255/40/17

RT-615 122$
Re-01R 221$
RE050 PP 174$
RE070 216$


The RT-615s are cheap which is the compelling reason to consider them. I've been warned about road noise and wet traction. I don't drive in the rain but road noise is something I want to consider.

Thanks,

Mgmnt

4/29/2008 6:21:53 PM

I am currently runnning the RE050PP on my GTI.
Haven't had any problems with them in the 10k miles.

I have heard good things about the 615 as far as traction, but tire life is short.

4/29/2008 6:35:12 PM

road noise is not a real concern with the RT-615 until you get down below the wear indicator. I got 15k miles out of a set and never had a problem with wet grip either until the tire wore down to the wear bars. Look at the new Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec. It's looking like it grips better than any of the other top street tires and is only $161 each, plus it has a $50 rebate right now.

4/29/2008 7:34:58 PM

4/29/2008 8:18:21 PM

615 is THE noisiest street tire I've ever had, except for yoko avs sport. Damp traction is fine, hydroplaning resistance doesn't exist however. Good dry grip, vague steering feel, choppy ride, good price.

I like all of the potenzas a lot. Comparable grip, superior steering feedaback and lighter.
Ahmet

4/29/2008 9:07:27 PM

hhhhmmm

might be pole positions (lol)

no homo

4/30/2008 8:04:51 AM

re01rs are the best performing you listed.

Also check out the new Dunlop Direzzas. Theyre getting rave reviews and are quite cheap. They also run really wide. theyre the hot new autox tire.

4/30/2008 8:10:28 AM

^^^ you must not have driven on the BFG KDW2. THAT is the noisiest tire I've ever had. Didn't even let them wear out before I bought different tires. vague steering feel with the RT-615? I have very direct steering with these tires and feel bumps and holes mid-corner much more than previous tires. By no means are they perfect, but their directness and transitional ability are still the best out of the top level street tires. One of the qualities people always comment about is how they make the car seem more lively and light on it's feet compared to other tires, like the RE-01r and AD07. The RE01r does have a slightly higher max cornering grip but they feel heavier and slightly softer.

I agree with ^ in that the new Dunlop needs consideration. I'm likely getting a set of them to try out after this set of RT-615s wear out in the fall.

4/30/2008 9:02:02 AM

I have not driven the BFG KDW2.

I've driven the 615 back to back (on a Type R) RE01s, w/the only variable being the tires. To me (at Rockingham) the biggest difference was in steering feedback where the 615s seemed a lot more mushy. They settled into a corner fine, lacked in grip in comparison in braking but were very comparable in cornering grip. When it comes to car set up, I often disagree with people so take it for what it's worth. That said, for the money I like both the 615s as well as Kumho MXs a lot. MXs last a smidge longer, and are much better at hydroplaning resistance than the 615s, but 615s have better damp grip, especially under braking, and they break away smoother as well. Both ride harsh. MXs are also more consistent as they heat up, but I think if you can keep from overheating the 615s, they have more grip.

Michelin Pilot Sports are awesome tires if you don't mind the $.
Ahmet

4/30/2008 8:14:26 PM

I love the KDW2s. I have gone through 5 sets of them. They are the noisiest tire ever though.

4/30/2008 10:19:25 PM

rt615's are not the most confidence inspiring tires in the rain on my car

but you cant beat the price compared to what i was paying for yokohama A022's, which only lasted 5,000 miles on the rear of my car, and 7,000 on the front.. damn good tire though

5/1/2008 12:08:42 AM

Quote :

"Michelin Pilot Sports are awesome tires if you don't mind the $. "

would have been my suggestion too, still one of the best street tires i've driven on.....i've been disappointed ever since they stoped making them in 16" rim sizes

If this is going on an s2000, i have the khumo mx's on mine and have been very satisfied so far. Tread wear is lacking obiviously, i'll probably get between 6-8k out of the rears. But they grip and corner much better than the g-force sports the owner before me had on.

5/1/2008 12:39:03 AM

Have you considered Toyo T1-R's ?

5/1/2008 3:05:53 AM

RT615 = Turn up the radio

I would never recommend them on a daily driver. They are awesome for the auto-x though. I have them on my auto-x wheels. Only thing I don't like about them is that they don't warn you that you're about to do the ballerina dance. Most tires will screech, hollar, and yell at you when they are at their limits. Not with these babies. You're pushing the apex hard and all of a sudden *cue classical music and slow mo film of you spinning in circles*.

[Edited on May 1, 2008 at 9:46 AM. Reason : more info]

5/1/2008 9:45:11 AM

i ran Eagle F1s on the Miata, Potenzas and KDW2s on the S2000, and Advans and RT-615s on the Evo.

I think I liked the Advans the most, but they're fuckoff expensive. Nothing touches the Falkens in terms of bang for the buck. As Ahmet said, they do seem a little greasy under braking in comparison (I notice it when trail braking a tight corner...the back end of the Evo wants to step out under minimal braking pressure).

If it were me, unless I had a pretty stout budget, I'd get the RT-615s. 95+ % of the tire for 60-75% of the money.

[Edited on May 1, 2008 at 1:40 PM. Reason : ^ no tires in this class scream and howl much, if at all.]

5/1/2008 1:39:42 PM