225/50R16 tires
Prices, best picks and current deals for 225/50R16, a performance cars size fitted to Porsche 944 Turbo, Porsche 944 S2, Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 and more.
What 225/50R16 tires cost
Nankang NS-2
Lowest price that still brakes and wears acceptably. Fine for a second car or low annual mileage.
Kumho Ecsta PS31
The value sweet spot: long mileage warranty, solid wet grip, sane price.
Yokohama Advan Neova AD09
Best wet and snow braking, quietest ride, longest tread life. Worth it if you keep the car.
Prices are per tire, before mounting and balancing, based on what the big US online retailers charge for this size. A set of four in the mid range comes to roughly $540 to $720, and a brand rebate can take another $50 to $110 off, see this month's deals.
About the 225/50R16 size
The rear of the 16 in Porsche staggered set: 205/55VR16 front and 225/50VR16 rear on 944 Turbo and S2 and on the 16 in Carrera 3.2, originally a Pirelli P7 or Dunlop D40 M2 carrying Porsche's N0 or N1 marking. No current tire in this size carries an N specification, so every owner is choosing an unapproved modern equivalent; the practical rule is to buy a matched set of four from one range and one production period, never mix. No bias or whitewall relevance. W and Y rated options are scarce, most of what is left is V or Z, which is still above what these cars can use on the street.
The numbers mean: 225 mm section width, sidewall height 50 % of that width, and a 16-inch rim. Overall diameter works out to about 24.9 inches. Any replacement has to match all three, and the load index and speed rating on your door sticker must be met or exceeded. Our guide on reading a tire size walks through it.
Vehicles that use 225/50R16
- Porsche 944 Turbo (1986-1991, rear)
- Porsche 944 S2 (1989-1991, rear)
- Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 (1984-1989, 16 in rear)
- Nissan 300ZX (1984-1989, Z31 Turbo)
Confirm on the door-jamb sticker before ordering. Optional wheel packages often change the size within the same model.
Which type of 225/50R16 tire?
All-Season Tires
Drivers in the South, West Coast and mild parts of the Midwest who want one set of tires that lasts a long time and is quiet.
Summer Tires
Sports-car and performance-sedan owners, and anyone in a warm climate who wants the best possible grip and steering.
Performance Tires
Owners of sports sedans, hot hatches and performance crossovers who want year-round tires with real handling.
Frequently asked questions
How much do 225/50R16 tires cost?
Expect $105–$130 per tire for a budget brand, $135–$180 for a mid-range tire like the Kumho Ecsta PS31, and $185–$280 for a premium tire like the Yokohama Advan Neova AD09. Add roughly $15 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing.
What vehicles use 225/50R16 tires?
225/50R16 is original equipment on Porsche 944 Turbo (1986-1991, rear), Porsche 944 S2 (1989-1991, rear), Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 (1984-1989, 16 in rear) and Nissan 300ZX (1984-1989, Z31 Turbo), among others. Always confirm with the sticker inside your driver's door, because trim levels and wheel packages can change the size.
What is the best 225/50R16 tire?
For most drivers our mid-range pick, the Kumho Ecsta PS31, is the sweet spot of price and tread life. If you keep the vehicle a long time or drive in heavy rain and snow, the Yokohama Advan Neova AD09 is worth the extra. On a tight budget the Nankang NS-2 is a sound choice.
Can I replace just one or two 225/50R16 tires?
On a front- or rear-wheel-drive car, yes: replace in pairs on the same axle and put the newer pair on the rear. On all-wheel-drive vehicles most makers want all four replaced together, or a new tire shaved to match, because a difference in circumference strains the drivetrain.