To those people still interested in finding out what tyre to bye...
Results of a comparison between 4 different tyre-makes for high performance cars in 17 and 18"...
Yokohama AVS Sport (Y)
Toyo Proxes T1-S (T)
Dunlop SP 9000 Sport (D)
Bridgestone Potenza SO-2 PP (B)

Handling dry 1.5 mile: difference is small
Y = 1.39,5min
D = 1.39,7min
T = 1.40,0min
B = 1.40,3min

Handling Wet 1 mile: idem
D = 59.9s
B = 1.00,1min
T = 1.00,4min
Y = 1.01,4min

Aquaplaning straight: almost 19km/h difference!
B = 73.9 km/h
D = 62.1 km/h
T = 61.5 km/h
Y = 55.3 km/h

Aquaplaning in curve:
B = 2.63m/s²
T = 2.45m/s²
Y = 2.39m/s²
D = 2.20m/s²

Wet-braking: 100km/h - 0 km/h
B = 50.9m
T = 51.5m
D = 52.2m
Y = 55.2m

Dry-braking: from 100km/h to 0 km/h
B = 35.6m
D = 36.0m
Y = 37.2m
T = 37.4m

Overall classification:
1=Bridgestone , 2=Dunlop, 3=Toyo, 4=Yokohama

They allso compared the tyres when worn... (tread-depth < 4mm)
In the wet and the dry Bridgestone had approximatly 50% less performance-breakdown than any other tyre in the test!

So, the least one can say is that the Bridgestone is a very good choice, no matter what! But most important (for me...) it's the safest tyre in this test under braking!

Paul (candidate for the anorak of the week award?)

 

Interesting stuff. Could you tell us the source of these test results?
By the way I just bought a set of Toyo Proxes T1-S 215/40/17 on OZ Superturismo for my MY99.

Jerry

 

Hi
Having read lots of topics on tyres and understanding there have been a few negative coments about 16" SO2. Has any body tried Dunlop sp9000, either 16" or 17"

Tyres of getting like slicks and because of impending close of BBS, your urgent reponse would be cool!

 

The source is a German magazine called "Auto-sport"... which is a sistermagazine to "Auto, Motor und sport" (sponsors of the Williams F1 team)

Please do not read this without the appropriate "heavy" german accent

 

If anyone needs SO2's in either 16, 17 or 18 inch sizes, please email me & I will give you a price.

EG: 4x205/50/16 £490 inc vat

[This message has been edited by simon_h (edited 11-08-1999).]

 

What were the negative points for the 16inch S02s?

 

Not speaking from personal experience, but some people who have used S02-PP's on 16" wheels have reported increased body-roll (due to softer sidewalls?). Others have reported very poor grip until the tyres are well worn in, e.g. >1000 miles.

 

Has anyone had experience with F1's on 16" wheels?

 

Paul,

Had some fitted on Saturday. Initial impression is that they're grippier in the dry than the S01s that my STi4 came with (although they were well knackered by the time they came off, so that's from memory of when they were new). Haven't had a proper puddle-jumping session yet, but a freak shower on the m-way confirmed that they can displace standing water as well as anything.

The turn-in seems perfectly firm, despite slightly better ride quality than the B'stones. They run quieter too (which is a claim I read on their website *after* having commented on it myself).

The only negative factor is that although stability is fine in sweeping bends, it isn't quite as good on the dead-ahead. I strongly suspect this is due to alignment changes I made at the same time. In any event, it's a very minor difference, so don't let it put you off.

All-in-all I'm very happy so far. They were £106 ex VAT, valve and fitting from Elite in Rainham.

-= mike =-

 

Thanks Mike for the feed back. Price doesn't seem too bad either.

The tyre debate could go on for years & years. I tried surfing to find controlled group tests, but haven't found anything conclusive yet apart from this thread.

 

Can anyone comment on P-Zeros as compared to the standard RE010's (16inch), I've been quoted £115 per tyre for the P-Zeros, is this OK?



[This message has been edited by chris_l (edited 12-08-1999).]

 

My MY95 had michelin pilots which i thought were brilliant in dry and wet. MY98 has Bridstones which I am unimpressed with. They are more spongy in the dry and not great in the wet. Worst of all the are wearing too quickly. My next set will be michelin.

 

I have the Dunlop SP9000 205/45 R17 fitted to my Speeline's.

The car is good, butnot fantastic in the dry. Although you really can't fault them in the wet!

That said I'm tempted with Yokohama A520's next!

 

Well I've been getting some more prices and just noticed a previous posting stating you can get SO-2's at £108 each in Scotland, just happens that I'm going there in the next couple of weeks, so I am tempted to try them even given the few negative comments previously seen on this bbs.
Does this sound crazy?

 

I have just had pilot sports put on the front - very good wet and dry performance fitted for £150 each all inclusive.

Looking forward to extra milage from the p-zero previously - I am on the standard 16 rims and the car feels more solid than on pirelli.

Tyre info can be found at