The 1987 Renault Alliance reflects an era when compact European-influenced packaging met the American small-car market, and by this point in the model run, trim differences had a real effect on tire choice. From everyday Base, DL, and L models to the sportier GS and GTA, this car does not rely on one universal fitment across the lineup. Primary tire sizes range from 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 up to 185/60R14 and 195/50R15, all in radial construction. Available choices also vary in character, from traditional whitewall presentations in 13-inch sizes to blackwall performance-oriented options in 14- and 15-inch sizes. The key is matching the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before comparing style, series, and road-use priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Renault Alliance
The 1987 Renault Alliance uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Covered fitments include 13-, 14-, and 15-inch radial tires, so the first step is confirming which version of the Alliance you have and verifying the wheel size currently on the car, especially if it has been changed over the years.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size with a 155-millimeter nominal section width, an 80-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 13-inch rim. On the 1987 Renault Alliance, this size is used on certain Base models and keeps the car in a narrow, traditional compact-car fitment range. Available choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments across several series. This size makes sense for an owner focused on the proper 13-inch fitment, especially when appearance matters as much as basic road use.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size that combines a 175-millimeter nominal section width with a 70-series profile on a 13-inch rim. It appears on the 1987 Renault Alliance in Base, DL, and L form, making it one of the key 13-inch fitments in the lineup. The available product in this size is an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial, giving it a distinctly sport-oriented presentation compared with whitewall 13-inch alternatives in other Alliance fitments. This size should be evaluated when the car is one of the affected 13-inch sub-models and the goal is to stay with the proper diameter and profile family.
185/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a lower 60-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1987 Renault Alliance, this size applies to the GS and moves the fitment away from the narrower 13-inch setups used elsewhere in the range. The available option is a Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 blackwall radial, which places this size firmly in a more modern performance-style presentation. This is the size to consider when the car retains its 14-inch GS wheel setup and the priority is matching that specific sub-model's lower-profile fitment.
195/50R15 is a metric radial size using a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 50-series profile, and a 15-inch rim. It is the primary fitment for the 1987 Renault Alliance GTA, making it the most aggressive tire size in this group from both wheel diameter and profile standpoint. Available choices include BFGoodrich and Michelin blackwall radials in performance-oriented series. This size belongs in the conversation only when the car is a GTA or has the correct 15-inch wheel setup, since matching diameter and wheel width remains essential before comparing product details.
Tire fitment for the 1987 Renault Alliance varies meaningfully by sub-model, and wheel diameter changes with it. Checking whether the car is a Base, DL, GS, GTA, or L is the first step before comparing tire style, profile, or product options.
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1987 Renault Alliance Base
The 1987 Renault Alliance Base uses one of two 13-inch radial sizes, either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13. That makes wheel confirmation especially important on a Base model, since the right replacement choice starts with verifying which 13-inch setup is actually on the car.
The 1987 Renault Alliance DL uses the 175/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch rim. Tire selection here centers less on sorting through multiple fitments and more on confirming the existing wheel setup, then choosing the product character that suits the car's intended road use.
The 1987 Renault Alliance GS uses the 185/60R14 radial size, which sets it apart from the 13-inch Alliance trims. That means a GS owner should stay focused on the 14-inch wheel package first, then compare available blackwall radial choices within the proper size.
The 1987 Renault Alliance GTA uses the 195/50R15 radial size on a 15-inch rim. Tire choice for a GTA is tied closely to maintaining that 15-inch fitment and then selecting between the available blackwall performance-style options in the correct rim-width range.
The 1987 Renault Alliance L uses the 175/70R13 radial size, sharing its basic fitment direction with another 13-inch Alliance trim. The main job is confirming that the car still has its proper 13-inch wheel setup before narrowing the decision to the available tire option 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 1987 Renault Alliance Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Renault Alliance tires span several distinct directions, including 13-inch whitewall radials from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, plus blackwall options from Avon and Michelin, and 15-inch performance-style choices from BFGoodrich and Michelin. Tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility are the main comparison points.
These 1987 Renault Alliance tire FAQs focus on the fitment questions that matter most: which size belongs on each sub-model, how wheel diameter affects selection, and how to compare available radial options by style, series, and intended use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Renault Alliance?
The 1987 Renault Alliance uses four primary tire sizes: 155/80R13, 175/70R13, 185/60R14, and 195/50R15. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model, with Base models covering two 13-inch sizes, DL and L using 175/70R13, GS using 185/60R14, and GTA using 195/50R15.
That makes this a sub-model-first fitment decision rather than a simple year-make-model lookup. Start by confirming whether the car is a Base, DL, GS, GTA, or L, then verify the actual wheel diameter on the car before choosing a tire. On older compact cars, wheel swaps and trim changes over time can easily create confusion.
What size rim does a 1987 Renault Alliance use?
A 1987 Renault Alliance can use 13-inch, 14-inch, or 15-inch rims depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 fitments use 13-inch rims, 185/60R14 uses a 14-inch rim, and 195/50R15 uses a 15-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the first thing to verify before ordering replacement tires because the Alliance does not use one wheel size across the full lineup. A quick check of the tire sidewall and the wheel itself usually settles the question. If the car has aftermarket wheels, confirm width as well, since that affects which available tires are appropriate.
Why does the 1987 Renault Alliance have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Renault Alliance has more than one tire size because its sub-models use different wheel and tire packages. The lineup ranges from narrower 13-inch fitments on Base, DL, and L models to a 14-inch size on the GS and a 15-inch size on the GTA.
That variation means the car's trim level directly affects tire selection. A buyer should not assume that one Alliance size applies to every version, even when overall tire diameters are close. Confirm the exact sub-model and inspect the wheels currently installed so the replacement tire matches the car's intended setup rather than just the badge on the trunk.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Renault Alliance?
Begin with the correct primary tire size for the exact 1987 Renault Alliance sub-model, then match that size to the wheel diameter already on the car. From there, compare the available tire's series, sidewall style, construction details, and any stated rim-width range to make sure the tire suits both the wheel and the car's intended use.
A Base model may lead toward 13-inch whitewall choices, while a GS or GTA points more clearly toward lower-profile blackwall radials. That makes the decision less about finding any tire that shares the model name and more about choosing the correct combination of appearance, wheel compatibility, and driving purpose for the specific Alliance in front of you.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Renault Alliance tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size used on the 1987 Renault Alliance. In 155/80R13, available styles include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall, while the 175/70R13, 185/60R14, and 195/50R15 fitments are represented by blackwall options.
That creates a noticeable difference in presentation between the narrower 13-inch compact-car fitments and the sportier GS and GTA sizes. A whitewall can give the car a more traditional period-style look, while blackwall tires keep the appearance cleaner and more performance-oriented. Sidewall choice should still come after size and wheel confirmation, not before.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Renault Alliance?
Available 1987 Renault Alliance tires come from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, Avon, and Michelin, depending on size. Brand choice is tied closely to fitment, since some sizes have several options while others are represented by a single brand and series within the correct wheel diameter.
That means the brand decision usually happens after the size decision, not before it. A buyer comparing 155/80R13 will see multiple brands and whitewall treatments, while a 175/70R13, 185/60R14, or some higher-spec fitments narrow the field considerably. The best approach is to confirm the car's exact tire size and then compare the available brands within that one fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Renault Alliance?
A period-style 1987 Renault Alliance starts with using the proper size for the exact sub-model, then choosing a tire that matches the visual character you want. The 13-inch 155/80R13 fitment offers the broadest traditional appearance choices, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall radials, while GS and GTA fitments lean toward blackwall performance-style presentation.
The right answer depends on whether the goal is a clean, everyday 1980s compact look or a more sport-oriented stance. Size remains the non-negotiable starting point, since appearance only works when the wheel diameter and profile are correct for the car. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references are still worth checking before finalizing the look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Renault Alliance?
On the 1987 Renault Alliance, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the main appearance differences come from profile, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment rather than switching between bias-ply and radial construction. A narrow or wide whitewall on a 13-inch tire gives a different visual effect than a blackwall 14- or 15-inch sport-oriented size.
That means restoration appearance is shaped most by staying with the correct sub-model fitment and selecting an appropriate sidewall style within that size. A GS or GTA naturally presents differently from a Base or L because the tire and wheel package are different. Tire construction here supports the car's era-correct feel, but the visible look comes from size and sidewall.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Renault Alliance?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Renault Alliance, especially because the model already uses several wheel diameters across its sub-model range. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, or body modifications can all change how a 13-, 14-, or 15-inch tire sits in the fender opening and steering range.
That is why the current setup matters as much as the original sub-model identification. Check the installed wheel diameter and width, then look for clearance at full steering lock and under compression before changing sizes or switching tire series. Even when the tire size itself is correct, a different wheel specification can alter the final fitment result.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Renault Alliance on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Renault Alliance on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model and rim diameter, and make sure the tires seat properly and hold pressure. It is also wise to check for rubbing at the fenders and suspension, especially on cars that have had wheel or ride-height changes.
A low-use older car also deserves a broader once-over before regular road use. Look at alignment condition, steering play, brake function, and any signs of uneven wear from the previous tires. New tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is in sound order, and that is especially important on a compact car with several distinct fitment packages.
How often should tires on a 1987 Renault Alliance be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Renault Alliance should be inspected regularly, with a quick visual check before driving and a closer inspection at routine service intervals. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, and signs of air loss, paying special attention to cars that spend long periods parked or are used only occasionally.
Collector-era and lightly driven cars can age their tires out before they wear them out, so condition matters as much as tread depth. Pressure should also be checked consistently, since underinflation can affect handling and wear even on correct-size tires. Frequent inspections are especially worthwhile when the car has uncommon trim-specific fitment or older wheels.
