That is not a fair assessment. Going from an older worn tire to a new one will always indicate drastic differences. Even when the tires are the same brands and type.

 

I was leaning toward the Rib for both my 04 996 and my 03 TT. I called Michelin tech support and Tire Rack several times because I was concerned about the PS2s in the TT size not being N rated. Both Tire Rack and Michelin tech support strongly recommended the PS2s over the Rib for my TT. I am still considering the Ribs on my NA 996 just to try them out, but I like the PS2s so much I may just stay with those on the NA. The tread design on the PS2s, however, seem/look more advanced than the Ribs and I would hate to buy the Ribs only to end up buying PS2s a month later. Anything has to be better the Contis on there now and the PS2s were a dramatic change over P-Zeros with about 4,000 miles on my TT (had a blow out due to puncture on the P-Zeros).

 

I just picked up the phone and spoke directly to Michelin support (thanks for the idea Doug).
They said that the "Rib" tire is actually the same generation tire as the PS2 and that the differences would be very subtle and only experienced at the limit.
I asked him "If I was to drive both these tires back to back, what difference would I notice?" and he said Very little, but that he'd take the Rib on a track. He said that the PS2 might have slightly better water dispersion and slightly longer tread life (which he wouldn't or couldn't quantify).
I asked him"if it was your car, what would you put on" and he said the Rib, because it was tweaked to Porsche specification (although he couldn't elaborate in which factors).

 

Cool. Maybe I will try the Rib then on my NA 996. I have plain Pilot Sports on my 964 and absolutely love them.

 

BTW, redcab, I was told the exact opposite when I made my phone calls so I guess it probably boils down to who you talk to as the tires are so close. Tire Rack though seemed to think that the PS2 was the better track tire. The PS2 design is being used for McClaren, CGT, GT2 and 3. They are also a couple of pounds lighter than the PSs.

Check out what the tread looks like on the TT size wheel. The grooves on the outer edge are very shallow and there are huge solid rubber patches on the outer edge. Seems like this pattern would give you a whole lot more surface contact area or more slick like on the outer edge.

 

The PS N1 "Rib" tire I put on last night has a very similar tread pattern to what you posted Doug. I'll try to find the dig camera later and post a pic.

First impression (driving just 5 miles of suburbia) was that they felt like a freshly sharpened pair of ice skates...light and fast turning. I think I'm going to like these alot.

One other interesting observation...Wheelworks had the tires shipped in from Reno overnight. I saw them on the dock, and the return address was Tire Rack!!! So TR must have a wholesale business as well. I bet they are in the supply chain of half the tires sold in the US today. (just a guess).

 

And here is what the PS "rib" N1 tire looks like...

 

Cool. Thanks for the photo.

 

PS Rib. With it's N1 designation, it's designed for the Porsche suspension. Very grippy and a lot quiter than the Pirelli.

 

RedCab, How is the noise level for the Rib? Is it quieter than PS2? I need to replace my rear tires soon.

 

Alright. I'm going just a little nuts here. I've been lurking hoping to get some illumination, but this thread is now 2 pages long. What are you guys talking about? Rib??? I can't find the dang thing on the Michelin web site nor at TireRack. What is "rib"????

 

Here: Pilot Sport Rib

 

Does anybody have "rough" estimates of tread life comparisons (all things being equal) for. It seems that they are all relatively similar in performance, etc.:

SO2a
PS2
PS Rib

 

Cannot speak for the ribs, but this morning I noticed how quiet my tires are. My radio code was lost and could not turn the radio on and the car was dead silent sounding and very smooth with the PS2s.

 

I can't comment on noise of the Rib vs. PS2, but the Rib is significantly quieter than the Pirelli I replaced (that were 75% worn in back, 90% in front). All in all, I think it is very smooth / quiet.