The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion sits squarely in the era of turbocharged Japanese sport coupes, with sharp wedge styling and a strong enthusiast following built around period performance and distinctive 1980s character. Tire choice on this car matters because fitment changes by sub-model, with 215/60R15 radial sizes used on ES and ESi versions and 195/70R14 radials used on LE and LS versions. That means the decision starts with confirming both the exact trim and the wheel diameter already on the car. From there, buyers can sort through blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter options depending on whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, road use, or a more individualized presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion
The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. ES and ESi versions use a 15-inch radial fitment, while LE and LS versions use a 14-inch radial fitment. Before choosing a tire, confirm the exact trim and the wheels currently on the car, especially if it has been modified or changed from its original setup.
215/60R15 is a metric radial size where 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1985 Mitsubishi Starion, this is the larger-wheel fitment used on certain sub-models and it suits the car's more aggressive 1980s sport-coupe character. Available choices include blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter sidewall treatments from brands such as American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein. This size is the right starting point when the car has the correct 15-inch wheel setup and you want to compare style, series, and road-use priorities within the proper fitment.
Fit(s): LE, LE w/aluminum wheels, LS, and LS w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
195/70R14 is a metric radial size in which 195 represents nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. For the 1985 Mitsubishi Starion, this size belongs to specific sub-models using a 14-inch wheel rather than the 15-inch setup found elsewhere in the lineup. The available option in this size is a blackwall Dunlop Sport Classic, giving the buyer a straightforward period-flavored radial choice without multiple sidewall treatments to sort through. This size should be matched to the correct trim and wheel diameter first, especially on cars that may have received later wheel swaps.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1985 Mitsubishi Starion because the lineup splits between 15-inch and 14-inch radial tire sizes. Confirming the exact trim is the fastest way to narrow the correct tire size before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or tire series.
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1985 Mitsubishi Starion ES
The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion ES uses the 215/60R15 radial fitment. That gives the ES owner access to the broader selection in this application, including multiple brands and several sidewall presentations depending on whether the goal is a sportier look or a more restoration-oriented appearance.
The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion ES w/aluminum wheels also uses the 215/60R15 radial size. Tire selection then comes down to choosing among available series and sidewall styles while keeping the 15-inch wheel diameter and suitable rim-width requirements in mind.
The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion ESi uses the 215/60R15 radial fitment as well. That makes the key buying decision less about size and more about choosing the right tire character, whether that means blackwall performance-style presentation or a more distinctive sidewall treatment.
The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion LE uses the 195/70R14 radial size. For LE owners, the main focus is confirming that the car still carries the correct 14-inch wheel setup before selecting a tire intended to preserve proper fitment and period-appropriate proportions.
The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion LE w/aluminum wheels uses the same 195/70R14 radial fitment. That keeps size choice simple, but wheel diameter should still be checked carefully since later wheel changes can move the car away from its original fitment pattern.
The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion LS uses the 195/70R14 radial tire size. Because this fitment is tied to the 14-inch wheel setup, the practical step is verifying the car's actual wheels first and then choosing the available radial option in the correct size.
The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion LS w/aluminum wheels also uses 195/70R14 radial tires. Buyers with this sub-model should focus on retaining the proper 14-inch fitment and checking overall wheel condition, width, and clearance before putting the car back into regular road use.
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 1985 Mitsubishi Starion Tires for Sale
Available 1985 Mitsubishi Starion tires are all radials, with the widest selection in 215/60R15. Buyers can compare American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein options across blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles, while 195/70R14 remains a more focused blackwall choice.
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Radial Tires
American Classic Radial | 2 Inch Whitewall | 215/60R15
These 1985 Mitsubishi Starion tire FAQs focus on trim-specific sizing, 14-inch versus 15-inch wheel fitment, available radial choices, sidewall styles, and the checks that matter before putting a collector-era sport coupe back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1985 Mitsubishi Starion?
A 1985 Mitsubishi Starion uses one of two radial tire sizes: 215/60R15 or 195/70R14. The 215/60R15 size applies to ES, ES w/aluminum wheels, and ESi models, while 195/70R14 applies to LE, LE w/aluminum wheels, LS, and LS w/aluminum wheels.
The most important step is matching the tire size to the exact sub-model and the wheel diameter actually on the car. Many older sport coupes have had wheel changes over the years, so it is smart to confirm the current wheel size before choosing a tire, even if the badge says Starion.
What size rim does a 1985 Mitsubishi Starion use?
The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion uses either a 15-inch rim or a 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 215/60R15 fitment is built around a 15-inch wheel, and the 195/70R14 fitment is built around a 14-inch wheel.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because a 14-inch and 15-inch Starion fitment are not interchangeable by tire size alone. It also helps to verify wheel width and inspect for aftermarket wheels, since that can affect which available tire options make the most sense for the car.
Do all 1985 Mitsubishi Starion sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1985 Mitsubishi Starion lineup is split between two tire sizes. ES, ES w/aluminum wheels, and ESi use 215/60R15, while LE, LE w/aluminum wheels, LS, and LS w/aluminum wheels use 195/70R14.
That split makes trim identification more than a small detail, because it changes both the tire size and the wheel diameter. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the next step is checking whether the car still wears the same wheel setup, especially on vehicles that may have been modified or updated decades ago.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1985 Mitsubishi Starion?
Start with the correct size for the specific Starion sub-model, since this car uses either 215/60R15 or 195/70R14. After that, the key choices are tire series, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility, especially in the broader 215/60R15 selection.
A buyer restoring the car may care most about traditional appearance, while a driver-focused owner may lean toward blackwall sport-oriented radials. It also helps to compare rim-width requirements, load figures where available, and the actual wheel setup on the car so the chosen tire matches both the Starion and how it will be used.
What sidewall styles are available for 1985 Mitsubishi Starion tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1985 Mitsubishi Starion vary by size. In 215/60R15, available styles include blackwall, redline, wide whitewall, and raised white letter. In 195/70R14, the available option is a blackwall tire.
That means sidewall style is a meaningful part of the decision if the car uses the 15-inch fitment. A blackwall generally keeps the look restrained, while redline, wide whitewall, or raised white letter treatments create a more customized or period-inspired presentation without changing the underlying tire size.
What brands offer tires for the 1985 Mitsubishi Starion?
Available brands for the 1985 Mitsubishi Starion include American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein. Most of that brand variety appears in the 215/60R15 fitment, while the 195/70R14 size is represented by Dunlop.
Brand choice on this car is tied closely to the size and the kind of look you want. Some options emphasize classic sidewall styling, while others focus on blackwall sport-coupe presentation, so once the correct size is confirmed, the brand comparison becomes part of narrowing the tire's overall character.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1985 Mitsubishi Starion?
A period-style 1985 Mitsubishi Starion should begin with the correct sub-model tire size, either 215/60R15 or 195/70R14, and stay with a radial tire. From there, the choice depends on whether the goal is an 1980s sport-coupe blackwall look or a more distinctive presentation such as redline, wide whitewall, or raised white letter in 215/60R15.
The tire that looks right on one Starion may not suit another if the trim, wheel diameter, or restoration direction is different. Owners chasing exact historical accuracy should compare the car's current details against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1985 Mitsubishi Starion?
On a restored 1985 Mitsubishi Starion, tire construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. That keeps the visual decision centered more on size, sidewall treatment, and tread style than on a bias-ply versus radial appearance change.
Appearance still shifts noticeably based on the chosen tire series and sidewall style, especially in 215/60R15 where the selection is broader. A blackwall can preserve the coupe's clean 1980s performance look, while redline, wide whitewall, or raised white letter options create a more stylized presentation that should match the car's overall restoration theme.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1985 Mitsubishi Starion?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1985 Mitsubishi Starion, especially because the car already has two different factory fitment patterns tied to 14-inch and 15-inch wheels. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or body alterations can all affect what size works properly on the car today.
Checking the wheel diameter is only the first step. Wheel width, offset, steering clearance, and fender clearance should also be reviewed before selecting a tire, particularly if the Starion has been lowered or upgraded over the years. A careful inspection helps avoid choosing a tire solely by the model name on the car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1985 Mitsubishi Starion on new tires?
Before driving a 1985 Mitsubishi Starion on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct tire size for the sub-model, and make sure the tires are mounted on the proper rim diameter. Tire pressure, valve stems, and general wheel condition also deserve attention before road use.
A collector-era sport coupe should also be checked for suspension wear, alignment issues, and any clearance concerns at full steering lock or over suspension travel. It is wise to look over the brakes and wheel bearings at the same time, since a fresh set of tires can reveal unrelated chassis problems quickly.
How should tires on a collector 1985 Mitsubishi Starion be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1985 Mitsubishi Starion should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even when the car is driven infrequently, the tires should be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of air loss.
Long periods of storage can be hard on any older enthusiast car, so it helps to keep the Starion away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources. Moving the car occasionally, keeping the suspension in good condition, and inspecting the tires before each driving season can help preserve both safety and appearance.
