The 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia sits in an interesting late-1980s space, blending front-wheel-drive sport-compact character with the sharper styling and turbo-era personality that made cars like this memorable. For owners today, tire selection is less about vintage bias-ply questions and more about matching the correct radial size to the exact Cordia configuration. The 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia uses either 185/70R13 or 195/60R14 radial tires, depending on sub-model and wheel setup. Available choices range from blackwall sport-oriented radials to redline and wide whitewall alternatives in 185/70R13. The key is confirming whether the car is an L or Turbo model, then choosing a tire that suits restoration appearance, road use, and wheel compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia
Two tire sizes apply to the 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia, and the first thing to confirm is the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. L models use a 13-inch setup with 185/70R13, while Turbo models use a 14-inch setup with 195/60R14. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to the kind of radial tire you want, including sidewall style, tire series, and the overall look and use of the car.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 185 refers to section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia, this size belongs to the 13-inch wheel setup used on L models, including the aluminum-wheel version. Product choice is broad in this size, with BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein options, plus blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. That makes 185/70R13 the size where appearance and tire character matter almost as much as basic fitment.
195/60R14 is also 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 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia, this size is associated with Turbo models and the Turbo aluminum-wheel version, so it should not be assumed to apply across the full model line. The available product selection here is narrower, centered on a blackwall Michelin MXV3-A radial. This size suits owners who first need to confirm they have the Turbo 14-inch wheel package before moving on to tire choice.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia because tire size changes with the trim and wheel package. L models stay with the 13-inch radial setup, while Turbo models move to a 14-inch radial tire, so identifying the exact version of the car is the first step.
1
1987 Mitsubishi Cordia L
The 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia L uses the 185/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch wheel. That opens up several product and sidewall choices, making it easier to balance a traditional look, everyday road use, and wheel-width compatibility.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia L w/aluminum wheels also uses the 185/70R13 radial size. Tire selection is therefore more about choosing among available radial styles and brands than about switching sizes, though actual wheel width should still be checked before final selection.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo uses the 195/60R14 radial size on a 14-inch rim. That makes wheel diameter confirmation especially important, since this fitment differs from the L models and points to a more specific replacement search.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo w/aluminum wheels uses the same 195/60R14 radial size as the standard Turbo. Tire choice here centers on keeping the correct 14-inch fitment and confirming that the current wheel setup still matches the original sizing intent.
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 Mitsubishi Cordia Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia tires include radial choices from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles along with series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Sprint Classic, and MXV3-A.
Common 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia tire questions usually come down to identifying the correct size by sub-model, understanding the 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel setups, and choosing among the available radial, sidewall, and brand options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia?
The 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia uses two different radial tire sizes depending on sub-model. Cordia L and Cordia L w/aluminum wheels use 185/70R13, while Cordia Turbo and Cordia Turbo w/aluminum wheels use 195/60R14. Those sizes correspond to different wheel diameters, so they should not be treated as interchangeable across the whole Cordia line.
The practical first step is identifying whether the car is an L or a Turbo and then confirming the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle. Cars that have been modified over the years may no longer wear their original wheels, so checking the mounted tire size, wheel markings, and overall clearance helps avoid ordering the wrong fitment.
What size rim does a 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia use?
A 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 185/70R13 fitment pairs with a 13-inch wheel on L models, while the 195/60R14 fitment pairs with a 14-inch wheel on Turbo models. Rim diameter is a defining part of the tire size and must match exactly.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed before comparing tires, especially on a car that may have aftermarket wheels or a replacement wheel set. Rim width also matters once the diameter is correct, since available products in 185/70R13 show different approved rim-width ranges, which can influence which tire is the better match for the wheel already on the car.
Do all 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia does not use one tire size across all sub-models. The L and L w/aluminum wheels use 185/70R13, while the Turbo and Turbo w/aluminum wheels use 195/60R14. The split follows the model and wheel package, not simply cosmetic trim naming.
That distinction matters because the two sizes use different rim diameters and represent different replacement paths. A buyer who starts with the exact sub-model can narrow the search quickly, while a buyer working only from the model name Cordia may accidentally compare 13-inch and 14-inch tires that belong to different versions of the car.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/70R13 tire for a 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia?
For a 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia that uses 185/70R13, the main considerations are correct size, radial construction, wheel compatibility, and the look you want from the tire. This size offers the broadest selection, including blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall choices, along with series from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein.
A practical comparison should include the wheel’s actual width, since approved rim-width ranges vary by product. From there, the choice becomes more specific: a traditional sidewall treatment for a restoration-minded appearance, or a blackwall radial for a cleaner late-1980s presentation and straightforward road use on an L-model Cordia.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia tires?
Sidewall choice depends on the tire size used by the car. In 185/70R13, available styles include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, giving the 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia L models a wider appearance range than many late-1980s imports. The 195/60R14 fitment for Turbo models is represented here by a blackwall radial.
That means sidewall treatment can shape the car’s visual character even when the size stays correct. A blackwall keeps the look closer to typical late-1980s sport-compact styling, while redline or wide whitewall options create a more customized or restoration-oriented presentation on 13-inch Cordia applications.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia?
Tires for the 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Brand availability depends on the size: 185/70R13 has the widest assortment, while 195/60R14 is represented here by Michelin. The product mix is entirely radial, matching the Cordia’s original-era tire construction direction.
Brand choice should come after confirming the correct sub-model and wheel diameter. Once size is settled, compare each tire by series, sidewall style, approved rim-width range where stated, and overall intended use, rather than assuming every brand offers the same look or the same type of fitment flexibility.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia?
A period-style choice for a 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia starts with using the correct size for the exact sub-model: 185/70R13 for L models and 195/60R14 for Turbo models. From there, the visual character of the tire matters. Blackwall radials usually align most naturally with the late-1980s Cordia look, especially on a car kept close to its original-era presentation.
Owners pursuing a more individualized appearance on an L model can also consider 185/70R13 redline or wide whitewall offerings. For exact originality, period photos, marque references, and other vehicle-specific historical sources remain important, since the right size alone does not prove that a particular sidewall treatment matches how the car left the showroom.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia?
On a restored 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia, tire construction is less of a visual divide than it is on older collector cars because the Cordia uses radial fitments. The visible difference comes more from the tire’s sidewall design, tread character, and overall profile within the correct size, especially on 185/70R13 where several appearance-oriented options are available.
That gives Cordia owners room to shape the final look without stepping away from the proper radial format. A blackwall tire tends to preserve a late-1980s sport-compact feel, while redline or wide whitewall choices create a more stylized presentation that may suit a customized or show-focused car rather than a strictly stock-looking restoration.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia even when the original tire sizes are known. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body modifications can change the clearance picture around the fenders, struts, and steering components. That is especially important because the Cordia already uses two different factory rim diameters across its sub-models.
A modified car should be checked by actual wheel diameter and width before selecting a replacement tire. Looking at offset, turning clearance, and tire-to-body space is just as important as reading the sidewall, since a Cordia that no longer sits on its original wheel and suspension setup may need closer fitment review.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car’s sub-model, and make sure the tires are mounted on the correct rim diameter. The valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition should also be checked so the new tires are not being installed onto a compromised foundation.
Once mounted, verify inflation pressure, look for any interference at full steering lock, and inspect for even clearance around suspension and body components. A short initial drive followed by a second visual check is worthwhile on a collector or seldom-driven car, especially if the Cordia has been sitting for long periods or has changed hands recently.
How often should tires on a 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia should be inspected regularly, not just when mileage accumulates. A low-use collector car can develop age-related issues such as sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or general deterioration even when tread looks acceptable. That makes routine visual checks important whether the car runs 185/70R13 or 195/60R14 tires.
A good habit is to inspect before longer drives and at intervals during storage periods. Pressure, tread condition, cuts, bulges, and signs of uneven wear all deserve attention, and the spare should not be forgotten. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can also help protect tires between outings.
