The 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS sits in an important Ferrari era, blending late analog character with the open-roof appeal of the targa-style GTS body. It is a car enthusiasts tend to judge closely by balance, stance, and the way it feels on real roads, so tire selection matters beyond simple replacement. This 348 GTS uses a staggered radial setup with 215/50R17 in front and 255/45R17 in the rear, both on 17-inch rims. Available choices include modern blackwall performance tires along with rear-sidewall options such as redline and raised white letter styling. The right choice comes down to preserving the intended front-to-rear fitment while matching the car's appearance and road-use goals.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS
The 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS uses two primary tire sizes, with one size for the front and a wider size for the rear. Both are radial tires on 17-inch rims, so the key first step is confirming whether you are replacing the front pair or the rear pair. Once that is clear, the real decision becomes selecting among the available brands, tire series, and sidewall treatments within the correct position-specific size.
215/50R17 is a metric radial size in which 215 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS, this size serves the front position and helps preserve the car's intended staggered setup. Available choices center on BFGoodrich blackwall performance tires across g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A series. This is the size to use when refreshing front-end fitment while keeping the proper relationship to the wider rear tire.
255/45R17 is a wider metric radial size, with 255 showing the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 representing the aspect ratio, R marking radial construction, and 17 identifying the rim diameter in inches. On the 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS, this size is used at the rear and is part of the car's position-specific staggered fitment. Rear tire choices include blackwall performance options from BFGoodrich and Nitto, plus Pro-Trac Street Pro III versions with redline or raised white letter sidewalls. This is the size to evaluate when replacing rear tires and maintaining the proper front-to-rear width balance.
Fitment on the 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS is straightforward in one sense and position-specific in another, because the covered configuration uses one front size and one rear size. Checking whether you are matching the front or rear matters more here than comparing multiple trim levels.
1
1993 Ferrari 348 GTS Base Front
The 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS Base Front uses the narrower front tire size in a radial construction on a 17-inch rim. That makes front-tire selection primarily a matter of choosing the right performance-oriented option while preserving the intended staggered relationship to the rear.
The 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS Base Rear uses the wider rear tire size in radial construction on a 17-inch rim. Rear tire selection carries the added choice of blackwall, redline, or raised white letter styling depending on whether the goal is a more understated or more pronounced presentation.
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 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS Tires for Sale
Available 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS tires focus on modern radial performance choices in the correct front and rear sizes. BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options vary by tire series, blackwall versus redline or raised white letter styling, and position-specific rim-width compatibility.
These FAQs for the 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS focus on its staggered front-and-rear tire sizing, 17-inch rim fitment, available radial choices, sidewall options, and the checks worth making before putting a collector Ferrari back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS?
The 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS uses a staggered tire setup rather than one size at all four corners. The front tire size is 215/50R17, and the rear tire size is 255/45R17. Both are radial sizes designed for 17-inch rims, so the car's fitment depends on tire position as much as size.
That means replacement starts with identifying whether you need front tires, rear tires, or a full matched set. Mixing up the two sizes changes the intended front-to-rear arrangement, so wheel position should be confirmed before ordering or mounting. It is also smart to verify the actual wheel setup if the car has ever had aftermarket wheels installed.
What size rim does a 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS use?
The 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS uses 17-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. The 215/50R17 front tire and the 255/45R17 rear tire are both built around that same 17-inch wheel diameter, even though the rear tire is substantially wider than the front.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a staggered setup like this one. Wheel width still matters, especially because the front and rear tires use different width ranges. Checking the stamp on each wheel or confirming the wheel specifications before mounting new tires helps avoid pairing the right diameter with the wrong wheel width.
Why does the 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS have more than one tire size?
The 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS uses more than one tire size because it has a staggered fitment, with a narrower 215/50R17 tire in front and a wider 255/45R17 tire in the rear. This is a position-specific setup, not a case of interchangeable size options for the same wheel location.
For the owner, that means tire selection is tied to axle position rather than personal preference alone. Front and rear tires should be matched to their intended locations, and each wheel should be checked before replacement. Keeping the correct staggered arrangement also helps preserve the visual stance and fitment relationship the car was designed around.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 215/50R17 and 255/45R17 tire set for a 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS?
Start with the exact front and rear sizes, since the 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS uses 215/50R17 in front and 255/45R17 in back. From there, compare radial construction details, intended wheel position, brand, tire series, and sidewall style. The available choices are performance-oriented radials rather than vintage bias-ply replacements.
A good selection process keeps the tire choice tied to how the car will actually be used. Some owners want a clean blackwall performance look, while others may want a more distinctive rear-sidewall treatment. Wheel width should be checked before mounting, and replacing tires in matched front or rear pairs usually makes more sense than treating each corner independently.
What sidewall styles are available for 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS tires?
Sidewall style depends on tire size and position on the 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS. The available front 215/50R17 options are blackwall tires, while the rear 255/45R17 choices include blackwall as well as redline and raised white letter versions through the Pro-Trac Street Pro III series.
That means appearance can be tailored more noticeably at the rear than at the front. A blackwall setup keeps the presentation understated and contemporary, while redline or raised white letters create a stronger visual statement. Sidewall style should still come after size and wheel-position accuracy, since appearance does not override correct front and rear fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS?
Tires for the 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS are available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac, depending on the size and axle position. BFGoodrich appears in both the front and rear sizes, Nitto is available in the rear size, and Pro-Trac provides rear tire options with alternate sidewall styling.
Brand choice is only one part of the decision, because each offering also differs by series and sidewall presentation. It helps to narrow the search by position first, then compare the available options within that size. Looking at wheel-width compatibility alongside appearance and intended use keeps the comparison practical rather than purely brand-driven.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS?
A period-style approach for a 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS starts with preserving the staggered 215/50R17 front and 255/45R17 rear fitment on 17-inch wheels. Since the available choices are modern radial tires, the decision is less about antique-style construction and more about selecting a tire series and sidewall presentation that suits the car's early-1990s character.
Blackwall tires usually give the cleanest, most restrained look for this Ferrari, while rear redline or raised white letter options create a more customized appearance. Owners pursuing strict originality should verify visual details through marque-specific references and vehicle history. The safest starting point for appearance remains correct size, correct stance, and a consistent front-to-rear setup.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS because the car's appearance and proportions rely on its staggered front-and-rear sizing. The proper 215/50R17 front and 255/45R17 rear arrangement helps maintain the intended visual balance, and both sizes are tied to 17-inch wheels rather than a generic one-size setup.
Restoration-minded owners usually look beyond tread alone and consider how the sidewall, width, and overall stance present on the car. Even when using modern radial tires, staying with the proper wheel position and size relationship supports a more coherent result. Cars with replacement wheels or previous modifications deserve an extra wheel-specification check before new tires are chosen.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS even when the tire sizes remain 215/50R17 in front and 255/45R17 in the rear. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offsets, suspension lowering, or body modifications can all influence how those tires sit and clear the car.
That is why the actual wheel and suspension setup should be checked before replacement, especially on an older enthusiast car. A tire can be correct by size but still create issues if the wheel specification has changed. Clearance at steering lock and through suspension travel deserves attention before the car returns to regular road use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS on new tires?
Before driving a 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS on new tires, inspect wheel condition, confirm that the front and rear sizes are mounted in the correct positions, and verify proper inflation. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, bead seating, lug torque, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components.
A short, careful road test is the best next step once the basics are confirmed. Pay attention to vibration, rubbing, pulling, or any sign that the tires are not centered in the intended setup. Rechecking pressure after the first drive and looking again for clearance around the wider rear tires helps catch issues before longer use.
How should 215/50R17 and 255/45R17 tires on a collector 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS be maintained?
Collector-car tire maintenance on a 1993 Ferrari 348 GTS starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and attention to age as well as tread depth. The front 215/50R17 and rear 255/45R17 tires should be examined for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or signs of air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a lightly used Ferrari. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect tire condition over time. Even tires that look acceptable at first glance deserve periodic close inspection, since collector vehicles often age their tires before they wear them out.