Potenza S-03 vs. g-Force T/A KD

I'm sure the BFG wins in all out grip, but I'm after a longer-lasting tire under the same conditions (daily street driving and as many autocrosses and HPDEs I can fit in). I've come to expect 12~15K miles from a set of summer treads. I'm thinking the S-03 compound will wear slower, but the T/A KD's larger tread blocks might hold up better to severe track duty. Anyone have any idea which of these tires will last longer?

Thanks.

The size: 225/50-15
The prices: S-03 $128, T/A KD $159
The treadwear: S-03 220, T/A KD 200 (but of course treadwear isn't comparable between manufacturers)

 

Dave get some azenis, they are cheaper and will last nearly as long. I have almost six thousand mi on mine with two HPDEs and five autoX events.

 

Hi Karl. The Azenis do not come in the size I want and are just too harsh for daily driving.

 

How are Azenis's to harsh for daily driving? I have Azenis for the sole purpose of daily driving, i have AO32rs for HPDEs and Autox.

 

Thank you. My question is about the S-03 and the T/A KD.

 

Yes the Azenis are a harsher daily tire with the stiff sidewall and more noise with the larger tread blocks.

The KD will give you better ultimate dry grip, but they are not as good in the rain either. Something to consider. The reality is that either of them will be a good choice, it just depends on what compromises you want to make. There probably will not be a significant difference in how long they wear. The S0-3's will probably wear slightly longer, but not a significant amount.

I know this is not a choice, but I would get a good and (inexpensive) all season street tire and go with an Yok or Toyo, inexpensive R compound for track days. You can get cheap wheels for that prupose. You would spend a little more, but be more happy with the results overall.

 

S0-3's are your friend. Get them. You won't regret it.

 

I have S-03s for street tires on my DS ITR. I autocrossed on them once when new and was disappointed. RE-010s were far grippier. As a street tire though I really like them. Good street grip, very good wet performance. Don't know about wear yet but they seem ok. They are a little squirmy due to the center rib but they are very liveable. Relatively quiet and comfortable ride for a high performance tire.

I have no opinion on the KDs

Regards,
Alan

 

Without trying to lunge away from those two tires... Any comments on the BFG KD-W? Might make a better wet tire while retaining decent track performance.

 

The S0-3, KD, Azenis, etc. in a 205/50 or a 225/50 WON'T feel right if on a 6" tire. They will seem squirmy and soft. R compound tires work ok on smaller rims, but street tires don't.

Minimum for a 205 or 225 is a 6.5" rim, 7" being much better.

 

Yup, a 225 on a 6.5" is nasty. 15x7s here.

 

I have Azenis on GSR rims do you know the width of thses rims? Should I change them to like some Rota ? thanks

 

GSR rims 15x6.0
Slipstream 15x6.5 and lighter

http://www.machiii.net/machiii/html/specials.html#

-allen

 

Sticky situation. KD is slightly better for the track, but you can likely get a good discount on the S-03 at a Firestone factory dealer (those MasterCare stores, Lloyd at the Ffx. City Pickett Rd. store matched Tire Rack straight up!) because of the BS/FS relationship.

Hmm, in my 205/55-15 the S-03 is $109 vs. the RE-730 at $98. I do need 2 sets about now , and the Goodyear F1 Steel carcassed is too dang expensive @ $150, great wet/dry tire though.

Gary

 

Hi Gary. At those prices I'd take the S-03 hands down.
FWIW my snow tires are Dunlop SP Sport 5000 asymetricals. They rock in the snow.

 

If you think those are good snow tires, try the Dunlop Winter Sport M2s. I have had both and the M2s are far superior in the snow. Kind of like the difference between a good high performance tire and an R compound tire. But even in heavy rain they rock!!!! My friend was following me in the rain and he said I had a huge rooster tail behind me

 

Yeah, but that sounds like a dedicated snow tire that won't do as well in the dry as the SP 5000s. Real snow tires are overkill for me. The Dunlops are quite decent in the dry.

 

Winter tires generally die fast and painfully when driven hard in temps over 60*F.

 

my brother has the T/A KD on his 993 Porsche Targa

F 215/45/17, R265/40/17

and i think it sucked big time in the rain~

i dont know about S-03 tho <------ but think it should be good

 

Actually an R-compound is the last thing I want. I'm on the cusp of novice/intermediate. I feel strongly that R-compounds are for advanced drivers with at least 4-point roll bars/cages.

 

Actually a the yok or Toyo are not so overwhelming that it will get you in trouble...I feel they would be better because they are design for that abuse, the street tires you are talking about are not. You will get better wear on the track with these R's than the street tires.

 

My father had the KDs 275s and 315s on his corvette for street and loved them. It did very rarely see the rain and traction control helps with 320+ whp. If you can wait about 2 weeks or so I will have the S-03 225/50s on my M3 and would be happy to give you some feedback. If they are good they'll go on just about everything that we own.

 

Actually I'll be ordering 225/50-15 S-03s tomorrow. I've heard nothing but raves about their street performance, and the price is great compared to the BFGs. Can't wait! Thanks though!

 

I'd say good choice. Ditto on the raves about them, haven't heard a bad thing. Let me know how you like them then

 

From: eccs@tirerack.com
Your order has been shipped.
Quantity Item Description
-------- ------------------------------
4 225/50WR-15 Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position

OH YEAH BABY!

All right DBurke, we'll compare notes!
Later, take care.