In 1983 Mitsubishi offered a compact lineup that reflected the brand’s growing confidence in the U.S. market, from the practical front-drive Cordia and Tredia to the turbocharged, rear-drive Starion. That mix matters because 1983 Mitsubishi vehicles did not all share one tire size strategy. Cordia and Tredia use two 13-inch radial sizes, while Starion steps into distinct 14-inch and 15-inch fitments aimed at a more performance-oriented package. The first thing to confirm on a 1983 Mitsubishi is the model itself, since that determines the correct rim diameter and quickly narrows whether you should be looking at compact-car sizing or Starion-specific performance sizes.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1983 Mitsubishi
Four tire sizes are used across 1983 Mitsubishi vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The real decision starts with confirming whether you have a Cordia or Tredia on 13-inch wheels, or a Starion with its separate 14-inch and 15-inch fitments. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and ensures the right match.
Year(s): 1983|Fit(s): Cordia, Tredia|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
The 165/80R13 is a metric radial size with a 165-millimeter section width, an 80-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 13-inch wheel. This size is available from BFGoodrich and Maxxis with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles, and the products in this size share a 35 psi load rating format with a maximum load of 1,069 pounds. Because it is specific to Cordia and Tredia rather than universal across 1983 Mitsubishi, it suits buyers who want the narrower of the two 13-inch radial options used on those compact models.
Year(s): 1983|Fit(s): Cordia, Tredia|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
The 185/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 13-inch wheel. BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop all offer this size, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles available; speed rating varies by product, including H-rated products to 130 mph and V-rated products to 149 mph. This size is also specific to Cordia and Tredia, and it appeals to buyers who want a broader mix of sidewall appearance choices or a more sporting interpretation within the correct 13-inch wheel diameter.
Year(s): 1983|Fit(s): Starion|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
The 215/60R15 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. American Classic, BFGoodrich, and Dunlop offer this size in wide whitewall, redline, RWL, and blackwall styles, and speed rating varies by product with S-rated products to 112 mph and V-rated products to 149 mph. This Starion-specific size is the larger of the two fitments used on 1983 Mitsubishi Starion models and fits buyers who want the 15-inch performance-oriented look associated with that platform.
Year(s): 1983|Fit(s): Starion|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
The 195/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. Dunlop offers this size as a blackwall radial with a V speed rating, giving it a 149 mph ceiling. Because it is used only on the Starion and not across the rest of the 1983 Mitsubishi range, this size is the correct path for buyers confirming a 14-inch Starion wheel package rather than a 15-inch setup.
Three Mitsubishi models are covered for 1983. Tire size does vary by model, with Cordia and Tredia sharing 13-inch fitments while Starion uses separate 14-inch and 15-inch sizes, so identifying the model is essential before moving on to a tire choice. Select your model below to see model-specific fitment history and the tires that match it.
1983 Mitsubishi Cordia
The 1983 Mitsubishi Cordia was Mitsubishi’s sporty compact hatchback, aimed at buyers who wanted more style and flair than a basic commuter car. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels in the fitments covered here, with both available sizes shared with the mechanically related Tredia. Cordia buyers often weigh appearance and stance a little more heavily, especially when choosing between whitewall and redline presentations.
The 1983 Mitsubishi Starion was Mitsubishi’s headline performance car, a rear-drive turbo sport coupe with a very different character from the front-drive compact sedans and hatchbacks elsewhere in the range. Its tires mount on either 14-inch or 15-inch wheels depending on the setup, and those sizes are exclusive to the Starion within 1983 Mitsubishi. That makes wheel diameter confirmation especially important before selecting a tire for one of these cars.
The 1983 Mitsubishi Tredia was a compact sedan positioned as a practical but modern import, sharing much of its engineering character with the Cordia while presenting a more formal body style. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels in the sizes covered here, and both fitments are shared with Cordia. For a Tredia, the decision often comes down to the exact size already on the car and the sidewall appearance that best suits the restoration or driver presentation.
Thirteen products are available across four tire sizes for 1983 Mitsubishi vehicles. The 165/80R13 has 2 radial choices from BFGoodrich and Maxxis in wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles; 185/70R13 has 4 radial choices from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop in blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall; 215/60R15 has 4 radial choices from American Classic, BFGoodrich, and Dunlop in wide whitewall, redline, RWL, and blackwall; 195/70R14 has 1 blackwall radial from Dunlop. Confirm your model and wheel diameter first, since speed ratings vary within some sizes.
Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 165/80R13
These answers focus on how 1983 Mitsubishi tire fitment changes between Cordia, Tredia, and Starion, how the available 13-, 14-, and 15-inch sizes differ, and what to check for sidewall style, road use, and long-term collector care.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1983 Mitsubishi vehicles?
1983 Mitsubishi vehicles use four sizes across three models: 165/80R13 and 185/70R13 for the Cordia and Tredia, plus 195/70R14 and 215/60R15 for the Starion. The 13-inch Cordia and Tredia sizes fit 13-inch wheels, the Starion 195/70R14 fits a 14-inch wheel, and the Starion 215/60R15 fits a 15-inch wheel. Rim width guidance is available for 165/80R13 at 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 185/70R13 at 4.5 to 6.5 inches depending on the tire, and 215/60R15 at 5.50 to 7.50 inches depending on the tire.
That means year and make alone are not enough on a 1983 Mitsubishi. Start by identifying whether you have a Cordia, Tredia, or Starion, then confirm the wheel diameter already on the car before narrowing down sidewall style or brand. Cordia and Tredia buyers are comparing two 13-inch metric radials, while Starion owners need to avoid assuming the compact-car sizes will cross over.
What does 165/80R13 mean on a 1983 Mitsubishi tire?
On a 1983 Mitsubishi, 165/80R13 is a metric radial size. The 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, the R means radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. For Cordia and Tredia applications, this size is available with a 4.50 to 6.00 inch rim width range and carries a maximum load rating of 1,069 pounds at 35 psi in the products offered here.
That decoding helps you separate size from appearance. A 165/80R13 can wear a wide whitewall or a narrow whitewall, but those styling choices do not change the basic fitment. If your 1983 Mitsubishi already runs a 13-inch wheel and you are working with a Cordia or Tredia, this size is the narrower of the two correct metric radial options to compare against 185/70R13.
Do all 1983 Mitsubishi models use the same tire size?
No. The 1983 Mitsubishi Cordia and 1983 Mitsubishi Tredia share 165/80R13 and 185/70R13, but the 1983 Mitsubishi Starion uses 195/70R14 and 215/60R15 instead. Those are not interchangeable choices across the whole make because the Starion sizes mount on different wheel diameters from the Cordia and Tredia sizes.
The practical takeaway is simple: identify the model before you compare brands or sidewall styles. A buyer shopping for a 1983 Mitsubishi without confirming whether the car is a Cordia, Tredia, or Starion can end up looking at the right era of tire but the wrong wheel diameter. That is especially important with the Starion, since both 14-inch and 15-inch fitments appear within that model’s range.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1983 Mitsubishi tires?
1983 Mitsubishi tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size. The 165/80R13 comes in wide whitewall and narrow whitewall form, the 185/70R13 comes in blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, the 215/60R15 comes in blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter, and the 195/70R14 is available as a blackwall. All of these are radial tires, so the sidewall choice is mostly about visual character rather than changing construction type.
For a 1983 Mitsubishi, sidewall style should match the personality of the car and the way you want it presented. Blackwalls and raised white letters tend to suit sportier themes, especially on a Starion, while whitewalls can lean more custom or period-personalized on a Cordia or Tredia. If originality matters for show judging, verify the style against period photos, brochures, and marque-specific guidance before making a final decision.
What brands make tires for 1983 Mitsubishi vehicles?
Five brands cover 1983 Mitsubishi fitments here: BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Avon, Dunlop, and American Classic. The 165/80R13 is available from BFGoodrich and Maxxis, the 185/70R13 from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop, the 215/60R15 from American Classic, BFGoodrich, and Dunlop, and the 195/70R14 from Dunlop. That gives Cordia and Tredia buyers a different brand mix from Starion owners, even though all four sizes are radial.
Brand choice on a 1983 Mitsubishi often comes down to how you balance appearance, period feel, and intended driving use. A buyer chasing a classic sidewall treatment may end up in one brand family, while a buyer focused on a blackwall performance look may end up in another. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare sidewall style, speed rating where shown, and rim-width suitability rather than choosing by brand name alone.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet for the 1983 Mitsubishi?
For a 1983 Mitsubishi using 185/70R13, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet serve different purposes. The BFGoodrich option appears in redline and wide whitewall forms, carries a maximum load rating of 1,135 pounds at 35 psi, and fits a 5.00 to 6.50 inch rim width range. The Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet is a blackwall radial with a V speed rating, a 149 mph ceiling, and a maximum load rating of 1,047 pounds.
That comparison matters because both fit the same 13-inch Cordia and Tredia applications, yet they create a very different finished look. The BFGoodrich choices favor a vintage presentation, while the Dunlop speaks more directly to a sporty blackwall appearance with an explicit high-speed rating. If your 1983 Mitsubishi is a weekend cruiser, the visual style may decide it; if it is a sport-oriented build, the speed marking may matter more.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1983 Mitsubishi tires require?
Rim width depends on the exact tire size used on your 1983 Mitsubishi. The 165/80R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00 inch rims, the 185/70R13 fits either 4.5 to 6.0 inch rims or 5.00 to 6.50 inch rims depending on the tire, and the 215/60R15 fits either 5.50 to 7.50 inch rims or 6.00 to 7.50 inch rims depending on the tire. The 195/70R14 products here do not publish a rim-width figure alongside the size.
That means wheel diameter is only the first checkpoint. Once you know your 1983 Mitsubishi model and size, compare the actual wheel width to the range for the tire you are considering rather than assuming every tire in the same nominal size has identical requirements. This matters most when a car has aftermarket wheels or when a previous owner changed the original wheel package.
Do 1983 Mitsubishi tires require inner tubes?
The 1983 Mitsubishi tires covered here are radial metric sizes and none of the size markings include tube-type notation. The 165/80R13, 185/70R13, 195/70R14, and 215/60R15 products are presented without TT markings, which places them in the tubeless-style category buyers would normally expect for early-1980s passenger-car radials.
Even so, wheel condition still matters. If your 1983 Mitsubishi has original wheels that have seen corrosion, previous repairs, or long storage, inspect the bead seats and valve stem area before mounting new tires. A sound wheel and fresh valve stems are just as important as the tire itself when you want stable air retention and trouble-free road use.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1983 Mitsubishi when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1983 Mitsubishi should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from ozone sources such as electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and running compressors. Clean, dry flooring and stable temperatures help preserve the tire casing and sidewall finish, especially on whitewall, redline, or raised-white-letter tires that can discolor if neglected. Tires should remain properly inflated during storage rather than being left soft.
Moving the car periodically helps prevent one spot on the tire from carrying the full load for months at a time. If the car will sit for a long season, many collectors either roll it occasionally or use stands placed correctly under the suspension or chassis to reduce prolonged stress. Keep the tires covered if the garage gets strong light, and avoid petroleum-based dressings that can stain decorative sidewalls.
How long do tires on a 1983 Mitsubishi typically last?
On a collector-driven 1983 Mitsubishi, tire life is usually governed more by age than by miles. A good rule is to begin close inspection and evaluation at around five to seven years and to consider replacement as the tire approaches ten years from its date of manufacture, even if tread depth still looks strong. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the reference point for that age calculation.
That matters because a lightly used Cordia, Tredia, or Starion can wear very little tread while the rubber still hardens over time. A car that spends much of its life indoors may age more gracefully than one stored outside, but calendar age still counts. If your 1983 Mitsubishi sees highway use or longer seasonal drives, age-based replacement is the safer planning method than waiting for the tread to disappear.
How often should tires on a 1983 Mitsubishi be inspected?
Tires on a 1983 Mitsubishi should be inspected before every drive and more carefully before any longer outing. Check inflation, sidewall cracking, weathering around decorative sidewall treatments, bulges, tread separation signs, embedded objects, and uneven wear. A quick glance is not enough on an older collector car, especially one that may sit between drives and then return to service at highway speed.
A more thorough inspection every few months is smart even if the car is not being used regularly. Look at the inside sidewall as well as the outer face, confirm the valve stems are still pliable and not cracked, and inspect the spare if one is carried for road trips or event use. Catching a problem in the garage is far easier than discovering it after your 1983 Mitsubishi is already on the road.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1983 Mitsubishi Cordia?
The 1983 Mitsubishi Cordia was part of an era when radial tires were already standard practice for modern import passenger cars, and the Cordia fitments here are both radial 13-inch metric sizes: 165/80R13 and 185/70R13. That aligns with what a buyer would expect from an early-1980s Japanese compact. Original-equipment branding can vary by market and trim, so the key authenticity points are usually the correct size family, radial construction, and an era-appropriate sidewall presentation.
For a restoration, begin by verifying which of the two 13-inch sizes belongs on your specific car, then match the sidewall style to the image you are trying to recreate. A period brochure, surviving original tire placard, and marque-club knowledge are valuable checkpoints. If the car is judged, details such as size and sidewall treatment can matter more than simply choosing any tire that fits the wheel.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1983 Mitsubishi?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1983 Mitsubishi because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, wheel diameter, and sidewall appearance. A Cordia or Tredia wearing the wrong 13-inch size, or a Starion wearing a tire that belongs to a different wheel package, can change the stance and visual balance of the car. Decorative sidewall details can also stand out immediately on a restored import from this period.
Show standards vary, so the strictness depends on the event. A local enthusiast meet may welcome tasteful personalization, while marque-focused or originality-driven judging is more likely to reward a size and sidewall presentation that closely matches period practice. If your 1983 Mitsubishi is being prepared for judged display, compare against period photos and ask a Mitsubishi specialist or club before making a final tire choice.
What is the difference between American Classic Radial and BFGoodrich Radial T/A for the 1983 Mitsubishi?
For a 1983 Mitsubishi Starion using 215/60R15, American Classic Radial and BFGoodrich Radial T/A create two different presentations. American Classic appears in wide whitewall and redline form, carries a 1,411-pound maximum load at 35 psi, and fits a 5.50 to 7.50 inch rim width range. BFGoodrich Radial T/A uses a raised white letter sidewall, carries a 1,411-pound maximum load at 35 psi, fits a 6.00 to 7.50 inch rim width range, and is marked 93S for a 112 mph ceiling.
That makes the choice less about raw fitment and more about the look you want on the car. A Starion restored with a sport-compact emphasis may lean naturally toward the raised-white-letter BFGoodrich, while a custom-leaning or more stylized presentation may favor the whitewall or redline American Classic options. Since both mount on 15-inch wheels, confirm your wheel width before deciding on appearance.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1983 Mitsubishi tires safe for highway driving?
1983 Mitsubishi tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is chosen, the tire is in good condition, and its speed rating matches the intended use. The sizes here are all radial, with explicit ratings that include H at 130 mph, S at 112 mph, and V at 149 mph on certain products. On a well-maintained early-1980s Mitsubishi, those markings generally place the tire’s capability above normal U.S. highway speeds.
The larger issue is often the car itself rather than the printed speed symbol. Brake condition, suspension wear, alignment, and overall mechanical health have a major influence on how a Cordia, Tredia, or Starion behaves at sustained speed. Before a long highway run, make sure your 1983 Mitsubishi is mechanically sorted and that the tire size, age, and pressure all line up with the way you actually use the car.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1983 Mitsubishi tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1983 Mitsubishi should start with the factory recommendation for the car and then be checked against the tire’s own maximum load-and-pressure marking. Among the tires here, 165/80R13 carries 1,069 pounds at 35 psi, 185/70R13 carries 1,135 pounds at 35 psi on some products, and 215/60R15 carries 1,411 pounds at 35 psi on several products. Those figures are load-rating references, not automatic instructions to inflate every tire to 35 psi in service.
The smart approach is to use the original owner’s manual or placard as your baseline, then confirm you are operating within the tire manufacturer’s limits for the exact product mounted on the car. Do not transfer a pressure figure from a 13-inch Cordia or Tredia tire to a Starion’s 14- or 15-inch fitment. Pressure tuning should always stay inside the tire’s rated range and suit the actual model and wheel package.
What should I check before taking a 1983 Mitsubishi on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1983 Mitsubishi, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, punctures, flat spots from storage, and uneven tread wear. Confirm cold inflation pressures, make sure the valve stems are sound, and check that the spare is usable if the car still carries one. If the car has decorative whitewalls, redlines, or raised white letters, inspect those sidewalls carefully because cosmetic damage can also reveal underlying age or abuse.
A longer trip also deserves a broader mechanical check. Wheel bearings, brakes, shocks, alignment, and cooling condition all matter on an older Mitsubishi just as much as tire health. Once those basics are covered, keep your first few highway miles attentive and conservative so you can feel for vibration, pull, or heat buildup before settling into the drive.
