The 1973 Audi Fox arrived in the U.S. as a compact European sedan and wagon with a distinctly efficient, road-oriented character that set it apart from many domestic small cars of the period. Its tire fitment reflects that European influence, with radial sizes on 13-inch rims rather than an older bias-ply setup. This Audi uses 155R13 or 175/70R13 radial tires, and the choice matters because both sizes appear across the covered Base and Wagon configurations. Available options also differ by brand and tire series, including traditional blackwall radial choices. The right selection comes down to confirming the exact size already on the car, wheel compatibility, and whether the goal is stock-style driving feel or a more performance-minded replacement.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 Audi Fox
The 1973 Audi Fox uses two primary tire sizes, both in radial construction and both built for 13-inch wheels. Because the Base and Wagon configurations can use either 155R13 or 175/70R13, the first step is confirming which size is on the car now and making sure the wheel width matches the tire being considered.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R denotes radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this format, the aspect ratio is not stated directly and is commonly associated with a taller 80-series style profile. For the 1973 Audi Fox, this size suits buyers looking for a more traditional small European-car presentation, with blackwall options from Michelin and Dunlop in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. It is a useful size to evaluate when preserving the car's period-style tire profile matters as much as basic fitment.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size that spells out more of the tire's dimensions, with 175 for nominal section width in millimeters, 70 for aspect ratio, R for radial construction, and 13 for wheel diameter. On the 1973 Audi Fox, this is still a 13-inch fitment, but it represents a lower-profile metric format than the unstated-profile 155R13. The available blackwall option in Avon CR6ZZ gives this size a more sporting character within the correct fitment family. It deserves consideration when the car already runs this size or when wheel width and overall setup support that metric radial format.
Fitment is straightforward in one sense because the covered 1973 Audi Fox sub-model grouping shares the same two radial tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire choice stays aligned with the car's current wheel setup and intended use.
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1973 Audi Fox Base & Wagon
The 1973 Audi Fox Base & Wagon can use either 155R13 or 175/70R13, both in radial construction on 13-inch wheels. That makes tire selection less about trim differences and more about confirming which size is already fitted, then choosing the brand, series, and profile style that best suits the car.
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 1973 Audi Fox Tires for Sale
Available 1973 Audi Fox tire choices center on 155R13 and 175/70R13 radial blackwalls from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon. The product grid is where to compare series character, rim-width compatibility, and whether a more traditional Euro-style profile or a lower-profile metric radial better suits the car.
These 1973 Audi Fox FAQs focus on the two correct radial tire sizes, 13-inch wheel fitment, brand and series choices, period-style appearance, and the checks that matter before putting a lightly used vintage Audi back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1973 Audi Fox?
A 1973 Audi Fox uses either 155R13 or 175/70R13, and both are radial tire sizes for 13-inch wheels. The covered Base and Wagon applications can use these same two sizes, so the car is not limited to one single primary fitment across the model line.
The practical step is to confirm which size is already on the car and whether the wheel width matches the tire being considered. Since both sizes share the same rim diameter but differ in profile and section width, the choice should be checked against wheel fit, clearance, and the kind of look and road feel you want from the car.
What size rim does a 1973 Audi Fox use?
The 1973 Audi Fox uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the car is fitted with 155R13 or 175/70R13, the wheel diameter stays the same, which simplifies the first part of the fitment question.
Wheel width still matters even when the diameter is correct. A 155R13 option may call for a narrower wheel range than a 175/70R13 tire, so it is smart to verify the actual wheel width before choosing between the two sizes or selecting among available radial tire series for the car.
Do all 1973 Audi Fox sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1973 Audi Fox Base and Wagon applications share the same two tire sizes: 155R13 and 175/70R13. That means sub-model selection is less about different tire families and more about confirming which of those two radial sizes belongs on the specific car in front of you.
That shared fitment does not mean every Fox will have the same wheels or the same current setup today. Older cars are often changed over time, so the safest approach is to check the wheel width, the existing tire size, and any suspension or wheel changes before settling on one of the two correct 13-inch radial options.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R13 tire for a 1973 Audi Fox?
A 155R13 for a 1973 Audi Fox should first be judged on correct size format, radial construction, and compatibility with a 13-inch wheel of suitable width. In this size, available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials, which gives the buyer a meaningful choice in brand and tire series without changing the basic fitment category.
Beyond basic size, think about the car's purpose. A restoration-oriented Fox may benefit from the taller-profile Euro-style look of 155R13, while a frequently driven car still needs proper wheel match, sound suspension condition, and good clearance. Comparing rim-width requirements and the overall presentation of each tire helps narrow the right option.
What brands offer tires for the 1973 Audi Fox?
The 1973 Audi Fox has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon across its applicable sizes. Michelin and Dunlop appear in 155R13, while Avon appears in 175/70R13, so brand choice is tied partly to which of the two primary tire sizes the car uses.
That means the first decision is still size confirmation, not brand loyalty alone. Once the correct size is established, the available brand and series options can be compared for wheel-width compatibility, overall style, and whether the car is being kept close to a traditional European radial look or set up with the lower-profile 175/70R13 format.
What tire series are available for the 1973 Audi Fox?
The available tire series for the 1973 Audi Fox include Michelin XAS-FF, Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, and Avon CR6ZZ. Those series are split across the two fitment sizes, with Michelin and Dunlop in 155R13 and Avon in 175/70R13, all in blackwall radial construction.
Series choice matters because it shapes the character of the replacement without changing the need for correct size and wheel compatibility. A buyer should first decide whether the car belongs in the 155R13 or 175/70R13 fitment family, then compare series details such as rim-width range, appearance, and how closely the tire suits the Audi's intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 Audi Fox?
For a period-style 1973 Audi Fox, 155R13 is often the most natural starting point because it uses a classic Euro-metric radial format with the taller-profile look many small European cars of the era carried. Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet both place that size in a traditional blackwall presentation.
Appearance alone should not decide the purchase. The best restoration-oriented choice still needs to match the car's actual wheel width and current setup, especially on an older vehicle that may have changed wheels over the years. When exact originality matters, period photos or marque-specific references can help confirm the most appropriate look.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1973 Audi Fox restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1973 Audi Fox restoration because the tire strongly affects the car's stance, visual balance, and overall period impression. Choosing between 155R13 and 175/70R13 changes more than the code on the sidewall; it also changes how the finished car presents itself.
Fitment also influences how well the restoration functions on the road. A tire should suit the wheel width, maintain proper clearance, and match the car's intended use, whether that is show presentation, weekend driving, or a blend of both. A carefully chosen radial helps the restoration look right and feel appropriately sorted.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 Audi Fox?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Audi Fox even when the car stays within the correct 13-inch tire family. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can influence whether 155R13 or 175/70R13 is the more sensible choice.
A modified car should be checked carefully before new tires are selected. Measure the actual wheel width, inspect steering and fender clearance at full lock and full suspension movement, and look for any evidence of prior rubbing. Those checks matter because an older Audi may no longer match the setup it left the factory with.
What should I inspect before driving a 1973 Audi Fox on new tires?
Before driving a 1973 Audi Fox on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm that the tires are mounted in the right size, and check inflation pressure, valve stems, and overall installation quality. It also makes sense to look over the brakes, steering components, and suspension for obvious wear or looseness.
A vintage car that has spent long periods parked deserves extra attention after new tires are installed. Recheck lug torque after initial driving, listen for rubbing or vibration, and verify that the car tracks cleanly. A short test drive followed by another visual inspection can catch clearance or setup issues before they become bigger problems.
How should 155R13 or 175/70R13 tires on a collector 1973 Audi Fox be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1973 Audi Fox should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long-term exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources. Whether the car runs 155R13 or 175/70R13, sidewalls should be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of air loss, especially after storage.
Low-mileage vintage cars can age tires out before they wear them out, so tread depth alone is not enough. Rotating use, storing the car on a clean surface, and giving the tires a visual inspection before each drive helps catch problems early. Any sign of uneven wear should also prompt a check of alignment and suspension condition.
