http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=118
Can't belive no one mentioned the RE-11s, winner in the test, but virtually the same overall rating as the AD08. Check the test results charts page, the AD08s were best on a dry track, but a bit noisy. Weight is the same as the OEM tires on the AD08s, two pounds more for the RE-11s as they have a higher load rating I guess.
Price is about the same for both, Stars are the tite budget pick but are two pounds heavier than OEMs too.
The OEM tires are probably the best as they have the softest compound, stiff sidewalls and are light weight, the downside is the steep price.
Wear Ratings aren't perfect, but are the best indication we have of how sticky a tire compound is:
A048: 60 (when properly heat cycled and brought up to operating temp)
A046: 160 (SCCA limit, less than 160 they consider an R-Comp)
RE960AS: 400
All the rest: 180
As always, you get what you pay for...
money is no object= A046
money is
really no object= two sets of wheels,
street: Potenza RE960AS Pole Position (would double as track tires on a rainy day)
track: Advan A048
cost vs performance= AD08s
budget performer=Star Specs
Note: The results of the test above are really quite close with the exception of the Ecsta XS which blows in the wet. O.P. stiff sidewalls are not the be all end all. Read all three pages of the test and watch the vid.
BTW, my pick is the AD08, but the OEM A046s are really a great tire and I'd buy them again (I'm on my third set) if the price wasn't so high.
