I've been researching a nice summer tire (205-45-16) for my 99 Civic CX with a price of around $350 or under. I've narrowed it down to the Dunlop Direzza DZ101s and Yokohama S.drives. Right now there is a $40 rebate on the Yokohamas so they're close to $350. The Dunlops have a $20 rebate making them about $300. I'm open to other suggestions as well.

The main use of the tires will be daily driving. There will be a little spirited driving as well as a possible auto-x event added to the mix. I have other wheels I will be using for winter.

 

S. Drive > DZ101. If you said Dunlop Star Spec then thats a different story. They are one of the best summer tires out right now.

 

yokohoma S drives are one of the best daily driver tires out right now. use them on my integra that was pretty low and had no to low chamber wear compared to kuhmo's or falken tires.

 

I own a set of DZ101 they are a good tire but the S drive and Spec star are better. Either of those tires would serve you well.

 

I have dunlop direzza z101 sitting in my garage 205 50 15 brand spanking new (one tire). You can have it for $50 just pay for shipping and handling. I hate these tire with all my heart. I tell myself don't ever purchase it or tell anyone to buy it cause they sucks. Very soft sidewall pop really easily! I used 1st gen azenis, t1s, es100, sdrive, now I'm on re-11 I love them all except for that piece of crap direzza z101!!!

 

i have the S Drives in a 195/50/15 on my 2000 civic.....they have been nothing but great to me so far. i bought them for the same reason you are, looking to cut cost.

 

S-drives, enough said....

 

The Direzza DZ101 was one of the worst tires we have ever tested in terms of traction in the wet. Unless you enjoy hydroplaning, go with the S.drives.

 

Please don't compare the Z1 * to S. Drive. There not even on the same level.

 

only had 2 sets of tires on my teg... these 2, s drives unless not available...

 

Please don't confuse the Dunlop Direzza DZ101, which is the subject of this discussion, with the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec, which is not being asked about here. They are two entirely different tires.

The comparison being asked about is the Dunlop Direzza DZ101 and the Yokohama S.drive. As others have already noted, the S.drive is the better tire of the two.