I live in California and am looking for a better performing tire than my stock 16" Dunlop All Season runflats. I've read so many tire threads (pun not intended), here and in other forums, and I'm baffled with all the choices. Most discussions have to do with what brand of tire is better than another in some specific application. However I haven't seen any comments about how a certain brand tire in one size would perform compared to another brand that only comes in a DIFFERENT size.

I'm not concerned with more speedometer error, lower mileage, or lower top speed. I am interested in performance first, comfort second, and road noise third. Low weight would be a plus. The aspect most dissappointing with my current tires is how I lose traction upon acceleration, either going straight or in a turn. I'm also disappointed in the low level of grip in "canyon running" type of driving. I usually have a total of just two people in the car.

For spirited street driving with occasional track use, which tire would be best for my MCS, equipped with pulley, ECU, and stock suspension, and while staying with my 16x6.5" V-spokes, (X-lites)?

Potenza S-03s in 205/50-16 (heavy),
Goodyear F1 GS-D3 in 205/45-16,
Toyo T1-S in 205/45-16 (light!)
Toyo T1-S in 215/40-16 (7.0-8.5" recommended rim width & lower max. load)
Michelin Pilot Sports in 215/45-16 (7.0-8.0" recommended rim width)
Yokohama ES100s in 205/45-16 (cheap)

Any others that I should consider?

Thanks for any feedback!

 

I am afraid I can't compare one tire with another. I do have the Goodyear F1's and am totally satisfied. Mine are 205-50-16's. I wanted a little more sidewall for a better ride, and not have to worry about fit. I also have the H-sport springs, 1" lower all the way around. Anyway, the F1's are without doubt (30 years of driving), the best gripping tire I have ever had. The improvement in ride is also fantastic. Absolutely the best mod I have done, (including the pulley!). Like I said...I can't compare them, and I'm sure the other tires are excellent performers as well.

 

if performance is your #1 concern, and u want to keep 16s

falken azenis are the best tire out there imo

 

Thanks Brother and red03miniS for the info! It seems the more research I do, the harder the choice becomes!

 

I have had the 205/50 R16 Yokohama AVS ES100s and the 215/45 R16 Falken Azenis tires on my MINI.

The AVS ES100's are cheaper, are less prone to hydroplaning in the rain, squeel loudly when pushed hard around a corner, and wear better in street driving.

The Azenis are a little more expensive (still cheap at $105 a copy), have much better dry traction, are quieter when cornering hard, but the wear isn't as good as the AVS ES100's.

Dave :smile:

 

I would say my top 2 are the Bridgestone and the Goodyear.

Bridgestone still edges out in front for water performance in the last 1/2 of the tire's life.

The Goodyear is the 1st tire to really approch the S-03, aside from Pilot Sport (wich is a bit wide for the wheels in this application - could increase possibilty of tramlining by mounting down to 6.5.

Alex

 

>>I have had the 205/50 R16 Yokohama AVS ES100s and the 215/45 R16 Falken Azenis tires on my MINI.
>>
>>The AVS ES100's are cheaper, are less prone to hydroplaning in the rain, squeel loudly when pushed hard around a corner, and wear better in street driving.
>>
>>The Azenis are a little more expensive (still cheap at $105 a copy), have much better dry traction, are quieter when cornering hard, but the wear isn't as good as the AVS ES100's.
>>
>>Dave :smile:

Hi Dave,

I'd like to be able to run 215s, but what rims do you have your 215/45 R16 Azenis mounted on? Alex@tirerack says that 215s may be too wide for my stock 6.5" wide x-lites, though Randy says that it should not be a problem. I have also been shopping for lightweight rims, like the SSR Comps and Volks. Then, using 215s would be within spec, but it seems that there are none to be had in 16" x 7" size in silver. TireRack lists silver only in a 7.5" width, which I would think, make the wheel more prone to being curb bait.