The 1977 Mazda 808 came from a period when compact Japanese sedans, coupes, and wagons were earning a reputation for efficiency, tidy road manners, and practical everyday use. That makes tire choice on this car less about chasing oversized looks and more about keeping the steering feel, stance, and overall character in the right range. This Mazda 808 uses either a 155R13 radial or a 6.15-13 bias-ply tire, both built for a 13-inch rim. That gives owners a clear choice between a more modern radial layout and a more traditional period-style bias-ply presentation. The right pick depends on the car's current wheel setup, driving plans, and restoration direction.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1977 Mazda 808
The 1977 Mazda 808 uses two primary tire sizes, and the key difference is construction rather than rim diameter, since both fit a 13-inch wheel. One is a radial 155R13 and the other is a 6.15-13 bias-ply, so the first step is deciding whether the car should stay with a traditional period-style tire or move toward radial road manners while keeping the correct general fitment range.
Fit(s): Sedan & Coupe, Sedan & Coupe w/aluminum wheels, Wagon, and Wagon w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
The 6.15-13 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply format in which the first number represents nominal section width and the final number identifies a 13-inch rim. On the 1977 Mazda 808, it serves as the traditional bias-ply fitment and appeals to owners who want an earlier tire construction and a more period-style appearance. Bias-ply tires also change the selection process, since construction becomes as important as size when comparing options for ride feel and presentation. This size makes the most sense when the car is being kept close to an older visual character and the wheel setup remains true to the original 13-inch format.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1977 Mazda 808 sub-models because each one uses the same two tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the wheel setup on the car matches the 13-inch fitment before choosing between radial and bias-ply construction.
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1977 Mazda 808 Sedan & Coupe
The 1977 Mazda 808 Sedan & Coupe uses the same 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply fitment found elsewhere in the lineup. That means tire selection centers on construction choice, period-style appearance, and confirming that the car still carries the proper 13-inch wheels.
The 1977 Mazda 808 Sedan & Coupe w/aluminum wheels also uses 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply sizes. The practical step here is verifying wheel condition and width before choosing a radial product or staying with a more traditional bias-ply presentation.
The 1977 Mazda 808 Wagon shares the same 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply fitment as the sedan and coupe versions. That keeps size selection simple, leaving the owner to focus on how the wagon will be used and whether a radial or period-style bias-ply better suits the vehicle.
The 1977 Mazda 808 Wagon w/aluminum wheels follows the same basic fitment pattern with 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply options. Tire choice comes down to construction, appearance, and confirming that the aluminum wheel setup still falls within the tire's wheel requirements.
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 1977 Mazda 808 Tires for Sale
Available 155R13 options center on radial blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop. They give the 1977 Mazda 808 buyer a useful comparison across tire series, construction details, and wheel-width compatibility within the same basic 13-inch radial fitment.
These FAQs focus on the 1977 Mazda 808's two primary tire sizes, its 13-inch wheel fitment, the choice between bias-ply and radial construction, and the practical checks that matter before putting a compact collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1977 Mazda 808?
The 1977 Mazda 808 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 6.15-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are tied to a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about choosing the construction and size format that matches the car's current setup and intended use.
That choice matters because a radial and a bias-ply can change the car's overall presentation and driving feel even when the rim diameter stays the same. Start by confirming that the car still has the proper 13-inch wheels, then decide whether the goal is a more traditional period-style tire or a radial tire in the correct general fitment range.
What size rim does a 1977 Mazda 808 use?
The tire sizes used on the 1977 Mazda 808 are built for a 13-inch rim. That applies to both the 155R13 radial and the 6.15-13 bias-ply size, which keeps wheel diameter consistent across the covered sedan, coupe, and wagon versions of the car.
Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still smart to verify the actual wheel width and the wheel currently installed on the car. Many older vehicles have seen wheel changes over the years, and that can affect which tire construction and product choice makes the most sense on a Mazda 808.
Do all 1977 Mazda 808 sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1977 Mazda 808 Sedan & Coupe, Sedan & Coupe w/aluminum wheels, Wagon, and Wagon w/aluminum wheels all use the same two primary tire sizes: 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply. Across these sub-models, the fitment pattern stays consistent at the size level.
That makes sub-model identification simpler, but it does not remove the need to inspect the specific car. A wheel change, restoration decision, or long-ago switch from bias-ply to radial can alter what is on the vehicle now, so checking the current wheel and tire setup is still the best starting point before selecting replacements.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.15-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1977 Mazda 808?
For the 1977 Mazda 808, 6.15-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric bias-ply format, with the first number indicating nominal section width and the final number showing that it fits a 13-inch rim. It represents the more traditional tire construction offered for this Mazda.
Choosing 6.15-13 generally points toward a period-style presentation rather than a metric radial layout. Before staying with bias-ply or switching away from it, check the wheels currently on the car and think about how the vehicle will be driven, since construction choice affects both appearance and the way an older compact car feels on the road.
Is 155R13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1977 Mazda 808?
On a 1977 Mazda 808, 155R13 is a radial tire size. It uses a Euro-metric radial format, with 155 identifying the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicating radial construction, and 13 showing the rim diameter. This is the radial fitment option for the Mazda 808.
That makes 155R13 the size to focus on when the car is already set up for radial tires or when the owner wants to stay with the radial side of the original fitment range. It is still important to confirm wheel width and overall wheel condition, especially on cars that may have been modified or stored for long periods.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1977 Mazda 808?
The 1977 Mazda 808 supports both directions within its primary fitment: 6.15-13 in bias-ply and 155R13 in radial. Bias-ply suits owners pursuing a more traditional look and feel, while 155R13 radial fitment aligns with a more modern construction in the correct 13-inch size family for the car.
The right choice depends on how the Mazda is being restored, displayed, and driven. A car kept close to period style may lean toward bias-ply, while a regularly driven car may stay with radial construction. Either way, the wheel setup on the vehicle should be checked first so the selected tire matches the actual rim and vehicle clearance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1977 Mazda 808?
Start with the correct primary size and construction for the car: 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply, both on a 13-inch rim. From there, the decision becomes one of tire type, intended use, and wheel compatibility rather than simply picking any tire that happens to share the same rim diameter.
A restoration-focused Mazda 808 may call for a more traditional bias-ply look, while a road-driven car may be better served by staying with the 155R13 radial format. Wheel width, overall wheel condition, and the way the car sits and steers should all be checked before the final choice is made.
What sidewall styles are available for 1977 Mazda 808 tires?
The available 155R13 products for the 1977 Mazda 808 are blackwall tires. That gives the current radial product selection a clean, understated look that suits the compact, late-1970s character of the car without adding whitewall or raised-letter styling to the sidewall presentation.
Sidewall style matters because it changes the visual balance of a small car as much as the tire size itself. Even with a simple blackwall appearance, there is still room to compare product character by looking at tire series, brand, and wheel-width compatibility so the finished look stays appropriate to the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1977 Mazda 808?
For the 155R13 radial fitment on a 1977 Mazda 808, available brands include Michelin and Dunlop. The radial product lineup includes Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet series, both in blackwall form and both built around the 13-inch radial fitment used on this Mazda.
Brand matters mainly as part of the overall selection process rather than as a shortcut to the answer. Compare the correct size, the intended look, the tire series, and wheel-width suitability first, then use brand preference to narrow the choice between products that fit the Mazda 808's radial tire requirements.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1977 Mazda 808?
A period-style 1977 Mazda 808 often points toward the 6.15-13 bias-ply fitment because it preserves the older numeric sizing format and a more traditional construction style. The 155R13 radial remains part of the Mazda's fitment range as well, so the choice depends on whether historical presentation or radial construction is the stronger priority.
That decision should be guided by the car's restoration goals rather than by size alone. When exact originality matters, compare the vehicle against marque-specific references, build-era literature, or trusted club guidance. For many owners, the more practical question is whether the Mazda should look more period-oriented or drive on a radial tire.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1977 Mazda 808?
Tire construction changes more than ride behavior on a restored 1977 Mazda 808; it also influences the car's visual character. A 6.15-13 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 155R13 radial introduces a later-style metric sizing format and a look that feels more road-oriented and modern.
On a compact car like the 808, those appearance differences can stand out quickly because the tire sidewall and profile are easy to notice against the body's lighter proportions. The best approach is to choose the construction that matches the restoration's intended era impression, then confirm the wheel and tire combination still suits the car's actual setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1977 Mazda 808?
Yes. A 1977 Mazda 808 may use the correct 13-inch tire size family on paper, but aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered suspension height, or body modifications can still affect actual fitment. That applies whether the car is running a 155R13 radial or a 6.15-13 bias-ply setup.
Older compact cars are often changed over time, so the tire decision should start with the car as it sits now rather than with assumptions about its original setup. Check wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at steering lock and full suspension movement before replacing tires, especially if the Mazda has non-stock wheels or stance changes.
What should I inspect before driving a 1977 Mazda 808 on new tires?
Before putting a 1977 Mazda 808 back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the wheel size is still correct, and make sure the tires clear the body and suspension. It is also wise to verify valve condition and look over the steering and suspension for obvious wear.
A fresh set of tires cannot correct problems caused by loose steering parts, worn shocks, poor alignment, or damaged wheels. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the application, and the car should be driven carefully at first so any rubbing, pulling, vibration, or air loss can be caught before a longer trip.
How should tires on a collector 1977 Mazda 808 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1977 Mazda 808 should be checked regularly for air loss, uneven wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, and bulges, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use vintage cars can age tires out before they wear them out, so appearance alone should never be the only condition check.
Storage matters almost as much as mileage on a car like this. Keep the Mazda away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors when possible. During the driving season, inspect the tires before road use and after longer periods of storage so problems are caught early.