I'm assuming the SPT falls in behind them in terms of performance

And yes, the ECTSA Spt would be a step down.

I'm showing $174 each in that size. Unfortunately I cannot see previous prices.<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR8&amp;url=/tires/index.jsp">Tires</a></li></ul>

Could have been a special buy we had back then, or Kumho raised prices... no way to tell why excactly.

liked them, but I might try something else now that there isn't any great price differential between them and other tires. I mean a 40% price increase seems insane.

i guess i'll have to see where prices are when it's time to order new tire