The 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco sits in the later chapter of Volkswagen’s long-running sport compact coupe, blending crisp hatchback practicality with a lower, more purposeful stance that still appeals to drivers who enjoy analog road manners. Tire fitment matters here because the 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco uses two distinct radial sizes depending on sub-model: 175/70R13 for the Base and 185/60R14 for the 16-Valve. That means the first step is confirming which version and wheel diameter the car actually has. From there, the real choice centers on selecting the right blackwall radial tire within the proper size and matching it to the car’s intended use and presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco
The 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The Base uses a 13-inch radial fitment, while the 16-Valve uses a 14-inch radial fitment, so confirming the sub-model and checking the wheels on the car should come before comparing tire choices.
185/60R14 is a metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco, this size belongs to the 16-Valve and reflects the smaller-profile, sport-oriented look associated with that setup. Available choices in this size include a Michelin blackwall radial from the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 series. This fitment should be matched to the car’s actual 14-inch wheels and overall setup before replacement.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size where 175 denotes nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 13 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco, this size is used on the Base model and carries a taller sidewall than the 16-Valve fitment. In this size, the available product is an Avon blackwall radial in the CR6ZZ series. Choosing this size starts with confirming that the car still wears the correct 13-inch wheels rather than a later wheel change.
Sub-model fitment on the 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco is not shared across the range. Tire selection depends on confirming whether the car is a Base or a 16-Valve, because each uses a different radial size and wheel diameter.
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1987 Volkswagen Scirocco 16-Valve
The 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco 16-Valve uses the 185/60R14 radial fitment. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, since this setup differs from the Base model and should be matched carefully before comparing tire series or replacing older tires.
The 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco Base uses the 175/70R13 radial size. Tire selection here centers on staying with the proper 13-inch fitment and making sure the car has not been changed to a different wheel package 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 Volkswagen Scirocco Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco tire choices are focused and size-specific, with Michelin covering the 185/60R14 16-Valve fitment and Avon covering the 175/70R13 Base fitment. Both are blackwall radials, but they differ by tire series, rim-width specification, and size-specific application.
These 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco tire FAQs focus on the two correct radial sizes, sub-model differences, wheel-diameter checks, product selection, and the fitment details worth reviewing before putting a restored or regularly driven car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco?
A 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco uses one of two radial tire sizes depending on sub-model. The Scirocco Base uses 175/70R13, while the Scirocco 16-Valve uses 185/60R14. Both are metric radial sizes, but they are not interchangeable primary fitments because they mount on different rim diameters.
The practical first step is identifying whether the car is a Base or a 16-Valve, then confirming the wheel diameter actually on the vehicle. Many older cars have had wheel changes over the years, so the tire decision should be based on the car’s current wheel setup as well as the correct sub-model fitment.
What size rim does a 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco use?
The 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The Base model uses the 175/70R13 size on a 13-inch rim, while the 16-Valve uses the 185/60R14 size on a 14-inch rim.
That rim-diameter difference is critical, because a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and a 14-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 13-inch wheel. Before replacing tires, read the tire sidewall and verify the wheel itself, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels or a long ownership history.
Why does the 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. The Base uses 175/70R13, while the 16-Valve uses 185/60R14, so the difference is tied to the specific version of the car rather than a universal one-size setup across the model line.
That means the right tire is not chosen by year and model alone. The buyer should confirm the exact sub-model first, then verify that the wheels on the car still match that configuration. Once that is settled, the next comparison points are tire series, rim-width compatibility, and how the car will actually be driven.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact car: 175/70R13 for the Base or 185/60R14 for the 16-Valve. After that, compare construction, rim-width compatibility, tire series, and the type of driving the Scirocco sees, whether it is mostly preserved for weekend use or driven more regularly.
A careful choice also means checking the wheels currently on the vehicle, since older Sciroccos are often changed from stock-style setups. Matching the tire to the proper rim diameter and width is more important than choosing by appearance alone, and it helps avoid clearance issues or a mismatch between tire and wheel.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco tires?
The available 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco tire options here use blackwall sidewalls in both sizes. That applies to the Michelin offering in 185/60R14 for the 16-Valve and the Avon offering in 175/70R13 for the Base, giving the car a clean, understated presentation.
Sidewall style matters visually because it changes how period the car feels, even when the size is correct. On this application, the choice is straightforward, so attention shifts to selecting the proper size, confirming wheel compatibility, and choosing the tire series that best suits the car’s intended use and overall look.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco?
Michelin and Avon both offer tires for the 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco, but they cover different fitments. Michelin is available in 185/60R14 for the 16-Valve through the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 series, while Avon is available in 175/70R13 for the Base through the CR6ZZ series.
Because each brand appears in a different size, the real comparison starts with the sub-model and wheel diameter rather than brand preference alone. Once the correct fitment is confirmed, it makes sense to review the tire series, rim-width specification, and the way the car will be used before making a final selection.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco?
A period-style 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco should begin with the correct size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. That means 175/70R13 for the Base or 185/60R14 for the 16-Valve, both in radial construction, since keeping the proper proportions is a major part of preserving the car’s intended stance.
After the size is settled, appearance becomes more subtle because the available sidewall treatment is blackwall in both fitments. Buyers focused on restoration should use the correct size as the foundation, then compare tire series and verify the wheel setup on the car, especially if originality has been altered over time.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco restoration because the wrong size can change the car’s visual balance and disconnect it from the proper sub-model setup. The Base and 16-Valve do not share the same primary tire size, so restoration work should begin with that distinction.
Using the right size also helps the car sit and present the way its configuration suggests, whether that means the taller-sidewall Base fitment or the lower-profile 16-Valve setup. If exact historical appearance is important, the owner should also review marque-specific references and confirm that the wheels on the car remain appropriate.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body alterations can all influence how a 175/70R13 or 185/60R14 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears during steering or suspension travel.
That is why the car should be checked as it exists today, not only by year and model. Verify wheel diameter and width, look at the tire’s relationship to the fenders and suspension, and make sure the setup leaves adequate room in actual driving conditions before settling on a replacement tire.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct size and rim diameter, and check that the suspension and steering components are in sound condition. Tire pressure should also be set properly, and the car should be looked over for any signs that old tires may have masked alignment or clearance issues.
A cautious first road test is worthwhile, especially on a collector-era hatchback that may not see daily use. Listen for rubbing, watch steering response, and recheck air pressure after the first drives. It also helps to inspect for unusual tread wear early, since that can reveal wheel, alignment, or suspension concerns.
How often should tires on a 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. A visual check before drives and a more thorough inspection at routine service intervals helps catch cracking, bulges, tread wear, cuts, and slow air loss before they become larger problems.
Collector and hobby cars often age their tires differently than daily drivers, because long storage can be just as important as mileage. Keeping the tires clean, properly inflated, and away from prolonged heat, sunlight, and ozone sources supports longer service life, while periodic checks help confirm the car remains road-ready.
