The 1987 Porsche 924 sits in the later chapter of the transaxle Porsche story, combining balanced road manners with the clean, understated shape that has kept the 924 line relevant with drivers and collectors alike. For this exact model year, tire selection starts with two radial fitments: 195/65R15 and 205/55R16, so the first step is confirming which wheel diameter is actually on the car. Within the 16-inch size, choices range from performance-oriented blackwall radials to a wide whitewall alternative with a more distinctive visual statement. That makes this page less about whether the car uses radial tires and more about matching size, wheel setup, appearance, and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Porsche 924
The 1987 Porsche 924 uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct choice depends first on wheel diameter. Both fitments are radial, but one is built around a 15-inch rim and the other around a 16-inch rim, so confirming the exact wheel setup on the car is more important than comparing tread styles first. Once that is settled, the next decision is choosing the tire character and appearance that best suits the car.
A 195/65R15 tire is a metric radial size in which 195 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1987 Porsche 924, this size represents the 15-inch wheel fitment and keeps the decision centered on proper wheel diameter rather than appearance packages. Its practical role is straightforward: confirm that the car is still on 15-inch wheels and then evaluate overall tire dimensions, wheel condition, and clearance before choosing a replacement for regular road use.
A 205/55R16 tire is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series profile, and fitment on a 16-inch rim. For the 1987 Porsche 924, this size opens up the most visible product choice, including BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic offerings in blackwall and wide whitewall form across several radial tire series. It is the size to evaluate carefully when appearance and driving style both matter, especially on cars that may no longer wear their original wheel setup.
Sub-model fitment is simple here, but wheel diameter still matters. The 1987 Porsche 924 S uses the same two radial size paths, so the real task is confirming whether the car carries 15-inch or 16-inch wheels before selecting a tire.
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1987 Porsche 924 S
The 1987 Porsche 924 S can be found with either of the two radial fitments used on this model year, so tire selection starts with the actual wheel diameter on the car. That makes wheel confirmation more important than comparing brands or sidewall style first, especially if the car has seen wheel changes over time.
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 Porsche 924 Tires for Sale
Available 205/55R16 choices include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic radials, with differences in tire series, blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and overall product character. That gives the 16-inch fitment a useful mix of performance-focused and style-conscious options.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1987 Porsche 924, how to confirm the right rim diameter, what product differences matter most, and what to inspect before putting a collector-era Porsche back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Porsche 924?
A 1987 Porsche 924 uses two radial tire sizes: 195/65R15 and 205/55R16. The associated sub-model coverage here also includes the 1987 Porsche 924 S, which can use those same two size paths depending on the wheel setup on the car.
The important next step is confirming the actual rim diameter before choosing a replacement tire. A car that wears 15-inch wheels needs the 195/65R15 fitment, while a car on 16-inch wheels needs the 205/55R16 fitment. If the wheels have ever been changed, inspect the wheel markings and compare the mounted tire size before ordering.
What size rim does a 1987 Porsche 924 use?
The 1987 Porsche 924 uses either a 15-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on which tire fitment is on the car. The 195/65R15 size is built for a 15-inch rim, while the 205/55R16 size is built for a 16-inch rim.
That rim-diameter difference is the key fitment checkpoint on this model year. Tire size cannot be chosen by appearance alone, because a 15-inch tire and a 16-inch tire are not interchangeable across wheel diameters. Checking the stamping on the wheel, the existing tire sidewall, and the overall wheel setup helps prevent ordering the correct tire in the wrong diameter.
Do all 1987 Porsche 924 sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered sub-model here, the 1987 Porsche 924 S, follows the same two radial size paths used on the 1987 Porsche 924: 195/65R15 and 205/55R16. That means fitment is consistent at the model-year level, but it is still split by wheel diameter rather than reduced to one universal size.
For an owner, that means the sub-model name alone does not settle the tire choice. The car still needs to be checked for its current wheel diameter, especially if it has been restored, modified, or fitted with later wheels. Once the wheel size is confirmed, the correct tire size becomes much easier to narrow down.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Porsche 924?
Start with the correct size for the wheel actually on the car: 195/65R15 for a 15-inch rim or 205/55R16 for a 16-inch rim. From there, compare construction, intended use, tire series, sidewall style, and any stated rim-width or load specifications that matter to your setup.
The 205/55R16 fitment offers the widest visible choice, so the selection can be shaped by whether the car is aimed at regular road use, a more performance-oriented feel, or a distinct visual presentation. A carefully maintained driver may call for a different tire character than a show-focused car, even when the nominal size is the same.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Porsche 924 tires?
In the 205/55R16 fitment, available sidewall styles include blackwall and wide whitewall. Blackwall choices appear across several BFGoodrich and Michelin radials, while American Classic offers a 1.50-inch whitewall version in the same primary size.
That sidewall decision changes the car's presentation more than its basic fitment. A blackwall look suits a more contemporary or performance-minded appearance, while a wide whitewall creates a more customized visual statement. Sidewall style should be chosen after size and wheel diameter are confirmed, not as a substitute for fitment verification.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Porsche 924?
For the 205/55R16 fitment, available brands include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. Those choices span several radial tire series, giving the 1987 Porsche 924 owner options that differ in presentation and product character even within the same basic size.
Brand selection should still come after the core fitment checks are complete. Once the 16-inch wheel setup is confirmed, compare sidewall style, stated rim-width range, load figures where shown, and the overall role of the car. A road-driven 924, a more performance-focused example, and a style-conscious build may all point toward different product priorities.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Porsche 924?
A period-style approach starts with keeping the correct wheel diameter and using the corresponding radial size, either 195/65R15 or 205/55R16. From there, the visual decision becomes more specific in the 16-inch fitment, where available tires include both traditional blackwall and wide whitewall presentations.
Appearance goals should be balanced against how the car will actually be used. Some owners want a restrained, factory-inspired look, while others prefer a more personalized presentation that still stays within the correct primary size. If exact historical originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque references and the car's own restoration direction before deciding.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Porsche 924?
On this model year, the primary fitments are already radial, so the construction decision is not a bias-ply-versus-radial question. The appearance difference comes more from the sidewall treatment and tire series than from changing to a different basic tire construction.
That makes sidewall style the more visible styling choice on a restored 1987 Porsche 924. A blackwall tire tends to preserve a cleaner, more understated sports-car presentation, while a wide whitewall creates a much more deliberate custom look. Either way, keeping the correct size and rim diameter matters more to the overall result than chasing appearance alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Porsche 924?
Yes. A 1987 Porsche 924 may use either 15-inch or 16-inch wheel-based tire fitments, so aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or body alterations can affect which size works properly. Even when the tire size looks close on paper, wheel width and clearance can change the result significantly.
A modified car should be checked at the wheel, not just by model year. Look at actual wheel diameter, width, and the space around the tire at full steering lock and normal suspension movement. Cars that sit lower than stock or wear non-original wheels deserve extra attention before moving from the existing setup to a new tire.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Porsche 924 on new tires?
Begin with the basics: confirm the new tires match the wheel diameter on the car, then inspect the wheels for damage, bead-seat corrosion, and proper condition. After installation, check inflation, verify that the tires seat properly, and look for any rubbing at the fenders or steering components.
A collector-era Porsche also benefits from a broader once-over before road use. Examine suspension bushings, shocks, alignment condition, and brake performance, since a fresh set of tires can highlight problems that older rubber was masking. A short test drive followed by another visual inspection helps catch air loss, clearance concerns, or uneven contact early.
How should tires on a collector 1987 Porsche 924 be maintained?
Collector-car tires need regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention even when the car is driven only occasionally. On a 1987 Porsche 924, look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and any signs of slow air loss, especially after long periods of storage.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use car. Keeping the Porsche away from prolonged sun, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to move the car periodically and inspect the wheel and tire setup before longer trips, rather than assuming low mileage means low risk.
