305 vs 315 Tires: The Main Differences
Altering your tire size can transform how your car feels on the road while also making countless other changes. They say that your car is only as good as your tires which means that even the very best cars are substandard to drive if they are not equipped with a proper set of tires.
305 vs 315 tires are both wide-section tires which means that they inherently lean toward the performance side of things. In this article, we are going to compare 305 vs 315 tires and tell you what is so special about each and which one you should go for.
305 vs 315 Tires
A 305 tire measures 305 millimeters from one sidewall to the other while a 315 tire measures 315 millimeters from one sidewall to the other. This makes 315 tires more tailored towards handling, dry traction, better looks, stability, and a higher load capacity.
On the other hand, a 305 tire is also a fairly wide tire which means that it benefits from all of the above, but not to the same degree. Compared to a 315 tire, a 305 will give you better traction in the rain, slush, and snow. It will also offer a better fuel efficiency rating, it costs less, and it should also be a bit more comfortable.
What Are The Differences Between 305 and 315 Tires?
Features |
305 Tires |
315 Tires |
Tire Section width |
305 millimeters |
315 millimeters |
Diameter Of The Tire |
32,0 inches |
34,6 inches |
Tire Weight |
50 to 70lbs |
60 to 70lbs |
Diameter Of The Rim |
16 to 20 inches |
16 to 20 inches |
16.4/32nds to 19/32nds |
Usually 20/32nds | |
Aspect Ratio |
Approx. 70.0 |
35.0 to 75.0 |
Construction |
Radial |
Radial |
Load index rating |
121,0 to 125,0 |
122,0 to 127,0 |
Load Capacity |
Approx. 3,560lbs |
3,550 to 3900 lbs |
Speed rating |
Q |
Q or R |
Minimum tire pressure |
60 psi |
70 psi |
Revolutions per mile |
630 |
598 |
Price |
Under $700 |
Under $800 |
What Are The Benefits Of A 305 Tire?
- Better Traction In Bad Weather
- Cheaper
- Better Fuel Efficiency
- Comfort
Do 305 Tires Offer Better Bad Weather Traction Than 315 Tires?
As far as wet and snow traction is concerned, many things go into play here. However, if we were to compare two identical tire models on the same car, we will likely realize that a 305 does offer better bad-weather traction compared to a 315 tire. The reason why is primarily due to the maximum pressure per square inch you get with a 305 tire which is higher than with a 315 tire.
This means that a 305 tire is able to dig deeper into water, snow, and slush which gives it more consistent contact with the road surface. A 315 tire shouldn’t be too different, but the idea is that it is much easier to cut through snow if the object with which you are cutting is narrower as you need to apply less force to get the desired effect.
Do 305 Tires Cost Less Than 315 Tires?
As a general rule of thumb, the wider the tire, the more it costs. This means that a 315 tire is indeed more expensive than a 305 tire. There are two reasons for this. The first one is that a 315 tire is manufactured by using more materials and it takes up more space during shipping. This may not pose any significant differences on a tire set scale, but when you multiply that by hundreds or even thousands, it does make a difference.
This means that it costs more money to ship 1000 315 tires than it is to ship 1000 305 tires. As all of these do affect the final price you have to pay. The other reason is due to supply and demand as there is more supply for a 305 tire than it is for a 315 tire which means that the prices usually follow that.
Are 305 Tires More Fuel Efficient Than 315 Tires?
A 305 tire uses less fuel because it needs less energy to roll. This means that the rolling resistance of a 305 tire is noticeably smaller which in turn means that the engine does not need to work as hard to create enough pulling power to turn it. This inherently means that the engine is going to use less fuel which benefits your fuel efficiency.
Do keep in mind that these differences are minimal across the board, but if you plan on using your tires for years, you are likely going to appreciate the extra savings, especially if you go for a premium set of tires that prioritizes efficiency.
Are 305 Tires More Comfortable Than 315 Tires?
If we were to compare two identical tire models on the same car, we are likely going to notice that 305 tires are more comfortable than 315 tires. This is primarily because a 315 tire is not able to tackle wind as efficiently as a 305 tire and thus it creates more wind noise which transforms into tire noise. These differences are most noticeable while on the highway.
You are also more likely to avoid various potholes and road undulations with a narrower tire as your tire path is comparably narrower. Sure, this might not make a massive difference, but if you want the most comfortable experience you can get, this is one way to do it.
What Are The Benefits Of A 315 Tire?
- Better Dry Traction
- Better Handling
- Better Weight Distribution, Stability, and Load Capacity
- Better Looks
Do 315 Tires Have Better Dry Traction Than 305 Tires?
The best way to increase your dry traction is to increase your overall tire contact patch as that gives you a wider area of contact between the road and your car. It essentially means that your car has bigger hands with which it can grip the road and thus provide you with a more consistent experience on dry roads.
Therefore, a 315 tire is better at maintaining dry traction which is the main reason why people go for wider tires in the first place. If you own a high horsepower RWD car, you will immediately be able to tell the difference as your 0-60mph tires are likely to improve.
Do 315 Tires Handle Better Than 305 Tires?
When it comes to handling, it is arguably more important than performance as far as die-hard track enthusiasts are concerned. Having the ability to enter and exit corners faster, brake late, and pull more G-forces is what track enthusiasts are all about. In this instance, a 315 tire does handle better than a 305 tire due to it having more control over the weight transfer and body roll.
A 315 tire will outperform a 305 tire in the braking department as well because it does offer better dry braking distances which enables you to brake later into the corner and thus reach higher top speeds on the straights. Moreover, a 315 tire will keep the car’s body more leveled through corners which also aids in more speed.
Are 315 Tires More Stable Than 305 Tires?
Stability and weight distribution play a major role in how safe and confident you feel behind the wheel of your car. Comparably, a 315 tire does feel more stable and more poised than a 305 tire because it distributes weight across all four corners of the car more consistently. Your car is going to feel more planted and isn’t going to roll as much.
All of this is going to aid you in your normal day-to-day experience as a 315 tire is more surefooted compared to a 305 tire. Moreover, the wider the tire, the better your load capacity because the weight is more balanced across all four of your tires.
Do 315 Tires Look Better Than 305 Tires?
Let’s face it, the main reason why most people want to equip wider tires for their cars is that it just looks better. Even though both 305 and 315 tires are wide-section tires, a 305 tire does look much better on something like a sports car or a performance-oriented car of any sort.
Can I Interchange 305 and 315 Tires?
If your rims can accommodate the extra 10 millimeters in width, you can interchange 305 and 315 tires. However, some cars aren’t able to fit wider tires from the factory because they can rub with the inner wheel wells and that is not something you want. You can avoid this by either investing in spacers or by just looking up the fitment for your car in advance.
Conclusion
At the end of our 305 vs 315 tires comparison, we can easily say that both tire sizes have their pros and cons. If you are the type of person who isn’t overly into performance car looks and performance prowess, you are better off with a 305 tire as it offers better daily driver qualities and is cheaper as well.
On the other hand, if you like the looks of a 315 tire and you want your car to be slightly more capable, a 315 tire is going to suit you a lot better. It’s worth mentioning that both of these are comparably wide which means that the differences aren’t going to be massive, but they do exist.