A few days ago I took of my 17" wheels (w/ Pirelli P7000SS) and put on the winter wheels (Dunlop Graspic HS-2). The comfort of the ride in the car is definitely different. Everything is so much smoother then it has been all summer! Responsiveness...well that's a different story. Those fat Graspic's just kinda roll along like doughnuts. But I don't feel every crack in the road either. I guess I didn't realize what a difference it made.<p>Jason

..

Last year Dunlop agreed to swap a set of snow tires for advertising (and my honest impressions of the tire). I only drove with them for 3 1/2 months last year and it was a very mild winter.<p>However, my honest opinion of the tires are that they are GREAT. Noise is minimal and traction is maximum. I feel so darn safe on these tires, seriously. The few times it was icy last winter they performed great.<p>I think they are about average priced (compared to other similar tires). But I like to support Dunlop since they have been a big supporter of A4.Org. I would encourage readers to do the same if they are on the fence about what tires to get.<p>Jason

Jason,<p>Does this mean that you find the Ronal 17 inch tire combo to be more harsh such that it is that noticeable? I am curious since I have been thinking about the 17 inch Ronals. <p>I would appreciate your impressions on the ride and handling characteristics.<p>Thanks,<p>Gene<p>98.5 2.8 FrontTrak

<i>Does this mean that you find the Ronal 17 inch tire combo to be more harsh such that it is that noticeable?</i><p>I wouldn't say that. What I meant was that there was a huge difference in the overall feel of the car between the two sets. The 17" wheels feel so much more stable, corners are better, and handling is improved all around. And don't forget about the cosmetic value -- I really love the way my R28's look. But the tradeoff, if there is one, is that you feel the road much more. This is probably due to the much smaller sidewall on the Pirelli's then on the snow tires. Also, snow tires are just big gummy soft tires, right? There's a reason why you can't feel the road.<p>So to recap, I was just making the point that the car was different. Maybe I should have said, "Wow, I didn't realize how much more feeling I had gotten when I put on the 17" wheels... until I took them off again".<p>Jason

Jason, I think I know what you mean. I normally want firm shocks and high performance tires with alot of air in them. I just switched for the winter to the Hakka' NRW's and also back to 7" rims instead of 225/50/16 on 7.5" rims. It really is a big change. Now my car feels so smooth. The steering wheel turns easier; the car rides softer. I almost feel like driving along at 50 mph in the right-hand lane with my turn signal on.<p>Bill