The 1979 Audi Fox came from an era when compact European sedans and wagons built their reputation on light weight, tidy dimensions, and precise road manners rather than excess size or power. That character makes tire choice especially important, because the Fox responds noticeably to changes in profile, construction, and overall stance. This model uses radial tires on 13-inch rims, with both 155R13 and 175/70R13 fitments appearing on the Fox Base & Wagon. Available choices range from traditional blackwall Euro-style radials to a more modern metric radial performance-oriented option. The right selection depends on whether the goal is a more restoration-minded look, a certain driving feel, or careful confirmation of the wheel setup already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Audi Fox
The 1979 Audi Fox uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial tires built for 13-inch wheels. Because the Fox Base & Wagon can use either 155R13 or 175/70R13, the key step is confirming which size is already on the car and whether the wheel width matches the tire being considered. Once that is settled, the decision becomes one of profile, brand, and intended appearance or road use.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 155-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. In this format, the aspect ratio is not written into the size code, and it is commonly understood as an 80-series style radial. For the 1979 Audi Fox, this size keeps a distinctly European small-sedan presentation, with blackwall choices from Michelin and Dunlop in established tire series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. It is a strong size to evaluate when maintaining the Fox's traditional radial fitment and period-style proportions matters.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 13-inch rim diameter. Compared with older Euro-metric sizing conventions, this format states the profile directly, which makes it easier for modern buyers to interpret. On the 1979 Audi Fox, this size is represented by the Avon CR6ZZ, a blackwall radial with a more modern performance-oriented character than a traditional touring-style radial. It is worth considering when the car already uses this fitment and the wheel width and overall clearance have been checked carefully.
Tire fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1979 Audi Fox sub-model shares the same two radial tire sizes. Even so, confirming the exact wheel setup still matters, since the usable choice comes down to whether the car is set up for 155R13 or 175/70R13 on a 13-inch rim.
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1979 Audi Fox Base & Wagon
The 1979 Audi Fox Base & Wagon can use either of the two radial 13-inch tire sizes associated with this model. That makes wheel-width confirmation especially important before choosing between the narrower Euro-metric 155R13 and the lower-profile 175/70R13 option.
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 1979 Audi Fox Tires for Sale
Available 1979 Audi Fox tire choices center on blackwall radial designs from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon. The product mix spans traditional Euro-style series such as Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, along with the Avon CR6ZZ in the 175/70R13 size.
These 1979 Audi Fox tire FAQs focus on the two correct radial sizes, 13-inch wheel fitment, brand and series choices, and the checks that matter before putting a vintage Fox back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Audi Fox?
The 1979 Audi Fox uses two radial tire sizes: 155R13 and 175/70R13. Both sizes fit 13-inch rims, and both are associated with the Fox Base & Wagon. That means the car does not rely on one universal size in every case, even though the wheel diameter stays the same.
The practical next step is to confirm which tire size is already on the car and whether the wheel width supports that size. A Fox that has been through years of service may already be running replacement wheels, so checking the actual rim and the current clearance around the fenders and suspension helps prevent ordering a size that does not match the car's present setup.
What size rim does a 1979 Audi Fox use?
The 1979 Audi Fox uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the car is fitted with 155R13 or 175/70R13, the wheel diameter remains 13 inches. The size difference is in the tire's section width and profile, not the rim diameter itself.
Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still important to verify wheel width before choosing between the two sizes. The available products reflect different rim-width ranges, and that matters because a tire can share the correct 13-inch diameter while still being less suitable for a wheel that is too narrow or too wide.
Does the 1979 Audi Fox Base & Wagon use the same tire size?
The 1979 Audi Fox Base & Wagon is associated with both 155R13 and 175/70R13 radial tire sizes. In other words, the sub-model itself does not separate into different tire sizes by name here; either size may be relevant depending on the wheel and tire setup already on the car.
That makes visual confirmation especially worthwhile before choosing a replacement. Looking at the sidewall on the current tire and checking the wheel width will usually answer the question quickly. On a collector-era import like the Fox, it is common to find a car that has been updated over time, so relying on the actual setup is smarter than assuming every example still wears the same size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1979 Audi Fox?
Start with the correct size for the car's existing setup, since a 1979 Audi Fox may use either 155R13 or 175/70R13 on a 13-inch rim. From there, compare the tire's construction, brand, series, and any stated rim-width compatibility. The available choices are all radial, but they are not all aimed at the same visual or driving character.
A narrower Euro-metric size can preserve a more traditional small-European-car look, while a 175/70R13 may suit a Fox already configured around that lower-profile metric format. It also helps to compare practical details such as sidewall style, load figures where stated, and the condition of the car's wheels before making the final choice.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Audi Fox?
Tires for the 1979 Audi Fox are available from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon. The 155R13 fitment includes Michelin and Dunlop options, while the 175/70R13 fitment is represented by Avon. All of these are blackwall radial offerings, but they differ by tire series and sizing approach.
Brand choice matters less than matching the tire to the car's exact size and wheel setup first. After that, the comparison becomes more about the character of the tire series and how closely the look matches the Fox's intended presentation. A careful buyer will also compare rim-width range, weight, and any stated load information before settling on one option.
What tire series are available for the 1979 Audi Fox?
The 1979 Audi Fox is covered by several distinct tire series, including Michelin XAS-FF, Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, and Avon CR6ZZ. Those series are tied to the Fox's two primary radial sizes rather than being interchangeable across every setup. Each one gives the buyer a slightly different combination of size format and overall character.
Series selection becomes useful once the correct tire size is confirmed. A buyer looking for a more traditional Euro-style replacement may focus on the 155R13 offerings, while someone replacing an existing 175/70R13 setup may compare the Avon option more closely. Matching the series to the car's present wheels and intended use is more important than choosing by name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Audi Fox?
For a period-style 1979 Audi Fox, the first step is staying with one of the correct 13-inch radial fitments used on the car: 155R13 or 175/70R13. Among those, the 155R13 Euro-metric format often aligns more naturally with the visual language of late-1970s European sedans and wagons. Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet keep that traditional blackwall radial presentation.
Appearance should still be balanced against the wheel setup already on the car. A Fox that has long been running 175/70R13 may need to stay with that size unless the wheels and clearances support a change. For buyers pursuing exact originality, marque references and period vehicle documentation remain the best way to confirm details beyond size and general style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1979 Audi Fox restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1979 Audi Fox restoration because the car's proportions are small and the tire has a visible effect on stance, wheel-well appearance, and overall presentation. Using one of the correct radial 13-inch sizes keeps the restoration grounded in the proper fitment range for the model rather than pushing it toward an obviously mismatched look.
Fitment also affects how believable and usable the finished car feels on the road. A restoration-minded owner should compare the mounted size, wheel width, and sidewall appearance before making a switch. Even when the goal is not concours-level accuracy, choosing a tire that respects the Fox's original sizing character usually produces a more coherent result.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Audi Fox?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Audi Fox even when the tire still uses the correct 13-inch rim diameter. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension lowering, or body modifications can all influence whether 155R13 or 175/70R13 works properly on a given car.
That is why the actual vehicle should be checked before changing sizes or replacing old tires. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and the relationship between the tire and suspension parts all matter once a Fox has been modified from stock form. On an older imported car, it is wise to inspect rather than assume, especially if the car has passed through several owners.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Audi Fox on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Audi Fox on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car's setup, and check that the tires seat correctly on the rims. It also makes sense to look over valve stems, lug hardware, and visible suspension or steering wear that could affect how the car tracks.
A short, careful road test is a good way to confirm that nothing rubs and that the car feels stable at normal speeds. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the application, and an older Fox should also be checked for uneven wear patterns that might point to alignment or bushing issues before any longer drive.
How should tires on a collector 1979 Audi Fox be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1979 Audi Fox should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, air loss, and uneven tread wear, even if the car is only driven occasionally. Collector vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions rather than mileage alone, so appearance and sidewall condition matter as much as tread depth.
Proper inflation, clean storage, and periodic movement of the car can help preserve the tires between drives. It is also smart to keep the Fox away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment when parked for long periods. A vintage compact that sits too much can develop tire issues quietly, so routine checks are part of responsible road use.