The 1978 Audi 5000 arrived during a period when European sedans were gaining a stronger foothold in the U.S. by combining crisp road manners, practical packaging, and a distinctly modern feel for the late 1970s. For owners of this exact car, tire selection is comparatively straightforward because the 1978 Audi 5000 uses a single primary size, 185/70R14, in radial construction on a 14-inch rim. The real choice is not between multiple factory fitments, but between touring-oriented blackwall and whitewall options, brand character, and period-minded presentation. That makes it important to match the tire not just to the wheel, but to the car’s intended look, use, and overall condition.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1978 Audi 5000
The 1978 Audi 5000 uses one primary tire size: 185/70R14, a radial fitment for a 14-inch rim. Both the Gas and Turbo Diesel versions share that same size, so the key decision is choosing the right tire within the fitment rather than sorting through multiple original sizes. Brand, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and the kind of driving or presentation you want from the car become the main points to compare.
A 185/70R14 tire uses a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and fits a 14-inch wheel. On the 1978 Audi 5000, that means a modern metric radial fitment that suits the car’s late-1970s European sedan character and keeps the selection process focused on tire type rather than alternate primary sizes. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall styles from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein across series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. The right choice depends on whether the priority is traditional appearance, sportier period flavor, or broader comparison of rim-width and load-related specifications.
Tire fitment stays simple across the covered 1978 Audi 5000 sub-models because both use the same 185/70R14 radial size. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the car remains on its intended wheel and tire setup before comparing product choices.
1
1978 Audi 5000 (Gas)
The 1978 Audi 5000 (Gas) uses the same 185/70R14 radial fitment as the other covered version of this model. That keeps the focus on selecting the right brand, sidewall style, and tire series for the car’s appearance goals and road use rather than sorting through different primary sizes.
The 1978 Audi 5000 Turbo (Diesel) also uses 185/70R14 radial tires on a 14-inch wheel setup. Selection comes down to comparing blackwall or wide whitewall presentation, brand and series preferences, and making sure the wheel width and overall vehicle setup still match the intended fitment.
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 1978 Audi 5000 Tires for Sale
Available 185/70R14 choices for the 1978 Audi 5000 span BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with blackwall and wide whitewall styles represented. The product mix also covers several distinct radial series and a range of rim-width compatibility that is worth comparing before making a final selection.
Showing 5 of 5
Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
These FAQs focus on the 1978 Audi 5000’s 185/70R14 radial fitment, 14-inch wheel setup, product choices, and the practical checks that matter before road use. They also cover sub-model consistency, appearance considerations, and wheel or suspension changes that can affect fitment.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1978 Audi 5000?
The 1978 Audi 5000 uses a 185/70R14 radial tire. That primary size applies across the covered sub-models, including the Gas and Turbo Diesel versions, making fitment more straightforward than on vehicles that used multiple original tire sizes.
Even with one primary size, it still pays to confirm the actual wheel and tire setup on the car before replacing anything. Older Audis may have seen wheel changes over the years, so checking the mounted rim diameter, wheel width, and available clearance helps make sure a 185/70R14 remains the right choice for the car in front of you.
What size rim does a 1978 Audi 5000 use?
The 1978 Audi 5000 uses a 14-inch rim with its primary 185/70R14 tire size. The tire dimensions and available product fitments both center on that 14-inch wheel diameter, so matching the tire to a true 14-inch rim is essential.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a vintage import sedan that may no longer wear its original wheels. Wheel width also matters, since available 185/70R14 products carry different approved rim-width ranges. Confirming both diameter and width before ordering helps avoid choosing a tire that suits the size code but not the actual wheel.
Do all 1978 Audi 5000 sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1978 Audi 5000 sub-models use the same 185/70R14 radial tire size. That includes the Gas version and the Turbo Diesel version, so there is no split in primary size across those sub-models.
Shared sizing simplifies replacement, but it does not remove the need to inspect the individual car. A previous owner may have changed the wheels, altered ride height, or chosen a different tire profile. Verifying the existing wheel diameter and overall fitment condition before replacement keeps a straightforward size choice from turning into a clearance or compatibility issue.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/70R14 tire for a 1978 Audi 5000?
Start with the correct primary size, 185/70R14, and then compare the available radial choices by sidewall style, tire series, brand, and wheel compatibility. For this Audi, the decision is less about finding the right size and more about selecting the version of that size that best suits the car’s look and intended use.
A wide whitewall BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial creates a much different presentation than the blackwall Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, or Vredestein options. Rim-width range can also vary from tire to tire, so the wheel should be measured before making a final choice. Load-related specifications and overall vehicle use are also worth comparing on a driver-focused collector sedan.
What sidewall styles are available for 1978 Audi 5000 tires?
Two sidewall presentations are available in the 1978 Audi 5000’s 185/70R14 size: blackwall and wide whitewall. Most of the available choices are blackwall radials, while the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial adds a wide whitewall option for owners seeking a more distinctive period-style appearance.
That difference matters because sidewall treatment can change the car’s visual character as much as the brand name does. A blackwall usually gives the Audi a restrained, European look, while a wide whitewall introduces a more customized or nostalgic presentation. Sidewall style should be chosen alongside wheel design, trim condition, and the overall appearance direction of the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1978 Audi 5000?
Available 185/70R14 tires for the 1978 Audi 5000 include options from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands appear across several radial series, including Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic.
Brand choice should be treated as one part of the decision rather than the whole decision. It helps to compare each product’s sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and load-related details along with the brand and series name. That approach is especially useful on a classic Audi where owner priorities may range from road use and handling feel to a more restoration-oriented appearance.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1978 Audi 5000?
A period-style 1978 Audi 5000 tire choice starts with the correct 185/70R14 radial size and then moves to appearance and character within that fitment. Blackwall options such as the Avon CR6ZZ, Dunlop Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Vredestein Sprint Classic present a more understated European look, while the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial offers a wide whitewall alternative.
The right direction depends on how the car is being finished and used. A preservation-minded sedan may call for a restrained blackwall presentation, while a personalized build may lean toward the whitewall. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the tire choice against period photos, marque references, and other vehicle-specific historical sources before deciding.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1978 Audi 5000 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because it affects both the appearance and the stance of a restored 1978 Audi 5000. Using the proper 185/70R14 radial size keeps the wheel-to-tire relationship in the right visual range and avoids introducing an obviously modern or mismatched look through an incorrect profile or rim pairing.
Fitment also influences how convincingly the finished car comes together. A tire that is the right size but wrong in sidewall style can change the entire visual impression, and a tire on an unsuitable wheel width can create fitment issues even before the car sees the road. Restoration planning should account for wheel dimensions, ride height, and the intended final presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1978 Audi 5000?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1978 Audi 5000 even when the intended replacement size remains 185/70R14. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, different offset, lowered suspension, or body and fender work can all influence how that tire sits and clears the car.
That is why the actual wheel and suspension setup should be checked before ordering replacement tires. A car that still wears stock-type wheels may accept the expected fitment with little drama, while a modified example may need closer attention to clearance at full steering lock and through suspension movement. Small setup changes can matter on an older sedan.
What should I inspect before driving a 1978 Audi 5000 on new tires?
Before driving a 1978 Audi 5000 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm proper inflation, and look over the suspension and steering for looseness or wear. Lug hardware, valve stems, and overall tire seating on the rim should also be checked before the car returns to regular road use.
A short shakedown drive is helpful on a collector vehicle that may have sat for long periods. Pay attention to vibration, rubbing, pull, or unusual steering feel, then recheck pressure after the first drive. It is also smart to verify clearance with the wheels turned both directions, especially if the car has non-original wheels or any prior suspension changes.
How should 185/70R14 tires on a collector 1978 Audi 5000 be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 185/70R14 size should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even if tread wear is low, the tires on a 1978 Audi 5000 should be examined for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and signs of slow air loss, especially after long periods of inactivity.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a low-use classic. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to move the car periodically and inspect the contact patch area, since collector vehicles can spend enough time parked to develop age-related issues before wear becomes the concern.
