1978 Mazda RX-3 Tires

The 1978 Mazda RX-3 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the RX-3 Base and both use a 13-inch rim diameter, so the size choice is tied closely to tire construction as well as appearance and intended use.

That means the first step is deciding whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or use the radial-format size. Wheel width should be confirmed before ordering, especially if the car has replacement wheels, since the available products for these two sizes do not share the same rim-width specifications.

The tire fitments associated with the 1978 Mazda RX-3 use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 155R13 radial size and the 560-13 bias-ply size are built around that same wheel diameter, so rim diameter does not change between the primary tire-size choices on this page.

Diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. A 13-inch wheel still needs the right width for the tire being considered, and that matters here because the radial and bias-ply options are built for different width ranges. Confirming the actual wheel width on the car helps narrow the correct choice quickly.

The 1978 Mazda RX-3 Base is associated with both primary sizes used on this vehicle page: 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply. Rather than pointing to one sub-model-specific size difference, the Base presents a construction choice between a radial-format tire and a traditional numeric bias-ply tire.

That makes the decision more about how the car is being restored or driven than about trim-level fitment differences. Owners should confirm the wheel width already on the car and consider whether they want a blackwall radial look or a more vintage whitewall bias-ply appearance before settling on one of the two sizes.

On the 1978 Mazda RX-3, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system, with the first number representing the nominal width class and the final number identifying the 13-inch rim diameter. The available 560-13 products here are bias-ply designs rather than radial tires.

That matters because construction affects both appearance and wheel compatibility. The 560-13 options also lean toward a traditional presentation, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. If the car has been modified with different wheels, confirming width and clearance becomes especially important before choosing this bias-ply size.

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. These are alternatives to the original bias-ply size and represent different radial sizing conventions rather than one single automatic substitute.

The recommended rim-width range tied to those equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, which gives an important starting point when evaluating a conversion. Buyers should still compare the chosen equivalent against the actual wheel on the car and check body, steering, and suspension clearance before changing from the bias-ply primary fitment.

Both approaches are valid on a 1978 Mazda RX-3 because the vehicle is associated with a 560-13 bias-ply size and a 155R13 radial size. Bias-ply suits a more traditional presentation, while the radial-format option appeals to owners who want to stay within the correct 13-inch fitment family using radial construction.

The better choice depends on the car's purpose. A restoration-oriented RX-3 may call for the look of a whitewall bias-ply, while a regularly driven car may lead an owner toward the radial-format size. Wheel width, visual goals, and any suspension or wheel changes should be reviewed before switching from one construction type to the other.

A 155R13 tire choice for a 1978 Mazda RX-3 starts with confirming that radial construction is the direction you want to take. Within this size, the available options are blackwall radials from Michelin and Dunlop, and they differ by tire series, rim-width specification where stated, load information where stated, and overall product character.

Selection becomes easier once the car's actual wheels and intended use are clear. A buyer comparing a Michelin XAS-FF to a Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet should look at wheel-width compatibility first, then consider the period look of the tread and sidewall. That approach keeps the decision grounded in both fitment and the car's visual style.

Sidewall choices for the 1978 Mazda RX-3 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall depending on the tire size and product selected. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

That variety makes sidewall style one of the biggest appearance decisions on this car. A blackwall radial tends to suit a cleaner, more understated look, while whitewall bias-ply choices push the car toward a more period-style presentation. The right match depends on how original-looking, sporty, or custom-oriented the finished RX-3 is meant to appear.

The 1978 Mazda RX-3 has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone across its two primary sizes. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone supply the 560-13 bias-ply size in traditional whitewall-oriented offerings.

Brand choice should be treated as part of the overall fitment and appearance decision, not as a shortcut. The radial brands and the bias-ply brands serve different goals on this car, so the first question is still which size and construction belong on your RX-3. After that, compare series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility.

For a period-style 1978 Mazda RX-3, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the most traditionally styled starting point on this page. Its available offerings include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments, which create a distinctly vintage presentation compared with the blackwall radial choices offered in 155R13.

The best match depends on the exact look the car is meant to carry, since period-style does not automatically mean one sidewall treatment is historically correct for every RX-3. Owners aiming for exact originality should compare the tire choice against period photos, marque references, or other vehicle-specific documentation before finalizing the restoration.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1978 Mazda RX-3 more than many buyers expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional small-car stance and opens the door to whitewall styling, while the 155R13 radial options present a blackwall look with a more modern radial-format appearance.

That difference matters most when the restoration is trying to capture a specific era feel. Construction also influences which tire series and sidewall styles are available, so appearance and fitment cannot really be separated. Looking at the wheel design, ride height, and overall finish of the car helps narrow which construction looks most at home.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1978 Mazda RX-3 even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all influence whether a 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tire works properly on the car.

That is especially important because the available products on this page do not all share the same approved rim-width range. A modified RX-3 should have wheel width and basic clearance checked at the front and rear before tires are mounted. This helps avoid problems with steering movement, fender contact, or mismatched wheel-to-tire proportions.

Before driving a 1978 Mazda RX-3 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and width, confirm that the tires are seated properly, and check inflation carefully. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components, since worn parts can affect how any newly installed radial or bias-ply tire behaves on the road.

A slow walkaround after installation is worthwhile. Turn the steering from lock to lock, look for fender or suspension interference, and recheck for any signs of air loss after the first short drive. On an older collector car, those simple checks matter just as much as choosing the right size in the first place.

Collector-car tires on a 1978 Mazda RX-3 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and clean, dry storage conditions. Whether the car is running 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, owners should watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently.

Long periods of storage can be hard on vintage and specialty tires, even when tread wear is minimal. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and periodic inspection remains important because age-related condition can matter as much as mileage on a lightly used RX-3.