Falken Ziex ZE512 vs Dunlop SP Sport FM901
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Falken Ziex ZE512 vs Dunlop SP Sport FM901
I currently have the Dunlops and I love them. I recently found a deal in the sponser marketplace for the Falkens (4 for 280) and was wondering which tire is better. Any personal experiences would be of great help. The dunlops, to me, have excellent traction and I never got them to squeal, but of course they do now since they are balding. Only drawback to the dunlops is price. Ive read mixed reviews on the Falkens, so I turn to you HT for some opinions. thanks all 
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Re: Falken Ziex ZE512 vs Dunlop SP Sport FM901 (deviant1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by deviant1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">was wondering which tire is better.</TD></TR></TABLE>
They're really two different kinds of tires, so it depends on what you're looking for. I wouldn't say that either one is better than the other. (It's kind of like asking which is better, a Honda Civic or a Honda Pilot SUV.)
The Falken Ziex ZE-512 is a pretty good all-season tire. All-season tires are designed for folks who use the same tire in snow and winter conditions as well as warmer weather. They're better in snow than summer tires, although not as good as true winter tires, of course. But in warmer weather, they won't perform anywhere near as well as a good summer tire.
The Dunlop SP Sport FM901 is a so-so summer tire. It's designed to give decent value for a tire to be used in moderate to warm temperatures, but not in snow. The segment in which it competes, "budget performance tires", has had some other tires introduced in the past couple of years which offer better performance for about the same price, which is why Dunlop recently introduced the Direzza DZ101 to replace the FM901 in its line-up. If you're looking for a budget performance tire - a summer tire that will give you very good performance (but not in snow) at a bargain price - I recommend the Yokohama AVS ES100, the Kumho Ecsta SPT, or the Dunlop Direzza DZ101, rather than the FM901.
They're really two different kinds of tires, so it depends on what you're looking for. I wouldn't say that either one is better than the other. (It's kind of like asking which is better, a Honda Civic or a Honda Pilot SUV.)
The Falken Ziex ZE-512 is a pretty good all-season tire. All-season tires are designed for folks who use the same tire in snow and winter conditions as well as warmer weather. They're better in snow than summer tires, although not as good as true winter tires, of course. But in warmer weather, they won't perform anywhere near as well as a good summer tire.
The Dunlop SP Sport FM901 is a so-so summer tire. It's designed to give decent value for a tire to be used in moderate to warm temperatures, but not in snow. The segment in which it competes, "budget performance tires", has had some other tires introduced in the past couple of years which offer better performance for about the same price, which is why Dunlop recently introduced the Direzza DZ101 to replace the FM901 in its line-up. If you're looking for a budget performance tire - a summer tire that will give you very good performance (but not in snow) at a bargain price - I recommend the Yokohama AVS ES100, the Kumho Ecsta SPT, or the Dunlop Direzza DZ101, rather than the FM901.
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Re: Falken Ziex ZE512 vs Dunlop SP Sport FM901 (deviant1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by deviant1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i just got through skimming the reviews on tirerack on the dunlops, and it seems ppl dont like them too much.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I told you so.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by deviant1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the search continues...</TD></TR></TABLE>
What are you looking for? A tire that will be used in snow and frigid cold, or only in moderate to warm temperatures? Will you use it on the track and/or autocross, or only on the street? To what extent are you willing to trade off some performance for a tire that lasts longer or costs less? What kind of car do you have (year, make, model, version) and if you don't have stock wheels, what size wheels are you using?
Maybe this will help. Think of tires along a spectrum, from the absolutely stickiest, grippiest tires around (that won't last very long at all), to tires that are not very grippy at all but last a long time and provide good value as well. Many performance tires fall into the falling categories, starting with the stickiest and going down to those with the best value, with a few of the best examples listed for each category:
1. Drag Radials: BFGoodrich g-Force T/A Drag Radial (won't last very long)
2. Other R Compound Tires: Hoosier R3S04 and A3S05, Toyo RA-1, etc (typical treadlife 2-4K miles)
3. Specialty Super-Sticky Street Tires: Falken Azenis RT-615, Hankook R-S2 Z212 (typical treadlife 10K miles)
4. Best Top-of-the-Line Street Tires: Goodyear F1 GS-D3, Bridgestone S-03, Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, etc (typical treadlife 15-25K miles)
5. "Value" Top-of-the-Line Street Tires: Toyo T-1R, Kumho Ecsta MX (typical treadlife 15-25K miles)
6. Budget Performance, "Bang for the Buck" Tires: Yokohama AVS ES100, Kumho Ecsta SPT, Dunlop Direzza DZ101, etc (typical treadlife 25-40K miles)
7. All-season tires: Kumho Ecsta ASX, Pirelli PZero Nero M+S, etc (typical treadlife 25-50K miles)
If you plan to use your tires much in snow, then you really have to get category 7 all-season tires (or use dedicated winter tires). If you never go to the track and you don't mind getting less performance if you can save on what you pay for tires, then category 6 is probably best for you. Each step up the list involves a little more performance and a little less value for your money - which, of course, is a matter of personal preference.
I told you so.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by deviant1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the search continues...</TD></TR></TABLE>
What are you looking for? A tire that will be used in snow and frigid cold, or only in moderate to warm temperatures? Will you use it on the track and/or autocross, or only on the street? To what extent are you willing to trade off some performance for a tire that lasts longer or costs less? What kind of car do you have (year, make, model, version) and if you don't have stock wheels, what size wheels are you using?
Maybe this will help. Think of tires along a spectrum, from the absolutely stickiest, grippiest tires around (that won't last very long at all), to tires that are not very grippy at all but last a long time and provide good value as well. Many performance tires fall into the falling categories, starting with the stickiest and going down to those with the best value, with a few of the best examples listed for each category:
1. Drag Radials: BFGoodrich g-Force T/A Drag Radial (won't last very long)
2. Other R Compound Tires: Hoosier R3S04 and A3S05, Toyo RA-1, etc (typical treadlife 2-4K miles)
3. Specialty Super-Sticky Street Tires: Falken Azenis RT-615, Hankook R-S2 Z212 (typical treadlife 10K miles)
4. Best Top-of-the-Line Street Tires: Goodyear F1 GS-D3, Bridgestone S-03, Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, etc (typical treadlife 15-25K miles)
5. "Value" Top-of-the-Line Street Tires: Toyo T-1R, Kumho Ecsta MX (typical treadlife 15-25K miles)
6. Budget Performance, "Bang for the Buck" Tires: Yokohama AVS ES100, Kumho Ecsta SPT, Dunlop Direzza DZ101, etc (typical treadlife 25-40K miles)
7. All-season tires: Kumho Ecsta ASX, Pirelli PZero Nero M+S, etc (typical treadlife 25-50K miles)
If you plan to use your tires much in snow, then you really have to get category 7 all-season tires (or use dedicated winter tires). If you never go to the track and you don't mind getting less performance if you can save on what you pay for tires, then category 6 is probably best for you. Each step up the list involves a little more performance and a little less value for your money - which, of course, is a matter of personal preference.
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Re: Falken Ziex ZE512 vs Dunlop SP Sport FM901 (nsxtasy)
The tires will see no snow or ice what so ever. The only weather they will see is the occasional rain during winter. I dont auto cross at all and prolly wont in the future. I enjoy spirited driving and cornering. i have a EK hatch with 205/45/16 dunlop fm 901s right now. In the past I had kumho supra 712s in the same size and i like the dunlops better. they seem to grip better to me. the kumhos squealed pretty easily compared to my dunlops. i have a 26mm front sway and 22mm rear sway on 10k/8k coilovers. hopefully that info will help thanks for the help
i was looking at the Dunlop Direzza DZ101 tires and they dont have the size i need on tirerack. in the past i was looking into the yok ES100s but went with the dunlops instead. i want performance. i dont mind buying tires every year and a half or two years. the kumhos lasted for about a year and a half and the dunlops now are going on just under two years i believe. it will be two years in december for the dunlops.
thanks for the help i was looking at the Dunlop Direzza DZ101 tires and they dont have the size i need on tirerack. in the past i was looking into the yok ES100s but went with the dunlops instead. i want performance. i dont mind buying tires every year and a half or two years. the kumhos lasted for about a year and a half and the dunlops now are going on just under two years i believe. it will be two years in december for the dunlops.
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Re: Falken Ziex ZE512 vs Dunlop SP Sport FM901 (deviant1)
Since you obviously care a lot about performance, I would suggest spending a bit more than you have been, for tires that offer much better performance than the ones you are using. In particular, I would recommend the Toyo T1-R ($100/tire in 205/45-16 from onlinetires.com) or the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 ($128/tire in 205/45-16 from the Tire Rack). Both are excellent tires and excellent values. The Goodyear will give slightly better performance than the Toyo - in fact, the Goodyear has the highest survey results of all 24 tires in Tire Rack's highest performance category, and did extremely well in their side-by-side comparison tests too - but it's up to you whether to spend the extra $112 per set for that slight difference. I think you will really enjoy either one, because both offer substantially better performance than either the FM901 or the 712 that you have been using. You can spend less than this in the "budget performance" category with the SPT ($77) or the ES100 ($82) but they will be too close in performance to the FM901 and 712, and it sounds like you would prefer to spend a bit more money for something that is significantly better.
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Re: Falken Ziex ZE512 vs Dunlop SP Sport FM901 (nsxtasy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would recommend the Toyo T1-R ($100/tire in 205/45-16 from onlinetires.com) or the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 ($128/tire in 205/45-16 from the Tire Rack). Both are excellent tires and excellent values. The Goodyear will give slightly better performance than the Toyo - in fact, the Goodyear has the highest survey results of all 24 tires in Tire Rack's highest performance category, and did extremely well in their side-by-side comparison tests too - but it's up to you whether to spend the extra $112 per set for that slight difference.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Check out the comparison test of top street tires in the new (December) issue of Car and Driver. Spoiler: The Goodyear was rated the best, and the Toyo was way down the list. If it were my car, and I cared mostly about performance, the choice would be very easy...
Check out the comparison test of top street tires in the new (December) issue of Car and Driver. Spoiler: The Goodyear was rated the best, and the Toyo was way down the list. If it were my car, and I cared mostly about performance, the choice would be very easy...
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Re: (deviant1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by deviant1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">whats better, soft or hard sidewall for performance/grip?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Performance/grip depends on a lot of different factors, and the stiffness of the sidewall is minor compared with others (like the softness of the rubber compound).
Look at reports of the overall performance/grip rather than on isolated factors like sidewall stiffness.
Performance/grip depends on a lot of different factors, and the stiffness of the sidewall is minor compared with others (like the softness of the rubber compound).
Look at reports of the overall performance/grip rather than on isolated factors like sidewall stiffness.
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Re: Falken Ziex ZE512 vs Dunlop SP Sport FM901 (deviant1)
i've had both, ziex 512 kinda suckass for performance, as other's said, it's comparing apples to oranges, all season tire vs summer,
a closer comparo would be the falken st115, 451, or direzzas...
a closer comparo would be the falken st115, 451, or direzzas...
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Re: (vietnameeh)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vietnameeh »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i though u wanted performance ?
should get 205/witha 50 profile
persoanlly i think 45 profile is too thin for what i think you want</TD></TR></TABLE>
Personally, I think you don't even know what the "50" part of the tire size means.
should get 205/witha 50 profile
persoanlly i think 45 profile is too thin for what i think you want</TD></TR></TABLE>
Personally, I think you don't even know what the "50" part of the tire size means.
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Re: (vietnameeh)
Yes, it's the percent of the tread width that represents the sidewall height.
However, 205/45-16 is the right size for his car. You are suggesting 205/50-16, which will mean higher sidewalls, slower acceleration, inaccurate speedometer, and slower response to steering inputs, with no performance benefits whatsoever.
205/50 works for a lot of our cars on 15" wheels, not on 16" wheels, where you need shorter sidewalls to compensate for the larger diameter wheels.
However, 205/45-16 is the right size for his car. You are suggesting 205/50-16, which will mean higher sidewalls, slower acceleration, inaccurate speedometer, and slower response to steering inputs, with no performance benefits whatsoever.
205/50 works for a lot of our cars on 15" wheels, not on 16" wheels, where you need shorter sidewalls to compensate for the larger diameter wheels.
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Re: (GUILOTINE)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GUILOTINE »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">for performance the Dunlop hands down is better</TD></TR></TABLE>
^^^^ Obviously written without bothering to read any of the posts above.
^^^^ Obviously written without bothering to read any of the posts above.
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Re: Falken Ziex ZE512 vs Dunlop SP Sport FM901 (deviant1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by deviant1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">they dont make the Direzza DZ101 in 205/45/16, boo</TD></TR></TABLE>
for that size why don't you try the goodyear eagle f1 gs-d3. link: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/...urvey
In the latest issue of <U>Car and Driver</U>, they rated it the best "overall" summer tire. Beat out Advan Neovas and Michelin Pilot PS2's.
for that size why don't you try the goodyear eagle f1 gs-d3. link: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/...urvey
In the latest issue of <U>Car and Driver</U>, they rated it the best "overall" summer tire. Beat out Advan Neovas and Michelin Pilot PS2's.
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Re: (nsxtasy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
^^^^ Obviously written without bothering to read any of the posts above.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I didnt really care to read a description of every performance tire ever produced. The question in the title says Ziex vs. FM901, Ive had both and in all around performance and price I say the FM901 is better suited for my personal needs. The Zeix from all my experinces were plain garbage just like my ES100's. Take in mind that these where 195x50-15 and were used for daily street tire.
^^^^ Obviously written without bothering to read any of the posts above.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I didnt really care to read a description of every performance tire ever produced. The question in the title says Ziex vs. FM901, Ive had both and in all around performance and price I say the FM901 is better suited for my personal needs. The Zeix from all my experinces were plain garbage just like my ES100's. Take in mind that these where 195x50-15 and were used for daily street tire.
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Re: (GUILOTINE)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rancid_949 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">for that size why don't you try the goodyear eagle f1 gs-d3.</TD></TR></TABLE>
What a great idea! I should have suggested that myself! Oh wait, I did:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would recommend the Toyo T1-R ($100/tire in 205/45-16 from onlinetires.com) or the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 ($128/tire in 205/45-16 from the Tire Rack). Both are excellent tires and excellent values. The Goodyear will give slightly better performance than the Toyo - in fact, the Goodyear has the highest survey results of all 24 tires in Tire Rack's highest performance category, and did extremely well in their side-by-side comparison tests too - but it's up to you whether to spend the extra $112 per set for that slight difference. I think you will really enjoy either one</TD></TR></TABLE>
Continuing on...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rancid_949 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">In the latest issue of <U>Car and Driver</U>, they rated it the best "overall" summer tire. Beat out Advan Neovas and Michelin Pilot PS2's.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yup, I already said that, too:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Check out the comparison test of top street tires in the new (December) issue of Car and Driver. Spoiler: The Goodyear was rated the best, and the Toyo was way down the list. If it were my car, and I cared mostly about performance, the choice would be very easy...</TD></TR></TABLE>
I guess YOU didn't bother reading some of the previous posts, either.
But at least YOU came up with a recommendation that was appropriate to the guy's inquiry.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GUILOTINE »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I didnt really care to read a description of every performance tire ever produced.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes, but it turns out that his original question didn't make sense (comparing a mediocre all-season tire against a mediocre summer tire) and that his needs (performance, without a whole lot of consideration for price) are better met by other, better-performing tires than those two. Of course, you have to bother reading the other posts to find that out.
for posting information that is of no additional help whatsoever.
Modified by nsxtasy at 4:55 PM 11/8/2005
What a great idea! I should have suggested that myself! Oh wait, I did:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would recommend the Toyo T1-R ($100/tire in 205/45-16 from onlinetires.com) or the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 ($128/tire in 205/45-16 from the Tire Rack). Both are excellent tires and excellent values. The Goodyear will give slightly better performance than the Toyo - in fact, the Goodyear has the highest survey results of all 24 tires in Tire Rack's highest performance category, and did extremely well in their side-by-side comparison tests too - but it's up to you whether to spend the extra $112 per set for that slight difference. I think you will really enjoy either one</TD></TR></TABLE>
Continuing on...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rancid_949 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">In the latest issue of <U>Car and Driver</U>, they rated it the best "overall" summer tire. Beat out Advan Neovas and Michelin Pilot PS2's.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yup, I already said that, too:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Check out the comparison test of top street tires in the new (December) issue of Car and Driver. Spoiler: The Goodyear was rated the best, and the Toyo was way down the list. If it were my car, and I cared mostly about performance, the choice would be very easy...</TD></TR></TABLE>
I guess YOU didn't bother reading some of the previous posts, either.
But at least YOU came up with a recommendation that was appropriate to the guy's inquiry. <TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GUILOTINE »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I didnt really care to read a description of every performance tire ever produced.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes, but it turns out that his original question didn't make sense (comparing a mediocre all-season tire against a mediocre summer tire) and that his needs (performance, without a whole lot of consideration for price) are better met by other, better-performing tires than those two. Of course, you have to bother reading the other posts to find that out.
for posting information that is of no additional help whatsoever.Modified by nsxtasy at 4:55 PM 11/8/2005
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