Can anyone give any suggestions for tires in 205/50/16? I have been looking at the Bridgestone Potenza RE60 Sports? I have also heard good things about the General Exclaim UHP's. Any input or suggestions would be appreciated. Walter

 

Potenza RE960 handle better and wear longer.
Exclaim UHP rides smoother, and is quieter.

Alex

 

I am on my 3rd set of the exclaim, UHP had them on 2 other cars and now the Mini, I have them in the 215 50 16, the ride is Very Quite, excellant in the rain and for daily driving. I would not use them to DE, or Autocross, but for the street and long distance driving they are great

 

For 205/50-16

Bridgestone Potenza RE960 AS does not come in that size.
Closest is 205/55-16 which is OK with stock suspension due to slightly taller than stock 24.9" tire diameter. $120 each and 400 treadwear. As an Ultra High Perf All Season tire it performs well (handling and traction in dry or wet) and is comfortable for street use, not too noisy compared to some summer tires and does wear well. It can be used in light snow or colder weather.

Another Bridgestone tire that might work and comes in the 205/50-16 size is the Potenza G 019 Grid, a High Performance All Season tire, 460 treadwear and V speed rated vs W rated for the RE960AS. $97 each. Similar All Season tire but trades handling for a little longer treadlife at a lower cost and comes in 205/50-16.

General Exclaim UHP is a Ultra High Performance Summer tire not to be used in cold weather under 35 degrees or in any snow. It comes in many MINI friendly sizes and costs only $81, 380 treadwear. You get more comfort but not as crisp handling, lower cost and moderate treadwear. A good tire for the base MINI and for regular street driving with any MINI.

Tires that come in 205/50-16
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...er=16&x=83&y=8

Extreme and Max Summer tires will give you great handling and grip but faster treadwear. Plan accordingly but for those that drive aggresively it can be really fun. If you drive low miles per year it can be good too.

Ultra High Performance Summer tires give a little less traction but still very good in exchange for longer treadlife vs Max summer tires.

Ultra High Performance All Season tires are good compromise and tend to wear better with good comfort and handling wet or dry. Good for various weather except for deep snow although Continental ExtremeContact DWS is pretty good performer in the snow.

 

It was the RE760's I was looking at. Thanks for the awesome response.

 

Yes, Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport is a good tire and compares directly with the General Exclaim UHP.

Cost is $99 for 205/50-16, $104 each for 205/55-16, 340 treadwear W speed rated. RE760 should handle better than the Exclaim UHP and wear about the same and should be OK for street comfort.

Tirerack test for Ultra HP summer tires
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=104
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...lay.jsp?ttid=4

Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 gets good test marks but costs more at $133 each and wears faster at 240 treadwear.