Question 1

Which tire is taller, 255/35 R21 or 265/40 R21?

Accepted Answer

265/40 R21 is taller by 33.5 mm (4.71%) compared with 255/35 R21.

Question 2

What is the diameter difference between 255/35 R21 and 265/40 R21?

Accepted Answer

255/35 R21 measures 712 mm overall diameter, 265/40 R21 measures 745 mm — a difference of 33.5 mm (4.71%).

Question 3

How much speedometer error does this change create?

Accepted Answer

Switching from 255/35 R21 to 265/40 R21 changes the speedometer reading by +4.71%. At an indicated 100 km/h, your true speed becomes about 104.7 km/h.

Question 4

Is 265/40 R21 a safe replacement for 255/35 R21?

Accepted Answer

Between 3% and 5% diameter difference — speedometer drift is noticeable. Consider recalibration and confirm clearance with your vehicle's manufacturer specification.

Question 5

What else should I check before changing tire size?

Accepted Answer

Beyond diameter and speedometer error, verify wheel offset (ET), rim width, hub bore, load index, brake and suspension clearance, and your vehicle's manufacturer specification. Local regulations may also limit how far you can deviate from OEM.

Metric	255/35 R21	265/40 R21	Difference
Overall diameter	711.9 mm	745.4 mm	+33.5 mm (+4.71%)
Sidewall height	89.3 mm	106.0 mm	+16.8 mm
Circumference	2.236 m	2.342 m	+105.2 mm
Revs / km	447.1	427.0	-20.1
Ground clearance	reference	+16.8 mm	+16.8 mm
Speedometer @ 100 km/h	100.0 km/h	104.7 km/h	+4.71 km/h

255/35 R21 vs 265/40 R21

Detailed comparison

Verdict: warning

Related comparisons

Frequently asked questions