Hey everyone. I am shopping for new tires and would like to have our opinions on these 2 tires. I am running a 17x7.5 wheel and a 215/45 tire. I have narrowed the decision to the new Yokohama S-Drive and the popular Toyo T1R. I was looking on some input from those who have experience with these tires. Thanks!

 

No input? I am considering the S.drive as well.....

 

Try searching for both tires.

Alex@tirerack.com can tell you about how customers are liking the Yokohama S.Drive for the MINI. The customer reviews are good but Evo magazine last year reviewed it and found it not to be on par with other similar tires for handling especially in the wet. Others are not really reporting that so I wonder if the current tire is a bit better than the ones tested in 2007.

Leo@edgeracing.com can tell you about the Toyo T1R which is a very different tire from the S.Drive.

Toyo T1R is a Max Performance Summer tire.
Currently Sold out at edgeracing.com
Best for performance driving and OK for street use.
280 treadwear $121 each W speed rated 20.1 lbs each
Very good handling wet or dry, not as long wearing.
http://edgeracing.com/tire/1758/

Yokohama S.Drive Ultra HP Summer tire
300 treadwear $109 each W speed rated 23 lbs.
Although tread ratings are not directly comparible I'd suspect the S.Drive to last a little longer than the T1R, but depends on how you drive.

Other options in 215/45-17
In UHP Summer tires:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true
If you need both wet and dry handling then- Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
On closeout- Firehawk Wide Oval
For street comfort (a little less crisp handling) then-
General exclaim UHP
or
Falken Ze-912

And in Max Summer tires-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true
Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD-3 is common.
As an alternative to Toyo Proxes T1R
Consider Falken Fk-452 $89 each instock at edgeracing.com
280 treadwear 23.2 lbs each Max Performance Summer tire.
http://edgeracing.com/tire/2635/

 

Thanks Minihune... I need wet and dry traction, not all weather. Are the Falken Fk-452 that good?

 

I bought the FK-452's from Leo after opting for the longer tread wear over the T1R, I'm very satisfied especially for the price and up here in Canada we get plenty of wet weather.

 

I've had the S Drives for about 5K miles now and I can't say enough good things about them, have had no issues in either wet or dry weather. Pretty sticky in the corners and quiet on the highway. I've also ordered Nitto Neo-Gen's for a new set of wheels coming, 215/40-17's, the S drives are 205/45-17's.