By 1989, Porsche offered one of the broadest and most distinctive performance lineups in its history, with the rear-engine 911, V8-powered 928, and front-engine 944 each serving a different kind of enthusiast. That range is exactly why tire selection for 1989 Porsche vehicles deserves a closer look before you pick a product. Across three models, five tire sizes appear, with some shared between multiple models and others specific to a particular chassis, wheel package, or front-to-rear setup. The first thing to confirm is your exact model and tire size, followed by whether you are matching an original-style fitment or selecting a modern radial built around contemporary road manners.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1989 Porsche
Five tire sizes are used across 1989 Porsche vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the entire range. Because these sizes span 15-, 16-, and 17-inch rim diameters, the real starting point is confirming the correct wheel diameter and model-specific fitment before narrowing down brand or sidewall style. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps you choose the right tire for your Porsche.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): 911|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
205/50R17 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich and American Classic, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles depending on the product. This size is specific to the 1989 Porsche 911 and suits owners who need the correct 17-inch fitment first, then want to choose between a more contemporary performance-oriented look or a more custom-style appearance.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): 911, 944|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/55R16 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product, including W-rated options to 168 mph and a Y-rated option to 186+ mph. Shared by the 1989 Porsche 911 and 944, this size works for owners who want a proper 16-inch fitment with a choice between established performance radial lines and a Porsche-focused Michelin option.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): 911, 928, 944|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
225/50R16 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall form, with speed ratings that vary by product between W to 112 mph and Y to 186+ mph. Because all three 1989 Porsche models use this size somewhere in their fitment range, it is one of the key crossover sizes for buyers comparing 911, 928, and 944 applications.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): 911|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
255/40R17 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Vredestein in blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product, including W-rated options to 112 mph and a Y-rated option to 186+ mph. This size is specific to the 1989 Porsche 911 and is the wider 17-inch choice for owners confirming a staggered or larger-wheel setup before selecting a particular performance-oriented radial.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): 911, 928, 944|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16-in rim
245/45R16 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. Blackwall radial choices exist for this size across the 1989 Porsche range. Shared by the 911, 928, and 944, it is an important fitment to verify carefully against the actual wheel and axle position because it appears across multiple Porsche platforms while remaining more specialized than the narrower 16-inch sizes.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): 944|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
215/60R15 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 15-inch rim diameter. It is available from American Classic, BFGoodrich, and Dunlop with wide whitewall, redline, RWL, and blackwall sidewall styles, and speed ratings vary by product between S to 112 mph and V to 149 mph. This size is specific to the 1989 Porsche 944 and gives that model the widest range of visual character, from traditional raised-white-letter styling to a more understated performance appearance.
Three Porsche models are covered for 1989, and they do not all use the same tire sizes. Some 16-inch sizes cross between the 911, 928, and 944, while 15-inch and 17-inch applications are model-specific enough that identifying the exact model is an essential first step. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire options that apply to it.
1989 Porsche 911
The 1989 Porsche 911 marked the final year of the classic G-body generation, a car prized for its unmistakable rear-engine balance and long-running design continuity. Its tire range spans both 16-inch and 17-inch applications, so wheel diameter matters just as much as model identification when narrowing the correct fitment.
The 1989 Porsche 928 was Porsche's refined grand touring flagship, blending V8 power with high-speed stability and a more modern luxury-performance character than the 911. Its fitments stay within the 16-inch range, which simplifies wheel diameter selection but still makes exact size confirmation important before choosing a tire.
The 1989 Porsche 944 represented Porsche's balanced front-engine sports car formula, with a strong reputation for nimble handling and everyday usability. Its tires mount on either 15-inch or 16-inch rims depending on the fitment, so owners should verify the wheel on the car before moving on to brand or sidewall preference.
Twenty-two products are available across six tire sizes for 1989 Porsche vehicles. 205/50R17 has 4 radial choices from BFGoodrich and American Classic in blackwall and wide whitewall; 205/55R16 has 4 from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall; 225/50R16 has 3 from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall; 255/40R17 has 4 from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Vredestein in blackwall; 215/60R15 has 4 from American Classic, BFGoodrich, and Dunlop in wide whitewall, redline, RWL, and blackwall. Confirm your size first, since speed ratings can vary between products within the same size.
These FAQs focus on how tire sizing changes across the 1989 Porsche 911, 928, and 944, what the metric size codes mean, and how sidewall style, rim width, speed rating, and collector-car care affect the right choice.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1989 Porsche vehicles?
1989 Porsche vehicles use five distinct tire sizes across the 911, 928, and 944 model range: 205/50R17, 205/55R16, 225/50R16, 255/40R17, 245/45R16, and 215/60R15. The 911 uses 205/50R17, 205/55R16, 225/50R16, 255/40R17, and 245/45R16. The 928 uses 225/50R16 and 245/45R16, while the 944 uses 215/60R15, 205/55R16, 225/50R16, and 245/45R16.
Rim diameter changes across the range, so 1989 Porsche fitment is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Where rim width guidance is available, 205/50R17 and 205/55R16 fit 5.5 to 7.5-inch rims, 225/50R16 fits 6.0 to 8.0-inch rims, 255/40R17 fits 8.5 to 10.0-inch rims, and 215/60R15 fits roughly 5.5 to 7.5-inch rims depending on the tire. Start by identifying the exact model and the wheel diameter on the car, then confirm the specific size before choosing a product.
What does 205/55R16 mean on a 1989 Porsche tire?
On a 1989 Porsche, 205/55R16 is a metric radial size. The 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, the R indicates radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. That size appears on both the 911 and the 944, and blackwall options include BFGoodrich and Michelin products.
Knowing how to read the code helps you separate true fitment from appearance alone. A 205/55R16 is not interchangeable with another 16-inch tire unless the full size matches the wheel and the vehicle's intended application. On a 1989 Porsche, that matters because several 16-inch sizes exist across the range, and they do not all serve the same role on every model.
Do all 1989 Porsche models use the same tire size?
No. 1989 Porsche models share some overlap, but they do not all use one common tire size. The 225/50R16 and 245/45R16 appear across the 911, 928, and 944, while 205/55R16 is shared by the 911 and 944 only. The 205/50R17 and 255/40R17 are specific to the 911, and 215/60R15 is specific to the 944.
That means year and make alone are not enough to select tires for a 1989 Porsche. A buyer comparing cars within the same model family may still need to confirm wheel diameter and whether the car carries one of the shared 16-inch fitments or a model-specific 15-inch or 17-inch setup. Identifying the exact model first prevents wasted time and helps narrow the right size quickly.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Porsche tires?
Sidewall style depends heavily on size. The 205/50R17, 205/55R16, 225/50R16, 255/40R17, and available 245/45R16 choices center on blackwall performance radials, while 215/60R15 opens the door to blackwall, RWL, redline, and wide whitewall versions. American Classic covers the custom-style whitewall and redline options in 215/60R15, while BFGoodrich and Dunlop offer more conventional performance-oriented looks in that size.
For most 1989 Porsche applications, blackwall remains the most natural visual match to the era and the brand's factory performance image. The 215/60R15 fitment on a 944 offers more freedom if the car is being styled for a personalized look rather than strict period correctness. Sidewall appearance should come after confirming the exact size, since the style range is much broader in some sizes than others.
What brands make tires for 1989 Porsche vehicles?
1989 Porsche tires are available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Michelin, Nitto, Vredestein, and Dunlop, depending on size. BFGoodrich appears across several 16-inch and 17-inch fitments, Michelin covers select 16-inch Porsche applications, Nitto and Vredestein appear in 255/40R17, and American Classic and Dunlop help fill out 15-inch and select 17-inch choices. Brand coverage changes by size rather than by make alone.
That brand spread matters because the right first decision is still fitment, not name recognition. Once the size is confirmed, buyers can narrow the field by visual style, intended road use, and the speed rating carried by the product. A 1989 Porsche owner comparing multiple brands should also keep wheel diameter in mind, since the choices available in 15-inch, 16-inch, and 17-inch sizes differ sharply.
What is the difference between Michelin and BFGoodrich options for 1989 Porsche 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 tires?
In 205/55R16, BFGoodrich options carry W speed ratings to 112 mph, while the Michelin SX MXX3 N2 carries a Y rating to 186+ mph and is marked TL. In 225/50R16, BFGoodrich options again carry W ratings to 112 mph, while the Michelin Pilot Sport carries a Y rating to 186+ mph and is also marked TL. All of these are blackwall radials, but the speed-rating spread is a meaningful difference within the same size.
For a 1989 Porsche owner, that means comparison should go beyond brand loyalty. Two tires can share the same size yet differ in speed rating, load information, and model character. If your car is driven in a way that values the broadest modern capability within the correct size, those distinctions are worth reviewing closely before you settle on a specific product.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1989 Porsche tires require?
Rim width requirements vary by size on 1989 Porsche vehicles. 205/50R17 and 205/55R16 fit 5.5 to 7.5-inch rims, 225/50R16 fits 6.0 to 8.0-inch rims, and 255/40R17 fits 8.5 to 10.0-inch rims. In 215/60R15, most options fit about 5.5 to 7.5-inch rims, with the BFGoodrich RWL version starting at 6.0 inches wide.
Those ranges matter because the same nominal tire size can behave differently when mounted near the narrow or wide end of the approved wheel span. A 1989 Porsche owner should confirm both the tire size and the actual wheel width on the car before ordering, especially on wider 17-inch applications where the approved range is much narrower and more performance-focused.
Do 1989 Porsche tires require inner tubes?
Several 1989 Porsche products are clearly marked TL, which means tubeless, including Michelin 205/55ZR16 91Y TL and Michelin 225/50ZR16 92Y TL. Other products in the same year-make range do not carry a tube-type marking in the size description. That makes tubeless fitment straightforward for at least those Michelin applications, while the rest should be confirmed against the specific tire and wheel combination.
On a 1989 Porsche, tube decisions should always follow the wheel and tire design rather than assumption. Many later sports-car wheels were intended for tubeless radials, but an individual product's marking is still the place to check before installation. If you are reusing older wheels, make sure the wheel condition and sealing surfaces are appropriate for the tire you choose.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1989 Porsche when the tires are fitted?
A 1989 Porsche should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, generators, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and move the car occasionally so the same contact patch is not carrying the load for months at a time. Radials generally tolerate storage better than older bias-ply designs, but any collector tire can age prematurely when exposed to heat and ozone.
If the car will sit for an extended period, owners often use tire cradles or stands to reduce stress on the casing and help preserve shape. That is especially useful on a 1989 Porsche with wider low-profile fitments, where long static storage can be harder on the tire than regular moderate use. A simple storage routine pays off in ride quality, appearance, and service life.
How long do tires on a 1989 Porsche typically last?
Tire life on a 1989 Porsche is usually governed more by age, storage conditions, and heat cycles than by mileage alone. A sensible collector-car rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the best starting point for age verification.
A low-mileage 1989 Porsche can still be riding on tires that look decent but are no longer ideal for spirited road use. Hardening rubber, fine sidewall cracking, and reduced wet-weather confidence often show up before the tread is gone. If the age is approaching that outer window, replacement becomes more about preserving safe, predictable behavior than about squeezing out more miles.
How often should tires on a 1989 Porsche be inspected?
Tires on a 1989 Porsche should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended trip. Look for sidewall cracking, punctures, uneven wear, embedded debris, bulges, and any sign that the tire has been losing pressure. On cars that spend long periods parked, checking the tread and sidewall by touch as well as sight can help catch age-related hardening early.
A more thorough inspection at regular intervals is especially important on a performance car because alignment, suspension condition, and inflation pressure all affect tire wear quickly. If your 1989 Porsche uses older wheels or has been stored for a long time, inspect the valve stems and the spare as part of the same routine. Small issues are easier to correct in the garage than on the shoulder of the road.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1989 Porsche 911?
A 1989 Porsche 911 would have been equipped from the factory with radial tires, not bias-ply tires, and the year-make range includes 16-inch and 17-inch radial fitments tied to specific 911 applications. Sizes used on the 911 include 205/50R17, 205/55R16, 225/50R16, 255/40R17, and 245/45R16. Michelin and BFGoodrich products cover several of those Porsche sizes today, but original market-specific fitment could still vary by wheel package and destination.
For a restoration-minded owner, the important thing is matching the exact wheel diameter and correct tire size before focusing on brand. Porsche clubs, factory literature, and model-specific experts are the best places to confirm the exact original combination for a given chassis and option set. That extra step matters more on late 1980s Porsches because wheel and tire packages could be more varied than on earlier decades.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1989 Porsche?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters for a shown 1989 Porsche because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice whether the size, construction, and sidewall presentation suit the car's era and model. On a late-1980s Porsche, a modern radial is appropriate, but the exact size and the visual tone of the sidewall still influence how authentic the car appears. A 15-inch whitewall or redline treatment, for example, creates a very different impression than a blackwall performance radial.
The right choice depends on whether the car is being judged for originality, presented as a tasteful period-style driver, or built with a custom look in mind. Concours-level events often reward factory-like restraint, while informal shows may welcome more personalized choices. If originality is the goal, verify the correct size and sidewall appearance against Porsche-specific references before the car goes to an event.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Dunlop options for the 1989 Porsche 215/60R15?
In 215/60R15 for the 1989 Porsche 944, the BFGoodrich Radial T/A carries an S speed rating to 112 mph, uses an RWL sidewall, and fits 6.0 to 7.5-inch rims. The Dunlop Sport Classic carries a V speed rating to 149 mph, uses a blackwall sidewall, and carries a higher stated load figure. Both are radial tires in the same size, but they present very different visual and capability profiles.
That makes the decision less about raw fitment and more about the character you want from the car. The BFGoodrich leans into a more overtly period-performance appearance, while the Dunlop keeps a more understated look and carries a higher speed-rating ceiling. On a 1989 Porsche 944, those distinctions can influence both the visual finish of the car and how closely the tire aligns with your driving expectations.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1989 Porsche tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 1989 Porsche tires can be appropriate for highway driving when the tires are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their speed rating and load limits. Several sizes carry W ratings to 112 mph, the 215/60R15 Dunlop carries a V rating to 149 mph, and certain Michelin applications carry a Y rating to 186+ mph. Those ceilings are far above ordinary U.S. highway speeds.
Real-world safety in a 1989 Porsche depends just as much on tire age, inflation, alignment, suspension condition, and the car's own mechanical state as it does on the speed symbol molded into the sidewall. Even a high-speed-rated tire is not a substitute for a careful inspection and a well-sorted chassis. For collector cars, fresh condition and correct fitment matter more than chasing the highest letter rating.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1989 Porsche tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1989 Porsche should follow the factory recommendation for the car and the tire maker's maximum-rated figures as separate pieces of information, not as interchangeable numbers. Some available tires include load-and-pressure figures such as 1411 lbs at 35 psi in 215/60R15, 1279 to 1433 lbs around 50 to 51 psi in 205/50R17, 1356 to 1477 lbs around 50 to 51 psi in 205/55R16, 1389 lbs at 51 psi in 225/50R16, and 1477 to 1653 lbs around 50 to 51 psi in 255/40R17.
Those numbers describe the tire's rated capacity at a stated pressure, not necessarily the ideal operating pressure for your Porsche. Start with the factory door-jamb or owner's-manual guidance for the exact model and wheel setup, then compare that to the tire's sidewall and manufacturer guidance. Never transfer a pressure figure from one size to another just because both are used somewhere in the 1989 Porsche range.
What should I check before taking a 1989 Porsche on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1989 Porsche, inspect all four tires and the spare for visible cracks, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation. Pay close attention to the shoulders and inner sidewalls, since performance cars can hide wear there. If the car has been stored for a while, also verify that the tires are not aged out and that the valve stems are in good condition.
A longer-trip check should also include the rest of the car, especially brakes, fluids, belts, and cooling-system health, because a tire inspection is only one part of making an older Porsche road-ready. On the tire side, the goal is predictable behavior at speed and reduced risk of heat-related trouble. A few careful minutes in the garage can make a much bigger difference than the drive length itself.
