It is getting time for new tires. I live in the Atlanta area so winter tires do not apply here.

The Mini is driven very conservatively 99% of the time. I only get to drive it once in a while as it is my wife's car. I have 16" wheels and I am pricing out Michelin Pilot Sport AS3 tires. I have found the H and V tires at the same price. This car will not be going into triple digits but is there any merit in getting the V rated tire over the H?

 

For street use both tires are fine. V speed rated tires are usually more expensive than H rated tires and are constructed to withstand more heat generated by constant higher speeds.

The tire tread design and rubber compound is the same.

Normally base Coopers use H speed rated tires while MCS use V, W, or Y rated tires.

For stock suspension and a MCS with OEM 16" wheels you have some choices of tire sizes-

195/55-16
205/50-16
205/55-16

Of these the 205/55-16 has the largest tire selection.

In the case of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3

In High Performance All Season tires-
205/55-16 $123 each for either H or V speed rated
and
195/55-16 $103 each, V speed rated, 2 lbs lighter per tire, gives slightly less rolling resistance than a 205mm wide tire.

In Ultra High Performance All Season tires-
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 (W or Y speed rated)
205/55-16 $131 each, Y speed rated

If this MINI is used for street driving (commuting primarily) you can also consider a Grand Touring All Season tire like-

Michelin Premier A/S 640 treadwear, H or V speed rated, about 2 lbs lighter than Pilot Sport A/S 3 in same size. Tires have low rolling resistance rubber technology
195/55-16 $140 each, V speed rated, 19 lbs
205/50-16 $142 each, V speed rated, 19 lbs
205/55-16 $133 each, H speed rated, 20 lbs
205/55-16 $142 each, V speed rated, 20 lbs
This is a new tire from Michelin that blends good handling in dry or wet with good ride comfort for daily use and long treadwear with low rolling resistance and better mpg.
see tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=188

 

Yes, it is worth it to upgrade to H-rated version.

It's not just the marginal profile and tire width differences, or random letters printed on the sidewall. The entire sidewall is reinforced with H-rated tires, and you will feel the difference in handlng.

I went from T-rated (upto 118 mph) to H-rated (upto 130 mph) winter tires (same brand), and noticed appreciable improvement in steering response and reduction in sidewall flexing.

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Thanks for the info. I have ordered the V speed rated tires since they are the same price as the H speed rated tires. By the specs the tires are identical except for the speed rating.

 

Note the OP asked about V vs H speed rated tires as his options.