I'm looking for a summer tire with great handling and low noise. Unfortunately, the two seem to be mutually exclusive. So, I guess I'm looking for a great handling tire with relatively low noise. Any suggestions?

I'd also be willing to go with 205/50-16.

 

Dunlop Star Spec Z1......unreal!

 

I'm running Yokohoma S-Drives, I hear some complaints about sound but I have none. I think they're great.

 

But quite loud.

I am enjoying the new Kumho XS, fwiw. It is a bit quieter and plusher than the Z1, but still very sticky and predictable. The sidewalls on the Z1 are overly stiff for our 2500lb cars, imo.

 

Noisy, they're my track tires now

Notably quiet and pretty good grip. They don't inspire confidence like the Dunlops or Goodyear Eagle F1s do. (The Goodyears are not that quiet and don't come in that size anymore.)

I'm looking at Michelin PE2s for my next set.

 

I'm running Michelin Pilot Exalto PE's 205-50-16 on my 07 MCS, and love them. Excellent handling, good ride, not noisy.

 

This question always boils down to how you drive daily.If you drive in a straight line and under 40......the Yoko s drives are awesome.The fact that some respond positively to this tire on a Mini, says that we do not all want the same things out of our cars(or I got 4 s drives made of silly putty)
The stiffness of the z1 sidewall is a welcome trait,not easily found in a tire.I'd gladly run these the rest of my days,alas they are quick to wear.If I had tire deal w/Dunlop....wow
I ran a khumo before the dunlops,and may return because of the benefits of a compromise: price vs. performance vs.wear.
As for the z1's road noise....sorry,I couldnt hear them cuz of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKbL9lxAQKU

 

Your automatic transmission?

 

I would recommend Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 in 205/50R16.
I find 205/55R16 huge on a MINI, have this size on the Wife's 3 series, look way too big on a MINI.
Michelins are known to have decent ride and noise characteristics.

 

It has been my experience that even the quietest tire will become noisy as the miles accumulate. Your best defense against this are regular tire rotations.

I just put 205-50-16 Goodyear F1 GS D3 on my MINI. Very quiet tire. I've had Pirelli P Zero Nero's & they were very loud.

 

They didn't perform too bad at the track last weekend and I was frequently above 40 and not in a straight line. My next track day is about a month away, we'll see how they do with a bit warmer temperature.

 

I have Pilot Exalto PE2 205/45-ZR17 on other wheels. I was hoping for something quieter, but with equal grip for the Rota Slipstream 16x7 wheels. Perhaps the PE2 are as good as it gets for my uses? I drive mostly on country roads, some freeway, and a very small amount of city.

 

As the Pilot Exalto PE2's are asymmetrical, I'm assuming they can be cross rotated to help reduce cupping and keep road noise down.

Anyone with these tires care to give a more complete review?

 

...wether it's a manual or auto is of no account.The rmw header is producing the sound.

 

The tire decision becomes easier when one considers the air volumes of the tires in question:

195/55X16: 10.74 liters

205/50X16: 10.69 liters

205/55X16: 12.0 liters

I suggest the Pilot Exalto PE2 in 205/55ZR16. Their sidewall is a 91W which will provide excellent steering response and this size is made in Germany one of the better Michelin manufacturing sites. As for height their radius is a scant 6 mm more than the 195/55 which while not noticeable on acceleration will correct the optimistic speedometer of the Mini.

Remember to adjust pressures to compensate for changes in air volume.

 

I had 4 on for a week of driving,before I said nope...not gunna dewit.I found the squirminess of the tire far from epic,sorry.

 

Hi there,
I'm using the AVS ES100 (205/50-16) and love it so much both on dry & wet conditions but it's discontinued now. I'm told that S-Drives is the replacement for ES100 and am wondering how it performs in wet weather? By any chance you have used ES100 before and can do a comparison for these two tyres...
Cheers
Stephen

 

As the 'the platform' noted, they're a bit squishy before they get warm. You can't run out and go crazy in the rain before the tire warms up. The first day I had the tires it was raining, I played around to see what they could do. I've had not issues in the rain, but I was careful till the tires warmed up a bit.
I was on the track two days later and ran on a wet track one run with them. I was running at a technical track and not too high of a speed (max 120 on the back straight). As I'm sure someone will point out, there is always someone with more experience; track time, tire experts, etc that can give you the perfect tire for every application. I happen to be limited to two sets and I need a winter set due to my location so I choose not to do a dedicated track, summer and winter set. So far, I have no complaints on the S-Drive as my summer/track combo tire. I know I could've spent twice as much money and gotten a better tire, for the money, I am very happy.