255/50R16 tires
Prices, best picks and current deals for 255/50R16, a performance cars size fitted to Chevrolet Corvette C4, Buick GNX and more.
What 255/50R16 tires cost
Nankang NS-2
Lowest price that still brakes and wears acceptably. Fine for a second car or low annual mileage.
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
The value sweet spot: long mileage warranty, solid wet grip, sane price.
Michelin Pilot Sport (Michelin Collection)
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 $600 to $800, and a brand rebate can take another $50 to $110 off, see this month's deals.
About the 255/50R16 size
The early C4 Corvette size, P255/50VR16 on all four corners of a 1984-1991 base car, and the rear of the 1987 GNX set. Like the IROC-Z size the original was a Goodyear Gatorback and it is gone. Michelin's Collection range still lists a classic Pilot Sport in this size, which is the closest thing to a correct-period premium tire; below that you are into value brands. No bias or whitewall relevance. Two practical notes: buy all four the same, because a C4 is sensitive to mismatched grip, and remember that 1988 and later cars with the Z51 package moved to 17 in, so check the wheel before ordering.
The numbers mean: 255 mm section width, sidewall height 50 % of that width, and a 16-inch rim. Overall diameter works out to about 26 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 255/50R16
- Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1984-1991, base 16 in)
- Buick GNX (1987, rear)
Confirm on the door-jamb sticker before ordering. Optional wheel packages often change the size within the same model.
Which type of 255/50R16 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 255/50R16 tires cost?
Expect $120–$145 per tire for a budget brand, $150–$200 for a mid-range tire like the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, and $205–$310 for a premium tire like the Michelin Pilot Sport (Michelin Collection). Add roughly $15 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing.
What vehicles use 255/50R16 tires?
255/50R16 is original equipment on Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1984-1991, base 16 in) and Buick GNX (1987, rear), 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 255/50R16 tire?
For most drivers our mid-range pick, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, 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 Michelin Pilot Sport (Michelin Collection) is worth the extra. On a tight budget the Nankang NS-2 is a sound choice.
Can I replace just one or two 255/50R16 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.