HSVMaxima

iTrader: (1)

I'm considering the Dunlop Sport A2's and Michelin XGT-4's for my next set of tires, probably next month. Also, considered Kumho Ecsta 711, but these got horrible reviews on tirerack.com. The Dunlop's and Michelin's are about the same price so I guess it comes down to performance. I'm not an overly aggressive driver, but probably more than the average person. I'm thinking the Dunlop's will give me better performance, but the Michelin's will give me better tread life. Anyone know otherwise?

I would like to get reviews from people who currently or in the past used these tires. I am running P215/55/16 if that matters. Another question for those that went from 16's to 17's, did you make the change by buying aftermarket rims.

Thanks.

johnny2kgle

Stay away from the michelin xgt 4 since its speed rating of S (Standard Touring)is lower than the H rating (Grand Touring)for the stock tire Toyo or Bridgestone. The Dunlop Sport A2 is an H rated tire and is superior in handling to the Michelin. Now the Michelin xgt v4 is a very good tire but it costs $150 plus and the top Michelin Pilot Sport A/S is best but costs $175 plus depending on size.

Go back to the tirerack site and do a search containing H rating (oem spec) and up i.e. V, W, and Z rating. You might consider going up to a 225/55 r16 as well.

Good Luck.

HSVMaxima

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the info. I can get either tire of ~$114. Excuse my ignorance, but what does the 215/225 number represent? and you're saying they're completely interchangeable? I guess it looks like so far the Dunlop sports for $114 are the choice to beat then.

dental stud

Or you could go to Tirerack.com and get them for $89 each. Gotta pay shipping, but should still be cheaper.

johnny2kgle

The 215 or 225 is the width of the tire in millimeters. The 55 is the percentage of width to height. The side wall is 55% of the tire's width. To avoid confusion stick with the 215/55 r16 size.

As mentioned before, buy from the Tirerack.com and have the tires drop shipped to an authorized/recommended installer from the Tirerack. Huntsville, AL is a big enough town to have an installer. I am originally from Decatur, AL.

Here are the links to do more homework. If you have anymore question, email me.

John


http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...peed_rating=ZR

http://www.tirerack.com/installer/In...tallers=Search

johnny2kgle

Also, pleass read the frequently asked questions up at the top of the 5th gen forum.

djPlayboy

Id go with the dunlaps ive got the michillen MXV4 Plus, and yeah they come stock on some AMGs and BMWs but there too round of a tire for any performance, there great in rain though i havent got them to break yet and i drive hard most the time. The Dunlaps are even better in the rain with a AA traction rating. Plus what I paid for for the michillens i could of bought a nice set of rims for But hey I needed tires then and there I had two blowouts on the interstate with my toyo fz4's(with around 45k on them) and no one around here had dunlaps or any other tire for that fact

VMaximus02

iTrader: (1)

I've recently changed all 4-tires to Bridgestone
Turanza LS-H. The Original tires on the OEM's P215/55/16 were Goodyear RS-A. They were terrible on wet/snow pavement after only 20K. The Turanza's ride much better, quieter, more tractions on wet/dry pavement, and relatively cheap too (got it for about $92, after Costo's rebate coupon). The reviews for these tires on Tirerack are pretty good. The dry traction rating is "AA" and temperature "A". The tread life is excellent.

hawkdog

Get the Sumitomo HTR+....you can't beat them for the $$$!!! I just got a set and they're great!

Guru

iTrader: (1)

I agree. I liked the Sumitumos over the Dunlop SP5000's or D60 A2's (which were replaced with new model I think). Better in snow and on dry pavement. Haven't tried rain yet.

MaximaDisciple

I wouldn't call an 8 out of 10 rating horrible for the Ecstas. Just depends where you live. If there's any amount of snow where you live then these tires aren't for you.