The 1991 Volkswagen Fox belongs to the era of simple, light, practical compact cars that earned a following for straightforward mechanical design and everyday usability. For many owners, that makes tire choice less about excess and more about keeping the car's character intact while matching the correct sub-model fitment. The 1991 Volkswagen Fox uses radial tires in two distinct 13-inch sizes: 155/80R13 and 175/70R13. Available choices range from blackwall to narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations, with several restoration-friendly radial options for the smaller size. The key step is confirming whether the car is a Base or GL before comparing appearance, rim compatibility, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1991 Volkswagen Fox
Two tire sizes apply to the 1991 Volkswagen Fox, and the correct choice depends on the specific sub-model. Both are radial tires built for 13-inch rims, but the Base uses 155/80R13 while the GL uses 175/70R13. Before selecting a tire, confirm the exact trim and verify that the wheels on the car still match the original 13-inch fitment, especially if the car has been modified over the years.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 155 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1991 Volkswagen Fox, this size is used on the Base sub-model and keeps the fitment in a conventional compact-car radial format. Available choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles across series such as UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and Tornel Classic. It is the right starting point for owners prioritizing proper Base-model sizing along with either a stock-looking or more restoration-oriented presentation.
175/70R13 is also a metric radial size, with 175 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, 70 showing the aspect ratio, R marking radial construction, and 13 identifying the rim diameter. On the 1991 Volkswagen Fox, this size belongs to the GL sub-model and reflects a wider, lower-profile radial than the Base fitment. The available product in this size is the Avon CR6ZZ with a blackwall sidewall and CR6ZZ series designation. This size matters most for a GL owner who wants to stay with the correct trim-specific fitment and should confirm wheel width before moving forward.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1991 Volkswagen Fox because the Base and GL do not use the same tire size. Both use 13-inch radial tires, but identifying the exact trim is the first step before comparing sidewall style, tire series, or rim-width compatibility.
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1991 Volkswagen Fox Base
The 1991 Volkswagen Fox Base uses the 155/80R13 radial size. That opens the door to several whitewall-oriented radial choices, so the decision usually centers on maintaining the proper Base fitment while selecting the appearance and rim-width range that best suits the car.
The 1991 Volkswagen Fox GL uses the 175/70R13 radial size. Tire selection is more straightforward here, but it is still important to confirm the 13-inch wheel setup and compare rim-width compatibility before choosing a replacement for 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.
Best 1991 Volkswagen Fox Tires for Sale
Available 1991 Volkswagen Fox tires vary by sub-model and presentation, with 155/80R13 options from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel in narrow or wide whitewall form, while 175/70R13 is offered as an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial. Rim-width specifications also vary across the product range.
Common 1991 Volkswagen Fox tire questions usually come down to trim-specific size, 13-inch rim fitment, sidewall style choices, and what to inspect before putting a lightly used older compact back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1991 Volkswagen Fox?
The 1991 Volkswagen Fox uses two tire sizes, depending on sub-model. The Base uses 155/80R13, while the GL uses 175/70R13. Both are radial tires designed for 13-inch wheels, so the correct size is tied to the trim rather than a change in construction type.
Finding the right tire starts with confirming whether the car is a Base or GL. It is also smart to check the actual wheels on the car, since older compact cars are often fitted with replacement wheels over time. A matching 13-inch diameter does not eliminate the need to confirm wheel width and overall clearance.
What size rim does a 1991 Volkswagen Fox use?
The 1991 Volkswagen Fox uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its tire sizes. That applies to the 155/80R13 fitment used on the Base and the 175/70R13 fitment used on the GL, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizes differ.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture. Product specifications in these sizes show different approved rim-width ranges, so the actual wheel width should be checked before selecting a tire. That matters even more if the Fox has aftermarket wheels, since the correct tire size still needs to match the wheel and the car's clearance.
Do all 1991 Volkswagen Fox sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1991 Volkswagen Fox Base uses 155/80R13, while the 1991 Volkswagen Fox GL uses 175/70R13. Both are radial 13-inch fitments, but the size itself changes with the sub-model, so one Fox trim should not be assumed to use the other trim's tire size.
That distinction affects more than the number on the sidewall. It changes the group of products available to you, including sidewall appearance and rim-width compatibility. Before replacing tires on a Fox with an uncertain history, confirm the trim level and compare the wheels already on the car so the new tires match the setup you are actually working with.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1991 Volkswagen Fox?
Start with the correct trim-specific size: 155/80R13 for the Base or 175/70R13 for the GL. From there, compare radial construction details that matter to your car, including rim-width range, sidewall style, tire series, and where available, weight and load figures tied to the product.
A Fox used as a tidy survivor may call for a different visual presentation than one driven purely as a practical compact. Whitewall options are available in 155/80R13, while the 175/70R13 offering is a blackwall. Matching the tire to the car's current wheels and the look you want usually matters just as much as choosing the correct nominal size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1991 Volkswagen Fox tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1991 Volkswagen Fox depend on tire size. In 155/80R13, available styles include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall. In 175/70R13, the available option is a blackwall, so sidewall appearance is one of the clearest differences between the two fitment paths.
That makes trim identification especially important for buyers who care about presentation. A Base owner has more flexibility to pursue a traditional whitewall look, while a GL owner shopping within the current size offerings stays with blackwall styling. Sidewall design should be chosen after the correct size and wheel compatibility have already been confirmed.
What brands offer tires for the 1991 Volkswagen Fox?
Brands available for the 1991 Volkswagen Fox include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. The 155/80R13 Base fitment has the widest brand spread, while the 175/70R13 GL fitment is represented by Avon. Each brand appears in radial construction for this application.
Brand selection should be weighed alongside the specifics of each product rather than by name alone. The Base size includes multiple series and whitewall treatments, giving more room to match the tire to the car's appearance. The GL size is more limited, so checking the wheel width and the intended use of the car becomes especially important before deciding.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1991 Volkswagen Fox?
A period-style choice begins with the correct trim-specific size. The Base uses 155/80R13 and offers several radial choices with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling, while the GL uses 175/70R13 and is represented here by a blackwall radial. The most suitable choice depends on how original-looking or understated the finished car needs to appear.
Appearance should be balanced with fitment accuracy and wheel compatibility. A tasteful survivor or restoration-oriented Base may benefit from one of the whitewall offerings, while a GL may look more natural on a blackwall. If exact originality is the goal, compare the tire choice against marque references and photos specific to the car's trim and market.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1991 Volkswagen Fox restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 1991 Volkswagen Fox uses different tire sizes for different sub-models. A Base restoration should be centered on 155/80R13, while a GL restoration should be centered on 175/70R13. Getting the size right helps preserve the car's stance, visual balance, and overall presentation.
Correct fitment also affects the kinds of sidewall styles available to you. The Base size opens more restoration-oriented whitewall choices, while the GL fitment is more straightforward. Even on a cosmetic restoration, check wheel diameter and width before mounting new tires, since an older Fox may no longer be wearing the wheels it left service with years ago.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1991 Volkswagen Fox?
Yes. Even though the 1991 Volkswagen Fox uses 13-inch radial tires in either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13 depending on trim, modifications can change what works safely on the car. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or bodywork can all affect clearance and the relationship between tire size and wheel width.
That is why the tire sidewall alone should not be the only reference point on an older Fox. Check the actual wheel diameter and width, then look for any signs of rubbing at the fender, inner wheelhouse, or steering components. A car that has been lowered or fitted with replacement wheels deserves a closer fitment review before new tires are chosen.
What should I inspect before driving a 1991 Volkswagen Fox on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm lug hardware is correct, and verify that the new tires match the Fox's trim-specific size and wheel setup. Once mounted, check inflation, valve stems, and visible clearance at full steering lock. It also helps to look over suspension and steering parts on a long-stored car.
A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for worn mechanical components or poor wheel condition. Watch for uneven ride height, loose front-end parts, or signs that the old tires had been rubbing. After the first drives, recheck air pressure and look for any scuffing or unusual wear so small fitment problems are caught early.
How often should tires on a 1991 Volkswagen Fox be inspected?
Tires on a 1991 Volkswagen Fox should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently. Check for air loss, tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of uneven wear across the tread. On an older compact that may spend long periods parked, visual condition can matter just as much as mileage.
A good routine is to inspect the tires before longer drives and at regular intervals even during storage. Keep an eye on inflation and look at the sidewalls for age-related deterioration. Storage away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources helps preserve condition, particularly on a collector-kept Fox that is not in daily service.
