Please discuss only 16" tire options in this thread.

My 205/50/16 GSD3s are nearing their end of life. Since Goodyear quit making this size, I have three realistic options:

1. Move up a performance class from "max " to "extreme" which leads to the Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec as the class leader in this size per Tire Rack.

2. Move down a class to "uhp" which leads to the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 as class leader this size per Tire Rack.

3. Buy a set of GSD3s in 205/55/16.

I have been completely happy with the performance of the GSD3s, maybe only wishing they offered a little more comfort, but not willing to trade off much in performance.

If you have faced this dilemma, which way did you go and how do you feel about your decision?

Thanks!

 

I have the same problem.

I decided not to go to /55 size after a thread about that.

I got the Direzzas and decided to keep them for the track. They're a great tire, just a little noisier than the DS-G3s, if I'd never used a quieter tire, I'd be all over them.

I've decided to try Michelin PE2s as a quieter alternative, if I could find them in stock anywhere.

 

I'd probably go for the Star Spec. I don't put many miles on my MCS, and they look tempting.

I'm leary of the Chinese made GSD3s after reading reports that they performed differently than the German made versions. However, I do run 205/55-16 tires on 16x7 wheels. So, that wouldn't stop me.

I don't have personal experience with any of them. My closest equivalent are Michelin Pilot Exhalto PE2 205/45-17.

 

PE2's, Z1 Star Specs, and Toyo T1R's are a good choice.

 

I run 205 50 16 Michelin Pilot Exaltos PE2's and love them.

 

I would go with the majority and recommend Dunlop Star Specs.

 

I'm about 10k into my 205-50-16 Star Specs. I love the performance, but the noise is pretty bothersome and they don't last if you drive at all aggressively. When these are done, I'm actually going with something else, perhaps the PE2 since, sadly (as I'm just now finding out here), the GSD3 is no longer available in my size. Bummer.