MAGK944

Need to get new stock tires for the Carrera 225/40x18F, 265/35x18R.

I had Michelin PS2's which I was happy with, but for a daily driver I am trying to find something more affordable and came across this recent summer tire test in Car & Driver.

Doing a forum search I see a lot of recommendations for the Sumitomo HTRZIII, which is what I was leaning towards. The test doesn't include that tire, but gives the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec top ratings.

Any thoughts or advise appreciated TIA.

ivangene

I am running the ZIII's very happy with performance and price others will agree !!

Ray S

I read that test an I guess I took the results a different way. The test seemed to validate the idea that the more expensive, big brand tires are indeed better all around tires than the less expensive brands.

I would have liked to see the Sumitomo's and General's in the test, but I doubt they would have beaten the PS2's or the Dunlops.

chsu74

If you want value, then Sumitomo HTRZIII is a good choice.

ivangene

agreed there is NO WAY the sumi's are going to BEAT the PS2 (the benchmark) BUT for daily driving - "Stock" tires, they are a bargin and have been given the thumbs up by many RL users....

a few of us have had them out at track setting including DE's and autocross and give them a favorable rating...again, mostly for day to day driving and by no means the best tire... but maybe the best tire for the price......and a rating of 93% compared to 100% for the PS2's on tirerack, are most commuters going to be able to get that exrta 7% overall rating out of the tire anyhow.... (at double the price)

That said, if money is no object, get the PS2's - plenty of data supporting their performance

lig

The Star Specs are amazing for the money. They crush the PS2s @ auto-x. The only downside is that they are somewhat noisy.

I have them on my S2000 and have been extremely pleased. More grip than my heat cycled out Victoracer R comps.

I've had PS2s on the C2S and they were fine - just not $496 per rear tire fine. Never tried the Sumi IIIs but was unimpressed by the Sumi HTRZ IIs (had them on our LeMons Festiva)

If you want quiet and comfy tires - don't get the Dunlops. If you want serious grip - they are excellent tires.

washington dc porsche

I'm running the Dunlaps this year. They are great in cold weather and oddly very sticky in the rain. So far in the "Summer Dry" nothing has competed as well as the Yoko Neovas however, the Dunlaps aren't too far behind.

RallyJon

It is shocking that in the 5+ years that the PS2 has been out that no other manufacturer has managed to knock them off the podium.

My C4S came with a brand new set of PS2s and they really are wonderful. I went from PS2s to Dunlop Star Specs on the 993, and while the Dunlops did pure handling better than the Michelins, they were just a bit worse everywhere else. If they start making the Dunlops in 295-30-18, it'll be a tough call, though.

chago996

My rear non N-PS2's in 265x18 last about 25-27k. Not a fluke since I am on my 3rd set, and at 99600 miles. So, at $300, which I paid last time, they last 2x as long as any N-rated tire I had before (p-zero). Therefore, a bargain compared to all the ones tested in the C & D article.

MAGK944

Thanks for all the responses, I think I shall try the Sumi's. I could always try the Dunlops next year, it's not as if it's a 30,000 mile commitment with these cars.

On stock 18in wheels would there be any advantage in upping the sizes while I'm at it?

chsu74

I run 235 fronts and 295 rears. No complaints on the extra grip or rubbing.

Dennis C

I've got about 4K miles on my Sumis now. I'm pleased with them.

I wish they had been included in the test - it would have been nice to see where they stack up...

fpena944

Where did you get those prices from? I just checked Tire Rack and they're $342 for the new PS2 model. Still expensive but not quite $500.

Going back to the original conversation, when mine wear out I’ll probably keep going with the PS2s since it’s likely I’ll have to replace the rear before the front anyway. So I’ll be only purchasing two tires compared to switching to another brand will force me to purchase four new tires and there goes any cost savings.

Just something else to consider…

smackboy1

What I want to know is why they used the PS2 as the comparison tire? This was only the 4th place tire in their 2005 tire test.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests

Conspicuously absent were the new Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 (or the old AD07) and Goodyear Eagle F1, which both bested the PS2 in 2005.

Ray S

If you read the test the authors explain their selection on page 99.

You may not agree, but they do explain the choice.