The 1978 Nissan 210 arrived in an era when compact cars were prized for light weight, efficiency, and straightforward mechanical character. For today’s owner, that simplicity makes the 210 especially sensitive to getting the tire size and construction right, because a small change can affect both appearance and road manners. This model uses three fitment paths on 13-inch rims: 175/70R13 radial, 155R13 radial, and 6.15-13 bias-ply, depending on sub-model. That creates a meaningful choice between a more vintage bias-ply presentation and radial options from Avon, Michelin, and Dunlop. The right selection starts with confirming the exact body style and then matching the tire to restoration goals, wheel setup, and intended driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1978 Nissan 210
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1978 Nissan 210, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model rather than rim diameter, since all three sizes use a 13-inch wheel. The first step is confirming whether the car is a Plus Hatchback or a Sedan & Hatchback configuration, then deciding whether the goal is to retain the original-style construction path or choose among the radial options available in the correct size.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size: 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1978 Nissan 210, this size is part of the radial fitment path and suits owners who want a modern metric-size presentation on the correct wheel diameter. In this size, the available option is an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial. It is the size to evaluate when the car is a Plus Hatchback and the wheel setup matches the intended 13-inch radial application.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R marks radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. This format does not state the aspect ratio in the size itself and is commonly associated with a traditional taller-profile radial look. For the 1978 Nissan 210, 155R13 is available in blackwall radial choices from Michelin and Dunlop, including the Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet series. It is a useful fitment to consider when the car follows the Sedan & Hatchback radial setup and a classic small-car radial appearance matters.
6.15-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.15 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifies the rim diameter. Bias-ply construction gives this size a distinctly vintage sizing format and appearance compared with the radial options used elsewhere on the 1978 Nissan 210. This fitment matters most for owners keeping a more traditional construction type on Sedan & Hatchback applications that use it. It is the size to verify when restoration presentation and original-style tire character matter more than choosing one of the radial alternatives on the same wheel diameter.
Sub-model identification matters on the 1978 Nissan 210 because tire fitment is not the same across the covered body styles. The Plus Hatchback follows one radial size, while the Sedan & Hatchback configuration can use either a radial or a bias-ply fitment path on 13-inch rims.
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1978 Nissan 210 Plus Hatchback
The 1978 Nissan 210 Plus Hatchback uses a single radial fitment path, making tire selection more straightforward once the body style is confirmed. That means the main decision is choosing the available tire within the correct size and making sure the existing 13-inch wheels still match the intended setup.
The 1978 Nissan 210 Sedan & Hatchback has a split fitment story, with both a radial option and a vintage numeric bias-ply option associated with this sub-model. That makes construction choice more important, especially for owners balancing period-style appearance against a radial replacement approach on 13-inch wheels.
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 Nissan 210 Tires for Sale
Available 1978 Nissan 210 tire choices center on radial options in 175/70R13 and 155R13, with blackwall offerings from Avon, Michelin, and Dunlop. The product grid is where to compare tire series, construction, and rim-width compatibility within the correct sub-model fitment.
1978 Nissan 210 tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 13-inch wheel compatibility, and whether the car should stay with its original-style bias-ply path or use one of the radial size options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1978 Nissan 210?
The 1978 Nissan 210 uses three primary tire sizes: 175/70R13, 155R13, and 6.15-13. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model. The Plus Hatchback uses 175/70R13 radial, while the Sedan & Hatchback configuration uses either 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply, all on 13-inch rims.
That means the first step is not measuring brand preference or sidewall style, but confirming which 210 body style and wheel setup the car actually has today. On an unrestored or modified car, it is smart to verify the wheel diameter and current tire labeling before choosing a replacement, especially when both radial and bias-ply fitments are part of the model’s tire history.
What size rim does a 1978 Nissan 210 use?
The 1978 Nissan 210 uses a 13-inch rim across its covered tire fitments. That remains true whether the car is using 175/70R13, 155R13, or 6.15-13, so the wheel diameter itself stays consistent even though the tire sizing format and construction can change by sub-model.
Wheel diameter is only part of the picture, though, because rim width still matters when choosing among available radial products. A 13-inch wheel can still be the wrong choice if its width or overall setup has been changed over time. Checking the wheel stamping or measuring the rim before replacement helps avoid ordering a tire that is correct in diameter but mismatched to the wheel.
Do all 1978 Nissan 210 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1978 Nissan 210 Plus Hatchback uses 175/70R13 radial, while the 1978 Nissan 210 Sedan & Hatchback configuration uses 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply. The sub-model makes a real difference here, even though all of these fitments stay on a 13-inch rim.
That distinction matters because the decision is not just about width or profile, but also about construction type and visual character. A buyer looking for a more vintage presentation may lean toward the bias-ply route where applicable, while a driver-focused replacement may start with the radial fitment tied to that sub-model. The body style and the wheels currently on the car should both be verified before moving ahead.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1978 Nissan 210 tire?
Start with the correct tire size for the exact 1978 Nissan 210 sub-model, then confirm whether the car should follow a radial or bias-ply fitment path. After that, compare the available tire’s wheel compatibility, construction, and overall style. On this model, those factors matter more than simply picking any 13-inch tire.
A Plus Hatchback owner is choosing within a different size than a Sedan & Hatchback owner, and a Sedan & Hatchback may also involve a construction decision. Once the fitment path is clear, compare product details such as tire series, brand, and rim-width range. Those differences help narrow the right tire for restoration goals, casual road use, or a more traditional small-car appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1978 Nissan 210?
Available tires for the 1978 Nissan 210 come from Avon, Michelin, and Dunlop. Avon appears in 175/70R13, while Michelin and Dunlop both appear in 155R13. Those brand choices are tied to the specific tire size, so the correct fitment comes first and the brand decision follows after that.
Brand comparison on this car is really a fitment comparison, because not every brand is offered in every applicable size. Once the sub-model and construction path are settled, the product grid becomes the place to compare the available series within that size. That approach keeps the search focused on the tire that belongs on the car rather than forcing a brand choice ahead of fitment.
What tire series are available for the 1978 Nissan 210?
The 1978 Nissan 210 has radial tire options in several distinct series, including Avon CR6ZZ, Michelin XAS-FF, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet. These series are attached to different applicable tire sizes, so they do not all serve the same fitment role across the model’s sub-model range.
Series names matter because they often signal differences in intended look and character, especially on vintage and collector vehicles. A 155R13 owner is comparing a different set of options than a 175/70R13 owner, and the available series reflect that split. Once the proper size is confirmed, comparing the series helps narrow the right balance of appearance, construction, and wheel compatibility.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1978 Nissan 210?
A period-style 1978 Nissan 210 tire starts with the fitment that matches the car’s exact sub-model and its intended construction path. That could mean a 6.15-13 bias-ply for a more traditional presentation on a Sedan & Hatchback, or one of the radial sizes where the car follows a radial setup instead.
Appearance and construction work together on a small late-1970s import, so the tire should support the way the car is being restored or preserved. Buyers aiming for exact historical accuracy should compare the current tire choice against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation. For many owners, the practical goal is a restoration-oriented look rather than making a claim of exact factory originality.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1978 Nissan 210?
Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1978 Nissan 210 more than many owners expect. The 6.15-13 bias-ply format presents a distinctly vintage size designation and traditional appearance, while 155R13 and 175/70R13 radials introduce more modern radial sizing language and a different visual profile on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
That difference matters because compact cars rely heavily on proportions, and the tire is a visible part of the finished stance. A restoration-minded owner should choose construction with the car’s intended presentation in mind before focusing on brand or series. Once that decision is made, wheel width, wheel condition, and actual body-style fitment should still be checked so the final result looks right and installs properly.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1978 Nissan 210?
Yes. Even though the 1978 Nissan 210 uses 13-inch fitments, aftermarket wheels, altered rim width, suspension changes, or body modifications can affect whether the intended tire setup is still appropriate. That is especially important on a car with multiple applicable sizes and both radial and bias-ply fitment paths tied to different sub-model uses.
Modified cars should be checked for wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before a replacement tire is chosen. A tire that matches the original size designation may still need verification if the car sits lower, uses different offsets, or has replacement wheels from another application. Confirming the actual hardware on the car prevents fitment assumptions based only on the model name.
What should I inspect before driving a 1978 Nissan 210 on new tires?
Before driving a 1978 Nissan 210 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size for the sub-model. It is also worth checking valve stems, air pressure, lug torque, and visible clearance around the front suspension and fenders.
A collector-era compact may sit for long periods, so road readiness involves more than fresh rubber. Look over the braking system, steering response, alignment condition, and any signs of rubbing after installation. A short, careful test drive can reveal pull, vibration, or clearance issues early, which is especially useful when changing between the model’s bias-ply and radial fitment paths.
How should tires on a collector 1978 Nissan 210 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1978 Nissan 210 should be checked regularly for pressure, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of air loss. Because many preserved small imports are driven infrequently, age and storage condition can matter just as much as tread depth when judging whether the tires remain roadworthy.
Storage habits make a real difference over time. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the rubber, while occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting on a lightly used vehicle. Regular visual inspections are especially important when the car wears a vintage-style tire, since old-looking and actually aged are not the same thing.
