In 1981, Audi was building its American reputation around crisp European styling, front-wheel-drive practicality, and a more technical feel than many mainstream imports of the period. The 1981 Audi range stretched from the compact 4000 to the larger 5000 and the sportier Coupe, so tire choice was not one-size-fits-all across the lineup. Four tire sizes appear across three models, with the 5000 alone using two different fitments, and the main decision comes down to identifying your exact model and wheel diameter before comparing sidewall style or road-going character. For 1981 Audi fitment, the first thing to confirm is whether you have a 13-, 14-, or 15-inch wheel and which model it belongs to.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1981 Audi
Four tire sizes were used across 1981 Audi vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. Because these sizes span 13-, 14-, and 15-inch wheels, the real first step is confirming your exact model and rim diameter before comparing tire style or intended use. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right car.
Year(s): 1981|Fit(s): 4000|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
A 175/70R13 is a radial tire with a 175-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 13-inch wheel. This size is specific to the Audi 4000 and is available as a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ, with an H speed rating carrying a 130 mph ceiling. It suits an owner who wants the correct 13-inch fitment for the 4000 while keeping a distinctly European radial character.
Year(s): 1981|Fit(s): 5000|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
A 185/70R14 is a radial tire with a 185-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This size is specific to the Audi 5000 and is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in blackwall and wide whitewall styles; speed ratings vary by product, including H at 130 mph and V at 149 mph, and one Michelin XAS version is marked TL for tubeless use. It is the right choice for a 5000 running the 14-inch fitment, with options that range from understated European-style blackwalls to a more pronounced whitewall look.
Year(s): 1981|Fit(s): 5000|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
A 205/60R15 is a radial tire with a 205-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. This size is specific to the Audi 5000 and is available from Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich in blackwall, wide whitewall, and RWL sidewall styles; speed ratings vary by product, including S at 112 mph and W at 168 mph, and at least one Michelin version is marked TL for tubeless use. It fits 5000 applications using the larger 15-inch wheel and gives the broadest mix of appearance choices, from touring-oriented blackwalls to period-flavored whitewalls and sportier raised white letters.
Year(s): 1981|Fit(s): Coupe|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
A 185/60R14 is a radial tire with a 185-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This size is specific to the Audi Coupe and appears here as a blackwall Michelin Pilot Exalto with a V speed rating carrying a 149 mph ceiling and TL tubeless marking. It is the direct fitment path for the Coupe owner who needs the lower-profile 14-inch size used on that model.
Three Audi model lines are covered for 1981, and they do not all use the same tire size. That matters in practical terms because year and make alone are not enough here; the 4000, 5000, and Coupe each point to different fitments, and the 5000 itself can fall into either a 14-inch or 15-inch tire size. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire choices that apply to that specific Audi.
1981 Audi 4000
The 1981 Audi 4000 was Audi's compact sedan, aimed at buyers who wanted European road manners and clean, restrained design in a smaller package. Its tire fitment mounts on a 13-inch wheel, which separates it clearly from the larger 5000 and the sport-oriented Coupe.
Associated Tire Sizes:
175/70R13 — radial, compact original fitment character
The 1981 Audi 5000 was the larger, more upscale car in Audi's U.S. range, known for its roomy hatchback-sedan packaging and distinctly modern European look for the time. It is the only 1981 Audi model here with two tire fitments, mounting either a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel depending on application.
The 1981 Audi Coupe gave the brand a sleeker two-door offering with a more sporting personality than the sedans, while still carrying Audi's front-drive, German-engineered character. Its tires mount on a 14-inch wheel, but with a lower-profile size than the 5000's 14-inch fitment.
Eleven products are available across four tire sizes for 1981 Audi vehicles. The 175/70R13 has 1 Avon radial in blackwall, the 185/70R14 has 5 radial choices from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in blackwall and wide whitewall, the 205/60R15 has 4 radial choices from Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich in blackwall, wide whitewall, and RWL, and the 185/60R14 has 1 Michelin radial in blackwall. Confirm your size first, since speed ratings and tubeless markings vary between products within some sizes.
These FAQs sort out which tire size belongs to each 1981 Audi model, how the 5000's two fitments differ, what blackwall, whitewall, and RWL choices exist, and what to check before putting a lightly driven early-1980s Audi back on the road.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1981 Audi vehicles?
1981 Audi vehicles use four different tire sizes across three model lines. The Audi 4000 uses 175/70R13, the Audi Coupe uses 185/60R14, and the Audi 5000 uses either 185/70R14 or 205/60R15. Rim diameters therefore span 13, 14, and 15 inches, and available rim-width ranges by size include 4.5 to 6.0 inches for 175/70R13, roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches for 185/70R14 depending on the tire, 5.5 to 7.5 inches for 205/60R15, and 5.0 to 6.0 inches for 185/60R14.
The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough for a 1981 Audi tire search. You need to identify the exact model first, and if you have a 5000, you also need to confirm whether the car is using the 14-inch or 15-inch wheel fitment before choosing a tire. Checking the size molded into the current sidewall and comparing it to the actual wheel diameter is the quickest way to avoid crossing a 14-inch fitment with a 15-inch one.
What does 175/70R13 mean on a 1981 Audi tire?
On a 1981 Audi tire, 175/70R13 is a metric radial size. The 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 70 percent of the section width, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Within the 1981 Audi range, this size belongs to the 4000.
That decoding matters because it tells you both the wheel diameter and the tire's general profile. A 175/70R13 cannot substitute directly for the 14-inch and 15-inch Audi fitments because the wheel diameter is different, and the narrower section width also gives the 4000 its own fitment character. If your 4000 has aftermarket wheels, verify the actual wheel size before assuming it still follows the original 13-inch pattern.
Do all 1981 Audi models use the same tire size?
No, 1981 Audi models do not all use the same tire size. The 4000 uses 175/70R13, the Coupe uses 185/60R14, and the 5000 uses either 185/70R14 or 205/60R15. Even though the Coupe and one version of the 5000 both use 14-inch wheels, their tire sizes are not interchangeable because the aspect ratio and overall fitment intent differ.
That means the correct tire choice starts with model identification, not just the brand badge or model year. On a 1981 Audi 5000, the extra step is confirming whether the car is on its 14-inch or 15-inch wheel setup. If the car has been restored or modified over the years, compare the tire size on the sidewall with the wheel diameter and the wheel width before making a final selection.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1981 Audi tires?
1981 Audi tires are available in several sidewall styles, depending on size. The 175/70R13 and 185/60R14 options are blackwall only, the 185/70R14 for the Audi 5000 comes in blackwall and wide whitewall, and the 205/60R15 for the Audi 5000 comes in blackwall, wide whitewall, and RWL raised white letter form. All of these fitments are radial constructions.
For a European car like a 1981 Audi, blackwall is usually the most natural visual match if you want a restrained, factory-like appearance. Whitewalls and RWLs can still appeal to owners building toward a particular period-custom look, especially on a 5000 running the 15-inch fitment. Sidewall style does not replace basic fitment checks, so choose the correct size and wheel diameter first, then decide how original or personalized you want the finished look to be.
What brands make tires for 1981 Audi vehicles?
Several brands cover 1981 Audi fitments. Avon offers the 175/70R13 and also appears in 185/70R14, while BFGoodrich, Dunlop, and Michelin also cover 185/70R14. The 205/60R15 is available from Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich, and the 185/60R14 appears in a Michelin offering.
Brand choice usually comes down to which size your Audi needs and what sort of appearance you want on the car. Some sizes skew toward blackwall European-style offerings, while others broaden into whitewall or raised white letter options that change the car's visual character more dramatically than they change basic fitment. Once you narrow the correct size, compare sidewall style, speed rating, and rim-width compatibility rather than assuming every brand's version serves the same purpose.
What is the difference between Michelin Primacy 3 and BFGoodrich Radial T/A for a 1981 Audi 5000?
Within the 205/60R15 size for a 1981 Audi 5000, Michelin Primacy 3 and BFGoodrich Radial T/A take noticeably different approaches. The Michelin is a blackwall 205/60R15 91W TL radial with a 168 mph W speed rating and a 5.5 to 7.5 inch rim-width range, while the BFGoodrich is an RWL 205/60R15 90S radial with a 112 mph S speed rating, a 5.5 to 7.5 inch rim-width range, and a max load figure of 1,301 pounds at 35 psi.
For the owner, the difference is less about basic fitment and more about appearance and rating profile. The Michelin keeps a cleaner, more understated sidewall and carries the higher speed ceiling, while the BFGoodrich brings a period-performance look through raised white letters. Either way, the decision should be made after confirming that your 5000 is the 15-inch application rather than the separate 185/70R14 setup.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1981 Audi tires require?
Rim-width ranges vary by tire size on 1981 Audi vehicles. The 175/70R13 size fits rims from 4.5 to 6.0 inches wide, the 185/70R14 size spans from about 4.5 to 6.5 inches depending on the tire, the 205/60R15 size spans 5.5 to 7.5 inches, and the 185/60R14 size fits 5.0 to 6.0 inch rims. Those ranges come from the individual tires offered in each size, so they should be treated as tire-specific rather than universal rules for every brand ever made in that size.
This matters most when a 1981 Audi has aftermarket wheels or when a wheel has been swapped from another version of the same model line. A tire can share the correct diameter but still be a poor match if the wheel is outside the approved width range for that specific tire. Before finalizing a choice, measure or verify the wheel width and compare it to the exact tire you plan to run, especially on the 5000's 15-inch fitment.
Do 1981 Audi tires require inner tubes?
1981 Audi tire offerings here are overwhelmingly modern radial designs, and some are explicitly marked TL for tubeless use. The Michelin XAS in 185/70R14, the Michelin Primacy 3 in 205/60R15, and the Michelin Pilot Exalto in 185/60R14 all carry TL markings. Other tires in those same sizes do not always spell that out in the same way, so tube status can vary by product presentation and should be confirmed on the exact tire and wheel combination you plan to use.
In practice, the wheel condition matters just as much as the tire marking. An original wheel with corrosion, pitting, or damage around the bead seat may need attention before it can reliably hold a tubeless radial, even if the tire itself is intended for tubeless service. If your 1981 Audi is still on older factory wheels, inspect the rims carefully and confirm valve-stem condition at the same time.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1981 Audi when the tires are fitted?
A 1981 Audi should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and avoid letting the car sit for months on a damp surface. Radial tires generally resist flat-spotting better than older bias-ply designs, but any collector car can still develop temporary flat spots if it remains parked too long without movement.
For longer storage, move the car periodically or support it in a way that reduces continuous load on one contact patch, while still following safe lifting practice. If the car is ready to drive after a dormant period, inspect the sidewalls and tread before rolling out instead of assuming the tires are fine because the mileage is low. Good storage habits preserve both appearance and road manners on an early-1980s Audi.
How long do tires on a 1981 Audi typically last?
Tires on a 1981 Audi should be judged more by age and condition than by miles traveled. Collector-car tires often age out before they wear out, so a five-to-seven-year inspection mindset is sensible, and around ten years is the point where replacement deserves serious consideration even if the tread still looks deep. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the best starting point for understanding tire age.
A low-mileage Audi 4000, 5000, or Coupe can still be riding on tires that look presentable but have hardened internally or begun subtle sidewall cracking. Heat cycling, storage conditions, inflation history, and exposure to sunlight all matter as much as mileage. If you are unsure how old the tires are, checking date codes and having the tires inspected before any sustained road use is far more important than relying on tread depth alone.
How often should tires on a 1981 Audi be inspected?
Tires on a 1981 Audi should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer highway outing. Look for sidewall cracking, weather checking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven tread wear, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure between uses. If your setup uses tubeless tires on older wheels, inspect valve stems and bead-seat condition as part of the routine rather than focusing on tread alone.
Frequent inspection matters because many vintage and collector cars spend more time parked than driven. Problems such as dry rot, slow leaks, or age-related separation can show up long before the tread is worn. A quick visual check and pressure check take only a few minutes, and they can help catch a deteriorating tire before it turns into a vibration issue, a damaged wheel, or a roadside failure.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1981 Audi 4000?
A 1981 Audi 4000 would have been a radial-tire car from the factory era, not a bias-ply car. Within the fitments covered here, the 4000 uses 175/70R13, which matches the period trend toward metric radial sizing on compact European sedans. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery details, so the safest historical anchor is the correct size and radial construction rather than assuming one factory brand across every car.
For an owner pursuing authenticity, the most important thing is staying with the proper 13-inch radial size and an appearance that suits an early-1980s German sedan. Blackwall styling is usually the most natural visual direction for that kind of restoration. If your car is a particularly original survivor or a show-focused restoration, a marque club, sales brochure archive, or Audi specialist can help confirm market-specific details beyond the basic size and construction.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1981 Audi?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1981 Audi, especially if the event values originality. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts typically notice whether the size is right for the model, whether the wheel diameter matches the car's proper setup, and whether the sidewall style suits the period and market character of the vehicle. A 4000 wearing a 5000 size, or a Coupe wearing an overly tall 14-inch tire, would look off even before close technical scrutiny.
For a show-oriented car, fitment accuracy often matters more than broad brand preference. A clean blackwall radial tends to align better with the restrained European appearance Audi cultivated at the time, while whitewalls or raised white letters can push the look away from stock presentation. If you are building for concours judging rather than general enjoyment, check the event rules and compare your tire choice to original literature or marque-club guidance.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial for a 1981 Audi 5000?
In the 185/70R14 size for a 1981 Audi 5000, Michelin XAS and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial differ in both appearance and rating details. The Michelin XAS is a blackwall 185/70VR14 88V TL radial with a V speed rating to 149 mph and a 4.50 to 6.00 inch rim-width range, while the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial uses a 2.25-inch wide whitewall and carries a max load figure of 1,201 pounds at 35 psi with a 5.00 to 6.50 inch rim-width range.
That makes them suitable for different restoration directions on the same 14-inch 5000 fitment. The Michelin leans toward a more European visual and rating profile, while the BFGoodrich shifts the car's appearance toward a brighter whitewall presentation. Neither choice changes the need to verify the 14-inch wheel application first, but the sidewall treatment can significantly influence how stock or how personalized the finished car appears.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1981 Audi tires safe for highway driving?
1981 Audi tires can be entirely suitable for highway driving when the correct size is fitted, the tires are in sound condition, and the chosen product's speed rating matches your intended use. The available ratings here include H at 130 mph, V at 149 mph, W at 168 mph, and S at 112 mph, depending on size and product. Those ceilings are well above normal U.S. highway speeds, so on a healthy car the age and condition of the tire usually matter more than the raw rating number.
The bigger safety question on an early-1980s Audi is often the total condition of the car, not simply whether the tire has a modern speed symbol. Brakes, suspension wear, alignment, wheel condition, and old rubber components all influence highway confidence. Before any sustained trip, confirm the exact tire size for your model, inspect the tires for age-related deterioration, and make sure the rest of the car is as ready for the road as the tires are.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1981 Audi tires?
Inflation pressure for 1981 Audi tires should start with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for the specific model and then be checked against the tire maker's maximum load and pressure information for the exact tire. Some tires here include load-and-pressure figures, such as 185/70R14 at 1,201 pounds at 35 psi or 1,235 pounds, 205/60R15 at 1,301 pounds at 35 psi, and another 205/60R15 at 1,521 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures are not blanket inflation recommendations for every 1981 Audi application.
The reason to be careful is simple: different sizes and different tire constructions can carry different loads at different pressures, and one pressure spec should never be transferred casually from one size to another. Use the owner's manual or factory placard as the baseline for normal driving, then confirm that your selected tire's rated pressure information supports the intended use. A pressure check should be done cold, not after the car has been driven.
What should I check before taking a 1981 Audi on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1981 Audi on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation. Confirm that the tire size on the car matches the model and wheel diameter, and check the spare as well, since a decades-old spare can be unusable even if it has never touched the road. If the tire is marked tubeless and mounted on an older wheel, pay extra attention to valve stems and any sign of leakage around the bead.
Tires are only one part of the longer-drive checklist on a vintage Audi, but they are the part in constant contact with the road. Once the tires pass inspection, it is wise to review brakes, steering response, suspension feel, and fluid condition before committing to distance. A careful pre-drive routine is especially valuable on cars that spend long stretches parked between outings, because storage-related issues can surface the moment the car returns to regular speed.
