The 1980 Mazda RX-7 came to market as a light, rotary-powered sports car with a distinctly Japanese take on the front-engine, rear-drive coupe formula. Its low curb weight, nimble character, and compact proportions make tire choice especially important to the way the car looks and feels on the road. For this model year, the RX-7 uses 13-inch radial tires in either 185/70R13 or 165R13 depending on sub-model and wheel configuration. Available choices range from traditional blackwall sport-oriented radials to period-style redline and wide whitewall treatments in 185/70R13. The key is matching the correct size to the exact RX-7 configuration before comparing appearance, series, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1980 Mazda RX-7
The 1980 Mazda RX-7 uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial tires mounted on 13-inch rims. The first step is identifying the exact sub-model and wheel setup, because some versions use 185/70R13 while certain S models can use either 165R13 or 185/70R13. Once that is confirmed, the decision shifts to tire series, sidewall style, and the type of road-use character you want from the car.
Fit(s): GS, GS w/aluminum wheels, S, and S w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
185/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1980 Mazda RX-7, this size suits the car’s compact sports-car proportions while keeping the fitment in a true radial format. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments depending on the tire series. It is the size to evaluate carefully when the goal is balancing proper sub-model fitment with a specific visual style or driving character.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. Because no aspect ratio is stated in the size itself, it is commonly understood as an older Euro-metric radial format rather than a modern low-profile metric size. For the 1980 Mazda RX-7, this size appears on certain S-model applications and is available in blackwall designs from Michelin and Dunlop. It is a useful fitment to confirm when the car retains a more traditional narrow-tire presentation on its original 13-inch wheel setup.
Sub-model fitment on the 1980 Mazda RX-7 is not completely uniform, so checking the exact trim and wheel package matters before choosing tires. GS models stay straightforward, while S models have broader fitment coverage that makes size confirmation more important.
1
1980 Mazda RX-7 GS
The 1980 Mazda RX-7 GS uses the 185/70R13 radial tire size. That keeps selection focused on comparing available tire series and sidewall treatments rather than sorting through multiple primary fitments.
The 1980 Mazda RX-7 GS w/aluminum wheels also uses 185/70R13 radial tires. Once that size is confirmed, the main choice becomes whether the car needs a sport-oriented blackwall look or a more distinct period-style sidewall treatment.
The 1980 Mazda RX-7 S can use either 165R13 or 185/70R13, so tire selection starts with confirming the wheel and existing fitment on the car. That matters before comparing narrower Euro-metric radial choices against the wider modern metric radial options available in the same 13-inch diameter.
The 1980 Mazda RX-7 S w/aluminum wheels also falls into the group that can use 165R13 or 185/70R13. Verifying the actual wheel setup first will keep the decision centered on the correct fitment instead of choosing by appearance alone.
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 1980 Mazda RX-7 Tires for Sale
Available 1980 Mazda RX-7 tire choices span 165R13 and 185/70R13 radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. The product grid gives useful contrasts in tire series, blackwall versus redline or wide whitewall appearance, and rim-width compatibility where stated.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1980 Mazda RX-7, how sub-model fitment can vary, and how to compare radial choices by size, appearance, wheel compatibility, and road-use needs.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1980 Mazda RX-7?
The 1980 Mazda RX-7 uses two primary tire sizes: 185/70R13 and 165R13. Both are radial tire fitments on 13-inch rims, but the correct size depends on the exact sub-model and wheel setup. GS models use 185/70R13, while certain S-model applications can use either 165R13 or 185/70R13.
That means the first step is not choosing a brand or sidewall style, but confirming which size belongs on the specific car in front of you. Checking the current wheel diameter, wheel width, and the vehicle’s actual configuration is especially important if the RX-7 has been changed over the years with replacement wheels or suspension modifications.
What size rim does a 1980 Mazda RX-7 use?
The tire fitments used on the 1980 Mazda RX-7 are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 185/70R13 and 165R13 are 13-inch radial sizes, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizing formats differ slightly between the two fitments.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is worth checking wheel width as well before selecting a tire. Some RX-7 tires also carry stated rim-width ranges, which can help narrow the options when comparing sport-oriented blackwall radials with more appearance-focused choices such as redline or wide whitewall versions.
Why does the 1980 Mazda RX-7 have more than one tire size?
The 1980 Mazda RX-7 has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model and wheel configuration. GS versions use 185/70R13, while S models are associated with both 165R13 and 185/70R13, so the correct choice depends on the exact version of the car and the wheel setup it carries.
That variation is why it helps to identify the sub-model before comparing products. On a car that has changed hands several times, the safest approach is to confirm the current wheel diameter and width, then compare that setup with the tire size intended for the specific RX-7 configuration rather than assuming all 1980 models used the same tire.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/70R13 tire for a 1980 Mazda RX-7?
Start with correct application, since 185/70R13 is used on GS models and also appears on certain S-model applications. From there, compare the tire’s intended character, whether that means a sport-focused blackwall radial such as Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, or Vredestein, or a BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial with a more distinctive sidewall treatment.
Wheel compatibility also matters, especially if the car no longer has its original wheels. Some 185/70R13 products include stated rim-width ranges, which gives a useful checkpoint before narrowing the choice by appearance, load specification, or how the RX-7 will actually be driven and displayed.
What sidewall styles are available for 1980 Mazda RX-7 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1980 Mazda RX-7 include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, depending on tire size and series. The broadest appearance variety appears in 185/70R13, where blackwall options are joined by BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial redline and 2-inch wide whitewall versions.
That makes sidewall selection part of the car’s overall presentation rather than just a technical detail. A blackwall usually suits a more understated or sporting look, while a redline or wide whitewall creates a stronger period-style visual statement, so the right choice depends on whether the RX-7 is being restored, shown, or simply enjoyed on the road.
What brands offer tires for the 1980 Mazda RX-7?
Tire choices for the 1980 Mazda RX-7 come from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Brand availability varies by size, with 185/70R13 offering the widest spread across several series, while 165R13 centers on Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radial options.
Brand is only one part of the decision, so it helps to compare by size, tire series, and sidewall treatment at the same time. A narrower 165R13 search stays fairly focused, while 185/70R13 gives more room to choose between traditional styling cues and sport-oriented radial designs that still suit the RX-7’s compact 13-inch wheel fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1980 Mazda RX-7?
A period-style 1980 Mazda RX-7 tire starts with the correct size for the specific sub-model, then moves to the look you want the car to carry. If the RX-7 uses 185/70R13, the available mix of blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall tires gives a wider appearance range than the more narrowly focused 165R13 choices.
That choice depends on whether the goal is a sport-coupe presentation or a more stylized restoration-oriented look. When exact originality matters, the best path is to match the tire size to the car first and then compare the sidewall treatment against period photos, marque references, and the way the vehicle is being finished overall.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1980 Mazda RX-7?
On the 1980 Mazda RX-7, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the visual difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial construction and more from the tire’s sizing format, tread character, and sidewall treatment. A 165R13 blackwall gives a more restrained look, while 185/70R13 opens the door to redline and wide whitewall presentations.
That means a restored RX-7 can change character noticeably even when staying within the proper 13-inch radial fitment family. A buyer concerned with appearance should compare the selected tire against the wheel style, ride height, and overall restoration theme so the finished car looks cohesive rather than mixing conflicting visual cues.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1980 Mazda RX-7?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1980 Mazda RX-7 even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowered suspension, or body modifications can all change how a 165R13 or 185/70R13 tire sits in the wheel opening and steering range.
That is why a modified RX-7 should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel before settling on a tire choice. Even with the correct 13-inch rim diameter, clearance at the fender edge, inner wheelhouse, and suspension components still needs to be verified on the actual car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1980 Mazda RX-7 on new tires?
Before driving a 1980 Mazda RX-7 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tire size matches the car’s sub-model, and check that the tires are mounted and inflated properly. It also helps to look over valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel fit so the installation starts from a sound baseline.
A collector-era sports car also deserves a quick clearance and condition check after installation. Look for any rubbing at steering lock, confirm there are no bulges or air-loss concerns, and make sure suspension and steering components are in suitable condition so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn chassis parts.
How should tires on a collector 1980 Mazda RX-7 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1980 Mazda RX-7 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even when the car is driven infrequently, the tires should still be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially before the first drive after a long period of sitting.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a low-use RX-7. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, while periodic movement can reduce flat-spotting during extended downtime. Any tire that shows age-related deterioration should be evaluated before the car returns to road use.
