The 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit sits squarely in the era when compact European hatchbacks reshaped expectations for efficiency, practicality, and everyday road manners in the U.S. market. Its light weight and tidy proportions make tire choice especially noticeable, both visually and in the way the car feels on the road. For this Rabbit, the main fitment story centers on 155/80 sizing on a 13-inch rim, with both 155/80D13 bias-ply and 155/80R13 radial fitments appearing across the covered configurations. That opens the door to choices in construction and whitewall presentation, particularly for owners balancing period-style appearance with regular driving use. The right selection starts with confirming the exact sub-model and the wheel setup currently on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, and the key difference is construction rather than wheel diameter, since both use a 13-inch rim. Fitment also varies by sub-model, so the first step is confirming whether the car is a Base or an LS. Once that is clear, the real choice becomes whether the car uses the bias-ply 155/80D13 fitment or the radial 155/80R13 setup.
155/80D13 is a metric size that describes a tire roughly 155 millimeters wide with an 80-series profile for a 13-inch rim, but the D identifies bias-ply construction rather than radial. On the 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, this size is relevant to Base fitment where a more traditional construction may matter to an owner pursuing a period-style presentation. Product variation is not the main story here, since the larger buying decision is construction choice. This size deserves a close look when maintaining a Rabbit in an earlier-style tire format rather than moving straight to a radial setup.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size, with 155 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, 80 indicating the aspect ratio, and 13 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, it is the radial fitment and it appears on both the Base and LS configurations. Available choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles across series such as UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and Tornel Classic. This is the size to evaluate when the goal is keeping the Rabbit on the correct radial format while still choosing the sidewall look and product character that suits the car.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit because the covered versions do not all use the same tire construction. The LS stays with 155/80R13 radial fitment, while the Base can appear with either radial or bias-ply sizing, so confirming the exact model helps narrow the correct starting point.
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1979 Volkswagen Rabbit Base
The 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit Base is the most flexible fitment within this group because it appears with both 155/80D13 bias-ply and 155/80R13 radial sizing on a 13-inch rim. That makes construction choice especially important, whether the goal is a more traditional look or selecting among the available radial whitewall options.
The 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit LS uses the 155/80R13 radial size rather than sharing the Base model’s bias-ply alternative. Tire selection here is more straightforward, with the focus shifting to brand, whitewall style, and confirming that the wheel width matches the radial being considered.
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 Volkswagen Rabbit Tires for Sale
Available 155/80R13 options for the 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel radials. The main points of comparison are whitewall style, tire series, and rim-width specifications, with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices represented.
Common questions for the 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit usually come down to confirming the right 13-inch tire size, understanding bias-ply versus radial fitment, and choosing the right whitewall style and product setup for the way the car is used.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit?
The 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit uses 155/80 sizing on a 13-inch rim, with 155/80D13 bias-ply and 155/80R13 radial fitments appearing across the covered configurations. The Base model can use either of those sizes, while the LS uses 155/80R13 radial.
That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming what is currently on the car. Since both sizes share the same wheel diameter but differ in construction, the decision is less about overall size family and more about whether the Rabbit should stay with its present setup or be evaluated carefully for a change in tire type.
What size rim does a 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit use?
The tire fitments covered for the 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit use a 13-inch rim. Both 155/80D13 and 155/80R13 are built around that same wheel diameter, so rim diameter does not change between the listed primary sizes.
Wheel diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, though. Before choosing a tire, it still helps to confirm the actual wheel on the car, especially if the Rabbit has been changed over time. Rim width also matters with radial options, so checking the wheel itself is just as important as reading the size molded on the existing tire.
Do all 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit LS uses 155/80R13 radial, while the Base model appears with both 155/80D13 bias-ply and 155/80R13 radial fitments. The shared 13-inch rim keeps wheel diameter consistent, but construction is not the same across every version.
That distinction matters because a buyer looking only at the overall size number could miss the construction difference. On a Base model, the next question is whether the car is being kept in a bias-ply style or set up with radial tires. On an LS, the selection process is simpler and centers on the available radial products and sidewall appearance.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 155/80D13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit?
155/80D13 is the bias-ply fitment for the 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. The size uses metric-style width and profile notation, but the D indicates bias-ply construction rather than radial construction.
That can be easy to overlook because the size looks similar to modern radial sizing at a glance. On a Rabbit Base, choosing between 155/80D13 and 155/80R13 is really a construction decision tied to driving feel, appearance, and wheel compatibility. Keeping the car in the same construction family avoids unnecessary guesswork unless a broader fitment review is part of the plan.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit?
That depends on the exact 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit configuration and the goal for the car. The Base can appear with either 155/80D13 bias-ply or 155/80R13 radial sizing, while the LS uses 155/80R13 radial. Both are legitimate fitment paths within the covered applications.
A bias-ply choice usually appeals more to owners seeking a traditional presentation, while a radial choice often aligns better with regular road use and the radial products available in this size. Construction should not be changed casually, though. The current wheel setup, intended appearance, and the car’s actual clearance and condition all deserve a careful check before changing direction.
What should I check before converting my 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the Rabbit is one of the Base configurations where both 155/80D13 bias-ply and 155/80R13 radial fitments are relevant. Then verify that the wheels are still 13-inch wheels and that their width suits the radial tire being considered.
A conversion should also include a look at steering clearance, suspension condition, and any prior wheel or ride-height changes. Even when the nominal size looks similar, radial construction can change the way the tire sits on the wheel and within the wheelwell. Keeping the overall setup in mind is more important than assuming the shared rim diameter settles the question.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155/80R13 tire for a 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit?
Start with the basics: confirm that the Rabbit uses the 155/80R13 radial fitment and that the car still has the correct 13-inch wheels. From there, compare the available tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width specifications, since those are the main differences across the current radial choices.
A narrow whitewall can give the car a modest vintage accent, while a wide whitewall changes the look much more noticeably. It also helps to compare practical details such as load figures where stated and the wheel-width range for each tire. That approach keeps the decision centered on fitment, appearance, and how the Rabbit is actually driven.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit tires?
The available 155/80R13 radial options for the 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Travelstar, Maxxis, and Tornel appear in narrow whitewall form, while BFGoodrich offers a wide whitewall option in this size.
Sidewall choice affects the Rabbit’s overall presentation more than many buyers expect, especially on a small 13-inch tire where the sidewall remains visually prominent. A narrower stripe tends to feel subtler and more restrained, while a wider whitewall creates a stronger vintage statement. Appearance should be balanced against the tire’s construction and wheel-width requirements before making the final choice.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit?
The 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has 155/80R13 radial tire options from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel. These choices span several series, including UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and Tornel Classic.
Brand alone should not make the decision. It makes more sense to compare each tire by its sidewall style, stated rim-width range where available, and whether the overall look suits the Rabbit’s intended character. A car being preserved in a restoration-oriented style may point one way visually, while a regularly driven Rabbit may lead the buyer toward a different combination within the same correct size.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit?
A period-style 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit starts with the correct 155/80 sizing on a 13-inch rim, then narrows the choice by construction and sidewall appearance. A Base model may be evaluated in either 155/80D13 bias-ply or 155/80R13 radial form, while the LS stays with 155/80R13 radial.
The best visual match depends on how traditional or understated the finished car should look. Bias-ply construction may suit some restoration-minded Base owners, while radial whitewall options can still keep a vintage character. When exact originality matters, tire selection should be checked against marque-specific references so appearance goals stay aligned with the particular Rabbit being restored.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit?
Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit; it also influences the visual character of the car. A bias-ply 155/80D13 on a Base model supports a more traditional presentation, while a 155/80R13 radial gives the Rabbit a more modernized appearance within the same general size family.
Sidewall style plays a major supporting role, especially with the available narrow and wide whitewall radial choices. Because the Rabbit is a compact car with relatively small wheels, those visual differences are easy to notice. Matching construction and sidewall treatment to the car’s restoration goal usually matters more than chasing a name alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit?
Yes. Even though the covered 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit fitments stay within 155/80 sizing on a 13-inch rim, modifications can still change how well a tire works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, or body alterations can all affect clearance and compatibility.
That matters most when a Rabbit no longer sits on its original-style wheel setup. A tire that matches the correct size code may still need a closer look if the wheel width has changed or the car has been lowered. Checking the actual wheel, steering travel, and fender room helps avoid treating a catalog size as the whole fitment story.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the new tires are seated and inflated properly. It also helps to check for rubbing at the front and rear with the steering turned and the suspension carrying normal vehicle weight.
A collector or lightly used Rabbit deserves extra attention because stored cars can hide problems that are not obvious at first glance. Look over suspension components, valve stems, and the condition of any older spare as part of the same review. A short, careful road test is a smart final check before settling into regular use.
How should 155/80 tires on a collector 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit be maintained?
155/80 tires on a collector 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should be kept at appropriate pressure for the tire in use, inspected regularly for cracks, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and checked for air loss even when the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use cars often need inspection more often than mileage alone would suggest.
Storage conditions matter just as much as road use. Keeping the Rabbit away from prolonged sun, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls and overall tire condition. It also pays to look at the tires before any longer outing, since an older collector vehicle can sit for weeks or months between drives and still need to be road-ready.
