1978 Porsche 928 Tires

A 1978 Porsche 928 uses one of two radial tire sizes, depending on the sub-model. The Automatic uses 215/60R15, while the Standard model uses 225/50R15. Both sizes are designed for 15-inch wheels, but they are not the same profile or overall diameter.

The practical step is to verify the exact transmission-specific version of the car before ordering tires. It is also worth checking the actual wheel and tire setup on the vehicle, since older cars are often changed over time. A 928 wearing aftermarket wheels or a different tire size should be measured carefully before returning to one of the original fitment sizes.

The covered tire fitments for the 1978 Porsche 928 use a 15-inch rim diameter. Both 215/60R15 and 225/50R15 are built for 15-inch wheels, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the two tire sizes differ in width and profile.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still needs attention when comparing specific tires. Some 215/60R15 products also carry their own rim-width recommendations, which can matter on a grand touring car like the 928. Verifying both the wheel diameter and the actual wheel width helps avoid choosing a tire that is technically the right size but mismatched to the wheel.

The 1978 Porsche 928 has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model. The Automatic uses 215/60R15, while the Standard model uses 225/50R15. Both are radial 15-inch sizes, but they represent different proportions and should be matched to the correct version of the car.

That difference means tire selection starts with identifying the sub-model rather than comparing brands first. A car that has changed hands several times may also have non-original wheels or replacement tires already installed, so visual inspection alone is not always enough. Checking the existing tire sidewall and confirming the wheel setup is the safest way to choose between the two original size paths.

For a 1978 Porsche 928 using 215/60R15, start with the fact that this size belongs to the Automatic model. From there, compare the tire's construction, sidewall style, rim-width specification where stated, and overall character, since available choices range from blackwall sport-oriented radials to wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter designs.

Selection should reflect how the car will actually be used and presented. A more traditional sidewall treatment can suit a custom or show-focused car, while blackwall options may better match a cleaner grand touring look. It also helps to compare product details such as rim-width range, load figures where shown, and tire series so the final choice suits both the wheel and the way the car is driven.

The available 1978 Porsche 928 tires in 215/60R15 include several sidewall styles: blackwall, redline, raised white letter, and wide whitewall. Those choices create a very different visual presentation even when the tire size stays the same, which matters on a car whose styling is already strongly defined by its wheel-and-tire profile.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the car's overall appearance in mind rather than as a simple cosmetic extra. A blackwall often suits a more restrained performance look, while redline, RWL, or wide whitewall options push the presentation in a more specialized direction. The right choice depends on whether the 928 is being preserved in a restrained period style, personalized, or shown.

Available 215/60R15 tires for the 1978 Porsche 928 come from American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein. Those brands cover several radial tire series, including Asymmetrical Tread, Radial T/A, Sport Classic, CR6ZZ, and Sprint Classic, so the brand choice also connects to the tire's visual style and intended character.

The most useful comparison is not brand name alone, but how each option aligns with the car and the owner's priorities. Some choices lean toward traditional sidewall styling, while others present a more straightforward blackwall performance appearance. Looking at brand, tire series, rim-width guidance, and visible sidewall treatment together gives a much clearer picture than choosing by brand recognition alone.

A period-style 1978 Porsche 928 tire choice starts with using the correct transmission-specific size: 215/60R15 for the Automatic or 225/50R15 for the Standard model. Once the proper size is confirmed, the next decision is whether the car should wear a restrained blackwall look or a more stylized presentation such as redline, raised white letter, or wide whitewall in the available 215/60R15 range.

Appearance should be balanced with the way the car is actually used. A road-driven grand touring 928 may call for a different tire series than a show-focused car, even when both stay within the proper size. When exact originality matters, it is wise to check marque-specific restoration references and period photography before treating any sidewall treatment as historically exact.

Correct tire fitment matters on a 1978 Porsche 928 restoration because the car's shape, stance, and handling character are closely tied to its wheel-and-tire proportions. Using the proper size for the exact sub-model keeps the visual balance closer to what this late-1970s grand touring Porsche was designed around.

Restoration-minded buyers should think beyond simple wheel diameter and pay attention to tire profile, sidewall appearance, and the car's present setup. Even a small shift in tire proportions can change how the car sits and how the wheel opening looks. If the 928 has had wheel, suspension, or body changes over the years, those alterations should be checked before settling on a restoration-oriented tire plan.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1978 Porsche 928 even when the car originally used a 15-inch radial tire. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, or bodywork can all change how a 215/60R15 or 225/50R15 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains during steering and suspension movement.

That is why a modified 928 should be measured rather than assumed to match stock fitment. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and the space around the tire all matter before choosing a replacement. A car lowered from stock height or fitted with different-offset wheels may need closer inspection, even when the goal is simply returning to one of the original tire sizes.

Before driving a 1978 Porsche 928 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the tire size matches the correct sub-model, and make sure the tires are mounted on suitable 15-inch rims. It also helps to check inflation, valve stems, lug torque, and whether the tires clear the fenders and suspension at normal ride height and while steering.

A careful first inspection matters even more on a collector-era car that may have spent time parked. Look over suspension components, alignment condition, and any signs of rubbing from the previous tires. After the first short drive, recheck pressure and inspect for unusual contact marks. Those simple steps help catch setup issues before the car is taken on a longer road outing.

Tires on a collector 1978 Porsche 928 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and close attention to age-related condition. Even when tread depth looks acceptable, low-use collector cars can develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or internal aging simply from time, storage conditions, and infrequent driving.

Storage habits make a real difference on a car like the 928. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition, and moving the car periodically can reduce long-term stress on one contact patch. Before any extended drive, inspect the tread and sidewalls closely and confirm that the tires still suit the car's present wheel and suspension setup.