The 1978 Subaru DL came from the period when Subaru was building its reputation around compact, efficient cars with practical packaging and a growing foothold in four-wheel-drive passenger vehicles. That matters when choosing tires, because this model sits at the intersection of older bias-ply sizing and newer radial fitment. A 1978 Subaru DL can use either 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply tires on 13-inch rims, depending on the specific version. Current choices in 155R13 center on blackwall radial offerings from Michelin and Dunlop. For a restoration-minded owner, the key is confirming the exact sub-model first, then deciding whether period-style appearance or radial road manners is the priority.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1978 Subaru DL
The 1978 Subaru DL uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct choice depends on the exact sub-model. Both sizes fit 13-inch rims, but they differ by construction, with 155R13 as a radial fitment and 6.15-13 as a bias-ply fitment. Identifying whether the car is a 4WD model, sedan, or wagon is the first step before comparing tire style, construction, and overall presentation.
Fit(s): (4WD), 2 Dr. Sedan, 4 Dr. Sedan, and Wagon
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1978 Subaru DL, it represents the more modern construction of the two primary fitments and is especially relevant for buyers who want a radial setup. Available choices in this size include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. It is the size to examine closely when road use and maintaining the car's compact late-1970s radial character both matter.
6.15-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.15 represents the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1978 Subaru DL, this size serves buyers who want to stay with a traditional bias-ply fitment on the covered sedan and wagon versions. Bias-ply construction changes both the look and the driving feel compared with a radial, so it tends to appeal most to restoration-oriented owners or those aiming for a more period-style presentation. It is worth confirming the exact sub-model and wheel setup before choosing this older sizing format.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1978 Subaru DL because not every version uses the same tire-size range. The 4WD model stays with one radial size, while the sedan and wagon versions can overlap between radial and bias-ply fitments, so confirming the exact body style is the first step.
1
1978 Subaru DL (4WD)
The 1978 Subaru DL (4WD) uses the 155R13 radial size rather than sharing the full two-size mix found on the other covered versions. That makes tire selection more straightforward, with the focus shifting to radial product choice, blackwall presentation, and checking wheel width compatibility on the 13-inch rim.
The 1978 Subaru DL 2 Dr. Sedan can be fitted with either 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply tires. The main decision is whether to retain a more traditional bias-ply approach or move toward a radial setup, while also confirming that the car still has the intended 13-inch wheel arrangement.
The 1978 Subaru DL 4 Dr. Sedan also spans both 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply fitments. That gives the owner room to choose between a restoration-oriented bias-ply look and a radial tire format, provided the wheel size and overall vehicle setup have not been changed over time.
The 1978 Subaru DL Wagon uses the same two-size fitment pattern as the sedans, with both 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply applications. Tire selection here comes down to construction choice, intended appearance, and verifying that the wagon still wears the correct 13-inch wheels before moving ahead.
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 Subaru DL Tires for Sale
Current product choices for the 1978 Subaru DL center on 155R13 radial tires from Michelin and Dunlop. These options share a blackwall appearance but differ by tire series and rim-width specifications, giving buyers a useful comparison point within the radial fitment.
These 1978 Subaru DL tire FAQs focus on the two primary sizes, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, product selection, restoration appearance, and the checks worth making before putting a low-use vintage Subaru back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1978 Subaru DL?
The 1978 Subaru DL uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 6.15-13 in bias-ply construction. The exact fitment depends on the sub-model. The 4WD version uses 155R13, while the 2 Dr. Sedan, 4 Dr. Sedan, and Wagon are associated with both 155R13 and 6.15-13.
That means the first job is confirming which DL version is in front of you and whether it still has its original wheel setup. On sedan and wagon models, the decision may also involve choosing between a radial tire and a bias-ply tire, which can change both appearance and road feel.
What size rim does a 1978 Subaru DL use?
The 1978 Subaru DL uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 155R13 and the bias-ply 6.15-13 are both built around a 13-inch wheel diameter, so the rim diameter remains consistent even though the sizing systems are different.
Keeping the diameter straight is only part of the fitment check. A vintage Subaru may have replacement wheels, so it is smart to verify the actual wheel on the car before selecting tires. On the radial side, comparing the wheel width against the tire's approved range is also an important step.
Do all 1978 Subaru DL sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1978 Subaru DL does not use exactly the same tire-size pattern across every sub-model. The 4WD model is associated with 155R13 radial tires, while the 2 Dr. Sedan, 4 Dr. Sedan, and Wagon can use either 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply tires.
That difference matters because the correct choice is not just about size code but also about construction. A sedan or wagon owner may be deciding between a more traditional bias-ply presentation and a radial setup, while a 4WD owner can focus more directly on choosing the right 155R13 radial tire.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.15-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1978 Subaru DL?
On the 1978 Subaru DL, 6.15-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric bias-ply format, where the first number represents the nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the 13-inch rim diameter.
Choosing 6.15-13 usually means preserving a more traditional tire construction and visual character on the covered sedan and wagon versions. It should not be treated as the same thing as the 155R13 radial fitment, since the construction and sizing system differ even though both are intended for 13-inch wheels.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1978 Subaru DL?
A 1978 Subaru DL can involve either bias-ply or radial fitment, depending on the sub-model and the direction of the build. The 155R13 radial size is part of the primary fitment range, and the 6.15-13 size represents the bias-ply side of that range on the covered sedan and wagon versions.
The choice usually comes down to priorities. Bias-ply tires support a more period-style presentation, while radial tires appeal to owners who want a more modern construction within the DL's established fitment. Matching the tire to the correct sub-model and checking the wheel setup matters more than choosing by appearance alone.
What should I check before converting my 1978 Subaru DL from bias-ply to radial tires?
A conversion from a bias-ply setup to a radial setup on a 1978 Subaru DL starts with confirming that the car's sub-model is associated with the radial 155R13 size and that the wheels are the correct 13-inch diameter. On the product side, 155R13 radial offerings also carry specific rim-width requirements.
After that, inspect the actual vehicle rather than assuming an old wheel and tire combination is still original. Wheel width, steering clearance, suspension condition, and body clearance all deserve attention, especially on a modified or long-stored car. The goal is to verify the whole package, not just the printed tire size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1978 Subaru DL?
Start with the exact sub-model, because a 1978 Subaru DL can use either 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply tires depending on the version. From there, the main selection points are construction type, intended appearance, and whether the car is being kept closer to a restoration-style presentation or prepared for regular road use.
Once the correct size and construction are established, compare the details that affect fit and character. On available 155R13 radials, that means looking at brand, tire series, blackwall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility. On any vintage vehicle, checking the actual wheels on the car is just as important as reading the sidewall.
What brands offer tires for the 1978 Subaru DL?
For the 1978 Subaru DL, current 155R13 radial tire choices include Michelin and Dunlop. These are both blackwall radial offerings for the 13-inch fitment, giving owners a pair of established brand options within the radial side of the DL's tire range.
Brand is only one part of the decision, especially on a vintage Subaru that may have seen wheel changes over the years. It is also worth comparing the tire series, the intended look of the car, and any rim-width requirements tied to the product. That keeps the selection grounded in fitment rather than name alone.
What tire series are available for the 1978 Subaru DL?
Available 155R13 radial tires for the 1978 Subaru DL include the Michelin XAS-FF series and the Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet series. Those series give the radial fitment some useful variety even though the visible sidewall style remains blackwall across the currently available products.
Series differences matter when narrowing down the final choice because they help distinguish one radial option from another within the same size. After confirming that 155R13 is the correct fitment for the specific DL, compare the tire series alongside wheel-width compatibility and the overall look you want the car to retain.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1978 Subaru DL?
A period-style 1978 Subaru DL usually starts with choosing the correct primary size for the exact sub-model and then deciding whether the car should retain bias-ply character or a later-1970s radial presentation. The sedan and wagon versions can involve either 6.15-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial fitment, while the 4WD model uses 155R13.
That decision shapes the car's visual impression as much as its road behavior. Bias-ply tires lean toward a more traditional look, while a blackwall 155R13 radial suits a compact late-1970s presentation. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque-specific references before settling on one construction or tire style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1978 Subaru DL?
Tire construction changes the presentation of a restored 1978 Subaru DL because a bias-ply tire and a radial tire do not look or read the same on the car, even when both belong to the vehicle's established fitment range. On this DL, 6.15-13 carries the traditional numeric bias-ply format, while 155R13 reflects radial sizing.
That makes construction part of the restoration decision, not just a technical detail. A bias-ply setup tends to support a more vintage visual tone, while a blackwall radial can look more in step with late-1970s compact-car use. Either way, the sub-model and actual wheel arrangement should guide the final choice.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1978 Subaru DL?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1978 Subaru DL even when the original tire size is known. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body repairs can all change how a 155R13 or 6.15-13 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance is available during steering and suspension travel.
That is why it helps to inspect the car as it exists now, not simply assume it still matches factory-era wheel and suspension dimensions. On a modified DL, checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance around the fenders and suspension can prevent problems before the car goes back into regular use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1978 Subaru DL on new tires?
Before driving a 1978 Subaru DL on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 13-inch diameter, verify that the chosen size matches the sub-model, and confirm that the tires are seated and inflated properly. It is also smart to look over the suspension, steering components, and brake hardware on a car of this age.
A short road test should follow a careful visual check. Listen for rubbing, pay attention to steering feel, and recheck air pressure after the first drive. Vintage cars that have spent long periods parked deserve extra attention to dried rubber components, wheel condition, and any signs that the chassis needs service.
How should tires on a collector 1978 Subaru DL be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1978 Subaru DL should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. A low-mileage vintage Subaru can still age its tires in storage, so condition matters just as much as tread depth.
Proper inflation and clean, dry storage make a difference over time. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls, while occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting during long storage periods. Any tire that shows visible deterioration deserves closer evaluation before road use.
