They are taller because the rim is 1 inch larger in diameter.
The tire size (215 60 R 15) tells you that the tread width is 215 milimeters, the aspect ratio is 60% meaning the rubber is 60% as tall as it is wide, and the 15 means you have a 15 inch diameter rim.
_______ __
| |
| | 129mm =(215 x 60%)
| | __
< 215mm>
wide
(Tire cross section from rim to tread)
The only difference in the 215 60 R 14 and the 215 60 R 15 is the diameter of the rim it is attached to (the cross section of the actual tire from where it contacts the rim to the tread is the same on both).
So a 215 60 R 14 will be 1 inch smaller in diameter than the 215 60 R 15.
Consequently the speedometer will read about 5% too slow and the odometer will read about 5% to short. You'll travel about 5% farther for each revolution of the tire than the instruments read.
So much for trying to include a drawing. The little graphic shows the cross section of the tire from the rim to the tread. It does not diaplay as it was drawn. Sorry
[This message has been edited by Carrolles (edited 05-22-2002).]