The 1981 Nissan 210 came from an era when compact imported cars were valued for light weight, simple packaging, and practical everyday road manners. Today, that same appeal makes the 210 a smart preservation candidate, whether the goal is a tidy original-style driver or a carefully kept survivor. Tire fitment on the 1981 Nissan 210 centers on 13-inch radial sizes, but the exact size depends on sub-model, with 155R13 and 6.15R13 used on the Base and 175/70R13 used on the Deluxe. That opens the door to choices in sizing style, including a vintage-looking radial presentation or a more modern metric format. The key is matching the tire to the car's exact trim, wheel setup, and intended appearance.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1981 Nissan 210
The 1981 Nissan 210 uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends first on identifying the exact sub-model. All of them are radial tires built for 13-inch rims, but the Base and Deluxe do not share the same fitment. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the decision shifts to choosing the sizing style and tire character that best suits a more original-looking presentation or a more modern road-use preference.
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 stated in the size itself and is commonly understood as a traditional tall-profile radial layout. For the 1981 Nissan 210, this size supports a more classic small-car look and is available in blackwall form from Michelin and Dunlop, including the Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet series. It is a useful choice for owners who want a period-leaning radial format while staying with the proper 13-inch wheel size.
6.15R13 uses a vintage-style numeric size designation, where the first number refers to the tire's nominal section width and the final number identifies the 13-inch rim diameter. Even though the sizing format looks traditional, this is a radial application rather than a bias-ply fitment, which matters for buyers trying to preserve an older visual style without changing basic construction. On a 1981 Nissan 210, this size is most relevant when the goal is a more vintage-looking tire presentation on the correct wheel diameter. It should be evaluated carefully against the car's actual wheel width and overall setup before selection.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size that spells out more of the tire's dimensions in modern terms: 175 millimeters of nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1981 Nissan 210, this size is tied to the Deluxe and gives that sub-model a distinctly modern metric fitment compared with the Base's taller-looking alternatives. Available product choice in this size includes the Avon CR6ZZ in blackwall form. It is the size to focus on when the car is a Deluxe and the owner wants to stay with the correct primary fitment format.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1981 Nissan 210 because the Base and Deluxe do not use the same tire-size pattern. Both stay on 13-inch radial tires, but choosing correctly starts with confirming which trim the car actually is and whether its wheels remain stock in size.
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1981 Nissan 210 Base
The 1981 Nissan 210 Base uses two radial fitment paths, centered on 155R13 and 6.15R13. That gives the Base owner a choice between a conventional Euro-metric radial format and a more vintage-looking numeric radial presentation, while still confirming wheel width and overall tire appearance before deciding.
The 1981 Nissan 210 Deluxe uses 175/70R13 radial tires on a 13-inch rim. Tire selection here is more straightforward, so the main decision becomes staying with the proper metric size while comparing the available tire series and verifying the car has not been changed to a different wheel setup.
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 1981 Nissan 210 Tires for Sale
Available 1981 Nissan 210 tire choices focus on 13-inch radial products from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon. The lineup is blackwall throughout, with differences centered on size format, tire series, and rim-width compatibility rather than decorative sidewall treatment.
These 1981 Nissan 210 tire FAQs focus on the three 13-inch radial fitments, how Base and Deluxe models differ, and what to check when comparing size format, wheel compatibility, appearance, and road-use readiness.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1981 Nissan 210?
The 1981 Nissan 210 uses three primary 13-inch radial tire sizes: 155R13, 6.15R13, and 175/70R13. The Base uses 155R13 or 6.15R13, while the Deluxe uses 175/70R13. That means the correct size is tied to the sub-model rather than the model name alone.
Choosing correctly starts with confirming whether the car is a Base or Deluxe and then checking that it still carries 13-inch wheels. A car that has been changed to aftermarket wheels can complicate the decision, so the safest next step is matching the tire size to the actual wheel diameter and the vehicle's present setup.
What size rim does a 1981 Nissan 210 use?
All three primary tire sizes used on the 1981 Nissan 210 mount on 13-inch rims. That includes 155R13, 6.15R13, and 175/70R13, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizes differ by sub-model and sizing format.
Rim diameter is only the first checkpoint, because wheel width still matters when comparing available products. Some 155R13 and 175/70R13 tires have defined rim-width ranges, so a good fitment decision includes confirming the wheel is still 13 inches and checking that its width matches the tire being considered.
Do all 1981 Nissan 210 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1981 Nissan 210 does not use one shared tire size across all sub-models. The Base uses 155R13 or 6.15R13, while the Deluxe uses 175/70R13. All are radial tires for 13-inch rims, but the actual size selection changes with the trim.
That distinction matters because a 13-inch tire can still be the wrong fitment if the size format and dimensions do not match the car's intended setup. Before ordering tires, confirm the sub-model, inspect the current wheel and tire combination, and make sure the car has not been altered in a way that affects clearance or overall proportions.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1981 Nissan 210 tire?
Start with the exact sub-model, because the 1981 Nissan 210 Base and Deluxe do not share the same tire-size pattern. The next step is confirming the 13-inch wheel diameter, then deciding whether the car calls for 155R13, 6.15R13, or 175/70R13 based on its trim and present wheel setup.
After size is settled, compare the available tire's sizing style, rim-width compatibility, and overall appearance. A taller-looking Euro-metric or numeric radial may suit a more traditional presentation, while a modern metric 175/70R13 keeps the Deluxe in its proper fitment lane. Product series and basic specifications become meaningful only after the correct size is established.
What brands offer tires for the 1981 Nissan 210?
The 1981 Nissan 210 has available tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 fitment, while Avon is available in 175/70R13. That gives the car a mix of classic European-style radial choices and a more modern performance-oriented metric option.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase. The more useful comparison is whether the brand offers the correct size for the exact sub-model and whether the tire's series, dimensions, and rim-width requirements suit the car's wheels and intended use. On a compact car like the 210, matching fitment details usually matters more than choosing by name alone.
What tire series are available for the 1981 Nissan 210?
Available tire series for the 1981 Nissan 210 include Michelin XAS-FF, Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, and Avon CR6ZZ. Those series are tied to specific sizes rather than covering every fitment, so the correct sub-model and tire size still need to be sorted out before comparing the series themselves.
Once the proper size is confirmed, the tire series helps shape the final choice by influencing the tire's character and presentation. A buyer choosing between 155R13 options can compare Michelin and Dunlop within that fitment, while a Deluxe owner focused on 175/70R13 will be evaluating the Avon offering within the correct size range.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1981 Nissan 210?
A period-style 1981 Nissan 210 tire choice starts with the right primary size for the sub-model. On a Base, 155R13 offers a classic Euro-metric radial presentation, while 6.15R13 leans more heavily into a vintage-style numeric look. The Deluxe stays with 175/70R13, which reflects a more modern metric format.
Appearance should be weighed alongside the car's actual wheel setup and the owner's restoration goals. A survivor-style car may call for one visual approach, while a regularly driven car may favor another. When exact originality matters, comparing the tire choice against marque-specific historical references is the best way to refine the final presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1981 Nissan 210?
Construction is simpler here because the 1981 Nissan 210 uses radial fitments rather than a bias-ply setup. Even so, the tire can still change the car's visual impression through its size format. A 6.15R13 numeric radial tends to read more vintage at a glance than a modern-looking 175/70R13 metric radial.
That means appearance is shaped less by bias-ply versus radial and more by the style of the radial tire itself. Sidewall treatment is blackwall across the available products, so the visual distinction comes from the proportions and wording of the size. Matching that look to the trim level and overall restoration theme usually creates the most coherent result.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1981 Nissan 210?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1981 Nissan 210 even though the original fitments all use 13-inch radial tires. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body and fender work can all change how a 155R13, 6.15R13, or 175/70R13 tire sits on the car.
A modified 210 should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and clearance at the fender and suspension. That is especially important when the car no longer carries its original wheel package. Verifying the existing setup before selecting tires helps avoid choosing a size that suits the model on paper but not the car in front of you.
What should I inspect before driving a 1981 Nissan 210 on new tires?
Before driving a 1981 Nissan 210 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is appropriate, and make sure the tire size matches the car's Base or Deluxe fitment. It also helps to check for suspension wear, uneven ride height, and any sign that the previous tires rubbed or wore irregularly.
After installation, check inflation, look for adequate clearance at full steering lock, and monitor the first few drives for vibration or contact issues. On a compact collector-era car, old shocks, bushings, or alignment problems can show up quickly with fresh tires. A careful road test and early reinspection help confirm the setup is working as intended.
How should 1981 Nissan 210 tires be maintained on a collector car?
Collector-car tires on a 1981 Nissan 210 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition even if the tread still looks good. Blackwall radials in these sizes should be examined for cracking, bulges, cuts, punctures, and slow air loss, especially on cars that spend long periods parked.
Storage habits matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, and moving the car periodically can reduce flat-spotting concerns. A tire that looks presentable but has hardened with age deserves the same scrutiny as one with visible wear before any longer road use.
