I noticed that these tires have a fairly short life span, sooooo....I went to tire rack and was curious which to go with when the time comes. What are your thoughts? What is wrong with the cheaper one?
Sidewall Style: Blackwall

Size: 205/45VR17
RunFlat
Serv. Desc: 84V
UTQG: 280 AA A
Price: $299.00 (each)
Estimated Availability: In Stock

Qty:



Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
(Max Performance Summer)
Overview | Specs | Warranty | Reviews | Test Results | Survey Results
Sidewall Style: Blackwall

Size: 205/45ZR17
Serv. Desc: 88W
Load Rating XL
UTQG: 240 AA A
Price: $129.00 (each)
Estimated Availability: In Stock
Optional Road Hazard Program: additional $15.48 per tire


Qty:

 

The bigger the UTGQ rating/number the longer it will last...shoot for something above 300/320. 400+ is usually listed for touring from what I've seen...i've done well on 320...got around 30-45k off of them rotated ever 5k.

 

Is the Dunlop a run-flat?

 

No the Dunlops are not runflats. I have the same tires on my MCS and they are great. I have only had them for 5K miles.

 

Wet-road grip and quietness are both more important, IMHO.

 

I was told that the tires on my ClubmanS are in fact runflats, Dunlop. That is apparently where the price difference comes into play. Look at the descriptions and prices above and you will see that the cheaper one is pretty much a summer tire. Guess I need to buy a jack, cheap wheels and tires before I go autocrossing in this baby.

 

My Toyo Proxys Fz4 tires are quiet as far a performance tires go and handle sweet in wet weather...I've had to dodge a critter on the highway and the car responded just like it was on a track.