among Pirelli P-Zero, Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D2, Michelin Pilot SX MXX3, Bridgestone Potenza S-02, Yokohama Nexus and Dunlop SP 9000?<p>Also what are the factors that seem to make the Bridgestones the most popular on this board among the above choices?<p>Uffe<br>1998 2.4qm

nt<br>

<br>nt

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Between the tires you mentioned, the Dunlop SP9000 is the longest-lasting tire. It is also the lowest performance in terms of dry grip. However, that is not nessasarly a bad thing. The tires you mentioned are VERY high performance tires, suitable for cars such as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferraris, etc. for most Audi drivers, they are overkill for street use.<br>Amongst the tires you likst, I would chose the SP9000 for street use, as it is probably the best of the group in terms of tire life, wet weather performance, and ride comfort.<p>Bridgestones are very popular on the list (they are my overall favorite as well) becaus e they make very modern tires, with excellent quality control, at a decent price. On my car I use Firestone Firehawk SZ50's (a Bridgestonce product) because they last a little longer than the typical Ultra-High Perf tire, while giving me better ride and excellent wet wether perf with only a slight loss in dry grip. They are also a good value.<p><br>Erik<br>Erik@aero.und.edu

You mention your Firestones give you a better ride than Bridgestone S-O2's. Is that generally true for tires in the class of the SZ50's versus the ultra high perfromance ones? Do the latter ones all have stiffer sidewalls than their slightly less performance-oriented peers (eg. SP-9000's vs SP-8000's)? Are there any reasons to choose SP8000's over SP9000's other than their lower price?

I've never driven the SP9000, but I have the SP8000 and really like them. Excellent cornering ability and not too loud/uncomfortable. I've got the Sport package so 16" wheels. With 17" expect better cornering and less comfort.<p>I think Tire rack has an article where they comare 8000 vs 9000. I can't remember the specifics, but I think they liked the 8000 better. Check out their website for more details.

OK, good questions.<br>First off, make no mistake, the SZ50 is a "Ultra High Perf Tire", at least in todays name-inflated world. It's just not quite as "Ultra" as the S-02.<br>As far as ride quality goes, slightly lower performance tires _may_ tend to have a better ride than the mega-ultra-super-dooper tires, but I think it depends more on the particular tire brand/model.<p>As for other reasons (in addition to ride) not to buy the max-perf tires on a less than a max-perf car, there are a few:<br>Price<br>Durability (you must consider that you will be replacing them more often, which means $ for the tires, +more $ for mounting.<br>Wet weather (although the S-02 is a superb wet tire in it's class, in general the Max-perf tires sacrifice some wet weather handling. I have not directly compared the S-02 and the SZ-50 in the wet, but I wouldn't be suprised if the SZ came out ahead)<p>And, lastly, the SP8000 vSP9000 issue<br>The SP 9000 is a better tire in every way, except for perhaps maximum dry grip/handling. For a UHP tire, the SP9000 (which I have never driven on, btw) is supposed to have EXCELLENT ride, wet perf, and wear.<p>HTH<br>erik

I personally love my S-02 Pole Positions. Just my<br>opinion.<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/expand_envelope.htm">Comparison Test</a></li></ul>