Tires ...which ones are the best ???? (review)
05-14-03, 12:36 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Tires ...which ones are the best ???? (review)
Copied this from the Mercedes Forum and though it might be helpful for the lexus folks as well:
We (tiretrack) have broken down tires into several catagories and here is a short list of what I have experienced in our
testing. Now remember, we do not have every single tire line in the world so, if your particular favorite is
not in this list it is probably because we haven't tested it. Also, this is my take on the testing that I have
completed here at The Tire Rack on our test track.
Maximum Performance:
These are the absolute best performing tires on the market. Great steering response and wet/dry traction (not
for use inthe snow!!!) which is at home on the track.
1.)S-03 Pole Position
2.)Pilot Sport
3.)S-02 Pole Position (discontinued)
4.)AVS Sport
5.)P-Zero Rosso
There is 1 glaring omission in this list. It is the BFG G-Force T/A KD. The reason for this tire not being on
the list is because of its lack of versatility. It is the best performing tire in the dry but, is almost scary
in the wet.
Ultra High Performance:
A step down form the Max tires but, still exceptional performance which fits most application for a street tire
that can be
driven very aggressivley.
1.) Firehawk SZ50 EP
2.) Potenza RE730's
3.) A520
4.) G-Force KDW
5.) Sport 8000
6.) HTR Z II
3-6 are all very close in performance levels.
The noise issues of the 730's are mostly related
to larger/heavier cars with rear wheel drive.
Ultra High Performance All Season
Performance tires which are capable of going through the snow.
1.) Sport 5000
2.) Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
3.) AVS DB (quietest tire I have ever driven)
4.) BFG G-Force KDWS
5.) P7000 Super Sport
Budget Performance Tires
Summer performance with a cost effective tire when your budget is a concern. (based on performance not cost)
1.) Sumitomo HTR Z II
2.) Dunlop SP Sport FM901
3.) Sumitomo HTR Z
4.) Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 (best ride quality in this group)
5.) Yokohama AVS Intermediate
We (tiretrack) have broken down tires into several catagories and here is a short list of what I have experienced in our
testing. Now remember, we do not have every single tire line in the world so, if your particular favorite is
not in this list it is probably because we haven't tested it. Also, this is my take on the testing that I have
completed here at The Tire Rack on our test track.
Maximum Performance:
These are the absolute best performing tires on the market. Great steering response and wet/dry traction (not
for use inthe snow!!!) which is at home on the track.
1.)S-03 Pole Position
2.)Pilot Sport
3.)S-02 Pole Position (discontinued)
4.)AVS Sport
5.)P-Zero Rosso
There is 1 glaring omission in this list. It is the BFG G-Force T/A KD. The reason for this tire not being on
the list is because of its lack of versatility. It is the best performing tire in the dry but, is almost scary
in the wet.
Ultra High Performance:
A step down form the Max tires but, still exceptional performance which fits most application for a street tire
that can be
driven very aggressivley.
1.) Firehawk SZ50 EP
2.) Potenza RE730's
3.) A520
4.) G-Force KDW
5.) Sport 8000
6.) HTR Z II
3-6 are all very close in performance levels.
The noise issues of the 730's are mostly related
to larger/heavier cars with rear wheel drive.
Ultra High Performance All Season
Performance tires which are capable of going through the snow.
1.) Sport 5000
2.) Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
3.) AVS DB (quietest tire I have ever driven)
4.) BFG G-Force KDWS
5.) P7000 Super Sport
Budget Performance Tires
Summer performance with a cost effective tire when your budget is a concern. (based on performance not cost)
1.) Sumitomo HTR Z II
2.) Dunlop SP Sport FM901
3.) Sumitomo HTR Z
4.) Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 (best ride quality in this group)
5.) Yokohama AVS Intermediate
Last edited by DrewGS4; 05-14-03 at 02:29 PM.
05-14-03, 01:36 PM
#3
Lexus Champion
Awesome info!
I am surprised that T/R would post such a survey though - seems kind of counter-productive to thier sales incentives I bet, but great info nonetheless.
I am surprised that T/R would post such a survey though - seems kind of counter-productive to thier sales incentives I bet, but great info nonetheless.
05-14-03, 01:49 PM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
kind of funny and interesting they missed Dunlop SP9000, one of the best tyres in the world..
i had an IS300 for loaner last yr, with SP9000, 215 stock sizes..drove thru heavy i mean HEAVY down pour to pick up Richie who was visiting USA from Holland..the grip and handling was amazing..esp it was at 70-75 miles/hr..
i had an IS300 for loaner last yr, with SP9000, 215 stock sizes..drove thru heavy i mean HEAVY down pour to pick up Richie who was visiting USA from Holland..the grip and handling was amazing..esp it was at 70-75 miles/hr..
05-14-03, 02:39 PM
#5
EV ftw!!!
Re: Tires ...which ones are the best ???? (review)
Originally posted by DrewGS4
Ultra High Performance All Season
Performance tires which are capable of going through the snow.
1.) Sport 5000
2.) Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
3.) AVS DB (quietest tire I have ever driven)
4.) BFG G-Force KDWS
5.) P7000 Super Sport
Ultra High Performance All Season
Performance tires which are capable of going through the snow.
1.) Sport 5000
2.) Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
3.) AVS DB (quietest tire I have ever driven)
4.) BFG G-Force KDWS
5.) P7000 Super Sport
I don't understand how an Ultra High performance tire can be an all season tire. Isn't that a contradiction in terms?
Someone, please enlighten me with your wisdom.
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05-14-03, 07:57 PM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
The SP9000's should definately be part of the top dog list right along with the S-03's
The only explanation is that this tire wasn't availalbe for review or its too new of a tire.
I have the SP9000's on my benz with AMG rims.
Also the SP9000's come in Y, V, and H rated, plus run flats versions....so many variations of the same tire....is probably why it was excluded from the test. However, this tire is one serious contender and should be considered in your tire options
The only explanation is that this tire wasn't availalbe for review or its too new of a tire.
I have the SP9000's on my benz with AMG rims.
Also the SP9000's come in Y, V, and H rated, plus run flats versions....so many variations of the same tire....is probably why it was excluded from the test. However, this tire is one serious contender and should be considered in your tire options
Last edited by DrewGS4; 05-14-03 at 07:57 PM.
05-15-03, 08:35 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
I have Dunlop SP9000s - so far I really like them.
Toyo T1-S is not on the list because TireRack doesn't sell them. The T1-S is an EXCELLENT tire - great wet/dry traction, quiet, smooth - only downside is relatively short tread life.
Toyo T1-S is not on the list because TireRack doesn't sell them. The T1-S is an EXCELLENT tire - great wet/dry traction, quiet, smooth - only downside is relatively short tread life.
05-16-03, 10:28 AM
#11
Lexus Champion
I would have to agree with Bitkahuna - the Toyo T1-S is a great tire, just short on life.
The Pirelli P7000 SS is a great tire with lots of tread life, the previous 225/40Z-18's lasted me around 2 years and 31,000 miles. The Toyo's lasted only 11 months and around 19,000 miles.
Currently, I'm running on Pirelli P-Zero Assimetrico's - another great wet/dry tire. So far, so good.
SC400Dude
The Pirelli P7000 SS is a great tire with lots of tread life, the previous 225/40Z-18's lasted me around 2 years and 31,000 miles. The Toyo's lasted only 11 months and around 19,000 miles.
Currently, I'm running on Pirelli P-Zero Assimetrico's - another great wet/dry tire. So far, so good.
SC400Dude
05-16-03, 01:24 PM
#12
Originally posted by bitkahuna
I have Dunlop SP9000s - so far I really like them.
Toyo T1-S is not on the list because TireRack doesn't sell them. The T1-S is an EXCELLENT tire - great wet/dry traction, quiet, smooth - only downside is relatively short tread life.
I have Dunlop SP9000s - so far I really like them.
Toyo T1-S is not on the list because TireRack doesn't sell them. The T1-S is an EXCELLENT tire - great wet/dry traction, quiet, smooth - only downside is relatively short tread life.
Bridgestone S-03 only has 220. Nitto NT555 has 300 and they last LONG!!!
Why is 280 treadwear has such a short life???
05-16-03, 01:32 PM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
scdude..actually 19k miles are not bad at all...esp for low profiles..
kenji.on the thread wear #s, you need to compare within the same brand...one co's 280 can be different from another co
kenji.on the thread wear #s, you need to compare within the same brand...one co's 280 can be different from another co
05-16-03, 06:26 PM
#14
Originally posted by GS4Will
scdude..actually 19k miles are not bad at all...esp for low profiles..
kenji.on the thread wear #s, you need to compare within the same brand...one co's 280 can be different from another co
scdude..actually 19k miles are not bad at all...esp for low profiles..
kenji.on the thread wear #s, you need to compare within the same brand...one co's 280 can be different from another co