The 1998 Acura NSX sits in a special place among modern performance cars, blending exotic mid-engine proportions with the precision and everyday usability that made the NSX such a benchmark in its era. Tire fitment on this car is part of that balance, with a staggered radial setup that uses 215/45R16 in front and 245/40R17 in the rear. That means the key decision is not choosing between several primary sizes for one position, but matching the correct front and rear fitment and then comparing the available radial tire options for intended road use. Wheel diameter, axle position, and the car's current setup all deserve a careful look before changing anything.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Acura NSX
The 1998 Acura NSX uses two primary tire sizes, with one front fitment and one rear fitment in a staggered radial setup. Because the car uses both 16-inch and 17-inch rims, the first step is confirming which axle you are buying for and making sure the wheel diameter matches. Once that is settled, the decision becomes comparing the available tire choices within the correct size for that position.
215/45R16 is a metric radial size in which 215 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 1998 Acura NSX, this size is used at the front, where correct sizing helps preserve the intended staggered relationship with the rear tires. Because this is a low-profile modern radial format, buyers should pay close attention to matching the wheel diameter and keeping the front fitment separate from the rear. It is the right size to evaluate when replacing front tires on either covered NSX configuration.
245/40R17 is a metric radial size that denotes a nominal 245-millimeter section width, a 40-series profile, radial construction, and fitment on a 17-inch wheel. On the 1998 Acura NSX, this is the rear tire size, giving the car its wider rear fitment in the factory-style staggered arrangement. Available choices in this size come from BFGoodrich in blackwall form across several g-Force series, so the comparison centers on product line, rim-width compatibility, load specification, and intended use. This is the size to focus on when replacing rear tires and maintaining the proper front-to-rear relationship.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered NSX configurations share the same staggered setup. What matters most is confirming whether you are selecting a front or rear tire, since the car uses different sizes and rim diameters at each axle.
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1998 Acura NSX Base Front
The 1998 Acura NSX Base Front uses the 215/45R16 radial size. For tire selection, that means staying with the correct 16-inch front fitment and avoiding any confusion with the wider 17-inch rear tire used elsewhere on the car.
The 1998 Acura NSX Base Rear uses the 245/40R17 radial size. That gives rear-tire buyers several BFGoodrich blackwall choices to compare, but the starting point is still confirming the 17-inch rear wheel and keeping the staggered setup intact.
The 1998 Acura NSX T Front uses the same 215/45R16 radial tire size as the other covered front fitment. The practical takeaway is simple: select a tire built for the 16-inch front position and do not substitute the rear size at the front axle.
The 1998 Acura NSX T Rear uses the 245/40R17 radial size. Rear tire selection comes down to choosing among the available blackwall BFGoodrich g-Force offerings while making sure wheel width and overall rear fitment remain appropriate for the car's current setup.
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 1998 Acura NSX Tires for Sale
Available rear 245/40R17 choices center on BFGoodrich blackwall radial tires in several g-Force series, including Comp 2 AS, Sport Comp 2, and Phenom T/A. The main comparison points are tire series, rim-width range, and related specification differences within the same rear size.
These FAQs focus on the 1998 Acura NSX staggered tire setup, including front and rear sizes, rim fitment, product selection, restoration-minded appearance questions, and the checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Acura NSX?
The 1998 Acura NSX uses a staggered radial tire setup with 215/45R16 in front and 245/40R17 in the rear. Those are two different sizes on two different wheel diameters, so the car does not use the same tire at all four corners.
That staggered arrangement makes axle position the first fitment question. Front tires must match the 16-inch front wheels, and rear tires must match the 17-inch rear wheels. If the car has aftermarket wheels or suspension changes, confirm the actual wheel diameters and widths on the car before selecting replacement tires.
What size rim does a 1998 Acura NSX use?
The 1998 Acura NSX uses two rim diameters as part of its staggered setup: 16-inch rims at the front and 17-inch rims at the rear. Those wheel diameters correspond to the 215/45R16 front tire size and the 245/40R17 rear tire size.
Matching the tire to the correct rim diameter is essential, but it is not the only fitment check. Wheel width also matters, especially at the rear where available products carry different rim-width ranges. A quick check of the wheel markings or an accurate measurement can prevent ordering the right tire for the wrong wheel.
Do all 1998 Acura NSX sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1998 Acura NSX sub-models share the same overall staggered fitment pattern. Both the NSX Base and NSX T use 215/45R16 at the front and 245/40R17 at the rear, all in radial construction.
That means sub-model choice is less important than knowing which end of the car you are servicing. Front and rear fitment should stay separated, and replacement should preserve the staggered arrangement unless the car has been modified. Owners should still verify the actual wheel setup on the car, especially if it has changed hands or been updated over time.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/40R17 tire for a 1998 Acura NSX?
Start with the correct rear size, 245/40R17, and confirm that the tire matches the car's 17-inch rear wheel. Available choices in this size are radial blackwall tires from BFGoodrich, with several g-Force series that differ in rim-width range, load specification, and related product details.
The best comparison points are how each tire fits the wheel you already have and how the car is used. A stock-style street car, a modified NSX, and a car with non-original wheels may not want the same product. Checking rear wheel width before comparing tires helps narrow the field quickly and avoids a mismatch in intended fitment.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Acura NSX tires?
The available 245/40R17 rear tire choices for the 1998 Acura NSX use a blackwall sidewall style. That keeps the appearance clean and understated, which suits the modern performance character of the NSX without introducing a more overt vintage sidewall treatment.
Sidewall style is an appearance decision as much as a fitment detail, but it should still be considered alongside size and wheel compatibility. On a car like the NSX, matching the correct front and rear sizes remains the priority. Once fitment is settled, blackwall construction offers a straightforward, contemporary presentation for the rear position.
What tire series are available for the 1998 Acura NSX?
For the rear 245/40R17 fitment, the 1998 Acura NSX has BFGoodrich options in several g-Force series, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A. All are radial blackwall tires in the correct rear size, but they are not identical in their detailed specifications.
Series names help separate one product from another when several tires share the same size. Comparing the series alongside rim-width range, load figure where shown, and other product characteristics gives a clearer picture than looking at size alone. That is especially useful on a staggered-performance car where rear fitment deserves careful attention.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Acura NSX?
A period-style approach for a 1998 Acura NSX starts with preserving the correct staggered sizing: 215/45R16 in front and 245/40R17 in the rear, both in radial construction. Keeping the proper low-profile front and rear relationship does more for the car's visual stance than changing to a different sizing philosophy.
Appearance choices should still follow fitment discipline. The available rear products use a blackwall presentation, which is in step with the NSX's late-1990s performance look. If exact restoration detail matters beyond basic size and construction, period photos, marque references, and vehicle-specific historical sources are the right next step before making cosmetic tire decisions.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1998 Acura NSX restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1998 Acura NSX because the car uses a staggered setup with distinct front and rear sizes. Keeping 215/45R16 at the front and 245/40R17 at the rear preserves the intended visual balance and avoids giving the car an altered stance.
Restoration-minded buyers should think beyond tread alone and look at construction, wheel diameter, and sidewall presentation as part of the finished result. Even small departures from the original sizing pattern can change how the car sits and how the wheels fill the arches. That makes fitment accuracy a foundational step in any appearance-focused NSX project.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Acura NSX?
Yes. Wheel changes, altered wheel widths, suspension modifications, ride-height changes, and bodywork adjustments can all affect tire fitment on a 1998 Acura NSX. That matters even more on a staggered car because the front and rear use different sizes and different rim diameters from the start.
A modified NSX should be checked at each axle before replacement tires are chosen. Confirm the actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance rather than assuming the car still matches stock fitment. Looking at steering clearance up front and body or suspension clearance at the rear can help prevent surprises after installation.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Acura NSX on new tires?
Before driving, inspect tire pressure, wheel fastener tightness, tread and sidewall condition, and basic clearance at both front and rear. On a 1998 Acura NSX, it is also wise to confirm that the 215/45R16 tires are on the front and the 245/40R17 tires are on the rear.
A short initial check after installation can catch issues early. Watch for any rubbing during steering movement, recheck air pressure after the first drives, and pay attention to vibration or unusual handling. On a low-use collector car, it is also smart to inspect the rest of the suspension and alignment condition before putting miles on fresh tires.
How often should tires on a 1998 Acura NSX be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Acura NSX should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Age, air loss, flat spotting, cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear can all develop even when mileage stays low.
A quick visual check before drives and a more careful inspection at regular intervals is a sensible routine for a collector-era performance car. Looking at both axle positions matters because the NSX uses different front and rear sizes. Storage conditions also count, so keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires.
