Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Tire comparison ?

This has probably been discussed before but I couldn't find it using search. I'm looking at getting new tires, I have P195 65 R14. Currently am running Yoko Avid H4's. I liked the traction but felt that the durability and winter traction really suck. Looking at Tire rack I am thinking aboout Bridgestone, RE950, Dunlop SP Sport A2, and just going back to Yoko's. The Dunlops are $15 cheaper than the bridgestones, and have very similar performance values according to TireRack. On the other hand I have heard that the Bridgestones are pretty good tires, were I have heard nothing about the dunlops. Anyway I'm looking for a relatively durable, good performing tire in all weather conditions (I can't really afford winter tires, nor do I have a place to store the extra tires) for the best price. I do a great deal of city driving (I'm a county case manager ie social worker and drive 100+ a day)I also like to take corners as fast as I can
Any suggestions on how good teh dunlops are and if anyone has any experience with them would be most helpful.

Where I live, I can go with summer tires year round. I did not do much research on the Dunlops, but I did on the RE950's and the final choice was between them and the Firestone SZ50 EP's which I bought. There are customer reviews on tires on the Tire Rack site which can be helpful. The RE950's got mixed reviews in the snow, from good to not good. Read a few pages of these reviews on the tires you are considering before making you choice.

I have the Dunlop SP Sport A2 tires with 650 miles. Previously, I had Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus. The Dunlops give better handling and a better on center steering feel than the Michelins. They are a bit harsher over sharp bumps, but the ride is still fine. So far, I am happy with the tires.

After looking at the reviews at tirerack, I eliminated the Bridgestone 950s, because there were a few really bad comments about snow performance. I'm in Wisconsin, and I need something that will get me through the winter. The Dunlops looked to be the better all-season choice.

Instead of sticking with the 195/65/14 size, you might want to upgrade to 205/60/14. It's more money, but if you're driving a lot it could be money well spent. Your speedometer will be off very slightly, but not by much. Go to www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html to check. Dunlop has a brochure available with sizes. Also, they have a website at www.SpSportA2.com, but the site was not working.

Despite what some people have posted, these tires will not "transform" your car, but you will notice a difference.

With going to a bigger tire, how much would that downgrade snow traction, isn't a bit skinnier tire better for that? Does it give that much better performance otherwise?

Try some Goodyears.

BFG HR4-2

Great traction, better tread wear, very quiet, very affordable & BFG quality...

Based on other posts, a skinnier tire would be better on snow. Tirerack or a good tire shop could tell you for sure. A slightly wider tire will help handling, but by how much is hard to say.

You have a textbook tradeoff decision. If snow performance is most important, than probably stick with the 195/65.