The 1998 Ford Mustang sits in the SN95 era, when Ford blended familiar Mustang character with a more modern chassis and a wider spread of trim personalities from the everyday Base model to the GT and SVT Cobra. Tire fitment follows that same pattern, with radial sizes ranging from 205/65R15 to 245/45R17 depending on sub-model and wheel package. Available choices include traditional-looking whitewall and redline treatments in 15-inch fitment, along with blackwall, raised white letter, and performance-oriented 16- and 17-inch options. For a 1998 Mustang, the real key is matching the tire to the exact sub-model, wheel diameter, and the look or road use you want.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Ford Mustang
The 1998 Ford Mustang uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Base, GT, and SVT Cobra applications do not all share the same setup, so confirming the car's current wheel size is the first step before comparing tire style, sidewall treatment, or performance-focused product choices.
205/65R15 is a metric radial size in which 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1998 Ford Mustang, this size is tied to the 15-inch application and gives the car a more traditional metric fitment. BFGoodrich offers this size in the Silvertown Radial series with Wide Whitewall and Redline sidewall treatments. It is the size to evaluate when keeping a Base-model Mustang on its 15-inch wheel setup and when appearance matters as much as basic fitment.
225/55R16 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series profile, and a 16-inch rim diameter. For the 1998 Ford Mustang, this size belongs to a 16-inch setup and sits between the smaller 15-inch fitment and the wider 17-inch alternative used on other configurations. Available choices in this size come from BFGoodrich in the g-Force Sport Comp 2 and g-Force Comp 2 AS series, both with blackwall styling. This is the size to focus on when the Mustang has the 16-inch GT wheel package and you want a modern radial performance-oriented option.
245/45R17 is a metric radial size where 245 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1998 Ford Mustang, this wider 17-inch fitment is used on certain GT configurations and on the SVT Cobra. Product choices are broad here, including BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac, with blackwall, raised white letter, and redline sidewall presentations across several series. It is the right size to compare when the car already carries a 17-inch wheel and the goal is matching either performance use or a specific visual style.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1998 Ford Mustang because the Base, GT, and SVT Cobra do not all use the same tire size. Identifying the exact sub-model and confirming the wheel diameter will narrow the search quickly and keep the tire choice aligned with the car's intended setup.
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1998 Ford Mustang Base
The 1998 Ford Mustang Base uses the 205/65R15 radial fitment. That points the selection process toward 15-inch tires, where the main choice becomes sidewall presentation, especially if the goal is a more traditional whitewall or redline appearance.
The 1998 Ford Mustang GT can use either a 225/55R16 or 245/45R17 radial, depending on the wheel setup on the car. Tire selection starts with confirming whether the GT has 16-inch or 17-inch wheels, then comparing the available performance-oriented series and sidewall styles in that exact size.
The 1998 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra uses the 245/45R17 radial fitment. That keeps the focus on 17-inch choices, where the buyer can compare blackwall, raised white letter, and redline presentations along with different performance-minded tire series.
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 Ford Mustang Tires for Sale
Available 1998 Ford Mustang tires are all radial, but the choices vary noticeably by size. The 15-inch fitment centers on BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial whitewall and redline styles, while the 16- and 17-inch sizes add BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac performance-oriented series.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2 Inch Whitewall | 205/65R15
These 1998 Ford Mustang tire FAQs focus on exact size fitment by sub-model, wheel diameter, available radial choices, sidewall and brand differences, and the key inspections to make before putting a Base, GT, or SVT Cobra back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Ford Mustang?
A 1998 Ford Mustang can use three different tire sizes: 205/65R15, 225/55R16, and 245/45R17. The Base model uses 205/65R15, the SVT Cobra uses 245/45R17, and the GT can use either 225/55R16 or 245/45R17 depending on the wheel setup.
That means the first step is not choosing a brand or sidewall style, but confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter on the car. A Mustang that has changed wheels over the years may no longer match its original configuration, so checking the tire sidewall and measuring the wheel before replacement helps avoid ordering the wrong size.
What size rim does a 1998 Ford Mustang use?
The 1998 Ford Mustang uses 15-inch, 16-inch, or 17-inch rims depending on the tire size and sub-model configuration. A 205/65R15 tire mounts on a 15-inch rim, a 225/55R16 mounts on a 16-inch rim, and a 245/45R17 mounts on a 17-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the critical measurement because a tire must match it exactly. Before replacing tires, confirm the wheel diameter actually on the car, especially on a GT that may have either 16-inch or 17-inch fitment. Wheel width also matters once the diameter is confirmed, since available products within each size can call for different rim-width ranges.
Why does the 1998 Ford Mustang have more than one tire size?
The 1998 Ford Mustang has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model and wheel package. The Base model uses a 15-inch setup, the SVT Cobra uses a 17-inch setup, and the GT appears with either 16-inch or 17-inch fitment rather than one universal size.
That variation is normal for a performance-oriented model line with different trim levels and wheel combinations. Instead of assuming all 1998 Mustangs use the same tire, match the replacement to the specific car in front of you. Looking at the current tire size and wheel diameter will usually answer the question faster than relying on model name alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1998 Ford Mustang tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact car: 205/65R15, 225/55R16, or 245/45R17. From there, compare the tire's intended character, sidewall style, construction details, and wheel compatibility so the choice matches how the Mustang is set up and how it will be used.
A Base model owner may focus more on appearance, especially with whitewall or redline 15-inch options, while a GT or SVT Cobra owner may be comparing blackwall or other performance-oriented 16- and 17-inch tires. It also helps to review rim-width requirements, load figures where given, and whether the car has stock or aftermarket wheels.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Ford Mustang tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1998 Ford Mustang include Wide Whitewall, Redline, Blackwall, and RWL, depending on the tire size. The 205/65R15 fitment offers Wide Whitewall and Redline, while the 16-inch size centers on Blackwall, and the 245/45R17 fitment includes Blackwall, RWL, and Redline options.
That variety gives the Mustang owner a real appearance decision once the correct size is confirmed. A whitewall or redline can create a more custom or nostalgic presentation on a 15-inch setup, while blackwall and raised white letter styles suit the more modern performance look of the GT and SVT Cobra wheel packages.
What brands offer tires for the 1998 Ford Mustang?
Tires for the 1998 Ford Mustang are available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac, depending on size. BFGoodrich appears across all three sizes, while Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac are part of the 245/45R17 selection used on certain GT applications and the SVT Cobra.
Brand choice matters less than matching the tire to the correct size, wheel, and intended use. Once that is settled, compare the series within that size for differences in sidewall presentation, rim-width fitment, and product character. A 15-inch Base-model tire search looks very different from a 17-inch Cobra or GT tire search.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Ford Mustang?
A period-style 1998 Ford Mustang tire choice starts with keeping the correct size for the car's sub-model and wheel diameter. For a Base model on 15-inch wheels, the 205/65R15 BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial choices with whitewall or redline sidewalls create a more appearance-driven presentation than the blackwall performance tires used in larger sizes.
GT and SVT Cobra applications generally point toward 16-inch or 17-inch radial tires with a more contemporary performance look. If historical accuracy matters beyond general period style, compare the tire choice against original owner literature, window sticker information, marque-club references, or the car's known wheel package before settling on a final appearance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1998 Ford Mustang?
Construction is straightforward on the 1998 Ford Mustang because the primary fitments here are all radial. That means the visual difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial shape and more from size, wheel diameter, sidewall height, and sidewall treatment such as whitewall, redline, blackwall, or raised white letter.
A restored Base model on 15-inch wheels can take on a noticeably different personality from a GT or SVT Cobra simply through tire and wheel presentation. Keeping the proper size for the car matters because a mismatched diameter or profile can change the stance and overall look, even before the Mustang ever leaves the garage.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Ford Mustang?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1998 Ford Mustang even when the tire size itself is one of the correct original applications. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, lowering, or brake upgrades can all change the space available for the tire and the wheel requirements around it.
That is especially important on GT models, where both 16-inch and 17-inch setups appear. A Mustang that has been changed over time should be checked as it sits today, not assumed to match its original configuration. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at full steering lock are worth confirming before replacement tires go on.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Ford Mustang on new tires?
Before driving a 1998 Ford Mustang on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and basic suspension and steering condition. The new tires should also be checked for proper inflation, visible bead seating, and enough clearance around fenders, inner wheelhouses, and suspension components.
A careful inspection matters because a fresh tire can reveal problems that an old worn tire was masking. Uneven wear patterns, rubbing, vibration, or wandering on the first drive can point to alignment issues, wheel damage, or tired front-end parts. Catching those issues early helps protect both the tire and the car.
How often should tires on a 1998 Ford Mustang be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Ford Mustang should be inspected regularly, not only when tread looks worn. Collector and fair-weather cars often age out their tires before they wear them out, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, bulges, cuts, and irregular wear deserve routine attention even on a low-mile Mustang.
A quick walk-around before each drive is useful, and a closer inspection at regular service intervals is even better. Tire pressure should be checked with a gauge, and any Mustang that sits for long periods benefits from watching for age-related deterioration. Storage conditions, sunlight, and long idle periods can matter almost as much as mileage.
