vjd3

Not to revisit a hotly debated thread, but does anyone know if the non-N3 Michelin Sport PS2 tire is significantly different from the N3 variety?

The only difference I can see on the Tire Rack specs is the load index for the non-N3 tire is higher than the N3 tire .... which is non-intuitive, since more weight is on the rear wheels on the 911 than a typical car.

The only other thing I can see is the N3 tires are manufactured only in France, and the regular ones come from France, Algeria or Brazil. Presumably only France has the coveted N3 stamp.

Normally, I would just opt for the N3 tire but it's a $350 difference. And, I suppose, the N3 tires are optimized for later versions of the 911, impossible to say how they compare with the 97-era Michelins that were originally approved for the 993.

I would be buying four, as my fronts are a bit elderly and the rears are worn. Considered the Hankooks, as well, but I had problems with a set of Hankooks flatspotting irrecoverably within just a few hundred miles on a BMW 740i last year and I'm a bit leery. The Michelins I replaced those with have been fine.

The car is not tracked, it's a street car driven by someone who has aged past stoplight 0-60 trials and hanging the tail out in the twisties, so ride and wear are higher on the list than performance and grip.

johzev

Vic:

I'm about to make the same purchase, and I have the same question, so I'm hoping someone who has the knowledge might respond. Have you considered the Michelin Pilot Super Sports? Are they not a newer improved design.

rcg412

Yes - there is a big difference, the treadwear. The N tires are stickier than the stock PS2. I think it is 220 vs 300.

I hVE used both on track, N-series every time... much more adhesive.

vjd3

Tire Rack shows identical 220s for treadwear on the PS2 and N-3 PS2.

The Super Sports have a 300 treadwear ... hmmm.

mrsullivan

I went through this yesterday. I bought the N3 variety.

DAVISRILEY

Do not be fooled by the treadwear rating. The supersport is a completly different tire, different compund, different construction. I got a chance to drive those, and they are pretty amazing. Grip levels at or above the ps2, and better in the wet.

johzev

So between the three michelins which would provide the most quiet and comfortable ride. Sorry to admit this is more important to me than getting the last bit of handling improvement possible.

Quadcammer

no love for the sumitomos? They are dirt cheap, provide good performance for what you're looking for, and well, they aren't hankooks.

rcg412

I think tireracks website is wrong. I am thinkin about super sports but want to hear on track experience with them. Also curious to see them get an n rating

DAVISRILEY

I don't have a lot of on track with them, but the limited running we did get was pretty impressive. Great grip, very progressive release.

Can't asnwer that, sorry. Didn't drive them back to back.

1pcarnut

Was about to say the exact same thing. These tires have good grip and a very smooth and quiet ride. They may not have the ultimate grip the Michelins have but for the street I have had no issues doing some very agressive back roads.

Not to change subjects but had been considering some Hankooks next time until I saw the post above about the flatspotting.