1972 Peugeot 304 Tires

The 1972 Peugeot 304 uses two primary tire sizes: 145R14 in radial construction and 520-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the model on a 14-inch rim, so the fitment question is not limited to one single size or one single construction type.

The practical choice is deciding which construction best suits the car and then confirming that the wheels match the intended tire. A 145R14 keeps the Peugeot in a classic Euro radial format, while a 520-14 moves toward a more traditional bias-ply setup. Wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and clearance should be checked before changing from one construction style to the other.

The 1972 Peugeot 304 uses a 14-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 145R14 and the bias-ply 520-14 both share that same wheel diameter, which keeps rim diameter simple even though the car has two different tire constructions available.

Diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to confirm the actual wheel width before selecting a tire. The available 145R14 radial products and 520-14 bias-ply products do not use the same width range, and that matters when a car has replacement wheels or older rims of uncertain origin. Measuring the wheel before purchase avoids preventable fitment issues.

The 1972 Peugeot 304 Sedan & Wagon shares the same overall tire-fitment choices. That sub-model grouping can use either a 145R14 radial or a 520-14 bias-ply, both on 14-inch rims, so there is no separate size split between the Sedan and Wagon within this application.

That consistency means the real decision is about construction and appearance rather than body style. A radial keeps the car in a classic European tire format with blackwall options, while the bias-ply alternative changes the presentation with narrow whitewall styling. It is still smart to inspect the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been restored, modified, or stored for a long time.

520-14 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1972 Peugeot 304. It uses a vintage numeric bias-ply format, and in this application it stands apart from the 145R14 radial size that also fits the model on a 14-inch rim.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the look and the setup of the car. Owners choosing 520-14 are usually deciding in favor of a more traditional presentation, especially with the narrow whitewall options available in that size. Before making the change, the wheel width and the vehicle's overall condition should be checked so the tire matches the car's actual wheel and clearance requirements.

Either choice can be appropriate on a 1972 Peugeot 304 because both a 145R14 radial and a 520-14 bias-ply are used on the model. The decision usually comes down to whether the car is being kept in a classic Euro radial format or given a more traditional bias-ply appearance.

Radial and bias-ply tires do not create the same visual or driving impression, so the best match depends on your priorities. A road-driven Peugeot may lead an owner toward the 145R14 radial, while a restoration-minded or style-focused build may point toward 520-14. Any switch between constructions should include a check of wheel width, suspension condition, and available clearance around the tire.

A conversion from bias-ply to radial on a 1972 Peugeot 304 starts with confirming the actual wheel size and width, then matching the car to the 145R14 radial setup. The 145R14 uses a 14-inch rim like the 520-14, but construction differences still make a full fitment check worthwhile.

The main items to inspect are wheel width, tire-to-fender and steering clearance, suspension condition, and the overall condition of any older wheels on the car. A Peugeot that still carries original-style wheels may be fine, but replacement rims can change the picture. It also helps to inspect alignment and general front-end wear before road use so the new radial tires are not compromised by an underlying chassis issue.

Start with the correct size and construction for the way the 1972 Peugeot 304 will be used. The 145R14 is a radial in classic Euro-metric form, while the 520-14 is a bias-ply size. That makes the choice about more than dimensions, because construction affects both appearance and how the car presents itself on the road.

After choosing the size family, compare wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, and the overall look you want from the car. The radial choices are blackwall, while the 520-14 bias-ply tires use narrow whitewall styling. It also helps to consider whether the Peugeot is a regular driver, a weekend collector car, or a restoration project where period-style appearance matters more than keeping a radial-format setup.

The 1972 Peugeot 304 has two different sidewall directions available across its tire choices. The 145R14 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 520-14 bias-ply options use narrow whitewall styling. That creates a clear visual split between the radial and bias-ply offerings for this model.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the car's overall presentation in mind rather than as a purely cosmetic afterthought. A blackwall radial keeps the small Peugeot in a restrained European look, while a narrow whitewall bias-ply changes the visual character more noticeably. Since sidewall treatment is tied to the available construction and series here, style choice also affects the broader tire decision.

The 1972 Peugeot 304 has tire options from Firestone, Camac, and Premium Sport. Firestone and Camac appear in the 145R14 radial size, while Premium Sport covers the 520-14 bias-ply size with narrow whitewall offerings in the Premium Sport Lowrider series.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the size and construction you actually want on the car. If the goal is a Euro-style radial, the comparison stays within the 145R14 blackwall group. If the priority is a traditional bias-ply presentation, the 520-14 Premium Sport options become the focus. Comparing the correct size first helps avoid choosing a brand before the fitment direction is settled.

A period-style 1972 Peugeot 304 can reasonably point in two directions depending on the kind of presentation you want. The 145R14 radial preserves the car's classic Euro-metric tire format, while the 520-14 bias-ply creates a more traditional vintage look with narrow whitewall styling.

The better choice depends on whether the project emphasizes European road-car character or a stronger vintage visual statement. For strict originality questions, tire choice should be checked against marque references, surviving examples, or restoration records specific to the car. Using the correct size family first is the safest starting point, then sidewall style and construction can be narrowed to suit the build.

Tire construction changes the appearance of a restored 1972 Peugeot 304 more than many owners expect. A 145R14 radial gives the car a classic European blackwall presentation, while a 520-14 bias-ply adds a more traditional vintage look, especially with the narrow whitewall versions available in that size.

That visual difference can influence how authentic, understated, or stylized the finished car feels. A restoration aimed at preserving a clean European profile may lean toward the radial format, while a more appearance-driven build may favor the bias-ply whitewall look. Construction also affects wheel-width considerations, so appearance should be balanced with the wheel and chassis setup already on the car.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 Peugeot 304 even when the nominal tire size is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can alter how a 145R14 radial or 520-14 bias-ply sits within the available space.

That is why the actual car should be checked before settling on a tire, especially if its history is uncertain. Wheel diameter may remain 14 inches, but width and offset changes can still influence clearance at the fender, steering, and suspension. A careful measurement of the wheel and a visual inspection at full steering lock help prevent fitment surprises.

Before driving a 1972 Peugeot 304 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tire is mounted on the correct rim size and width, and check inflation, valve condition, and general installation quality. It also helps to inspect steering and suspension components on a car that may have seen long storage.

A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for worn front-end parts, bent wheels, or poor alignment. The first road test should include a check for rubbing, vibration, pull, and any sign of uneven clearance. On a collector-era Peugeot, it is also wise to recheck air pressure and lug torque after the initial miles so the new setup can be evaluated under real use.

Collector-car tires on a 1972 Peugeot 304 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and clean, dry storage conditions. Whether the car uses 145R14 radials or 520-14 bias-ply tires, age and inactivity can be just as important as tread depth on a lightly used vintage vehicle.

Frequent inspection for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and slow air loss helps catch problems before a road outing. Parking away from prolonged sun, heat, and ozone sources also helps protect the rubber over time. Even when a Peugeot is driven only occasionally, the tires should be looked over before each outing and more carefully before any longer trip.