The 1987 Yugo GVX belongs to a period when small imported hatchbacks were prized for simple packaging, light weight, and straightforward mechanical ownership. For enthusiasts today, that makes the GVX an interesting survivor from the budget-car era of the 1980s, where correct proportions still matter to the way the car looks and drives. The 1987 Yugo GVX uses a 155/70R13 radial tire on a 13-inch rim. That keeps the tire decision focused less on multiple fitments and more on choosing the right radial in the proper size. For restoration-minded owners and casual road-use buyers alike, the key is preserving the intended stance while confirming wheel condition and overall tire health.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Yugo GVX
The 1987 Yugo GVX uses one primary tire size: 155/70R13. It is a radial fitment for a 13-inch rim, and that same size is used across the covered GVX sub-models, including the Base and w/alloy wheels version. That means the main decision is not which primary size fits, but which 155/70R13 radial best matches the car's intended appearance, use, and wheel condition.
A 155/70R13 size is a metric radial tire with a 155-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 13-inch rim. On the 1987 Yugo GVX, this is the standard radial-format sizing that keeps the car in the compact proportions associated with its original road-going setup. Because the vehicle stays with one primary size, selection comes down to choosing a tire that suits the condition and style of the wheels already on the car. It is also wise to confirm that the car still carries the correct 13-inch wheels if it has been modified over the years.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1987 Yugo GVX sub-models. Both the Base and the w/alloy wheels version use the same primary tire size, so the focus shifts from sub-model differences to wheel condition, tire quality, and the car's current setup.
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1987 Yugo GVX Base
The 1987 Yugo GVX Base uses the same 155/70R13 radial fitment as the broader model line. That makes tire selection relatively simple, with attention centered on finding the correct size and confirming the 13-inch wheel remains in place on the car.
The 1987 Yugo GVX w/alloy wheels also uses the 155/70R13 radial tire size. Tire choice here is less about a different fitment and more about making sure the alloy wheels are the proper diameter and in sound condition before regular road use.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs focus on the 1987 Yugo GVX tire size, 13-inch rim fitment, radial construction, sub-model consistency, and the checks that matter before putting a lightly used survivor back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Yugo GVX?
The 1987 Yugo GVX uses a 155/70R13 tire size. That is the primary fitment for this model, and it is a radial tire built for a 13-inch rim.
Since there is only one primary size, the job is less about sorting through different fitments and more about confirming that the car still has the correct wheel diameter. A Yugo that has had wheel changes over the years should be checked carefully before replacement tires are selected, especially if appearance, ride height, or clearance have been altered.
What size rim does a 1987 Yugo GVX use?
The 1987 Yugo GVX uses a 13-inch rim with its 155/70R13 tire size. That rim diameter stays consistent across the covered GVX sub-models, including the Base and the w/alloy wheels version.
Rim diameter is the first thing to verify on any older compact car, especially one that may have passed through multiple owners. A 13-inch wheel can still vary in width or overall condition, so it is smart to inspect the wheel itself for damage, corrosion, or prior modifications before mounting fresh tires.
Do all 1987 Yugo GVX sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1987 Yugo GVX sub-models use the same 155/70R13 radial tire size. That includes both the Base model and the version equipped with alloy wheels.
Shared tire sizing makes replacement simpler, but it does not remove the need to verify what is actually on the car today. Alloy wheels, replacement steel wheels, and aftermarket changes can affect wheel condition and compatibility, so checking the installed wheel diameter and overall setup remains an important step before choosing a new tire.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155/70R13 tire for a 1987 Yugo GVX?
Start with the correct size: 155/70R13 on a 13-inch rim. Since the 1987 Yugo GVX uses one primary size across its covered sub-models, the main concern is selecting a radial tire that matches the car's wheel setup and intended use.
A lightly driven survivor may call for a tire that preserves the car's compact stance and balanced proportions, while a more regularly used car still needs proper wheel condition and sound mounting surfaces. It also helps to inspect for prior wheel substitutions, since an older economy car is more likely to have seen practical changes over time.
How do I choose between the available 155/70R13 tires for a 1987 Yugo GVX?
Begin by staying with the exact 155/70R13 size and confirming that the car still wears 13-inch wheels. Once size is settled, the real comparison is among the available radial choices that suit the Yugo's compact dimensions and your intended use.
For a preservation-minded car, visual proportion and a tidy period feel may matter as much as the tire itself. A driver-quality GVX benefits from the same careful approach, with extra attention given to wheel straightness, bead-seat condition, and whether the suspension or ride height has been altered from standard.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 1987 Yugo GVX tires?
The most important rim-fitment detail is the 13-inch wheel diameter required by the 155/70R13 size. That basic match has to be correct before any other tire comparison matters on a 1987 Yugo GVX.
Wheel condition deserves equal attention on a car of this age. Inspect for bends, rust, curb damage, and any signs that the wheels differ from one corner to another, especially if the car has alloy wheels or a mixed set from past repairs. A correct-size tire performs best when mounted on sound, matching wheels.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Yugo GVX?
A period-style approach for a 1987 Yugo GVX starts with the original-size 155/70R13 radial format. Keeping the correct size helps preserve the small-car proportions that define how the GVX sits and presents itself.
Owners aiming for a more faithful restoration look should avoid treating alternate wheel or tire combinations as automatic substitutes. Even modest changes can affect stance and visual balance on a compact hatchback, so the safer path is to confirm the existing 13-inch wheels and choose a properly sized radial that supports the car's original-era character.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1987 Yugo GVX restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1987 Yugo GVX restoration because the car's proportions are closely tied to its small 13-inch wheel and 155/70R13 tire size. An incorrect size can quickly change the overall look of the vehicle.
That is especially true on compact 1980s cars, where even slight visual shifts can make the car appear over-tired or under-wheeled. Restoration-minded owners should also inspect the wheels themselves for finish condition, straightness, and age-related damage so the final result looks consistent and is ready for careful road use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Yugo GVX?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Yugo GVX even though the primary size is straightforward at 155/70R13. Changes to wheels, suspension height, or body clearance can alter what works properly on the car.
A GVX with aftermarket wheels should be checked for actual wheel diameter and overall condition before replacement tires are chosen. Lowering, spring changes, or prior body repairs can also influence steering and fender clearance, so it is worth inspecting the full setup rather than assuming the car still matches its original tire arrangement.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Yugo GVX on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Yugo GVX on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and general condition of the suspension and steering components. The wheel should be the correct 13-inch diameter and free from bends, cracking, or severe corrosion.
A fresh tire cannot correct problems caused by aged mechanical parts or damaged wheels. It is also smart to look for uneven wear clues from the old tires, confirm proper inflation, and make sure nothing rubs at full steering lock. Those checks help the new 155/70R13 tires work as intended once the car returns to the road.
How often should tires on a 1987 Yugo GVX be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Yugo GVX should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. A collector-era economy car can spend enough time parked that age and storage conditions become just as important as tread depth.
Look over the sidewalls for cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of air loss, and check tread wear for uneven patterns that may point to alignment or suspension issues. Pressure should also be monitored consistently, since compact cars can feel noticeably different on underinflated tires long before a problem becomes obvious.
