Another tyre thread... Dunlop, Goodyear or other?

[w44neg]

I know, there's probably a million tyre threads on here so apologies first of all :-) I picked up a 2003 986 Boxster S at the weekend. It has Bridgestone S-02 18" n rated tyres all around, with the fronts being new (fitted recently by the previous owner) and the rears needing replacement.

I'm sure whatever I buy will be an improvement but I've decided to ditch all four current tyres (will flog the newer fronts on eBay to go towards the new tyres) but there's two tyres that seem to really stand out...

- Dunlop Sport Maxx RT at around £470
- Goodyear Eagle F1 asymmetric 2 at around £490

Neither of these are N rated but I'm not getting into all that. I just want a decent tyre. The ratings for the fronts are 92Y apply to both the above so I hope this is suitable.

Does anyone have experience of these tyres? According to the real-life reviews I've read, they seem mostly quiet, adequate performance, relatively fuel efficient but wear quicker than you'd ideally want.

Otherwise, I keep finding reviews from several years ago, so in 2014, is there a "go to" tyre?

[mrdemon]

yes the pilot super sport, but limited sizes.

[Trev450]

Of the two you have listed I would go for the Goodyear's. I have used them previously and although not up there with Michelin's, they are nonetheless a very good all round tyre and perform particularly well in the wet.

[gsewell]

Why do you believe that the Bridgestones are not a decent tyre?

Would it not be a better idea to just replace the rear's with new Bridgestones (as the approved n-rated tyre) and see how you like the car rather than try to sell the fronts at a major loss? I am sure that Porsche would not approve a tyre that would be a "bad" tyre.

Just my $0.02 as I don't see the benefit of throwing the best part of £500 on a car that you have had for a few days unless you really dislike the existing tyres.

[TobyLaRohne]

mrdemon said:

yes the pilot super sport, but limited sizes.

The answer to any "which road tyre is best" question

[Trev450]

gsewell said:

Why do you believe that the Bridgestones are not a decent tyre?

Because they're not. Mediocre dry weather grip, poor wet weather grip and no grip at all in cold weather.

[w44neg]

Trev450 said:

Because they're not. Mediocre dry weather grip, poor wet weather grip and no grip at all in cold weather.

I've read too many reviews that compound the above really. I'd love Michelin super sports but they only come in the front size, rather than the 265/35/18 size of the rears unfortunately.

[Trev450]

w44neg said:

Trev450 said:

Because they're not. Mediocre dry weather grip, poor wet weather grip and no grip at all in cold weather.

I've read too many reviews that compound the above really. I'd love Michelin super sports but they only come in the front size, rather than the 265/35/18 size of the rears unfortunately.

I'm speaking from first-hand experience of them. Terrible tyres - I wouldn't put them on my lawn mower.

Pilot Sports 2's come a good second to Super Sports.

[Orangecurry]

To give a counter viewpoint, my experience of the Bridgestone S-02 is rather different.

It has a very wide reputation as an excellent track-day tyre, and one that is also 'good enough' in other conditions.

As it gets hotter, it gets better, doesn't 'go off' and doesn't fall apart. They also have very stiff sidewalls which makes driving a joy.

If you are just doing dry-days and track-days, I would (and do) choose the S-02.

As a daily driver and all rounder in the UK climate, I would recommend the Uniroyal Rainsport - they don't have the stiff sidewall of the S-02, but they are superb in the wet (bit obvious really) giving 95% performance of Michelin or Goodyear, but at 60% of the price.

Having said that, the Goodyear consistantly gets top marks in the independent reviews, and if it wasn't for quality issues (and having moved some of their production from Germany to China) I would buy Goodyears... but I don't.

As an all-rounder in 18" I would also look at the Vredestein Vorti - a tyre designed for sports cars by a european manufacturer with an excellent reputation.

I have Sessantas in 18s on one of my wheelsets and they are a very good all-rounder.

So there you have three DDs to choose from; modern tyres with excellent write-ups (except the sidewall stiffness on the UR3s.

But as I said, dry-days only, I would replace the rears with S-02.

[thegoose]

w44neg said:

I've read too many reviews that compound the above really. I'd love Michelin super sports but they only come in the front size, rather than the 265/35/18 size of the rears unfortunately.

Change to 285/30 if they're available?

[Orangecurry]

thegoose said:

w44neg said:

I've read too many reviews that compound the above really. I'd love Michelin super sports but they only come in the front size, rather than the 265/35/18 size of the rears unfortunately.

Change to 285/30 if they're available?

You shouldn't really put 285 on a 9J rim, but you may get away with it in recreational driving.

[w44neg]

Thanks for all the replies. After looking at a million reviews, I'm now toying between the Goodyear Eagle asymmetric 2 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 3. The good years appear to be much more fuel efficient but turn in isn't as good apparently due to the soft side walls?

[Trev450]

MPS3's are more of a touring tyre and not in the same league as MPS2's or Goodyear Assymetric 2's.

[w44neg]

I purchased the Goodyears last night. It was a really tough choice when spending all that money so hopefully, the right choice!!

[mrdemon]

best choice imo for that size

[Moog72]

Trev450 said:

Because they're not. Mediocre dry weather grip, poor wet weather grip and no grip at all in cold weather.

They are also a dual compound tyre IIRC, softer rubber the more they wear down. That's why when used on some Caterhams (for sprints / hillclimbs, etc back in the day), they were shaved down a few mm before use