Any thoughts about the difference/perference of Falken ziex 512 in 205/55/15 vs. Kumho Ecsta spt

looking for the best tire in this size range / So Cal driving

any suggestions??

thanks

 

good link here:

http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1913811&page=3

 

These two tires are very different.

The Falken Ziex Ze 512 is a moderately priced Ultra High Performance All Season tire. About $62 each for 205/55-15.
360 treadwear A traction 20.3 lbs.V speed rated 23.9" outer tire diam.
While some owners like them and some consumer magazine reviews rate them highly these are not really higher performance. I'd class them as good general purpose tires with good value. Good for street use.

Kumho Ecsta SPT is an Ultra High Performance Summer tire and not available in 205/55-15. Summer tires offer more performance but somewhat faster wearing tread than similar UHP All Season tires. Many All Season tires are treadwear rated 400+.

Closest size in 15" for a MINI would be about
195/55-15 $63 each
340 treadwear AA traction 19 lbs.V speed rated. 23.4" outer tire diameter

For street use in the same 195/55-15 size from tirerack would be
General Exclaim UHP (UHP summer tire as well) for $56 each
380 treadwear AA traction 17 lbs.V speed rated. 23.4" outer tire diameter

Based on tirerack.com tests- http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...lay.jsp?ttid=4 and http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...lay.jsp?ttid=4
Both Kumho Ecsta SPT and General Exclaim UHP offer better wet traction, better handling, better cornering force, but compromise on ride comfort and noise compared to an All Season tire like the Goodyear Eagle RS-A. The Kumho SPT tests as a good performance tire for the money.

If you stuck with 205/55-15 and looked at Ultra High Performance All Season tires consider
Kumho Ecsta ASX $64 each
420 treadwear AA traction 20 lbs.V speed rated. 23.9" outer tire diameter
It tested very well at tirerack.com
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=52
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=52
Kumho ASX had good ride and noise comfort and decent dry and wet handling vs tires that cost alot more.
If you need a longer lasting street tire with good manners and good handling with very good value in 205/55-15 then the Kumho ASX is worth a look.