The 1985 Peugeot 505 sits in a distinctive place among European sedans and wagons of the era, blending Peugeot’s long-standing reputation for road manners with practical family-car versatility. For today’s owner, tire selection matters because this model range does not share one universal fitment across every version. The 1985 Peugeot 505 uses three primary radial sizes: 175R14, 185R14, and the millimetric 190/65R390 found on STI and Turbo applications. Available choices range from blackwall touring-style radials to narrow whitewall options, with Michelin, Vredestein, and Phoenix offerings depending on size. The key is matching the exact sub-model and wheel setup before comparing appearance, series, and rim compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1985 Peugeot 505
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1985 Peugeot 505, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Most versions use either 175R14 or 185R14 on 14-inch wheels, while STI and Turbo models use the separate 190/65R390 millimetric radial format. Before choosing a tire, confirm the sub-model first and then verify whether the car has standard inch-based wheels or the TRX-style millimetric wheel setup.
Fit(s): GL Sedan, GL Sedan w/alloy wheels, S Sedan, S Sedan (Gas), S Sedan (Gas) w/alloy wheels, and S Sedan w/alloy wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
175R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 175 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1985 Peugeot 505, this size suits several sedan configurations and keeps the car in its intended classic European radial format. Available choices include Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint lines, all in blackwall form. This size makes sense when the car is one of the sedan applications that uses 14-inch wheels and the goal is to stay with the proper fitment while choosing among different tire series and rim-width specifications.
185R14 follows the same Euro-metric radial format, with a nominal 185-millimeter section width, radial construction, and a 14-inch wheel diameter. On the 1985 Peugeot 505, this size is used on GL Wagon variations, making it the wagon fitment rather than a universal 505 size. Product choices include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein options, with both blackwall and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments available. This size is worth evaluating carefully when maintaining a wagon’s original tire format while also deciding whether a traditional blackwall or a more dressy whitewall presentation better suits the vehicle.
Fit(s): STI, STI w/alloy wheels, Turbo, and Turbo w/alloy wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 390mm in
190/65R390 is a metric radial size that uses a 190-millimeter nominal section width, a 65-series profile, and a 390-millimeter wheel diameter rather than a conventional 14-inch rim. On the 1985 Peugeot 505, this size is associated with STI and Turbo models using the Michelin TRX-style millimetric wheel system. The available product is the Michelin TRX-B in blackwall form, which keeps the tire and wheel format consistent with that specialized setup. This size should be chosen only after confirming the car still has its correct millimetric wheels, since it is not the same fitment family as the 14-inch radial options.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1985 Peugeot 505 because the sedan, wagon, STI, and Turbo applications do not all use the same tire size. Identifying the exact version of the car is the first step, especially when the choice is between standard 14-inch tires and the separate 390mm TRX-style setup.
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1985 Peugeot 505 GL Sedan
The 1985 Peugeot 505 GL Sedan uses the 175R14 radial size. That keeps tire selection centered on classic Euro-metric blackwall radials and makes wheel-diameter confirmation straightforward with a standard 14-inch setup.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 GL Sedan w/alloy wheels also uses 175R14 radials. The main buying decision is choosing among the available blackwall tire series while confirming the car still retains its original 14-inch wheel arrangement.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 GL Wagon uses the larger 185R14 radial size rather than the sedan’s 175R14 fitment. That opens the door to both blackwall and narrow whitewall choices, so appearance becomes part of the decision along with size accuracy.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 GL Wagon (Fully Loaded) uses 185R14 radials. Tire selection for this version should focus on staying with the proper wagon size first, then comparing sidewall style, series, and wheel compatibility.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 GL Wagon (Fully Loaded) w/alloy wheels keeps the same 185R14 radial fitment. That means alloy wheels do not change the primary size here, but the owner can still compare blackwall versus narrow whitewall presentation.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 GL Wagon w/alloy wheels uses 185R14 radials. The important point is keeping the wagon-specific size in place before choosing between the available touring-style products and sidewall treatments.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 S Sedan uses 175R14 radials. Tire selection stays within the standard 14-inch Euro-metric format, so the comparison usually comes down to tire series, brand, and rim-width compatibility.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 S Sedan (Gas) uses the same 175R14 radial size. That makes the fitment path simple, with attention shifting to which available blackwall tire best matches the car’s intended road use and presentation.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 S Sedan (Gas) w/alloy wheels also uses 175R14 radials. Alloy wheels do not change the primary size here, but confirming actual wheel width is still worthwhile before comparing tire options.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 S Sedan w/alloy wheels uses 175R14 radial tires. With the correct size established, the owner can focus on brand and tire-series differences within the standard 14-inch wheel format.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 STI uses 190/65R390 radials rather than the inch-based 14-inch sizes found elsewhere in the range. This makes wheel verification essential, since tire choice depends on retaining the millimetric TRX-style setup.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 STI w/alloy wheels uses the same 190/65R390 radial fitment. The important step is confirming the car still wears its correct 390mm wheels before selecting the Michelin TRX-B tire built for that format.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 Turbo uses 190/65R390 radials, placing it in the specialized millimetric-wheel group rather than the standard 14-inch group. Tire selection is therefore less about sidewall variety and more about preserving the correct wheel-and-tire system.
The 1985 Peugeot 505 Turbo w/alloy wheels also uses 190/65R390 radials. Before purchasing, confirm the car still has the proper 390mm wheels, since this fitment is separate from the conventional inch-based Peugeot 505 tire sizes.
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 Peugeot 505 Tires for Sale
Available 1985 Peugeot 505 tires are all radial designs, with Michelin, Vredestein, and Phoenix choices depending on size. Buyers can compare classic blackwall options across all three fitments, while 185R14 wagon applications also include narrow whitewall selections and varying rim-width specifications.
Common 1985 Peugeot 505 tire questions usually come down to identifying the right size for the exact sub-model, understanding the difference between 14-inch and 390mm wheel systems, and comparing available radial tire styles, brands, and maintenance considerations.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1985 Peugeot 505?
The 1985 Peugeot 505 uses three primary tire sizes: 175R14, 185R14, and 190/65R390. The correct size depends on the exact version of the car. GL and S sedans use 175R14, GL Wagon versions use 185R14, and STI and Turbo models use 190/65R390 radial tires on a millimetric wheel system.
The important next step is matching the tire to the exact sub-model and wheel type on the car. A standard 14-inch wheel setup calls for either 175R14 or 185R14 depending on the model, while 190/65R390 belongs to a separate wheel format entirely. Checking the wheel before purchase helps avoid confusing inch-based and millimetric fitments.
What size rim does a 1985 Peugeot 505 use?
Most 1985 Peugeot 505 applications use 14-inch rims with either 175R14 or 185R14 radial tires. STI and Turbo versions are different, using 190/65R390 tires on 390mm millimetric wheels rather than conventional 14-inch rims. Even though the summary fitment appears heavily centered on 14-inch applications, the TRX-style setup is its own category.
That distinction matters because a 390mm wheel is not the same as a 14-inch wheel. Before selecting tires, inspect the wheels already on the car and confirm whether it retains the original setup or has been converted at some point. Rim width should also be checked against the tire being considered, especially on alloy-wheel cars.
Why does the 1985 Peugeot 505 have more than one tire size?
The 1985 Peugeot 505 has more than one tire size because fitment changes across the model range. Sedans and wagons do not all share the same tire, and STI and Turbo versions use a separate millimetric TRX-type arrangement. That means the tire decision is tied to trim and wheel system, not just the year and model name.
This is why a quick visual check of the car is worthwhile before ordering. A GL or S sedan generally points toward 175R14, a GL Wagon points toward 185R14, and STI or Turbo applications point toward 190/65R390. Any car that has had wheel changes over the years should be measured carefully before committing to a tire size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1985 Peugeot 505 tire?
Start with the exact tire size required for the sub-model, since the 1985 Peugeot 505 does not use one universal fitment. After that, compare whether the car needs a standard 14-inch radial or the 390mm millimetric TRX-style tire. From there, useful differences include brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and approved rim-width range where stated.
The best choice depends on how the car is used and how original-looking the owner wants it to remain. A sedan or wagon owner may be comparing touring-style blackwalls or a narrow whitewall option, while an STI or Turbo owner is mainly preserving the proper wheel-and-tire format. Wheel width and the car’s current setup should be confirmed before deciding.
What sidewall styles are available for 1985 Peugeot 505 tires?
1985 Peugeot 505 tires are available in both blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, depending on the size. The 175R14 choices are blackwall tires, the 190/65R390 Michelin TRX-B is also blackwall, and the 185R14 wagon fitment adds narrow whitewall options alongside blackwall choices.
That makes sidewall style mainly a question for 185R14 wagon owners, while sedan and TRX applications stay in a more understated blackwall presentation. A narrow whitewall can give the car a more formal period-style look without changing the primary tire size. Appearance should come after size and wheel compatibility are confirmed.
What brands offer tires for the 1985 Peugeot 505?
Michelin, Vredestein, and Phoenix all offer tires for the 1985 Peugeot 505, though availability depends on the size. Michelin covers all three primary fitments, including the TRX-B for 190/65R390. Vredestein appears in the 175R14 and 185R14 sizes, while Phoenix is present in 185R14 with a narrow whitewall option.
Brand comparison should stay tied to the correct size first. Once that is settled, the useful differences are usually tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility rather than broad assumptions about one brand being better for every 505. Matching the tire to the car’s exact configuration matters more than choosing by name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1985 Peugeot 505?
A period-style 1985 Peugeot 505 tire starts with using the correct original-format size for the exact sub-model: 175R14, 185R14, or 190/65R390. From there, the available choices stay within radial construction and classic-looking tire lines such as Michelin, Vredestein, and the Michelin TRX-B for millimetric-wheel applications.
Appearance goals then shape the finer decision. Blackwall tires maintain the traditional European sedan look, while narrow whitewall options on 185R14 can create a more dressed presentation on wagon applications. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against period photos, marque references, and the car’s current wheel configuration before making the final selection.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1985 Peugeot 505?
On the 1985 Peugeot 505, tire construction is less about choosing between bias-ply and radial and more about staying within the correct radial format for the car. All primary fitments here are radial, but the visual result still changes with size family, sidewall style, and whether the car uses a standard 14-inch tire or the millimetric TRX setup.
That means construction alone does not tell the whole appearance story. A blackwall 175R14 sedan tire presents differently from a narrow whitewall 185R14 wagon tire, and both look different from the TRX-style 190/65R390 used on STI and Turbo models. Restored cars usually look most coherent when wheel type and tire format remain properly matched.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1985 Peugeot 505?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1985 Peugeot 505, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, or a conversion away from the original wheel system. That is particularly important on STI and Turbo models, where the factory-style 190/65R390 setup uses a millimetric wheel rather than a standard 14-inch rim.
A modified car should be checked for actual wheel diameter and width before choosing tires. Clearance at the fender, steering, and suspension should also be reviewed, since a tire that matches the car on paper may not suit a changed setup. Older Peugeot 505s often deserve a careful physical inspection before any replacement decision.
What should I inspect before driving a 1985 Peugeot 505 on new tires?
Before driving a 1985 Peugeot 505 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter, condition, and proper bead-seat compatibility with the chosen tire size. The suspension, steering components, and alignment condition are also worth checking, especially on a collector car that may have sat for long periods or changed hands several times.
Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the car should be examined for rubbing during low-speed steering and suspension movement. It also helps to look at the older tires that came off the car, since uneven wear can reveal underlying issues. A short initial road test is a sensible way to confirm the setup behaves as expected.
How should tires on a collector 1985 Peugeot 505 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1985 Peugeot 505 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracks, bulges, cuts, and irregular wear, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, and ozone exposure. Even a low-mileage car can age its tires significantly if it sits often, especially when storage conditions are poor.
Routine checks matter because vintage and collector cars frequently accumulate age before they accumulate mileage. Rolling the car periodically, keeping it on a clean dry surface, and watching for slow air loss can help preserve the tires between drives. Before a longer trip, a close inspection of tread condition and sidewalls is always worthwhile.
