The 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia sits in the last wave of sporty front-wheel-drive Japanese hatchback coupes that blended everyday practicality with distinctly mid-1980s styling and turbo-era personality. For many owners, the appeal is keeping that sharp, period feel intact without losing sight of real-world road manners. Tire fitment on the 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia depends on sub-model, with 185/70R13 radial tires used on L models and 195/60R14 radial tires used on Turbo versions. That leaves room to choose among blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall presentations in the 13-inch size, along with several classic radial series. The right choice starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before focusing on appearance and driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia
The 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the sub-model and wheel diameter. L models use a 13-inch radial tire, while Turbo models use a 14-inch radial tire, so the first step is confirming both the trim and the actual wheel on the car before choosing a replacement.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size where 185 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia, this size is used on L models and keeps the fitment in a clearly modern radial format rather than an older bias-ply system. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. It is the size to evaluate when maintaining an L model's original wheel diameter while deciding how sporty, understated, or restoration-oriented the tire appearance should be.
195/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia, this size belongs to Turbo models, making it a distinct fitment tied to a different wheel diameter than the L. The available product selection in this size is more focused, centered on a blackwall Michelin MXV3-A radial. It is the right size to review when preserving Turbo fitment and confirming that the car still carries the proper 14-inch wheel setup rather than a substituted wheel from another Cordia configuration.
Sub-model fitment on the 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia is not one-size-fits-all, because L and Turbo versions use different tire sizes and different wheel diameters. Checking the exact sub-model matters before comparing products, especially if the car has had wheel changes over the years.
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1986 Mitsubishi Cordia L
The 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia L uses the 185/70R13 radial tire size on a 13-inch wheel. That keeps selection focused on classic-style metric radials, with room to choose among several brands and sidewall presentations while staying within the proper size family.
The 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia L w/aluminum wheels also uses the 185/70R13 radial size, so the fitment remains consistent with the standard L. Tire selection can therefore center on brand, tire series, and appearance choices rather than searching for a different primary size.
The 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo uses the 195/60R14 radial size on a 14-inch wheel. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation especially important, and it keeps the tire search focused on preserving the Turbo model's proper size and profile.
The 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo w/aluminum wheels uses the same 195/60R14 radial fitment as the standard Turbo. The main consideration is confirming that the car still has the correct 14-inch wheel setup before selecting a replacement tire in that size.
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 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia tires span BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with choices that vary by tire size, series, and sidewall style. In 185/70R13, buyers can compare blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall radials, while 195/60R14 remains a more focused blackwall Michelin fitment.
Owners of a 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia usually need to sort out sub-model fitment first, then compare wheel diameter, tire size, radial construction, and available sidewall or brand choices. These questions address those decisions along with maintenance and road-use checks for a collector-era 1980s car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia?
The 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia uses two tire sizes depending on sub-model. Cordia L and Cordia L w/aluminum wheels use 185/70R13 radial tires, while Cordia Turbo and Cordia Turbo w/aluminum wheels use 195/60R14 radial tires.
That means the first step is identifying whether the car is an L or a Turbo and then confirming the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle. Many older cars have had wheels changed over time, so checking the rim before ordering tires helps avoid choosing a 13-inch tire for a 14-inch setup or the other way around.
What size rim does a 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia use?
A 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 185/70R13 fitment uses a 13-inch rim, and the 195/60R14 fitment uses a 14-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the most important wheel measurement to confirm because the tire bead must match it exactly. On a car of this age, it is also smart to inspect the wheel width and verify whether the car still has its original-style setup or an aftermarket wheel that may change the tire selection process.
Do all 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia does not use one tire size across every sub-model. L models use 185/70R13, while Turbo models use 195/60R14, so the fitment changes with the version of the car.
That difference matters because the two sizes also use different rim diameters and create different product choices. Before comparing brands or sidewall styles, match the tire size to the exact sub-model and then verify what is actually mounted on the car, especially if it has been restored, modified, or pieced together from multiple donor vehicles.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia?
Start with the correct size for the specific Cordia sub-model: 185/70R13 for L models or 195/60R14 for Turbo models. After size is confirmed, compare radial construction, wheel compatibility, brand, tire series, sidewall style, and any available load or rim-width information that applies to the tire you are considering.
The right choice depends on how the car is used and how you want it to look. A driver-focused Cordia may call for a straightforward blackwall radial, while a more style-conscious build might lean toward a redline or wide whitewall in the 13-inch fitment. Keeping the car's actual wheel setup in mind prevents attractive options from becoming the wrong fit.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia tires?
Sidewall style depends on tire size. In 185/70R13, available styles include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, while the 195/60R14 fitment is represented by a blackwall radial.
That gives L-model owners more room to shape the car's appearance without changing size, especially if the goal is a stronger period-style visual statement. Turbo owners have a more focused path, so the decision is less about sidewall presentation and more about confirming the proper 14-inch fitment and choosing a tire that suits the car's intended road use.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia?
Available brands for the 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. The 185/70R13 size has the widest brand spread, while the 195/60R14 fitment is represented by Michelin.
Brand choice is only one part of the decision, since the available tires also differ by series and sidewall treatment. A smart comparison looks at the exact size, wheel diameter, intended appearance, and any product-specific details such as rim-width range or load information, rather than choosing a tire by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia?
A period-style choice starts with the correct size for the exact Cordia model. L versions use 185/70R13 and offer the widest visual range, including blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall radials, while Turbo versions use 195/60R14 and follow a more focused blackwall presentation.
Choosing for appearance still needs to stay grounded in fitment. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer a tire that reflects the era visually, but exact originality should be checked against marque references or surviving vehicle documentation if that level of detail matters. Matching the proper size and wheel diameter remains the first requirement.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia?
On the 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the overall look remains tied to a modern radial profile rather than an older bias-ply shape. Appearance differences here come more from sidewall style and tire series than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
That is especially true on the 185/70R13 L-model fitment, where blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall options can shift the car's visual character noticeably. For a restoration-minded owner, the best result usually comes from pairing the correct tire size with a sidewall treatment that suits the car's intended era feel and presentation style.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia even when the tire size itself is correct for the original sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can change how a 185/70R13 or 195/60R14 tire sits and clears the car.
A modified Cordia should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fenders and steering components before a tire is chosen. Even a factory-size tire can become a poor match if the wheel setup has changed, so it helps to measure what is actually on the car rather than relying on model-year assumptions.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire and vehicle setup. It is also worth checking for suspension wear, alignment issues, and any signs that the old tires were rubbing or wearing unevenly.
A short shakedown drive is a good way to confirm that the tires run smoothly without vibration, pulling, or clearance problems. Since many surviving Cordias are lightly used collector-era cars, it also makes sense to recheck pressure after the first drive and keep an eye on air retention as the new tires settle into service.
How should tires on a collector 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure. Even if tread wear is low, age, cracking, bulges, cuts, and air loss still matter on a low-mileage car that spends much of its life parked.
Regular visual checks are especially important before longer drives or seasonal use. Rolling the car occasionally, storing it on a clean surface, and checking the tires after extended storage can help catch problems early. A Cordia that still wears the right size tire will only drive as intended if the tire condition is as sound as the fitment.
