Car & Driver Summer Tire Test
#1
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Car & Driver Summer Tire Test
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.
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.
#3
Ironman 140.6
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
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.
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.
#5
Parts Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
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
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
#6
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.
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.
#7
Drifting
Join Date: Jul 2005
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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.
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.
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.
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#8
Weathergirl
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
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.
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.
#9
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.
#10
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
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?
On stock 18in wheels would there be any advantage in upping the sizes while I'm at it?
#12
Rocky Mountain High
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
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...
I wish they had been included in the test - it would have been nice to see where they stack up...
#13
Addict
Rennlist Member
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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…
#14
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.
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.