1973 Mazda 808 Tires

The 1973 Mazda 808 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 6.15-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the model on a 13-inch wheel, so the car's fitment choice is tied more to construction style and vehicle setup than to a change in rim diameter.

That means the next step is confirming what is currently on the car and what the owner wants from it. A restoration-minded 808 may stay with the bias-ply size for a more traditional look, while a road-driven car may be better served by staying with or moving to the radial size after checking wheel width and overall clearance.

The 1973 Mazda 808 uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 155R13 and the bias-ply 6.15-13 are both built around that same wheel diameter, which simplifies the starting point for tire selection compared with vehicles that used multiple rim diameters.

Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth checking the actual wheel on the car before making a change. Rim width, especially on cars with aluminum wheels or aftermarket replacements, can affect whether a particular radial tire is a suitable match for the existing setup.

Yes. The Sedan & Coupe, Sedan & Coupe w/aluminum wheels, Wagon, and Wagon w/aluminum wheels all share the same two primary tire sizes: 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply. The sub-model does not change the basic size choices, so fitment is consistent across the covered 808 variations.

Even with shared sizing, the exact wheel setup still matters. Aluminum wheels, replacement wheels, or older wheels of uncertain width can influence whether a radial option is appropriate, so the smart approach is to match the tire not only to the model name but also to the wheels and condition of the specific car.

On the 1973 Mazda 808, 6.15-13 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to many period vehicles, with the first number expressing nominal section width in inches and the final number identifying the 13-inch rim diameter.

That makes 6.15-13 the traditional construction choice for owners who want a more vintage visual character and period-style tire format. Anyone moving away from that size toward the 155R13 radial should first confirm wheel width, tire clearance, and the overall look they want, because the construction change affects more than the lettering on the sidewall.

155R13 is the radial tire size used on the 1973 Mazda 808. In that size format, 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R marks it as a radial, and 13 indicates the wheel diameter in inches, making it a classic Euro-metric radial fitment.

For an owner, the practical value of that size is the ability to compare available radial products within a period-appropriate metric format. The car should still be checked for wheel width and current wheel type, especially if it has aluminum wheels or non-original replacements, so the radial tire chosen matches the car as it sits today.

Either can be appropriate on a 1973 Mazda 808 because both 6.15-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial tires are primary fitment choices for the model. The better option depends on the purpose of the car: a more traditional presentation usually points toward bias-ply, while a radial format often suits regular road use and period metric styling.

The choice should follow the wheels actually on the car and the kind of driving expected. Switching construction types is a good time to inspect wheel width, suspension condition, and fender or steering clearance so the selected tire works with the 808's present setup rather than only with how the car may have left the showroom.

Start with the basics: the 155R13 must match the car's 13-inch wheel and suit the intended construction choice for the 1973 Mazda 808. From there, the meaningful differences are brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility, with available radial products in this size offered as blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop.

A careful comparison should look at how the tire fits the overall purpose of the car. A lightly restored 808 driven on the road may call for one kind of period-style radial presentation, while another owner may focus more on brand preference or rim-width compatibility before settling on a specific 155R13 option.

The available 155R13 product choices for the 1973 Mazda 808 use a blackwall sidewall style. That creates a clean, understated appearance that suits many 1970s compact cars and keeps the comparison among available radial products centered on brand and tire series rather than on whitewall or stripe variations.

Sidewall style should still be considered as part of the car's overall presentation. An owner trying to maintain a simple, road-ready 808 look may prefer a blackwall tire, while someone focused on a more traditional bias-ply appearance may decide the bigger visual choice is construction type rather than sidewall treatment alone.

Michelin and Dunlop both offer tires for the 1973 Mazda 808 in the 155R13 radial size. The available radial product lines include Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, giving owners two recognizable period-appropriate brand paths within the correct 13-inch metric radial format.

Brand should be compared alongside the rest of the fitment details, not on its own. The best way to narrow the choice is to stay with the correct size, confirm the wheel setup, and then consider which series and overall look make the most sense for the car's intended use and restoration style.

For a period-style 1973 Mazda 808, the starting point is choosing between the two primary fitments: 6.15-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial. The bias-ply size leans more heavily toward a traditional vintage presentation, while the metric radial size reflects the transitional small-car tire style that also suits many 1970s restorations.

That decision depends on what kind of period character matters most. Some owners want the earlier construction style visible in a bias-ply tire, while others prefer a radial that still looks appropriate to the era. When exact originality matters, vehicle-specific historical references and marque knowledge are worth checking before finalizing the tire choice.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1973 Mazda 808 even when the wheel diameter stays the same. A 6.15-13 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 155R13 radial introduces the metric radial look associated with many compact imports from the period.

That difference matters because restoration goals are not always the same. A show-focused car may benefit from staying close to the older construction style, while a driver-quality restoration may still look right on a blackwall radial. Matching the tire's look to the wheel design and stance usually produces a more convincing finished result.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Mazda 808 even when the correct basic size is chosen. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered ride height, suspension wear, and body or brake modifications can all influence how a 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply tire sits and clears the car.

That is especially important on older compact cars, where small dimensional changes can have noticeable effects. A modified 808 should be checked for steering clearance, fender clearance, and wheel compatibility before changing tire construction or brand, rather than assuming the same size will behave the same way on every setup.

Before driving a 1973 Mazda 808 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, verify that the tire size matches the intended fitment, and make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to mask worn hardware.

A short shakedown drive should be followed by another quick inspection. Uneven clearance, rubbing marks, vibration, or pressure loss can point to a wheel or chassis issue that needs attention. On an older 808 that has sat for long periods, this extra check is just as important as choosing the correct tire size.

Collector-car tires on a 1973 Mazda 808 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage. Whether the car runs 155R13 radial tires or 6.15-13 bias-ply tires, it is important to watch for sidewall cracking, tread damage, bulges, and slow air loss, especially on a vehicle that sees limited annual mileage.

Storage habits matter as much as mileage on an older hobby car. Keeping the 808 away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic movement of the car can reduce flat-spotting concerns. Any sign of age-related deterioration deserves attention before the next road outing.