The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS sits in an important spot in Ferrari’s 1990s road-car lineup, blending mid-engine exotic character with a more analog driving experience than later models. Open-roof GTS cars are especially sensitive to stance and tire choice because the visual balance of the car matters almost as much as road feel. This model uses staggered radial sizing, with 215/50R17 at the front and 255/45R17 at the rear on 17-inch rims. Available choices range from blackwall performance radials to rear redline and raised white letter styles. The key is matching the correct front and rear sizes while keeping wheel fitment, appearance, and intended use in mind.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS
The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is positional rather than trim-related: 215/50R17 for the front and 255/45R17 for the rear. Both are radial tires for 17-inch rims, so the first step is confirming which end of the car you are replacing tires on. Once that is clear, the real choice becomes brand, tire series, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility.
215/50R17 is a modern metric radial size in which 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS, this size is used at the front, where steering response and proper overall balance start with the correct fitment. Available choices in this size come from BFGoodrich in blackwall form across several g-Force series. It is the size to evaluate when refreshing the front axle while confirming the wheel remains within the appropriate width range.
255/45R17 is also a modern metric radial size, with a wider 255-millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. On the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS, this is the rear tire size, so it should be treated as part of the car’s staggered front-to-rear setup rather than as an interchangeable match for the front. Product choices include blackwall options from BFGoodrich and Nitto, along with Pro-Trac Street Pro III versions in redline and raised white letter form. It is the right size to review when replacing rear tires and preserving the intended staggered arrangement.
Fitment on the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS is straightforward, but it is split by vehicle position rather than by a traditional trim change. Checking the front-versus-rear designation matters because each end of the car uses its own radial size on the same 17-inch rim diameter.
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1994 Ferrari 348 GTS Base Front
The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS Base Front uses the smaller of the two staggered radial sizes. That makes front tire selection more about choosing the right series and wheel-width-compatible option for steering-end fitment than comparing multiple primary front sizes.
The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS Base Rear uses the wider rear radial size in the staggered setup. Rear tire choice is where appearance options broaden, so it is worth deciding whether a blackwall, redline, or raised white letter presentation suits the car’s intended look.
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 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS Tires for Sale
Available 17-inch radial choices for the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options. Buyers can compare blackwall performance-oriented tires across several series, while the rear size also adds redline and raised white letter alternatives for a more customized appearance.
These FAQs focus on the staggered front and rear tire sizing used on the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS, along with 17-inch rim fitment, product selection, appearance choices, and the inspection points that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS?
The 1994 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 tires designed for 17-inch rims, so the car’s fitment depends on keeping the correct size at each end.
That means tire replacement starts with identifying whether the front, rear, or complete set is being changed. Mixing up the front and rear sizes can upset the car’s intended stance and wheel compatibility, so it is smart to verify the actual wheel and tire setup on the car before ordering, especially if it has seen aftermarket wheel changes over the years.
What size rim does a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS use?
The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS uses 17-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. The front 215/50R17 and rear 255/45R17 share that same rim diameter, even though the rear tire is significantly wider than the front and is intended for a broader wheel-width range.
Rim diameter is only one part of proper fitment, so it is still important to confirm wheel width before selecting a tire. Front tire options in this application suit narrower wheels than the rear choices do, and that distinction matters on a staggered car like the 348 GTS where front and rear wheel specifications are not the same.
What does 215/50R17 mean on a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS?
On the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS, 215/50R17 is the front tire size. The 215 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. It is a modern metric radial format, not a vintage numeric or alphanumeric size.
Understanding that code helps when comparing tires across different brands and series because the size format tells you the tire’s intended wheel diameter and profile family. Even within the same nominal size, the safest approach is still to confirm the wheel width on the car and avoid assuming that every 17-inch tire with a similar profile belongs on the front axle.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 215/50R17 and 255/45R17 tire set for a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS?
Start with the staggered fitment itself: 215/50R17 belongs on the front and 255/45R17 belongs on the rear of the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS. From there, compare construction, brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. Both sizes are radial, but the available choices differ between front and rear, especially in sidewall presentation.
A good selection process keeps the car’s intended use in view. A buyer focused on a clean contemporary look may stay with blackwalls at all four corners, while someone after a more customized visual style might look closely at the rear redline or raised white letter options. Wheel width should be confirmed before making a final choice, particularly on the wider rear fitment.
What sidewall styles are available for 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS include blackwall, redline, and RWL, depending on tire size. The front 215/50R17 options are blackwall, while the rear 255/45R17 size expands the appearance choices with blackwall, redline, and raised white letter versions.
That makes sidewall style mainly a rear-tire appearance decision on this application. Buyers trying to preserve a subtle, modern performance look often stay with blackwalls, while redline or raised white letter rear tires create a more personalized presentation. Sidewall style does not change the need to keep the correct staggered sizing and verify wheel compatibility before installation.
What brands offer tires for the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS?
Tires for the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS are available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac in the applicable 17-inch sizes. BFGoodrich appears in both the front and rear fitments, Nitto is available in the rear size, and Pro-Trac offers rear options in Street Pro III with alternative sidewall treatments.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the exact axle position, not as a stand-alone decision. The front and rear sizes do not share the same product mix, so comparing only brand names can miss important differences in series, sidewall style, and wheel-width range. The smartest approach is to narrow by size first, then compare the available products within that size.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS?
A period-style approach for a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS usually starts with preserving its staggered 17-inch radial layout: 215/50R17 in front and 255/45R17 in the rear. Blackwall radials typically give the most restrained, era-appropriate presentation, while still letting the car keep the low-profile look associated with 1990s exotic performance cars.
The right choice depends on whether the goal is a clean restoration-minded appearance or a more personalized show-car look. If historical exactness matters, it is wise to compare the car against marque references, delivery photos, or build documentation before choosing a specific brand or sidewall treatment. Appearance should support the car’s character without compromising the correct front-to-rear fitment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS?
On a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS, construction is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about selecting the right modern radial presentation. Both primary sizes are radial, so the visual impact comes from profile, stance, and sidewall style rather than from a construction change between vintage and modern tire types.
That means appearance decisions center on whether the car should look understated or more expressive. Blackwalls keep the focus on the wheel and body shape, while redline or raised white letter rear tires introduce a stronger custom flavor. For a restoration-oriented car, keeping the proper staggered sizing and balanced visual proportion usually matters more than chasing a dramatic sidewall treatment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS, even when the tire sizes remain 215/50R17 in front and 255/45R17 in the rear. Aftermarket wheels, altered offsets, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or body modifications can all change how much room the tire has at the fender, suspension, and steering components.
A staggered car is especially sensitive to those changes because the front and rear tires already have different widths and roles. Anyone working around a modified setup should verify wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at full steering lock and suspension movement before installation. That extra check is important whenever the car no longer sits on its original wheel and suspension arrangement.
What should I inspect before driving a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS on new tires?
Before driving a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the front and rear sizes are installed in the correct positions, and check tire pressure once the tires are mounted. It is also worth looking over valve stems, wheel hardware, and the general condition of suspension and steering components.
A short road test should be followed by another visual check for rubbing, unusual wear, or any sign of air loss. Because the 348 GTS uses a staggered layout, even a simple front-to-rear mix-up can create problems that are easy to miss in the garage. Catching clearance or installation issues early helps protect both the tires and the car.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS?
Before a longer drive in a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTS, confirm that the tires are the correct front and rear sizes, properly inflated, and free from visible cracking, bulges, cuts, or uneven wear. Wheel fasteners, alignment feel, and any vibration during a shorter test drive should also be addressed before putting more miles on the car.
Longer trips place more heat and sustained load into the tires, so age and condition matter just as much as tread depth on a collector-era Ferrari. Owners should also recheck that the wheels match the tire width requirements and that nothing contacts the tire under steering or suspension movement. Those basics go a long way toward more confident road use.
