1973 Audi 100 Tires

A 1973 Audi 100 uses two primary tire sizes: 165R14 in radial construction and 560-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 14-inch rim diameter, and both appear across the covered Base, LS and GL configurations.

The important next step is deciding which construction belongs on the particular car you are building or driving. A radial and a bias-ply tire can give the Audi a noticeably different look and feel, so wheel width, tire clearance, intended road use, and overall restoration goals should all be checked before making the final selection.

The 1973 Audi 100 uses a 14-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 165R14 and the bias-ply 560-14 are both built for 14-inch wheels, so rim diameter does not change when choosing between those two fitments.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on an older car that may have seen wheel changes over time. It is smart to confirm the actual wheel width on the car as well, since the available 165R14 radial and 560-14 bias-ply products do not share the same rim-width ranges.

The covered 1973 Audi 100 Base, LS and GL models share the same overall fitment pattern. Each can use either the 165R14 radial or the 560-14 bias-ply tire size, both on 14-inch rims.

That makes sub-model selection simpler than on vehicles where trim levels change wheel diameter or tire size. The more useful check is whether the car still has wheels suited to the construction you want to use, and whether the goal is a more traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial setup for regular road driving.

560-14 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1973 Audi 100. It uses the older numeric sizing format and is available in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply versions, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments.

That matters because a bias-ply tire changes both appearance and driving feel compared with a radial. Before choosing 560-14, verify that the wheel width matches the tire’s intended range and think about how the Audi will be used, since a restoration-oriented car may call for a different approach than one driven more frequently on modern roads.

A 1973 Audi 100 can be fitted with either a 560-14 bias-ply or a 165R14 radial, depending on the setup and the owner’s goals. The basic choice is whether to preserve a more traditional vintage tire construction or use the radial format available for this model.

The practical decision usually comes down to appearance, wheel compatibility, and how the car will be driven. A bias-ply tire supports a more traditional presentation, while a radial keeps the same 14-inch rim diameter in a more modern construction, but the actual wheel width and vehicle clearance should still be confirmed before changing formats.

The first things to check are wheel diameter, wheel width, and the actual tire size being replaced. On a 1973 Audi 100, the radial option is 165R14 and the bias-ply option is 560-14, so the conversion still stays within a 14-inch rim diameter but changes construction and sizing format.

It also helps to inspect steering clearance, suspension condition, and overall tire-to-body space before making the switch. Older cars are often fitted with replacement wheels over time, so confirming that the rim width suits the chosen radial is just as important as confirming that the tire clears fenders and suspension through normal driving and turning.

Start with the two correct size families for the 1973 Audi 100: 165R14 for radial construction and 560-14 for bias-ply construction. From there, the main selection factors are intended use, wheel compatibility, sidewall appearance, and whether the car is being kept in a more traditional vintage format or a more road-oriented radial format.

Product details can help narrow the choice further. The available 165R14 radials come from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form, while the 560-14 bias-ply choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, so the final decision often blends fitment needs with the look you want on the finished car.

Sidewall style depends on which tire size and construction you choose for the 1973 Audi 100. The 165R14 radial options are offered in blackwall, while the 560-14 bias-ply choices are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.

That gives the Audi a very different visual character depending on the tire selected. A blackwall keeps the look restrained and European, while a whitewall bias-ply creates a more vintage presentation, so it is worth deciding early whether the car is being finished as a subtle road car or as a restoration-oriented display and weekend driver.

The 1973 Audi 100 has available tire options from Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, and BFGoodrich. Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein appear in the 165R14 radial size, while BFGoodrich covers the 560-14 bias-ply size in several sidewall styles.

Brand alone should not make the decision. It helps to compare the size you need first, then look at construction, tire series, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility to make sure the selected tire suits both the Audi’s setup and the kind of visual finish you want from the completed car.

A period-style 1973 Audi 100 can be approached in two different ways within the correct fitment range. The 560-14 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while the 165R14 radial keeps the proper 14-inch format in a European radial style that also suits the era of the car.

The better choice depends on what kind of authenticity matters most for the project. Some owners prioritize traditional construction and sidewall character, while others want an era-appropriate radial look, so it is wise to compare the car against photos, marque-club references, or other historical sources if exact presentation is important.

Tire construction changes more than ride characteristics on a restored 1973 Audi 100; it also affects how the car sits and how the sidewall reads visually. A 560-14 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage look, while a 165R14 radial presents a more European touring style.

Sidewall treatment adds another layer to that decision. Blackwall radials keep the appearance understated, while the 560-14 bias-ply can be chosen in blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall, so the final look can range from restrained to distinctly restoration-oriented without leaving the correct basic fitment family.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Audi 100 even when the chosen tire is one of the correct sizes. Wheel width changes, aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all change the amount of clearance available around a 165R14 or 560-14 tire.

That is why it helps to inspect the car as it sits today rather than assuming it still matches original wheel and suspension dimensions. Turning clearance, fender space, and the actual wheel size should all be checked, especially on a collector car that may have been updated, repaired, or modified at some point in its life.

Before driving a 1973 Audi 100 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm proper inflation, and make sure the tires clear the body and suspension through steering travel. It is also smart to look over the brakes, steering components, and suspension hardware on a car of this age.

A careful first road check can prevent small fitment issues from turning into tire damage. After installation, recheck for rubbing marks, verify that the car tracks normally, and confirm that lug hardware and wheel seating are correct, since an older Audi may have had wheel or service changes long before the current tire set.

Collector-car tires on a 1973 Audi 100 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Whether the car wears 165R14 radials or 560-14 bias-ply tires, look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss before and after periods of storage.

Storage habits matter just as much as mileage on a lightly used car. Keeping the Audi away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and it is good practice to inspect them before every meaningful drive rather than assuming low annual use automatically means the tires remain road-ready.