Friday, Jan 09, 2004 at 20:52
Typical diameter for a 285/75/16 is 834mm.
Typical diameter for a 235/85/16 is 806mm.
The 285/75 means that the tyre width is 285mm, side wall height is 75% of the width.
The 235/85 means that the tyre width is 235mm, side wall height is 85% of the width.
The /16 on the end is of course the rim diameter.
The 235/85 would have more give sideways in the wall of the tyre and may not feel very stable for some drivers, but these would have less drag on the bitumen and would return better fuel consumption than the 285/75. Can be of benifit in thin snow and also in mud as the tyre will bite through fairly easily.
The 285/75 would being a wider tyre with a lower side wall height will provide better road handling but with the increased drag on the bitumen they will increase fuel consumption slightly. Can be of benefit in sand and heavy snow as tyre will tend to float on the surface, they will balloon or bag out easilt with reduced tyre pressures.
My personal preference would be the 285/75 as long as they will fit on the vehicle and are suitable for your rims. Of course it's all up to you and what sort of driving you do.
Regards, Mark
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