I can get a discount on Goodyear/Dunlops. Has anyone used the Dunlop Direzza DZ101 ? I am thinking about he 205/45/17 or the 215/45/17. Any input would help. Thanks

 

I have had the Dunlop star spec 215/45-17. Very good grip wet or dry.

 

Star Specs +1

 

I've used them, but the 245/45r20 size. They are a good dry tire -- comparable to the Pirelli PZero's, but that particular one's wet is not so hot. Comfort and noise levels are about comparable.

 

If I were forced to buy either Goodyear or Dunlop summer tires in one of those two sizes, I think I'd consider the Dunlop Star Spec in 215/45/17, and also the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric in the same size. The Dunlop is an Extreme Performance tire with gobs of dry grip, but they wear fairly quickly and provide a somewhat harsh ride. The Goodyear is a Maximum Performance tire, so gives up some dry grip in exchange for somewhat slower wear and a somewhat better ride. They are similarly priced at Tire Rack ($145 and $148). I'd probably prefer the 205/45/17 size for more tire clearance, but didn't see any Dunlops or Goodyears that I would consider in that size.

Another option is to forgo the discount and buy the tires you really want.

 

What ^^he said^^ I would go with the Dunlop Star Spec if your an ensthusiatic sport driver and the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric if your just a commuter. I never tried the Dunlops you are referring to but I did hear negative comment about them, that they felt greasy around turns.

 

Thank you for the input

 

Note that the Direzza DZ101 and the Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec are very different tires.

 

Both 205/45-17 and 215/45-17 will fit MINIs with stock suspension, 215/45-17 is taller than stock tire diameter so less clearance on lowered MINIs.

Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec (Extreme Summer tire)
215/45-17 $147 each, 200 treadwear
Tirerack test results-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=118
Very good handling and grip but a little noisy and wears faster

Dunlop Direzza DZ101 (Ultra High Perf Summer tire)
205/45-17 $129 each, 300 treadwear
Tirerack test results-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=97
OK tire not as good in the wet

Another choice-
Goodyear Eagle GT (Ultra High Perf All Season tire)
215/45-17 $117 each, 400 treadwear
Tirerack test results-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=113
Good value, good in dry or wet, longer treadlife trading off ride comfort.