1985 Plymouth Turismo Tires

The 1985 Plymouth Turismo is associated with two primary tire sizes: 165/80R13 and 175/75R13. Both are radial tires designed for a 13-inch rim, so the main fitment question is not construction type but which of those two sizes matches the actual wheel-and-tire setup on the car.

A Turismo that has remained stock may still be wearing either size, and many older cars have had wheels or replacement tires changed over time. Checking the sidewall markings on the current tires, then confirming wheel width and visual clearance, is the safest way to choose the correct replacement size.

The tire sizes associated with the 1985 Plymouth Turismo use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 165/80R13 and 175/75R13 are built around that same 13-inch wheel size, which keeps the basic fitment question centered on tire dimensions rather than switching to a different rim diameter.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it helps to confirm the wheel width as well before replacing the tires. A 13-inch wheel can still vary in width, and that matters when comparing available products, sidewall styles, and the two approved tire sizes for the car.

The 1985 Plymouth Turismo Base can use either 165/80R13 or 175/75R13, both in radial construction. That means the Base sub-model does not point to just one tire size by itself, even though the wheel diameter remains consistent at 13 inches.

For an owner, the practical next step is to confirm what is actually mounted on the car now rather than choosing by sub-model name alone. Looking at the existing sidewall size and checking the wheel setup helps narrow the decision before comparing whitewall style, brand, or tire series.

Start with the basics: make sure 165/80R13 is the size currently used on the car, and confirm that the wheel matches the tire’s 13-inch diameter and suitable width range. In this size, available choices also vary by appearance, with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall radial options offered.

Once size is confirmed, the decision becomes more about presentation and product character than basic fitment. A Turismo kept close to its original look may call for one whitewall style, while a more casual driver may simply need the radial that best suits the car’s visual balance and wheel compatibility.

In the available 165/80R13 products for the 1985 Plymouth Turismo, sidewall choices include Wide Whitewall and Narrow Whitewall. Both are radial tires, so the difference is primarily visual rather than a change from one construction type to another.

That makes sidewall style an important appearance decision, especially on a compact 1980s hatchback where the tire can strongly influence the car’s overall look. A wide whitewall creates a more traditional presentation, while a narrow whitewall offers a subtler period-style accent without changing the basic tire size.

Available 165/80R13 tires for the 1985 Plymouth Turismo come from BFGoodrich and Maxxis. The BFGoodrich option appears in the Silvertown Radial series, while the Maxxis option appears in the Classic Whitewall MA-1 series, giving the buyer more than one brand and styling approach within the same size.

Brand choice should still follow size confirmation, because the Turismo is also associated with 175/75R13. After confirming that 165/80R13 is the right fitment on the car, compare each brand’s sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and overall appearance rather than assuming the logo alone decides the best match.

A period-style choice for a 1985 Plymouth Turismo starts with using one of the correct primary sizes, 165/80R13 or 175/75R13, and keeping the car on a 13-inch radial fitment. In the currently available 165/80R13 options, whitewall radials give the car a distinctly traditional presentation.

The best visual match depends on how the car is being restored or presented. Some owners will prefer a stronger whitewall statement, while others may want a subtler look that still feels at home on an older compact. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against vehicle-specific historical references.

On a restored 1985 Plymouth Turismo, construction has less visual impact than it would on an earlier collector car because the primary fitments here are already radial tires. The appearance difference comes more from the tire’s size proportions and sidewall treatment than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.

That makes details like wide whitewall versus narrow whitewall especially important to the finished look. Staying with a proper 13-inch radial size helps preserve the car’s compact stance, while the sidewall style can push the presentation toward either a cleaner everyday look or a more restoration-oriented visual character.

Yes. Even though the 1985 Plymouth Turismo uses 13-inch radial sizes, modifications can change how well a given tire works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can all affect whether 165/80R13 or 175/75R13 remains the better fitment choice.

That is why the current setup matters more than assumptions about how the car left the factory. A quick inspection of wheel dimensions, tire sidewall markings, and clearance around the fenders and steering components helps prevent ordering the correct size on paper for a car that has been changed over time.

Before putting a 1985 Plymouth Turismo back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, make sure the tire size matches the car’s setup, and confirm proper inflation. It also helps to check for suspension wear, uneven old tire wear patterns, and any signs that the current alignment needs attention.

A short clearance check at full steering lock is worthwhile, especially if the car has replacement wheels or a different tire size than before. After the first few drives, recheck air pressure and look for any rubbing, unusual wear, or vibration so small fitment or maintenance issues are caught early.

165/80R13 tires on a collector 1985 Plymouth Turismo should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition. Collector cars often see limited mileage, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, and long periods of underinflation can become more important than tread wear alone.

Storage habits matter just as much as driving habits. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and moving the vehicle periodically can reduce set-in flat spots. Any sign of bulges, cuts, air loss, or persistent vibration deserves inspection before normal road use.