Question 1

Which tire is taller, 305/55 R16 or 265/40 R21?

Accepted Answer

265/40 R21 is taller by 3.5 mm (0.47%) compared with 305/55 R16.

Question 2

What is the diameter difference between 305/55 R16 and 265/40 R21?

Accepted Answer

305/55 R16 measures 742 mm overall diameter, 265/40 R21 measures 745 mm — a difference of 3.5 mm (0.47%).

Question 3

How much speedometer error does this change create?

Accepted Answer

Switching from 305/55 R16 to 265/40 R21 changes the speedometer reading by +0.47%. At an indicated 100 km/h, your true speed becomes about 100.5 km/h.

Question 4

Is 265/40 R21 a safe replacement for 305/55 R16?

Accepted Answer

Within ±3% diameter — generally considered a safe replacement from a speedometer-error standpoint, provided wheel offset, rim width and clearance also match your vehicle.

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	305/55 R16	265/40 R21	Difference
Overall diameter	741.9 mm	745.4 mm	+3.5 mm (+0.47%)
Sidewall height	167.8 mm	106.0 mm	-61.8 mm
Circumference	2.331 m	2.342 m	+11.0 mm
Revs / km	429.0	427.0	-2.0
Ground clearance	reference	+1.8 mm	+1.8 mm
Speedometer @ 100 km/h	100.0 km/h	100.5 km/h	+0.47 km/h

305/55 R16 vs 265/40 R21

Detailed comparison

Verdict: excellent

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