The 1979 Ford Granada came from an era when domestic midsize cars balanced comfort, formal styling, and everyday drivability in a way that still appeals to collectors and preservation-minded owners. Whether kept as a clean survivor or maintained as a roadworthy late-1970s sedan, the Granada benefits from getting its tire fitment right before anything else. This model uses vintage alphanumeric radial sizes on 14-inch rims, with fitment varying by sub-model. That makes the real decision less about bias-ply versus radial and more about confirming the exact Granada configuration, then choosing the right size for appearance, road use, and overall wheel compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Ford Granada
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1979 Ford Granada: DR78-14, ER78-14, and FR78-14. All three are radial sizes for 14-inch rims, but they are not used across every version of the car in the same way. The first step is identifying the exact sub-model, since that determines which of these vintage alphanumeric radial sizes belongs on the car.
FR78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric radial size in which the letter designation identifies the tire's size class, the R indicates radial construction, the 78 refers to the profile family, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1979 Ford Granada, this size belongs to specific sub-model applications rather than every configuration. Its radial construction suits a late-1970s passenger car that originally used radial sizing conventions instead of older numeric bias-ply fitments. Choosing FR78-14 starts with confirming that your Granada uses this exact size, then checking wheel condition and the car's actual setup before selecting a tire.
ER78-14 follows the same vintage alphanumeric radial system, with the letter showing the tire's size class, R marking radial construction, 78 indicating the profile family, and 14 matching the wheel diameter. This size appears on more than one 1979 Ford Granada sub-model, so it is a common fitment within the range but not universal across all versions. Because it is already a radial-format tire, the main issue is proper size confirmation rather than a construction change. ER78-14 is the right place to focus if your Granada falls into one of the sub-models that used this particular 14-inch radial size.
DR78-14 is also a vintage alphanumeric radial, using the same basic format: a lettered size class, an R for radial construction, a 78-series profile family, and a 14-inch rim diameter. For the 1979 Ford Granada, this size is tied to a specific sub-model application instead of the entire model line. That makes it especially important not to assume interchangeability just because the rim diameter matches the other Granada sizes. DR78-14 should be evaluated by confirming the exact vehicle configuration first, then making sure the wheels and overall tire setup still match the car if anything has been changed over time.
Tire fitment on the 1979 Ford Granada varies by sub-model, even though every covered application uses a 14-inch radial tire. Checking whether the car is an ESS, Ghia, or Sedan is the key step before choosing a tire size, since more than one size appears across the lineup.
1
1979 Ford Granada ESS
The 1979 Ford Granada ESS uses the FR78-14 radial tire size. That keeps selection straightforward once the sub-model is confirmed, with the main task being to stay with the proper 14-inch radial fitment and verify wheel condition on a car that may have seen decades of use or modification.
The 1979 Ford Granada Ghia uses either ER78-14 or FR78-14, so this is the sub-model where extra fitment attention matters most. Tire selection should begin by confirming the car's actual wheel and tire setup before choosing between those two radial sizes for appearance and proper compatibility.
The 1979 Ford Granada Sedan uses either DR78-14 or ER78-14, which means the Sedan does not point to one universal Granada tire size. Choosing correctly depends on checking what is on the car now and confirming the wheel setup before moving ahead with a replacement radial tire.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners usually need to sort out three things on a 1979 Ford Granada: the correct sub-model tire size, the meaning of the vintage radial size code, and what to inspect before putting the car back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Ford Granada?
A 1979 Ford Granada uses one of three primary tire sizes: DR78-14, ER78-14, or FR78-14. All are vintage alphanumeric radial sizes mounted on 14-inch rims, but the correct size depends on the exact Granada sub-model. ESS uses FR78-14, while Ghia and Sedan applications can use more than one size.
That means the first step is not choosing a brand or tread style, but confirming whether the car is an ESS, Ghia, or Sedan and then checking the current wheel-and-tire setup. Many surviving Granadas have changed hands several times, so verifying the actual tire size on the car helps prevent ordering the wrong 14-inch radial.
What size rim does a 1979 Ford Granada use?
The 1979 Ford Granada uses a 14-inch rim with its DR78-14, ER78-14, and FR78-14 tire fitments. Even though the tire sizes vary by sub-model, the rim diameter stays consistent across those covered applications. The 14 at the end of each size code is the wheel diameter in inches.
Matching rim diameter is only the starting point. A 14-inch wheel still needs to be appropriate for the tire size actually used on the car, and decades of ownership can bring wheel swaps or aftermarket replacements. Checking the stamped wheel size and comparing it with the Granada's current tire setup is a smart move before choosing replacements.
Do all 1979 Ford Granada sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 1979 Ford Granada sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The ESS uses FR78-14, the Ghia uses ER78-14 or FR78-14, and the Sedan uses DR78-14 or ER78-14. Every application is radial and uses a 14-inch rim, but the size itself changes depending on the sub-model.
That variation matters because two Granadas parked side by side may not use the same replacement tire even though the sizes look similar and share the same wheel diameter. Confirming the exact sub-model, then checking the tires and wheels currently on the car, helps narrow the correct fitment before moving into any other selection decision.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a FR78-14, ER78-14, or DR78-14 tire for a 1979 Ford Granada?
Start with the exact tire size that belongs on the car's sub-model, because 1979 Ford Granada fitment varies between FR78-14, ER78-14, and DR78-14. All three are vintage alphanumeric radial sizes for 14-inch rims, so the key issue is choosing the correct size first rather than sorting through different construction types.
After size confirmation, focus on practical details such as wheel condition, whether the car still has its original-style wheel setup, and how the Granada will be used. A lightly driven survivor may call for a different selection approach than a regularly exercised driver, but the proper sub-model fitment should always guide the decision.
How do I choose between the available 1979 Ford Granada tire sizes if my car is a Ghia or Sedan?
A 1979 Ford Granada Ghia can use ER78-14 or FR78-14, while a Sedan can use DR78-14 or ER78-14. In those cases, the right choice comes from confirming the car's actual wheel-and-tire setup rather than assuming one size applies to every Ghia or Sedan still on the road today.
Checking the current tires, wheel markings, and overall stance of the car usually points the decision in the right direction. It also helps to inspect whether a previous owner changed wheels or suspension components, since that can blur what belongs on the car. Once the actual configuration is clear, choosing the replacement size becomes much easier.
Why does the 1979 Ford Granada use vintage alphanumeric radial tire sizes instead of modern metric sizes?
The 1979 Ford Granada comes from a period when alphanumeric radial sizing was a normal part of passenger-car tire fitment. Sizes such as DR78-14, ER78-14, and FR78-14 use a lettered size class, a radial construction marker, a profile family number, and a wheel diameter instead of the modern metric format seen on newer vehicles.
That older sizing system is important because it shapes how replacement tires are identified and compared. A modern buyer should not assume a familiar metric size from memory or from another late-1970s car. Staying with the exact Granada size code for the correct sub-model keeps the search focused and reduces fitment confusion.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Ford Granada?
A period-style 1979 Ford Granada should begin with the correct original-format tire size for its sub-model: FR78-14, ER78-14, or DR78-14. All three are vintage alphanumeric radial sizes, which means the overall look starts with retaining the proper late-1970s sizing style rather than substituting an unrelated modern format.
For a restoration-oriented car, getting the right size code and 14-inch fitment matters visually as well as mechanically. Owners aiming for a very exact presentation should also compare the car with marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation, since appearance details beyond basic size can vary and should not be assumed.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1979 Ford Granada restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1979 Ford Granada restoration because the tire size has a strong effect on stance, wheel appearance, and how authentic the car feels as a late-1970s vehicle. Using the proper DR78-14, ER78-14, or FR78-14 size for the right sub-model preserves the Granada's intended visual proportions.
Fitment also affects how easily the finished car comes together. A mismatch in size can create questions around wheel choice, ride height, or overall presentation even before the car is driven. Confirming the sub-model and wheel setup early in the project helps keep the restoration consistent and avoids last-minute corrections.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Ford Granada?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Ford Granada even when the car still uses a 14-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, or body work can influence how a DR78-14, ER78-14, or FR78-14 tire sits in the wheel opening and around steering components.
That is why a replacement decision should include a quick check of the actual wheel dimensions and available clearance instead of relying only on the model name. A Granada that has been changed over the years may need closer inspection at full steering lock and through suspension travel before any new tire is put into service.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Ford Granada on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Ford Granada on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm that the tire size matches the car's sub-model, and make sure the lug hardware and valve stems are in good condition. It is also smart to check alignment-related wear patterns if the previous tires came off unevenly.
A roadworthy Granada should also have proper tire pressure, adequate clearance at the fenders and steering components, and no obvious suspension issues that could affect tracking. A short, careful test drive is useful after installation so any vibration, rubbing, or pull can be caught early instead of after a longer trip.
How should DR78-14, ER78-14, or FR78-14 tires on a collector 1979 Ford Granada be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1979 Ford Granada should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection for cracking or bulges, and periodic tread-condition review even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, so appearance and age-related condition matter just as much as tread depth.
Storage habits also make a difference. Keeping the Granada away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and moving the car periodically can reduce long-term flat spotting. An older car that sits for extended periods benefits from more frequent inspections than a regularly driven daily vehicle.
