At the risk of triggering the ire of the members: <img border="0" alt="[icon107]" title="" src="graemlins/icon107.gif" />

I have reduced my tire choices to 2 manufacturers and to two models by each manufacturer.

Michelin: Pilot MXM or Pilot Sport

Yokohama: AVS ES100 or Sport

I'd appreciate comments to help with the decision. <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />

Please consider: NO track exposure. MUCH highway driving at speed for extended periods. Substantial play in the twisties of the Canadian Rockies. Substantial consideration for audiophile environment. Relative cost is NO concern.

 

Brian,
After considering the options I chose Bridgestone S03s. I suggest you look at them if you haven't already.

 

Ernst, the local fellows eschew the Bridgestone brand. Why did you choose it?

 

I agree 100% with Brian.

Check out the comments on tire rack's web site. The echo my findings.

 

Brian there is not a person on this site who can give an objective scientific answer to that question . At best we hear how a new set of XYZ is so much better than the worn out ZZZ they replaced or how the YRZ tires were so much better on the Ford Festiva they owned ten years ago . We also "learn" that the XYZ tires on the new wide 18 inch rims are so much better than the old set of 225 x 16 tires ....... Point is there is a lack of data comparing the same size tires all new on the same car the same day .......with out such data you are as you mention dealing with peoples faith and belief systems hence the Blasphemy.

 

When I do a direct comparison of the Bridgestones to the Dunlops, Michelins, BF Goodrich and Yokohamas on the tire rack web site the Bridgestone S03s are superior in every rating category except tire wear. Since I'm not going to be putting a lot of miles on my car I chose them for wet and dry traction, comfort, noise and performance.
I'm not saying that Tire Rack is a definitive basis for choice, just that it's the only one I could find.

 

Brian. I just put a set of AVS-ES100's on mine, now just about a month ago, and, I do like them alot. Handling is very good (although I've not been on an Auto-X or DE with them to push them). They are also very quiet on the highway. I do feel plenty safe on the backroads at speed, and in the rain.

I could not give you a good comparison on the Michelins, because I've not had the others on the car.

I believe that Nicole just put some YokoSports on her car. My guess is that the Yoko sports handle better than the ES100's, but the ES-100s are quiter on the highway.

Bob

 

I also fitted the ES-100's, quiet and have plenty of 'feel' although this may be more due to change from 16" to 17" wheels.

Nice price and good reviews was the reason I went with these.

Chris

 

Thanks, all.

I'm just canvasing for subjective comments, and I appreciate that it is all that they are. I'm really looking for any "Don't buy that junk" type comments, because I think negative impressions are a bit less subject to Jim's observation that any new tire has to be better than any old one.

By the way, I'm running Khumo's on 17's currently. <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />

 

I run the Yoks on Gretch and like 'em a lot, got Conti's on Gretta. I don't like the Conti's, too much road noise.

 

Front 225/45 17, back 255/40 17 Yoko AVS 100 is what I am running. Totally happy, best price, quiet, look great, 2000 miles on them now and they hold much better than when new.

I have no problem recommending them.

 

I have Pilot Sports on the GT and ES100 on my
wifes car, Audi S4. Impressions?

The ES100 is a nice tire for the price, fairly
quiet, sticky, and looks good. But I think the
sidewall is just a tad on the soft side for my tastes. Seems a little soft on turn-in, etc.

The Pilot Sport is an AWESOME tire! Yes it is expensive, but it is superb in all areas, dry, wet, very quiet, looks very good also. Before
the Pilot Sport I had Pirelli Asims. on the GT.
This is a great tire also, better then most people give it credit for, however it is a bit on the hard side for ride, but handles and looks excellent.

I also agree with Jim about the Tire Rack comments,.....somewhat silly, most of the time the comments are such as these "Wow what a difference from my old tires! These are much
quieter and ride much better, they even handle
better in the rain!! I'm not buying brand XXX
anymore!" Well a worn out tire does sound like
crap, ride like hell, and is all over the road in the rain. Read the Tire Rack comparos and
tests for a true guide.

 

I have Pilot Sports on the GT and ES100 on my
wifes car, Audi S4. Impressions?

The ES100 is a nice tire for the price, fairly
quiet, sticky, and looks good. But I think the
sidewall is just a tad on the soft side for my tastes. Seems a little soft on turn-in, etc.

The Pilot Sport is an AWESOME tire! Yes it is expensive, but it is superb in all areas, dry, wet, very quiet, looks very good also. Before
the Pilot Sport I had Pirelli Asims. on the GT.
This is a great tire also, better then most people give it credit for, however it is a bit on the hard side for ride, but handles and looks excellent.

I also agree with Jim about the Tire Rack comments,.....somewhat silly, most of the time the comments are such as these "Wow what a difference from my old tires! These are much
quieter and ride much better, they even handle
better in the rain!! I'm not buying brand XXX
anymore!" Well a worn out tire does sound like
crap, ride like hell, and is all over the road in the rain. Read the Tire Rack comparos and
tests for a true guide.

 

I run the Yokahama's and think they are GREAT tires. When I bought my car it had the Michelin's on it.
One time I let my car sit for about two weeks, and the Michelins developed a flat spot, such that when I drove it, I heard a very disturbing thumping sound coming from the tires. It took about 20 miles to work the anomoly out.

The Yoko's have been great, MUCH quieter, and although I am not sure why, the car no longer pulls slightly to one side.

One of the best upgrades that I have made is switching from Michelins to Yokohama's!

 

After a serious nail attack, I was forced to replace the half-worm P-Zeros that came on my 84. Those tires were great in the summer, sticky as hell and handled nicely. Tire shop suggested Bridgestone RE730s, so I gave them a try. New RE730s weren't nearly as good as half-worm P zeros. Less grip, more skittish/squirly feel to the handling. I kept them for 3 weeks hoping a break-in would help, but it didn't. Exchanged them for Bridgestone S03s and saw an immidiate improvement. In dry handling, I like the S03 and P about the same. Inadequate expiriance to compare wet handling. Also, road, engine and exhuast noise in my 84 is always loud, so I wasn't very aware of comparative noise levels between the tires.