Well, im looking to get some tires and I have no idea why its so difficult. Anyway I have narrowed it down to these two sizes. In the 195 trim I was looking at Eagle F1's G-force Sports and Kumho Ecsta's in the 205 Ecsta Mx's, Yoko Advans and Azenis Rt-615. Im looking for a tire that will give me the best dry pavement handling characteristics. If there was an Azenis RT615 in 195 trim I would choose that immediately but there isnt. The main reason i was lookin at the smaller tire trim was because it would allow me to ride really nice and low. How different would the best 195 tire mentioned compare to the 205 falken tire? thanks ~Victor

 

First, let's go back a step. What kind of car do you have (model, year, version)? 195/50-15 is the best matching size for CRXs, del sols, and pre-'96 Civics. 195/55-15 and 205/50-15 are the best matching sizes for Integras and '97-00 Civics. Get the proper size tire for your car, if you can (but see below).

You say you want the best dry traction for your car. That's fine (and it helps that you've stated your objective).

If you have an Integra or '97-00 Civic, then I recommend the Falken Azenis RT-615 in 205/50-15. It has the best dry traction of any street tire. As long as you can live with its downsides (rapid treadwear, so-so in rain), it's a great choice for your objective.

If you have a CRX, del sol, or pre-'96 Civic, then it would depend on what you're using it for. If this is only for street use, then I would go with the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 in 195/50-15. It has excellent dry traction, excellent wet traction, and very good treadlife. If you sometimes will be using these tires for autocross or track events as well as street use, then I would get the Falken Azenis RT-615 in 205/50-15, and live with the downsides of the somewhat oversized tires in order to get the maximum dry traction in those situations.

In both sizes, the Kumho Ecsta SPT offers more value (lower price and longer treadlife) than the choices recommended above, but it sounds like you're looking only for dry traction, not value.

Just to summarize the other tires you mentioned:
BFG g-Force Sport in 195 - relatively poor dry traction, not worth buying (if you're looking for something with a low price, you're better off with the Kumho Ecsta SPT)
Kumho Ecsta in 195 - not sure which Kumho Ecsta tire you're referring to
Kumho Ecsta MX in 205 - good tire, not as much dry traction as the Azenis, but lasts somewhat longer
Yoko Advan in 205 - not sure which Yoko Advan tire you're referring to (If you're referring to the Advan A043, that was designed specifically for the Toyota MR2)



Modified by nsxtasy at 11:35 AM 12/16/2006

 

I have a del sol. And thanks a ton for the information......you always help out. Anyway, my follow up question would be, how do the 195 F1's compare to the 205 Azenis in dry traction. Thats pretty much all I'm going for and I will be using these for street/auto cross use. My biggest problem with the 205 is that i think they look funky on EG's. you say that for auot crossing I should go with the Azenis and live wiht the downsides. But how much better is the azenis, cuz if the difference is minimal then i think id just go with the F1's...Thanks again.


Modified by VTECommie at 11:58 AM 12/16/2006

 

It snows a fair bit in Minnesota, right? I hope you have winter tires cause all the tires being discussed are a no-go for the white stuff.

 

yea i have my stock wheels for the winter, these are for the spring, however no snow yet here in the far north but, winter break= copper mountain= new 1080s gonna be rippin the fresh pow

 

depends on how much time you have in in auto x to really notice the difference between the two...someone you auto x's more frequently will want the 615 over the F1 because of the better dry handling of the tire..

the azenis is going to give you the best dry traction over the gdy F1. but with that being said the gdy F1 is going to last longer as nsxtasy stated...I have had both tires and like the F1 for its handling charecteristics and wet weather handling but really loved the azenis for its dry handling and so so wet handling... the gdy F1 will defineatly last longer for what you are planning on doing with it than the 615...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vtecsi00 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">depends on how much time you have in in auto x to really notice the difference between the two...someone you auto x's more frequently will want the 615 over the F1 because of the better dry handling of the tire..

the azenis is going to give you the best dry traction over the gdy F1. but with that being said the gdy F1 is going to last longer as nsxtasy stated...I have had both tires and like the F1 for its handling charecteristics and wet weather handling but really loved the azenis for its dry handling and so so wet handling... the gdy F1 will defineatly last longer for what you are planning on doing with it than the 615...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good summary.

Take your pick...

 

If all you want is dry handling as you did state, stick with the Azenis. But be prepared for quick wear with them...at least in compairison with a non performance tire.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dvp &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If all you want is dry handling as you did state, stick with the Azenis. But be prepared for quick wear with them...at least in compairison with a non performance tire.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Or even in comparison with a performance tire. For example, you'll probably get 10-12K miles on the Azenis, versus 20-35K on the F1 GS-D3.