The 1985 Subaru DL came from an era when Subaru’s compact cars built their reputation on practical packaging, light weight, and all-weather usability rather than excess. Whether in coupe, sedan, or wagon form, the DL is the kind of mid-1980s import that benefits from keeping tire fitment closely matched to its original proportions. This model uses 13-inch radial tires, with either 155R13 or 165R13 depending on the specific sub-model. Available choices center on blackwall radial designs from Michelin and Dunlop, including traditional Euro-metric-style options. For a stock-height, restoration-minded, or regularly driven DL, the key step is matching the correct size to the exact body style and drivetrain configuration.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1985 Subaru DL
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1985 Subaru DL, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model rather than a change in construction or rim diameter. Both sizes are radial tires for 13-inch wheels, so the first step is confirming whether the car is a coupe, sedan, or wagon, and whether the wagon is FWD or 4WD before comparing tire choices.
Fit(s): 3 Dr. Coupe (FWD), 4 Dr. Sedan (FWD), and Wagon (FWD)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1985 Subaru DL, this size suits the lighter-duty FWD applications that use the narrower 13-inch fitment. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size is the right place to focus if the car is a DL coupe, sedan, or FWD wagon and the goal is to preserve the original overall fitment character.
165R13 follows the same Euro-metric radial format, but with a nominal 165-millimeter section width on a 13-inch wheel. For the 1985 Subaru DL, this size is used on the 4WD wagon, where the wider radial changes the fitment compared with the FWD sub-models. Product choices include Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, all in blackwall form. This is the size to evaluate when the wagon’s exact drivetrain configuration points to the broader 13-inch radial fitment rather than the narrower 155R13 setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1985 Subaru DL because not every version uses the same tire size. The coupe, sedan, and FWD wagon share one radial fitment, while the 4WD wagon moves to a different 13-inch radial size, so confirming the exact body style and drivetrain is important before selecting a tire.
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1985 Subaru DL 3 Dr. Coupe (FWD)
The 1985 Subaru DL 3 Dr. Coupe (FWD) uses the narrower of the two DL tire fitments, a 13-inch radial setup. That keeps tire selection centered on period-style blackwall radial choices rather than sorting through multiple wheel diameters or construction types.
The 1985 Subaru DL 4 Dr. Sedan (FWD) shares the same 13-inch radial tire fitment used on other front-wheel-drive DL configurations. Selection comes down to choosing the right blackwall radial within that size and confirming the car still has its intended wheel setup.
The 1985 Subaru DL Wagon (4WD) uses the wider 13-inch radial fitment found on this model line. That makes the first decision simple: confirm the wagon is the 4WD version, then compare available radial choices by series and wheel-width compatibility.
The 1985 Subaru DL Wagon (FWD) uses the same 13-inch radial tire size as the DL coupe and sedan rather than the wider 4WD wagon fitment. Once that is confirmed, the focus shifts to selecting among the available blackwall radial options that suit the car’s intended look and 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 Subaru DL Tires for Sale
Available 13-inch Subaru DL tire choices center on Michelin and Dunlop radial designs in 155R13 and 165R13. The product grid is mainly a comparison of blackwall tire series, with differences in rim-width compatibility, load specification, and overall period-style presentation.
These 1985 Subaru DL tire FAQs focus on the two 13-inch radial sizes, how they vary by sub-model, and what to compare when choosing tires for stock fitment, restoration-minded appearance, and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1985 Subaru DL?
A 1985 Subaru DL uses either 155R13 or 165R13 radial tires, depending on the sub-model. The 3 Dr. Coupe (FWD), 4 Dr. Sedan (FWD), and Wagon (FWD) use 155R13, while the Wagon (4WD) uses 165R13. Both sizes are radial fitments for 13-inch wheels.
The important step is matching the tire to the exact configuration of the car rather than assuming every DL uses the same size. If the car has been changed over the years with different wheels or suspension parts, verify the actual wheel diameter and available clearance before ordering a replacement tire.
What size rim does a 1985 Subaru DL use?
The 1985 Subaru DL uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the car takes 155R13 or 165R13, the wheel diameter remains 13 inches, so the difference between fitments is in tire size selection by sub-model rather than a change in wheel diameter.
That makes wheel-diameter confirmation fairly straightforward, but width still matters when comparing individual tires. Some available products include rim-width guidance, so it is worth checking the actual wheel on the car if it has aftermarket replacements or if the original steel wheels have been swapped over time.
Do all 1985 Subaru DL sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1985 Subaru DL uses two different tire sizes across its sub-model range. The FWD coupe, FWD sedan, and FWD wagon use 155R13, while the 4WD wagon uses 165R13. All of them use radial construction on 13-inch wheels, but the size itself is not shared across every version.
That difference means the buyer should identify the exact sub-model before comparing products. On a wagon especially, drivetrain matters because the FWD and 4WD versions do not use the same size. If the car has had a wheel or brake conversion, confirm the present setup rather than relying only on the badge.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R13 or 165R13 tire for a 1985 Subaru DL?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model, then compare the available radial tires by brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility. For the 1985 Subaru DL, the choices stay within blackwall radial designs, so the main differences are the tire line itself and details such as rim-width guidance or load specification.
A restoration-minded owner may lean toward a tire whose appearance suits an mid-1980s compact Subaru, while a regular driver may focus more on matching the correct size and wheel setup. It also helps to inspect the existing wheels before purchase, especially if the car has been modified or if the original wheels are no longer in place.
What sidewall styles are available for 1985 Subaru DL tires?
The available tires for the 1985 Subaru DL are blackwall radials in both 155R13 and 165R13. That keeps the appearance simple and in character for a practical 1980s Subaru, without whitewalls, raised white letters, or other sidewall treatments changing the look of the car.
Because the sidewall selection stays consistent, the choice is less about decoration and more about finding the right size and series for the vehicle. Blackwall tires tend to suit stock-style coupes, sedans, and wagons well, but it is still worth comparing the tread presentation and tire family if appearance matters on a preserved example.
What brands offer tires for the 1985 Subaru DL?
Michelin and Dunlop both offer tires for the 1985 Subaru DL in the applicable 13-inch radial sizes. Depending on size, the available series include Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet. Those choices give the DL owner more than one established brand path within the proper fitment range.
The practical decision is not simply brand name, but how each tire aligns with the exact size required for the car and the wheel already on it. Comparing series, blackwall appearance, and any stated rim-width or load details will usually be more useful than treating one brand as automatically better for every DL.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1985 Subaru DL?
A period-style 1985 Subaru DL tire choice starts with the correct original-format size for the exact sub-model: 155R13 for the FWD coupe, sedan, and wagon, or 165R13 for the 4WD wagon. From there, blackwall radial options such as Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet keep the look in step with an import compact from the mid-1980s.
The best appearance choice depends on how original the car needs to look and whether it is being preserved as a stock-style driver or a more exact restoration. If originality matters at a higher level, compare the tire choice against period photos, marque references, and the wheel style currently on the car before making a final decision.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1985 Subaru DL restoration?
Yes. Correct tire fitment matters on a 1985 Subaru DL restoration because the car’s narrow 13-inch radial sizes are part of its original stance and proportions. Using the right size for the exact sub-model helps preserve the proper visual balance, especially on a compact car where a small size change can alter the overall look quickly.
Fitment also affects how authentic the finished car feels in use, not just how it looks parked. A FWD DL restored with 155R13 tires will present differently from a 4WD wagon restored with 165R13 tires, so matching the tire to the actual configuration is an important detail before focusing on brand or tire series.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1985 Subaru DL?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1985 Subaru DL even when the original size is known. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body alterations can all affect the space available for a 155R13 or 165R13 tire, and they may also change the wheel width compared with the stock setup.
A modified DL should be checked at the wheel itself before choosing a tire. Confirm the actual rim diameter, measure wheel width if necessary, and look for clearance at the fender, spring perch, and steering range. That matters most on older cars that may have had several owners and several rounds of changes over time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1985 Subaru DL on new tires?
Before driving a 1985 Subaru DL on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm valve stem condition, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size for the sub-model. It is also smart to check alignment-related wear, brake condition, and whether the suspension still holds the car at a normal ride height.
Once the tires are installed, watch for any sign of rubbing during full steering lock and over bumps, especially if the car has non-stock wheels. Recheck inflation pressure after initial use and pay attention to vibration, pull, or uneven wear, since those symptoms often point to wheel, alignment, or chassis issues rather than the tire itself.
How should 155R13 and 165R13 tires on a collector 1985 Subaru DL be maintained?
Collector-car tire maintenance for a 1985 Subaru DL starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and clean storage conditions. Even if the car is driven infrequently, 155R13 and 165R13 tires should be examined for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and slow air loss. Low-use cars often age tires before they wear them out.
Parking for long periods on the same spot can also stress older tires, so occasional movement helps reduce flat spotting. A DL stored indoors away from direct sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources will generally protect its tires better. Before any longer drive, inspect the full tread and sidewall area rather than relying on appearance alone.
