235/85/R16 vs 265/75/R16 handling

ghost121 · Nov 27, 2010

Hi

I know there is a lot of technical info on tyre choice, and I have read it, but I am mainly interested in how these sizes actually feel to drive and handle in the real world. Most of my driving is on road with some rough shoot and green laning thrown in. I have a 90 that came with 235/70s on Boost alloys and want to make the switch to BFG ATs on a 16 inch modular. It's either 235/85 or 265/75 I want to go for.

My Defender is a 1996 300tdi 90 with the bigger Allisport intercooler, de-cat pipe, EGR blanked off and ITG filter. No lift.

Also, if I end up with the 265/75s would you go with a 7 or 8 inch rim width?

Hope someone out there running either of these set-ups can give me some personal insights into how they handle over road and various terrain. Thanks in advance.

Steven

hughesy · Nov 28, 2010

Obviously depends on the type of tyre but between the two sizes you won't notice much if any difference. If you buy wheels and tyres as a package they'll give you the right rims for the tyre. Modular wheels usually come with more offset than standard to allow for the wider rubber so not affecting your turning circle. Should be fine with standard suspension no need to **** about with lift kits or any of that mularkey. BFG a/t are a very good tyre on or off road and will last you a lifetime.

Ghost · Nov 28, 2010

235/85s are the one to go for. Similar in size to a 7.50 which was a standard Land Rover fitment so guaranteed to have no problems. Will be tall enough to give you good ground clearance and just the right width for most off roading situations, 265s are too wide and tend to float over mud rather than cutting through it to find grip. 235s will also give you better fuel economy and place less strain on your steering system as they're narrower.

khaos · Nov 28, 2010

The situation makes a difference. I run 285s and, as said above, they do float across mud but if there is nothing firm under the mud that is better. Go for a big offset if you want better handling, it's nothing to do with tyre width.

Langers · Nov 28, 2010

265s on my 110 and they look and perform very well indeed. I think they look a lot better than the 235s, but that's just my opinion. It's 6 of one and half a dozen of the other I'm afraid

robpenrose · Nov 28, 2010

Im watching this. Im looking to do the same, althoug keep my original boost alloys.

Im trying to decide between the two sizes.

Apparently, both the sizes were standard LR fitments, so either will be fine on a standard set up. The Stops might have to be slightly adjusted for the wider 265, which will affect your steering lock. Im edging towards the 265 at the moment

ratty · Nov 28, 2010

I'm running 265's on my 110. The only negative thing I can say about them is that they do like to throw mud up my side windows.

ghost121 · Nov 29, 2010

Thanks for the info everyone. Has anyone got any pictures of either tyre size on their standard height Defender they can post?

hammoj28 · Nov 29, 2010

265's on Modulars. Im not sure on ride height, might be HD springs. I really like the size. Was told to go for 235's as they are meant to be better off road but I wanted them to look a bit more chunkier than usual but still have the capability without being too wide.

Shifty1962 · Nov 29, 2010

All Terrain 235x75 16s on my 90. Handle just fine on and off road. Last years snow was also no problem.

khaos · Nov 29, 2010

285/75 r16s

Langers · Nov 29, 2010

265/75/16 on black modulars on my 110

natas · Nov 29, 2010

265/75/16

She handles quite well, would not want her any higher.

ratty · Nov 30, 2010

ghost121 said:
Thanks for the info everyone. Has anyone got any pictures of either tyre size on their standard height Defender they can post?

265/75/16's on Mach 5 rims.

ratty-albums-dirty-s-l-u-t-s-picture1292-i-likes-my-landy-sooo-much.jpg

ratty-albums-dirty-s-l-u-t-s-picture106-chesil-beach.jpg

MikeC295 · Nov 30, 2010

I've got Kuhmo KL71's 265/75/16 on my 90 and couldn't recommend them highly enough! So far they've been fantastic in the snow, loads of grip on slushy/icey roads and had no problem going through snow bumper deep in fields.

Here are a few pics:

150059_10150341413230711_620390710_16125883_5092145_n.jpg

76772_10150341413970711_620390710_16125912_5026528_n.jpg

156001_10150341414140711_620390710_16125919_6116039_n.jpg

Bayden_uk · Nov 30, 2010

These are my 235/85/r16's so far ive had no problems with them but then again ive never realy been in any extrem mud situations

spuddog · Nov 30, 2010

got 285/75/16 BFG Muds on my 90 with standard height...No Green Lane issues with them so far.

If your looking for better handling...try an Elise!

dirty tom · Dec 1, 2010

i got 31/10.5 r15 i think ther roughly the same size as 235's i think but wish i had bigger wheels just for the extra clearance under the diffs

baniradley · Dec 1, 2010

Im running 235 x 85 x 16 they are Enduro Runway A/T they do not look at all aggressive (no side lugs) but I have discovered they are very good in th snow, the tread seems to clear itself very well in deep snow and not clog up like other tyers Ive had.

ghost121 · Dec 1, 2010

Thanks for all the pics people, very helpful. Just to throw another size into the mix, anyone got any shots of their Defender on 255/85/R16s? I guess that might be pushing things too far on a standard set-up though.

235/85/R16 vs 265/75/R16 handling

New Member

Well-Known Member

New Member

New Member

Well-Known Member

New Member

I'm not special I'm limited edition

New Member

Active Member

Well-Known Member

New Member

Attachments

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

I'm not special I'm limited edition

New Member

Active Member

New Member

Active Member

New Member

New Member

Similar threads