The 1974 Mazda RX-3 belongs to the rotary-era period that gave Mazda a distinct place in the compact performance market, and it remains especially appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate light weight, sharp proportions, and a very different character from larger American classics. Tire choice on the 1974 Mazda RX-3 is more nuanced than it first appears, because both 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply fitments are associated with the car on the same 13-inch rim diameter. That opens the door to very different looks, from blackwall radial sport-touring options to whitewall bias-ply selections. The right choice depends on whether the goal is road manners, traditional appearance, or a restoration-oriented presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1974 Mazda RX-3
The 1974 Mazda RX-3 uses two primary tire sizes, and the key difference is construction rather than wheel diameter. Both 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply fit the car on 13-inch rims, so the first step is deciding whether the car should keep a traditional bias-ply presentation or move toward a radial setup with a more modern sizing convention.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1974 Mazda RX-3, this size represents the radial fitment path and keeps the car in a compact, period-appropriate metric format. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size makes sense for an owner who wants a radial tire in the correct 13-inch format and plans to confirm wheel width before selecting a specific product.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 indicating nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the rim diameter. For the 1974 Mazda RX-3, it provides the traditional bias-ply construction choice and a distinctly vintage look compared with the radial alternative. Product options include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings in Silvertown Classic Bias Ply and Firestone Classic Bias Ply series, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is the one to evaluate when appearance and period-style presentation matter as much as basic fitment.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1974 Mazda RX-3 sub-models because the same two tire sizes are associated with the Base model. Checking the sub-model still matters so the tire choice stays focused on the correct construction, appearance, and wheel setup.
1
1974 Mazda RX-3 Base
The 1974 Mazda RX-3 Base is associated with both 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply fitments on 13-inch rims. That means the decision is less about sub-model variation and more about whether the car should wear a blackwall radial look or a more traditional bias-ply whitewall presentation.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1974 Mazda RX-3
For the 560-13 primary size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial option. These choices differ mainly by sizing convention and profile family rather than by serving as the same type of tire. A 4-5 inch recommended rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should all be checked before changing from the original bias-ply format.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 1974 Mazda RX-3 Tires for Sale
Available 1974 Mazda RX-3 tire choices span both radial and bias-ply construction, with Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in 155R13 and BFGoodrich and Firestone whitewall bias-ply options in 560-13. The main comparisons are construction, tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility.
Common 1974 Mazda RX-3 tire questions usually come down to choosing between 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply fitment, understanding radial equivalents, and checking wheel, appearance, and road-use details before making a final selection.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1974 Mazda RX-3?
The 1974 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 diameter, so the fitment decision centers more on tire type and presentation than on changing wheel diameter.
That distinction matters because a 155R13 blackwall radial gives the car a different look and setup path than a 560-13 bias-ply whitewall. Before choosing either size, verify the actual wheel width on the car and make sure the current wheel and suspension setup still match the tire construction and dimensions you intend to use.
What size rim does a 1974 Mazda RX-3 use?
The 1974 Mazda RX-3 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its associated tire sizes, 155R13 and 560-13. The wheel diameter remains consistent even though the car can be fitted with either a radial or a bias-ply tire.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, since wheel width also affects which tire is appropriate. Some 155R13 radial products are built for wider wheel ranges than the 560-13 bias-ply choices, so it is important to confirm the wheel width on the car before selecting between the radial and bias-ply fitment paths.
What does 560-13 mean on a 1974 Mazda RX-3?
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.60 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1974 Mazda RX-3, this size represents the traditional bias-ply fitment option rather than the radial one.
That older sizing format can look unfamiliar compared with modern metric radials, but it is still useful for buyers pursuing a vintage tire appearance. Choosing 560-13 also means looking closely at sidewall style, wheel width, and whether the car should retain a bias-ply presentation instead of moving to a radial alternative.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1974 Mazda RX-3?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1974 Mazda RX-3. It is the vintage numeric bias-ply option associated with the car, while 155R13 is the radial fitment in a Euro-metric sizing format.
That makes 560-13 the more traditional-looking choice, especially where whitewall styling is part of the decision. A buyer considering 560-13 should still confirm wheel width and overall vehicle setup, because switching between bias-ply and radial construction can affect both the car's appearance and the practical fitment details at the wheel.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13 on a 1974 Mazda RX-3?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. Those are alternative radial sizes that correspond to the original 560-13 bias-ply fitment path.
Each equivalent uses a different sizing convention, so the choice is not simply cosmetic. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 4-5 inches, and the final decision should include wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance at the suspension and body before replacing a 560-13 bias-ply tire with any radial alternative.
What should I check before converting my 1974 Mazda RX-3 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the wheel diameter and wheel width actually on the car, then compare the intended radial size with the 560-13 bias-ply fitment you are replacing. For the 1974 Mazda RX-3, radial alternatives tied to 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13.
A careful conversion also means checking steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the effect of any aftermarket wheels or ride-height changes. The car may already have modifications or non-original wheels, so matching the tire to the actual setup matters more than assuming every radial equivalent will suit every RX-3 unchanged.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1974 Mazda RX-3?
The first decision is whether the 1974 Mazda RX-3 should run its radial 155R13 fitment or its bias-ply 560-13 fitment. From there, compare construction, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall presentation, and whether the car is being set up for traditional appearance, casual road use, or a more sport-oriented radial look.
The available product mix makes that choice fairly distinct. Michelin and Dunlop cover the blackwall radial side in 155R13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the whitewall bias-ply side in 560-13. Matching the tire to the car's existing wheels and the visual goal for the vehicle usually leads to a clearer decision than focusing on size alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1974 Mazda RX-3 tires?
Sidewall style depends on which tire size and construction you choose for the 1974 Mazda RX-3. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments.
That means sidewall style is closely tied to the overall character of the car. A blackwall radial keeps the presentation cleaner and more understated, while either whitewall bias-ply option gives the RX-3 a more vintage look. It is worth deciding on the visual direction first, then narrowing the final choice by wheel width and construction.
What brands offer tires for the 1974 Mazda RX-3?
Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone all have tire offerings for the 1974 Mazda RX-3 across its associated sizes. Michelin and Dunlop appear in 155R13 radial form, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover 560-13 bias-ply choices.
Brand comparison makes the most sense after the correct size and construction have been settled. Once that is done, the remaining distinctions are usually tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width suitability rather than simply the brand name on the sidewall. That approach keeps the selection grounded in fitment rather than reputation alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1974 Mazda RX-3?
A period-style 1974 Mazda RX-3 can reasonably go in two directions depending on the look you want to preserve. The 560-13 bias-ply fitment delivers the more traditional presentation, especially with whitewall treatments, while 155R13 keeps the car in a period-appropriate small radial format with blackwall styling.
The better choice depends on whether appearance or driving character leads the project. For a restoration-minded owner, it helps to compare the tire's visual effect against the wheels, trim, and overall build theme. When exact originality matters, marque-specific reference material is still the best way to settle fine appearance details.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1974 Mazda RX-3?
Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1974 Mazda RX-3 more than many buyers expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire presents the car with a distinctly vintage stance and sidewall style, while a 155R13 radial blackwall tends to give it a cleaner, more modernized period look.
That difference becomes especially noticeable on a compact car where tire sidewall and wheel proportion are easy to see. Construction also influences which sidewall treatments are available, since the bias-ply products include whitewall choices and the radial products here are blackwalls. Matching that visual character to the restoration goal is often the deciding factor.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1974 Mazda RX-3?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1974 Mazda RX-3 even when the tire size itself is associated with the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, and body or fender modifications can all influence how a 155R13 or 560-13 tire sits and clears.
That is why the actual car should be checked before committing to a tire, especially if its history is uncertain. A wheel that still measures 13 inches in diameter may differ enough in width or offset to change the fitment picture. Clearance at full steering lock is worth checking before the car returns to regular road use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1974 Mazda RX-3 on new tires?
Before driving a 1974 Mazda RX-3 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm proper inflation, and make sure each tire is seated correctly and free from visible damage. It also helps to check that the chosen tire size matches the car's intended wheel setup.
A short road check should include listening for rubbing and watching for any sign of clearance issues during turns or over suspension movement. On a collector car, it is also smart to inspect steering and suspension components before putting miles on fresh tires, since worn hardware can affect how the car tracks and wears its tires.
How should 1974 Mazda RX-3 tires be maintained on a collector car?
Collector-car tires on a 1974 Mazda RX-3 should be checked regularly for air pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of age-related deterioration. That matters whether the car runs 155R13 radial tires or 560-13 bias-ply tires, especially if it is driven infrequently.
Storage conditions also play a major role in tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. Even a well-stored RX-3 should have its tires inspected before longer trips, since low annual mileage does not prevent aging or slow air loss.
