1977 Audi reflects the brand’s steady move from niche European import to a more established player in the U.S., with front-wheel-drive sedans that emphasized efficiency, road manners, and clean engineering rather than excess. In that year, Audi’s range spanned the larger 100 and the smaller Fox, and tire choice follows those distinct roles. Across 1977 Audi models, three radial sizes appear, with the 100 using its own 14-inch fitment while the Fox uses two different 13-inch sizes. The key first step is confirming whether you have a 100 or a Fox, then deciding which exact size belongs on your car before narrowing your choice by brand and intended driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1977 Audi
Three tire sizes are used across 1977 Audi vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The main fitment decision is confirming the correct model and rim diameter first, since the Audi 100 uses a 14-inch tire while the Audi Fox uses 13-inch sizes. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right car.
Year(s): 1977|Fit(s): 100|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
165R14 is a euro-metric radial size with a 165-millimeter section width and a 14-inch rim diameter; when no aspect ratio is shown, this format conventionally corresponds to an 80-series profile. This size is specific to the 1977 Audi 100 rather than universal across the year and make, and it is available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in Blackwall form, with H speed ratings to 130 mph; tube marking varies by product. It suits an owner who wants the correct 14-inch Audi 100 fitment with a distinctly European radial character.
Year(s): 1977|Fit(s): Fox|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a euro-metric radial size with a 155-millimeter section width and a 13-inch rim diameter, and this format conventionally indicates an 80-series profile when no aspect ratio is printed. This size is specific to the 1977 Audi Fox, and it is available from Michelin and Dunlop in Blackwall form with H speed ratings to 130 mph; tube marking varies by product. It is the narrower Fox fitment and will appeal to owners staying close to the car’s original small-sedan tire character.
Year(s): 1977|Fit(s): Fox|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 175-millimeter section width, a stated 70-series aspect ratio, and a 13-inch rim diameter. This size is also specific to the 1977 Audi Fox and is available from Avon in Blackwall form with an H speed rating to 130 mph. It is the lower-profile Fox option for owners who need that exact size rather than the narrower 155R13 fitment.
Two 1977 Audi models are covered here. Tire size changes by model, so identifying whether you have an Audi 100 or an Audi Fox matters before choosing a tire, and Fox owners also need to confirm which of the two 13-inch sizes their car uses. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific Audi.
1977 Audi 100
The 1977 Audi 100 was Audi’s larger, more refined sedan, known for crisp European styling and an emphasis on comfort and efficiency rather than muscle-car theatrics. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, setting it apart from the smaller Fox and placing it in a more upscale touring-oriented part of the Audi lineup.
The 1977 Audi Fox was the smaller, lighter Audi sold in the U.S., valued for simplicity, economy, and the straightforward road manners that made compact European sedans appealing in the late 1970s. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and the Fox uses two different radial sizes depending on the exact application.
Six products are available across three tire sizes for 1977 Audi vehicles. The 165R14 offers three radial choices from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in Blackwall form; 155R13 offers two radial Blackwall choices from Michelin and Dunlop; 175/70R13 offers one radial Blackwall choice from Avon. Confirm your size first, since tube marking can vary between products.
These FAQs cover the model-specific sizing used across 1977 Audi cars, the difference between the Fox’s two 13-inch radial sizes and the 100’s 14-inch fitment, plus setup, storage, and highway-use considerations for collector-driven European sedans.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1977 Audi vehicles?
1977 Audi vehicles use three tire sizes across two model lines. The Audi 100 uses 165R14 on a 14-inch rim, while the Audi Fox uses either 155R13 or 175/70R13 on 13-inch rims. Rim width guidance is available for several of these sizes: 165R14 appears on products suited to 4.0 to 6.0-inch wheel widths depending on the tire, 155R13 appears with a 4.00 to 5.50-inch range, and 175/70R13 appears with a 4.5 to 6.0-inch range.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a confident tire choice on a 1977 Audi. Audi 100 owners can focus directly on 165R14, while Audi Fox owners should confirm which 13-inch size is already on the car, what the wheel measures, and whether the goal is keeping the car close to original specification or matching an existing wheel-and-tire setup.
What does 165R14 mean on a 1977 Audi tire?
On a 1977 Audi, 165R14 is a euro-metric radial size. The 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because no aspect ratio is printed, this format conventionally falls into the 80-series family used on many European cars of the period.
That sizing format is typical of the Audi 100’s era and character, so it helps explain why several European-brand touring tires are offered in the size. If your car is a 1977 Audi 100, the next step is confirming the wheel width and then choosing among the available Blackwall radials based on brand preference, casing details, and whether the product uses tubeless marking.
Do all 1977 Audi models use the same tire size?
No, 1977 Audi models do not all use the same tire size. The Audi 100 uses 165R14, while the Audi Fox uses 155R13 or 175/70R13. The split is not just a minor variation in labeling either, because the Audi 100 uses a 14-inch tire and the Fox uses 13-inch sizes.
That difference matters because it changes the wheel diameter as well as the tire size you need to search. A buyer who starts with only “1977 Audi” can narrow things quickly by identifying the model first, then reading the sidewall on the current tires and comparing it with the wheel on the car before selecting a replacement.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1977 Audi tires?
1977 Audi tires in these sizes are available in Blackwall form. The 165R14 choices for the Audi 100 are Blackwall, the 155R13 choices for the Audi Fox are Blackwall, and the 175/70R13 Fox option is also Blackwall. That presentation fits the understated European look Audi favored in the late 1970s.
For most 1977 Audi restorations and drivers, Blackwall is the natural visual match because it preserves the clean, functional appearance these cars carried when new. If appearance is part of your decision, sidewall style becomes simple here, and the more important comparison shifts to the exact size, the brand’s tread personality, and whether the tire matches your wheel and intended use.
What brands make tires for 1977 Audi vehicles?
Several brands cover 1977 Audi fitments. The 165R14 size for the Audi 100 is available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein; the 155R13 size for the Audi Fox is available from Michelin and Dunlop; and the 175/70R13 Fox size is available from Avon. All of these are radial tires, and all appear in Blackwall form.
That brand spread gives buyers room to stay with a familiar European touring name or choose a tire with a slightly different historical flavor. The practical way to compare them is to start with the correct model and size, then look at wheel-width suitability, speed rating, and any tube marking on the exact tire rather than assuming every radial in the same size is identical.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic for a 1977 Audi 100?
For a 1977 Audi 100 in 165R14, both the Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic are radial Blackwall tires with an H speed rating. The Michelin XAS carries a published rim width range of 4.50 to 6.00 inches and a weight of 20 pounds, while the Vredestein Sprint Classic carries a published rim width range of 4.0 to 5.5 inches, a weight of 16 pounds, and a max load figure of 1,102 pounds at 51 psi.
Those details matter when you are matching the tire to the actual wheel on the car and comparing how closely a given product aligns with your setup. If your 1977 Audi 100 still wears narrow factory-style wheels, the overlap in rim-width range is especially important to verify before choosing between the two.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1977 Audi tires require?
Rim width guidance varies by 1977 Audi tire size and by product. In 165R14 for the Audi 100, published fitment ranges span from 4.0 to 5.5 inches on one radial and 4.50 to 6.00 inches on another. In 155R13 for the Audi Fox, a published range of 4.00 to 5.50 inches appears, and in 175/70R13 for the Fox, a published range of 4.5 to 6.0 inches appears.
That overlap is useful, but it does not mean every tire in the same nominal size fits every wheel equally well. Measure the actual wheel width before ordering, especially on a car that may have had wheels changed over the years, and match the wheel to the specific tire rather than relying on a general size label alone.
Do 1977 Audi tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube status varies by product on 1977 Audi tires. Some 165R14 and 155R13 products carry a TL tubeless marking, while others in those same sizes do not show a tube designation in the sidewall description. The 175/70R13 Audi Fox option also appears without a tube designation in the sidewall description.
Because the marking is not uniform across every product, tube fitment should be confirmed against the exact tire you choose and the wheel you plan to use. Original steel wheels, wheel condition, and valve-stem style can all affect the final setup, so this is a good point to verify before mounting rather than after the tires arrive.
Can the original 1977 Audi wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1977 Audi wheels can only be used with tire sizes that share the same rim diameter as the model in question. The Audi 100’s 165R14 requires a 14-inch wheel, while the Audi Fox’s 155R13 and 175/70R13 both require 13-inch wheels. That means the two Fox sizes share diameter compatibility with each other, but not with the Audi 100 size.
Fox owners still need to check wheel width before assuming both 13-inch sizes are equally suitable on a particular wheel. Audi 100 owners have a more straightforward path because there is only one size family in play, but wheel width and the exact tire’s approved range should still be checked before mounting.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1977 Audi when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1977 Audi should be kept away from direct sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors, battery chargers, and furnaces. Clean, dry tires and stable inflation pressure help prevent casing stress during long static periods. Because every 1977 Audi tire here is a radial, you are mainly guarding against age cracking, pressure loss, and localized flat spotting from prolonged standing.
Moving the car periodically or supporting it in a way that reduces long-term load on one contact patch can help if the car sits for months at a time. Collectors who store a 1977 Audi seasonally should also check the spare, because a trunk tire often ages quietly even when the four road tires look serviceable.
How long do tires on a 1977 Audi typically last?
Tires on a 1977 Audi usually age out before they wear out, especially on collector-driven cars that see limited mileage. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating them closely around five to seven years of age and to treat the ten-year mark as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the best way to establish age.
That approach matters on older Audis because a car that drives only occasionally can still ride on tires that look decent at a glance but have hardened or cracked with time. If the date code, storage history, or visual condition raises concerns, age should carry more weight than mileage in your replacement decision.
How often should tires on a 1977 Audi be inspected?
Tires on a 1977 Audi should be checked before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread damage, bulges, irregular wear, and signs of pressure loss, and make sure the valve stems are in equally good condition. On a lightly used classic, small issues often show up during long parking intervals rather than during daily service.
A short pre-drive inspection is especially worthwhile on a car from the 1970s because many examples spend more time parked than driven. Catching a pressure drop, a weather-checked sidewall, or a damaged spare before a trip is far easier than sorting out a roadside problem after the car has already left the garage.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1977 Audi 100?
A 1977 Audi 100 would have been fitted with radial tires as standard-era practice, and the size associated with the model here is 165R14. That size and construction fit the period exactly, since European sedans of the 1970s had already made the transition away from bias-ply long before many collector cars in earlier eras. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery details, so construction type and size are the first authenticity checkpoints.
For restoration work, that means a 165R14 Blackwall radial is the right place to begin for a 1977 Audi 100. If the car is being judged at a high level, it is wise to confirm market-specific tire details through Audi literature, period photos, or a marque club before deciding how closely you want to match the car’s original presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1977 Audi?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1977 Audi, especially if the car is entered in a preservation or authenticity-focused class. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts will often notice whether the size, construction type, and sidewall appearance suit the year and model. On a late-1970s European sedan, an obviously incorrect diameter or a modern style that changes the car’s stance can stand out quickly.
That does not mean every event enforces the same standard, but getting the right size and a period-appropriate Blackwall radial keeps the car visually consistent with its era. Event rules vary, so owners pursuing top-level authenticity should treat club and concours guidance as the final word on what will or will not be accepted.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet for the 1977 Audi Fox?
For a 1977 Audi Fox in 155R13, both the Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet are radial Blackwall tires with an H speed rating. The Michelin carries a published rim width range of 4.00 to 5.50 inches and a TL tubeless marking, while the Dunlop carries a published max load of 937 pounds and does not show a tube designation in the sidewall description.
Those distinctions make the comparison less about appearance and more about matching the exact tire to the wheel and setup on the car. A Fox owner comparing these two should verify wheel width first, then look at tube marking, load information, and overall product character to decide which one best suits the car’s restoration goals.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1977 Audi tires safe for highway driving?
1977 Audi tires in these sizes carry H speed ratings where speed marking appears, which corresponds to a 130 mph ceiling. That is well beyond normal U.S. highway speeds, and all three sizes here are radial designs, which suit the road manners expected of a late-1970s European sedan. In practical use, the mechanical condition of the car often matters more than the tire’s headline speed rating on ordinary highway trips.
A 1977 Audi that is properly maintained, aligned, and running on correctly matched tires can be a comfortable highway car within realistic vintage-car expectations. Tire age, inflation, suspension wear, and brake condition should be treated as part of the same safety picture, because any one of them can undermine a drive long before the tire reaches its theoretical speed limit.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1977 Audi tires?
Inflation pressure for 1977 Audi tires should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for the car and tire size you are using, while also respecting the tire maker’s sidewall limits. Published pressure information appears on some products rather than all of them: the 165R14 Vredestein Sprint Classic shows 1,102 pounds at 51 psi. That figure is a tire rating reference, not a universal running pressure for every 1977 Audi application.
The safest approach is to start with the original Audi recommendation for your exact model and size, then use the tire’s own sidewall information as the operating boundary. Avoid transferring a pressure from the Audi 100’s 165R14 to either Audi Fox size, because the wheel, casing, and load characteristics are not automatically the same.
What should I check before taking a 1977 Audi on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1977 Audi, inspect all five tires for cracks, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, and uneven wear, then confirm cold inflation pressure and make sure the spare is usable. Pay attention to valve stems and verify that the tire size on the car matches the model, especially on an Audi Fox that could wear either 155R13 or 175/70R13. A quick wheel and lug inspection is also sensible after long storage.
Tires are only one part of the preparation on a car this age, but they are the first place small storage-related problems become obvious. Once the tires check out, carry the same discipline into brakes, fluid levels, belts, lighting, and cooling-system condition so the car is ready for sustained road time rather than just a short local drive.
