The 1987 Chevrolet Beretta arrived as one of Chevrolet’s fresh front-wheel-drive sport coupes of the late 1980s, blending everyday usability with a sharper, more contemporary look than many earlier compact two-doors. Tire fitment on this Beretta depends on the exact version, with the Base using 185/80R13 radial tires and the GT and w/Sport Suspension models using 195/70R14 radials. That means the real choice is not just brand, but also wheel diameter, sidewall presentation, and whether the car leans toward stock-style comfort or a sportier visual stance. Getting the right setup starts with confirming the sub-model and the wheels currently on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Chevrolet Beretta
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1987 Chevrolet Beretta, and the correct one depends on sub-model as well as wheel diameter. The Base uses a 13-inch setup, while the GT and w/Sport Suspension models use a 14-inch setup. Before choosing a tire, the first step is confirming the exact Beretta model and verifying which wheels are actually on the car, especially if it has been changed over the years.
185/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Chevrolet Beretta, this size is used on the Base model and maintains the taller-profile look associated with many mainstream passenger cars of the period. Available choices include Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Coker Classic offerings with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling across series such as Maxxis Radial, Silvertown Radial, and Star Series. It is the right size to evaluate when preserving the Base model’s original wheel diameter and overall tire profile matters most.
195/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is used on the 1987 Chevrolet Beretta GT and the Beretta w/Sport Suspension, where the lower-profile sidewall and larger wheel diameter suit the sport-oriented configurations within the model range. The available product in this size is a Dunlop Sport Classic blackwall, giving this fitment a more understated performance-era appearance than the whitewall 13-inch options. It is the size to focus on when the car retains its 14-inch setup and the goal is staying aligned with the GT or sport-suspension fitment.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Chevrolet Beretta because the tire size changes with the vehicle’s configuration. The Base uses a different wheel and tire package than the GT and w/Sport Suspension versions, so identifying the exact model is the first step before comparing tire choices.
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1987 Chevrolet Beretta Base
The 1987 Chevrolet Beretta Base uses the 185/80R13 radial tire size on a 13-inch wheel. That makes tire selection more about choosing among available radial products and sidewall styles while keeping the car on its correct wheel diameter.
The 1987 Chevrolet Beretta GT uses the 195/70R14 radial tire size on a 14-inch wheel. Tire selection for this model centers on confirming the 14-inch setup and choosing a radial that suits the GT’s sport-oriented appearance and road use.
The 1987 Chevrolet Beretta w/Sport Suspension also uses the 195/70R14 radial tire size. The key step here is confirming that the car still carries the correct 14-inch wheel package before selecting a replacement tire for its intended stance and clearance.
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 1987 Chevrolet Beretta Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Chevrolet Beretta tire choices span 185/80R13 and 195/70R14 radial fitments, with brands including Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Dunlop. Buyers can compare whitewall and blackwall presentations, different tire series, and rim-width compatibility within the applicable size.
These FAQs focus on the two tire sizes used on the 1987 Chevrolet Beretta, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to check when comparing radial choices, wheel sizes, appearance, and road-use readiness.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Chevrolet Beretta?
The 1987 Chevrolet Beretta uses two tire sizes, depending on the sub-model. The Base uses 185/80R13 radial tires, while the GT and the Beretta w/Sport Suspension use 195/70R14 radial tires. Both are modern metric radial formats, but they mount on different wheel diameters, so they are tied to different vehicle configurations.
The practical first step is identifying the exact Beretta model and confirming the wheels currently on the car. A Base with its original 13-inch wheels should stay with the 185/80R13 fitment, while a GT or sport-suspension car should be checked for its 14-inch setup before choosing a replacement tire.
What size rim does a 1987 Chevrolet Beretta use?
A 1987 Chevrolet Beretta can use either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The Base is associated with the 185/80R13 size on a 13-inch wheel, while the GT and w/Sport Suspension models use 195/70R14 on a 14-inch wheel. Rim diameter is part of the tire size, so it needs to match exactly.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed before ordering tires, especially on a car that may have been modified or had wheels swapped over time. Even if the overall tire height is fairly close between the two fitments, a 13-inch tire does not belong on a 14-inch wheel, and a 14-inch tire does not belong on a 13-inch wheel.
Do all 1987 Chevrolet Beretta sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1987 Chevrolet Beretta Base uses 185/80R13, while the 1987 Chevrolet Beretta GT and the 1987 Chevrolet Beretta w/Sport Suspension use 195/70R14. The difference is not just width and profile, but also wheel diameter, which makes the fitment split important when replacing tires on this model year.
That means a buyer should not choose a tire by year, make, and model alone without checking the specific Beretta version. Looking at the sidewall on the current tire, measuring the wheel, and confirming whether the car is a Base, GT, or sport-suspension model will prevent ordering a tire for the wrong wheel package.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Chevrolet Beretta?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model: 185/80R13 for the Base or 195/70R14 for the GT and w/Sport Suspension. From there, compare construction, sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility where stated, and whether the tire’s visual character suits a stock-appearing coupe or a more sport-oriented presentation.
The 13-inch fitment offers more appearance variation, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices, while the 14-inch fitment shown here centers on a blackwall sport-classic presentation. Matching the tire to the car’s wheel size, intended use, and overall look usually matters more than simply picking the first available tire in the right dimensions.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Chevrolet Beretta tires?
Sidewall style depends on the Beretta’s tire size. In 185/80R13, available styles include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options. In 195/70R14, the available option is a blackwall. That gives the 13-inch Base fitment a more traditional visual range, while the 14-inch sport-oriented fitment keeps a simpler, darker sidewall look.
Sidewall style affects the car’s appearance much more than many buyers expect, especially on a late-1980s coupe with relatively open wheel arches and visible tire sidewall. Choosing between whitewall and blackwall should be guided by the sub-model, the wheel package, and whether the goal is a cleaner sport look or a more distinctive period-style presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Chevrolet Beretta?
The 1987 Chevrolet Beretta is represented here by tires from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Dunlop. Brand choice depends on the size you need. The 185/80R13 fitment includes Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Coker Classic options, while the 195/70R14 fitment is represented by Dunlop in the available product range.
Brand selection should come after the correct size and wheel diameter are confirmed. Once that is settled, compare each brand’s tire series, sidewall treatment, and any stated rim-width or load details that apply to your setup. The right choice is usually the one that matches the Beretta’s configuration and the appearance you want to maintain.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Chevrolet Beretta?
A period-style choice starts with keeping the Beretta on the correct size for its sub-model. The Base uses 185/80R13, while the GT and w/Sport Suspension use 195/70R14. Within that, the Base fitment offers narrow whitewall and wide whitewall radials, while the 14-inch sport fitment is represented by a blackwall radial with a more restrained late-1980s look.
Appearance goals should be balanced against how closely the car is being restored and how much originality matters to the owner. If exact historical presentation is important, compare the tire choice against period photos, original sales literature, or marque-specific references rather than assuming any current sidewall style in the right size matches the car’s original delivery.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Chevrolet Beretta?
On the 1987 Chevrolet Beretta, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the main appearance difference comes less from switching construction and more from selecting the correct size and sidewall treatment. A taller 185/80R13 on the Base gives a different visual balance than a 195/70R14 on a GT or sport-suspension car, even before brand or series is considered.
Restoration-oriented buyers usually get the best visual result by matching the original wheel diameter first, then choosing a sidewall style that suits the car’s era and trim level. Whitewall selections can change the personality of a Base model noticeably, while the blackwall 14-inch sport fitment keeps the sharper, more contemporary presentation expected on a performance-leaning Beretta.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Chevrolet Beretta?
Yes. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, spring replacement, or body modifications can all affect tire fitment on a 1987 Chevrolet Beretta. That matters here because the car already uses two different factory wheel diameters depending on sub-model, so an older Beretta may no longer match its original tire and wheel package.
A modified car should be checked for actual wheel diameter and width before selecting either 185/80R13 or 195/70R14. Clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension should also be verified, especially if the car has been lowered or changed from Base to GT-style wheels at some point in its life.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Chevrolet Beretta on new tires?
Before putting a 1987 Chevrolet Beretta back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the wheel diameter matches the tire size, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated correctly. It is also wise to check alignment-related wear points, suspension condition, and any signs of rubbing from prior tire fitment.
A collector or lightly used Beretta can hide age-related problems even when tread wear looks minimal. Look over the brakes, steering response, and wheel fasteners, then take a short test drive to confirm there is no vibration, pull, or interference. Catching those issues early helps protect both the new tires and the car’s overall drivability.
How often should tires on a 1987 Chevrolet Beretta be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Chevrolet Beretta should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Check tread condition, air pressure, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and any uneven wear pattern. A late-1980s coupe that sees occasional use can age its tires out long before it wears them out.
A quick inspection before each drive is a smart habit for a collector-era vehicle, with a more thorough look performed several times through the year. Storage conditions also matter, so keeping the car away from prolonged heat, sunlight, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives and reduces the chance of age-related deterioration.
