The 1995 Lotus Esprit belongs to the later four-cylinder Esprit era, when Lotus was refining its long-running mid-engine sports car into a sharper, more modern road machine. By this point, tire fitment was very much part of the car’s character, with low-profile radial sizing matched to front and rear axle needs rather than a one-size-fits-all setup. The 1995 Lotus Esprit uses staggered radial tire sizes, and the exact combination depends on whether the car is an S4 or S4s. That makes wheel diameter, front-versus-rear position, and sidewall style especially important when comparing available replacements. For an owner focused on appearance or road use, getting the exact setup right matters as much as the tire brand itself.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1995 Lotus Esprit
The 1995 Lotus Esprit uses four primary tire sizes across two staggered front-and-rear setups. The first step is identifying whether the car is an S4 or S4s, then confirming whether you are replacing a front or rear tire, since the sizes also change with 16-inch versus 17-inch wheels. Once that is settled, the decision becomes choosing the right radial tire within the correct size for the car’s intended use and appearance.
225/45R16 is a metric radial size in which 225 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1995 Lotus Esprit, this size is part of the S4 front fitment and reflects the low-profile, handling-focused tire sizing expected on a mid-engine sports car of the period. It is important to match this size to the correct wheel and axle position rather than treating it as interchangeable with the rear setup. Buyers replacing this size should confirm the car still has its proper 16-inch front wheels and original-style staggered arrangement.
245/50R16 is a metric radial size with a 245 millimeter nominal section width, a 50-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This size serves as the S4 rear fitment on the 1995 Lotus Esprit, giving the car a wider rear tire than the front as part of its staggered setup. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich options in the g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Sport Comp 2 series, both offered as blackwall radials. This is the size to evaluate when replacing rear S4 tires and comparing series, load-related specifications, and rim-width compatibility.
215/40R17 is a metric radial size where 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 40 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter. On the 1995 Lotus Esprit, this size belongs to the S4s front fitment and is tied to the 17-inch wheel setup rather than the S4’s 16-inch arrangement. Its shorter sidewall is part of a distinct front-and-rear pairing, so it should be selected only after confirming the exact sub-model and front axle position. Owners should verify that the car still carries the proper S4s wheel package before choosing this size.
245/45R17 is a metric radial size with a 245 millimeter nominal section width, a 45-series profile, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. It is used at the rear of the 1995 Lotus Esprit S4s, pairing with the smaller 215/40R17 front tire in a staggered 17-inch setup. This size has the broadest product variety, including BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac choices, with blackwall, raised white letter, and redline sidewall treatments available across several tire series. It is the size to compare carefully when balancing appearance, intended use, and wheel-width compatibility on an S4s rear application.
Tire fitment on the 1995 Lotus Esprit varies by sub-model and by front-versus-rear position, so identifying the exact setup matters before selecting a replacement. The S4 and S4s use different wheel diameters and different staggered size pairings, which makes a quick visual wheel check worthwhile.
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1995 Lotus Esprit S4 Front
The 1995 Lotus Esprit S4 front uses a 16-inch radial fitment that differs from both the S4 rear and the S4s front setup. That makes front-tire replacement a matter of confirming the car is an S4 and retaining the proper staggered relationship with the rear tires.
The 1995 Lotus Esprit S4 rear uses its own wider 16-inch radial size, separate from the front axle. Rear tire selection here should focus on the correct S4 rear fitment, along with comparing available radial series and wheel-width compatibility rather than mixing it with the S4s 17-inch arrangement.
The 1995 Lotus Esprit S4s front uses a 17-inch radial size that is unique to the S4s front axle. That means replacement starts with confirming the car carries the S4s wheel package, then matching the tire to the front position instead of assuming all 1995 Esprits share one front size.
The 1995 Lotus Esprit S4s rear uses a wider 17-inch radial fitment and has the greatest range of available product choices. For this application, the main decision is less about size identification and more about selecting among available brands, sidewall treatments, and tire series within the proper rear size.
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 1995 Lotus Esprit Tires for Sale
Available 1995 Lotus Esprit tire choices center on 245/50R16 and 245/45R17 radial sizes. BFGoodrich appears in multiple g-Force series, while 245/45R17 also adds Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac options with blackwall, raised white letter, and redline sidewall treatments.
Owners shopping tires for a 1995 Lotus Esprit usually need to sort out sub-model fitment, front-versus-rear sizing, wheel diameter, and available radial tire choices. The questions below focus on those exact decisions, along with appearance, maintenance, and road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1995 Lotus Esprit?
A 1995 Lotus Esprit does not use one universal tire size. The S4 uses 225/45R16 in front and 245/50R16 in the rear, while the S4s uses 215/40R17 in front and 245/45R17 in the rear, with all four sizes being radial fitments.
That means tire selection starts with identifying both the exact sub-model and the axle position. An Esprit with changed wheels or a mixed set should be checked carefully before replacement, because the 16-inch S4 setup and the 17-inch S4s setup are different front and rear pairings rather than alternate sizes for the same wheel package.
What size rim does a 1995 Lotus Esprit use?
The 1995 Lotus Esprit uses either 16-inch or 17-inch rims, depending on the sub-model and axle position. S4 models use 16-inch front and rear wheel diameters, while S4s models use 17-inch front and rear wheel diameters as part of a different staggered tire setup.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before ordering tires, especially if the car has had wheel changes over the years. The size molded into the current tire can help, but the wheel itself and the car’s actual front-and-rear setup matter just as much, since a 16-inch S4 rear tire and a 17-inch S4s rear tire are not the same fitment.
Why does the 1995 Lotus Esprit have more than one tire size?
The 1995 Lotus Esprit has more than one tire size because it uses staggered front-and-rear fitment, and the sizing also changes between the S4 and S4s. That creates four primary sizes across the model line rather than a single tire size for every 1995 Esprit.
This matters because the correct tire is tied to both sub-model and axle location. A front tire should not be chosen from rear sizing, and the S4’s 16-inch arrangement should not be confused with the S4s 17-inch setup. Confirming the car’s exact wheel package is the best way to avoid ordering the right size for the wrong Esprit configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R17 tire for a 1995 Lotus Esprit?
For a 1995 Lotus Esprit, a 245/45R17 tire applies to the S4s rear position, so the first priority is confirming the car is an S4s with the correct 17-inch rear wheel. After that, compare radial tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and any intended-use differences among the available products.
That size includes choices from BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac, so the decision is not just about getting a 245/45R17. A blackwall performance-style tire, a raised white letter option, a redline version, or a drag-oriented radial can change the car’s presentation and use case, even though the nominal size remains the same.
What sidewall styles are available for 1995 Lotus Esprit tires?
Sidewall style depends on the exact tire size, but the available 1995 Lotus Esprit product range includes blackwall, raised white letter, and redline sidewall treatments. The broadest sidewall variety appears in 245/45R17, which is the rear size used on the Esprit S4s.
That gives an owner some freedom to shape the look of the car without changing the underlying size. Blackwall keeps a more understated modern appearance, while raised white letter and redline options add a more deliberate visual statement. Sidewall treatment should be chosen after confirming the correct size and wheel setup, not as a substitute for proper fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1995 Lotus Esprit?
Available tire brands for the 1995 Lotus Esprit include BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac, depending on the size. BFGoodrich appears in both 245/50R16 and 245/45R17, while the 245/45R17 size adds the widest mix of brands and tire series.
Brand choice is only part of the decision, because the exact size, axle position, and wheel diameter still come first. Once the correct fitment is confirmed, it makes sense to compare each brand’s available tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width specification so the tire matches the Esprit’s setup and the owner’s intended appearance or driving use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1995 Lotus Esprit?
A period-style 1995 Lotus Esprit starts with using the correct staggered radial size for the exact sub-model. That means keeping the S4 on its 16-inch front-and-rear pairing or the S4s on its 17-inch front-and-rear pairing, then choosing a tire whose overall look suits a 1990s Lotus sports car.
For many owners, that points toward a blackwall radial with proportions that preserve the car’s intended stance. Appearance still needs to stay secondary to fitment, because the wrong wheel diameter or rear size will change the visual balance immediately. If originality matters at a deeper restoration level, period photos and marque-specific references are worth checking before deciding on brand or sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1995 Lotus Esprit?
On a 1995 Lotus Esprit, construction choice is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires. That keeps the car in the low-profile, modern-performance visual language it was designed around, with short sidewalls and a staggered front-to-rear stance that is central to the Esprit’s later appearance.
Appearance differences are more likely to come from sidewall treatment and tire series than from changing between bias-ply and radial construction. A blackwall tire tends to maintain the cleanest contemporary look, while redline or raised white letter options create a more customized presentation. The most restoration-minded approach is still to preserve the correct size, wheel diameter, and front-rear relationship first.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1995 Lotus Esprit?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1995 Lotus Esprit. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body modifications can all influence whether the original S4 or S4s tire sizes remain appropriate for the car’s current front-and-rear setup.
A modified Esprit should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance before replacement tires are chosen. Steering travel, inner suspension clearance, and fender clearance all matter on a low-profile staggered application. Even when the tire size sounds correct on paper, the car’s present configuration may require a more careful confirmation than a stock example.
What should I inspect before driving a 1995 Lotus Esprit on new tires?
Before driving a 1995 Lotus Esprit on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the front and rear sizes are mounted in the correct positions, and check inflation pressure carefully. It is also smart to verify valve stems, wheel hardware, and overall tire seating before putting the car back into regular road use.
A short initial drive should be followed by another visual check for air loss, rubbing, or any sign that the tire is contacting suspension or bodywork. On a staggered sports-car setup, even a small fitment mistake can show up quickly. Watching for vibration, steering pull, or unusual clearance issues early helps catch problems before a longer drive.
How often should tires on a 1995 Lotus Esprit be inspected?
Tires on a 1995 Lotus Esprit should be inspected regularly, especially because many collector and specialty sports cars spend periods parked rather than accumulating steady mileage. Pressure, tread condition, sidewall condition, and any sign of cracking, bulges, cuts, or uneven wear all deserve routine attention.
A visual check before drives is a sensible habit, and a more thorough inspection is worthwhile after storage or before a longer trip. Low-use cars can age their tires without showing much tread wear, so appearance alone is not enough. Keeping the tires clean, properly inflated, and away from prolonged heat, sunlight, and ozone sources also helps protect them between outings.
