a big role in how long the tires stay serviceable. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and moving the car occasionally can reduce long-term flat spotting on vehicles that spend much of their time parked.