Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires The best tires - by Luke

I found this post by Luke @ the \'Rack on the IS300 forums . I think Luke wouldn't mind me posting this information as he doesn't get a chance to hit all the foums too often.

"We have broken down tires into several catagories and here is a short list of what I have experienced in our
testing. Now remember, we do not have every single tire line in the world so, if your particular favorite is
not in this list it is probably because we haven't tested it. Also, this is my take on the testing that I have
completed here at The Tire Rack on our test track.

Maximum Performance:
These are the absolute best performing tires on the market. Great steering response and wet/dry traction (not
for use inthe snow!!!) which is at home on the track.

1.)S-03 Pole Position
2.)Pilot Sport
3.)S-02 Pole Position (discontinued)
4.)AVS Sport
5.)P-Zero Rosso

There is 1 glaring omission in this list. It is the BFG G-Force T/A KD. The reason for this tire not being on
the list is because of its lack of versatility. It is the best performing tire in the dry but, is almost scary
in the wet.

Ultra High Performance:
A step down form the Max tires but, still exceptional performance which fits most application for a street tire
that can be
driven very aggressivley.

1.) Firehawk SZ50 EP
2.) Potenza RE730's (extreme noise issues)
3.) A520
4.) G-Force KDW
5.) Sport 8000
6.) HTR Z II

3-6 are all very close in performance levels.
The noise issues of the 730's are mostly related
to larger/heavier cars with rear wheel drive.

Ultra High Performance All Season
Performance tires which are capable of going through the snow.

1.) Sport 5000
2.) Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
3.) AVS DB (quietest tire I have ever driven)
4.) BFG G-Force KDWS
5.) P7000 Super Sport

Budget Performance Tires
Summer performance with a cost effective tire when your budget is a concern. (based on performance not cost)

1.) Sumitomo HTR Z II
2.) Sumitomo HTR Z
3.) Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 (best ride quality in this group)
4.) Yokohama AVS Intermediate

I hope this helps you in your tire selections

Thanks, Luke@tirerack
800-428-8355 ext. 362"

Interesting find, good searching!

James

Awesome find...very informative THX!!!

Good find APT!! Maybe the mods will make this a sticky, so all the "What are the best tires??" questions can stop..

-Antonio

Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep..

That is your alarm clock, because you must be dreaming. Maybe everyone will also stop asking all the other questions that annoy the living piss out of us.

"What is a good intake?"
"What is a good exhaust?"
"What is the throttle hang fix?"
"What wheels will fit my car?"

And so on, and so forth....

so the maxium performance tires would be the best for auto-x right?

Maximum performance tires probably would be good for AutoX, but only if you're not concerned about price . It seems many people use the budget performance tires for Autox, since they're cheap, ie falken azenis, kumho ecsta, etc.. You won't be out a ton of cash (or at least as much).

Azenis are far from budget performance tires. Top of the line if you ask most auto-x'ers...

Eh, compare the prices between the falkens and Pilot Sports, S-03s, G-Force KDs in the same size :p . I'm not saying they suck, just that they're cheaper than the "Maximum Performance" tires listed.

I thought I posted this here awhile ago .....