1977 Mazda RX-3 Tires

The 1977 Mazda RX-3 came from an era when compact Japanese performance cars were carving out a loyal following, and the rotary-powered RX-3 still stands apart for its light weight, sharp proportions, and distinctly seventies character. That mix of sporty intent and period styling makes tire choice especially important on this exact car. The 1977 Mazda RX-3 uses either a 155R13 radial or a 560-13 bias-ply on a 13-inch rim, so the decision can involve both size format and construction. Available choices range from blackwall radial touring-style tires to bias-ply options with narrow or wide whitewall styling. The right selection depends on whether the goal is road manners, period-style appearance, or a careful balance of both.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1977 Mazda RX-3

The 1977 Mazda RX-3 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied mainly to construction rather than wheel diameter, since both fit a 13-inch rim. The Base model can use either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply sizing. The first decision is whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply presentation or moving toward radial road use and feel.

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155R13Euro-metric radial
Fit(s): Base
Construction: RadialRim: 13 in

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. On the 1977 Mazda RX-3, this size represents the radial fitment path on the original 13-inch rim. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size makes sense for an owner who wants a period-appropriate radial format while keeping the car on the correct rim diameter.

Explore 155R13 Tires
2
560-13Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Base
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 13 in

560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the leading number representing nominal section width in inches with the decimal omitted and 13 indicating wheel diameter. For the 1977 Mazda RX-3, it is the traditional bias-ply fitment on a 13-inch rim and gives the car a distinctly vintage tire presentation. Available options include BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply tires in classic series, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is the natural starting point for a restoration-oriented look or for keeping the car in a more traditional construction style.

Explore 560-13 Tires

1977 Mazda RX-3 Sub-Model Tires

Fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1977 Mazda RX-3 sub-model shares the same 13-inch tire choices. Checking the sub-model still matters so the car can be matched to the intended construction and appearance, especially when choosing between radial and bias-ply options.

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1977 Mazda RX-3 Base

The 1977 Mazda RX-3 Base uses the same two primary tire paths: 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply. That gives the owner a clear choice between a radial blackwall presentation and a more traditional bias-ply look with whitewall styling options.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1977 Mazda RX-3

For the original 560-13 tire 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 alternative. These choices move from a traditional Euro-metric radial format to lower-profile P-metric options. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before making the switch.

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 RX-3 Tires for Sale

Available 1977 Mazda RX-3 tire choices include Michelin and Dunlop radial blackwalls in 155R13, plus BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply options in 560-13. The product grid lets you compare construction, tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility across those period-style directions.

Showing 5 of 5
80 Series Metric Radial

Michelin XAS | 155HR13

Michelin - Michelin XAS-FF

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 5.50 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Tires

Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet | 155HR13

Dunlop - SP Sport Aquajet

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD937 lbs
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 560-13S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH3.50 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 560-13S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH3.50 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 560-13

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1977 Mazda RX-3, how the 13-inch fitment works, and how to sort through bias-ply, radial, restoration, and road-use decisions for this exact car.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1977 Mazda RX-3?

The 1977 Mazda RX-3 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes fit a 13-inch rim, so the choice is not about changing wheel diameter as much as choosing the tire type and overall presentation that suits the car.

That means the next step is confirming whether the RX-3 is staying with a traditional bias-ply setup or using a radial format. If the car still has original-style narrow wheels, wheel width should be checked before changing construction, and any car with aftermarket wheels or suspension changes deserves a closer clearance inspection.

What size rim does a 1977 Mazda RX-3 use?

The tire fitments used on the 1977 Mazda RX-3 are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 155R13 radial and the 560-13 bias-ply share that same wheel diameter, which helps keep the fitment conversation focused on construction style and wheel width rather than on a different rim size.

Rim diameter is only one part of the check, because wheel width still matters when choosing among available tires. The radial and bias-ply options here do not use the same width ranges, so the actual wheel on the car should be measured if there is any question about original versus modified wheels.

Does the 1977 Mazda RX-3 Base use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1977 Mazda RX-3 Base uses the same two primary tire choices found on this fitment page: 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply. Both are 13-inch fitments, giving the Base model a choice between a more modern radial format and a more traditional bias-ply presentation.

That shared fitment makes sub-model identification simple, but the real decision still comes down to the car's wheel setup and intended look. An owner pursuing a road-use radial setup may lean toward 155R13, while a restoration-oriented build may start with 560-13 and then compare sidewall style and brand options.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1977 Mazda RX-3?

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1977 Mazda RX-3. It uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing system and is available in traditional bias-ply tire lines, making it the vintage-style construction choice among the two primary fitments used on this car.

Choosing 560-13 usually points toward an owner who wants a more traditional look and feel on the car. Before staying with bias-ply or moving away from it, it helps to confirm wheel width, compare sidewall styling preferences, and think about whether the RX-3 is being restored for appearance, occasional driving, or broader road use.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. Those are the equivalent radial sizes associated with the original 560-13 bias-ply fitment for the 1977 Mazda RX-3.

Each equivalent keeps the same basic conversion path but uses a different sizing convention and profile family. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these radial equivalents, so wheel width, tire clearance, and overall vehicle setup should be checked carefully before treating any one of them as the right alternative.

What should I check before converting my 1977 Mazda RX-3 from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial size against the RX-3's available space at the fenders, suspension, and steering. For a 560-13 conversion, the radial equivalent choices include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches.

The practical issue is not just whether the tire shares a 13-inch rim diameter, but whether the entire package suits the wheel and vehicle setup. Any RX-3 with replacement wheels, altered ride height, or worn suspension components deserves extra scrutiny before changing construction from a bias-ply tire to a radial.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1977 Mazda RX-3?

The main decision is whether the car should use the 155R13 radial fitment or the 560-13 bias-ply fitment. From there, compare the wheel's actual width, the tire's construction, and the overall goal for the car, whether that is period-style appearance, more traditional driving feel, or a radial setup for regular road use.

Brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and load specification can all shape the final choice once the correct size path is established. A carefully restored RX-3 may call for a very different tire presentation than a driver-oriented car, so matching the tire to both the wheels and the vehicle's purpose matters more than picking by appearance alone.

What sidewall styles are available for 1977 Mazda RX-3 tires?

The sidewall choices for the 1977 Mazda RX-3 depend on tire size and construction. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. That gives the RX-3 a clear visual split between a sporty radial look and a more traditional bias-ply presentation.

Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct size and construction are settled, not before. A blackwall radial tends to suit an owner focused on a cleaner driver-style presentation, while the whitewall bias-ply options are more aligned with period-style visual character on a compact seventies car.

What brands offer tires for the 1977 Mazda RX-3?

The 1977 Mazda RX-3 has tire options from Michelin and Dunlop in the 155R13 radial size, and from BFGoodrich and Firestone in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Those brands cover both of the primary fitment directions used on this car, rather than simply offering multiple versions of the same construction.

That variety is most useful when the tire choice starts with the right size and construction. Once that is settled, brand can be considered alongside tire series, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility. Comparing the products this way helps keep the RX-3 matched to its intended use instead of choosing by name alone.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1977 Mazda RX-3?

A period-style 1977 Mazda RX-3 usually starts with the 560-13 bias-ply fitment, because it preserves the older sizing format and traditional construction used on this car. That size also opens the door to classic visual treatments such as narrow whitewall or wide whitewall sidewalls, depending on the look being pursued.

A radial 155R13 can still be a sensible period-inspired option if the goal is a seventies-style road tire presentation rather than a strict bias-ply appearance. When exact originality matters, the final decision should be checked against marque-specific references, surviving car evidence, or restoration documentation for the individual vehicle.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1977 Mazda RX-3?

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1977 Mazda RX-3; it also changes the car's visual stance and character. A 560-13 bias-ply keeps the older numeric sizing format and a distinctly traditional presentation, while a 155R13 radial gives the car a more modernized period road-tire look.

Sidewall treatment also plays a major part in that result. Blackwall radials create a cleaner, sportier appearance, while narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply tires shift the car toward a more stylized vintage presentation. The right choice depends on whether the restoration favors historical atmosphere, road use, or a blend of both.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1977 Mazda RX-3?

Yes. Any changes to wheels, ride height, suspension components, or body clearance can affect tire fitment on a 1977 Mazda RX-3, even when the tire is one of the correct primary sizes. That matters because both 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply fit a 13-inch rim, but they do not share the same wheel-width considerations.

An RX-3 with aftermarket wheels deserves a closer check of wheel width, steering clearance, and fender space before a tire is selected. Lowering, replacement springs, or brake and suspension changes can also alter available room, so the actual car should always be inspected rather than assuming a stock fitment condition.

What should I inspect before driving a 1977 Mazda RX-3 on new tires?

Before driving a 1977 Mazda RX-3 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the beads seat properly, and verify that the tires clear suspension and bodywork through the steering range. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and lug hardware, wheel condition, and valve stems should all be checked.

A collector-era car also deserves a broader once-over before road use. Look for worn steering parts, weak shocks, uneven ride height, brake issues, and anything that could cause rubbing or unstable behavior once the new tires are installed. A short, cautious test drive is the best way to confirm the setup before regular use.

How should tires on a collector 1977 Mazda RX-3 be maintained?

Tires on a collector 1977 Mazda RX-3 should be kept at the proper pressure, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, tread wear, and air loss, and stored away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources whenever possible. Low-use cars especially need routine checks because age and storage conditions can matter as much as mileage.

It also helps to move the car periodically or reposition it to avoid long-term flat spotting during storage. Any sign of sidewall deterioration, persistent pressure loss, or uneven wear should be addressed before the car goes back on the road. Collector tires often age out before they wear out, so condition deserves regular attention.