The 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse came from the first generation of Diamond-Star coupes that helped define the early 1990s sport-compact market, blending everyday drivability with a distinctly performance-minded shape and, in some trims, much more serious hardware. Tire selection on this car starts with confirming the exact version, because the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse uses either 185/70R14 or 205/55R16 radial tires depending on sub-model. That split also changes rim diameter, making wheel verification just as important as size. Available choices range from traditional blackwall radials to whitewall offerings, with several distinct tire series across both sizes. For a stock car, the goal is matching the right trim-specific fitment before narrowing the choice by appearance and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Two tire sizes apply to the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse, and the correct one depends on the specific sub-model. The most important first step is confirming whether the car uses the 14-inch wheel fitment with 185/70R14 tires or the 16-inch wheel fitment with 205/55R16 tires. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to comparing radial tire choices by brand, series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility.
In 185/70R14, the 185 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse, this is a modern radial fitment used on 14-inch wheels, making it a straightforward choice for stock-style road use on the sub-models that take this size. Available options include blackwall and wide whitewall versions from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein across several tire series. This size is the right starting point when the car remains on its original 14-inch wheel setup and the goal is to balance correct fitment with appearance preference.
In 205/55R16, the 205 is the nominal width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse, this radial size belongs to the 16-inch fitment used on certain higher-spec sub-models, so wheel diameter needs to be confirmed before selection. Product choices include blackwall performance-oriented series from BFGoodrich and Michelin, along with a wide whitewall option from American Classic. This size deserves close attention when preserving the intended stance and wheel package of a GS DOHC, GS Turbo, GST, or GSX.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse because tire size changes with trim. Some versions use 185/70R14 on 14-inch wheels, while others move to 205/55R16 on 16-inch wheels, so identifying the exact sub-model prevents choosing the wrong diameter before comparing tire styles.
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1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse Base
The 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse Base uses the 185/70R14 radial tire fitment. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing the right 14-inch radial by series, brand, and sidewall appearance rather than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
The 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS also uses the 185/70R14 radial size. For this sub-model, the main decision is whether to stay with a conventional blackwall presentation or consider a whitewall style while keeping the proper 14-inch fitment.
The 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS DOHC uses the 205/55R16 radial fitment. Tire selection for this version starts with confirming the 16-inch wheel setup, then comparing available radial series and product characteristics within that size.
The 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Turbo uses 205/55R16 radial tires. That places the focus on selecting an appropriate 16-inch radial and checking wheel-width compatibility, especially if the car has ever been changed from its stock wheel package.
The 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse GST uses the 205/55R16 radial size. Buyers looking at this sub-model should verify the actual wheel diameter on the car first, then compare blackwall and whitewall product choices within the correct 16-inch fitment.
The 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX uses 205/55R16 radial tires. For this sub-model, keeping the correct size is the first priority, followed by choosing among available tire series based on intended road use, appearance, and wheel-width range.
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 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse Tires for Sale
Available 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse tire choices span both primary sizes, with brands including BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, and American Classic. Buyers can compare blackwall and wide whitewall styles, several distinct radial series, and rim-width ranges that vary by tire size.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
Common 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse tire questions usually come down to trim-specific size, 14-inch versus 16-inch wheel fitment, available radial choices, and how to compare appearance, maintenance, and modified-car clearance before putting the car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
A 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse uses one of two radial tire sizes: 185/70R14 or 205/55R16. The Base and GS use 185/70R14, while the GS DOHC, GS Turbo, GST, and GSX use 205/55R16. Both are primary fitments for this model year, but they are tied to different sub-models and different wheel diameters.
The practical step is confirming the exact trim and the actual wheels on the car before choosing a tire. A 14-inch Eclipse fitment and a 16-inch Eclipse fitment are not interchangeable just because they belong to the same model year, and many older sport compacts have been changed over time.
What size rim does a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse use?
The 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse uses either a 14-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on sub-model. Cars fitted with 185/70R14 tires use 14-inch rims, while cars fitted with 205/55R16 tires use 16-inch rims. That rim-diameter split is one of the key differences across the Eclipse lineup for this year.
Wheel diameter should be checked directly on the car before ordering tires, especially if the Eclipse has aftermarket wheels or a mixed set from an earlier owner. Verifying rim width matters as well, since the available tires within each size have stated wheel-width ranges that should match the wheel being used.
Do all 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse lineup uses two different tire sizes. The Base and GS use 185/70R14, while the GS DOHC, GS Turbo, GST, and GSX use 205/55R16. Every version uses radial construction, but the tire size and wheel diameter change with the sub-model.
That difference makes trim identification important before comparing brands or sidewall styles. A tire may be correct for one Eclipse sub-model and completely wrong for another, so it helps to verify the sub-model, measure the wheel diameter, and confirm that the car has not been altered from its intended wheel and tire setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model: 185/70R14 for Base and GS, or 205/55R16 for GS DOHC, GS Turbo, GST, and GSX. From there, compare radial tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. Some Eclipse owners may also care more about period-style presentation, while others may focus on a more performance-oriented look.
The best comparison usually comes from matching the tire to the car’s actual use and wheel setup. A mostly stock driver may call for a different type of tire than a restored show car or a modified street car, and the wheel width should still fall within the tire’s stated range.
What sidewall styles are available for 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse include blackwall and wide whitewall, depending on tire size and series. Blackwall options appear in both 185/70R14 and 205/55R16, while wide whitewall offerings are also available in each size for buyers who want a more distinctive visual treatment.
That means appearance can be part of the selection process once the correct trim-specific size is established. A blackwall tire keeps a more conventional sport-compact presentation, while a whitewall changes the car’s visual character significantly, so the final choice should match the look you want as well as the wheel and size requirement.
What brands offer tires for the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Tires for the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, and American Classic. Brand availability depends on tire size, with the 185/70R14 fitment offering a broader mix of touring and classic-oriented choices, while 205/55R16 includes several BFGoodrich and Michelin options plus an American Classic whitewall.
Brand alone should not make the decision. It helps to compare the exact tire series, sidewall style, wheel-width range, and overall presentation within the correct size for the car, especially since a 14-inch Base or GS and a 16-inch GSX are drawing from different groups of products.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
A period-style 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse starts with keeping the correct sub-model tire size in place: 185/70R14 for Base and GS, or 205/55R16 for GS DOHC, GS Turbo, GST, and GSX. From there, the most appropriate choice depends on whether the goal is a restrained blackwall look or a more customized presentation using one of the available whitewall radials.
Construction is simple here because the primary fitments are radial, so the visual decision matters more than a bias-ply versus radial debate. For a highly authenticity-focused restoration, it is worth checking period photos, marque references, or original sales literature before deciding that a particular sidewall treatment matches the car’s original presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
On a restored 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse, tire construction is less about changing the car’s era-correct look and more about staying within the original radial fitment approach. The main visual difference comes from tire series and sidewall treatment, since both primary sizes for this model year are radial rather than bias-ply.
That leaves appearance decisions centered on blackwall versus whitewall and on the overall character of the tire you choose in the proper size. Keeping the correct wheel diameter and trim-specific size generally does more to preserve the intended stance of the car than chasing an unusual sidewall treatment on the wrong fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse even when the tire size sounds close to stock. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, brake conversions, or bodywork changes can all influence whether the original 185/70R14 or 205/55R16 fitment still makes sense for the car as it sits today.
The safest approach is to verify actual wheel diameter and width first, then check clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering range before choosing a replacement tire. A modified Eclipse should be measured as it exists now rather than assumed to match the fitment that applied when it left the factory.
What should I inspect before driving a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse on new tires?
Before driving a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the tire size matches the trim and rim diameter. It also helps to check alignment, suspension wear, and brake condition so the new tires are not immediately compromised by a problem elsewhere on the car.
A short clearance check is worthwhile once the tires are mounted. Turn the steering from lock to lock, look for rubbing at the inner wheelhouse and suspension, and verify inflation before the first road drive, especially on a car that has sat for long periods or may have had wheel changes in the past.
How often should tires on a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse be inspected?
Tires on a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse should be inspected regularly, and a collector or lightly used car deserves attention even when tread wear is minimal. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and signs of slow air loss. Stored cars can age out their tires visually and structurally long before the tread appears used up.
A quick inspection before each drive and a more thorough check at regular intervals is a sensible habit for an older sport compact. Paying attention to pressure, tread condition, and sidewall health is especially important if the car spends long periods parked, since inactivity can hide problems until the next road outing.
