Hi Cooper,

Here's a side-by-side comparison test I'd like to see the Tire Rack conduct.

The Tire Rack usually compares different tires within the same performance category, which makes sense, since it helps anyone who needs to make a decision on which tire to buy in that category.

The Tire Rack has done comparison tests in winter conditions (on the ice rink), of a summer tire, an all-season tire, and a winter tire, which demonstrates the difference in performance of these different kinds of tire.

How about a comparison test in warmer weather conditions of different kinds of tires? For example, a leading "extreme performance summer tire", a leading "max performance summer tire", a leading "ultra high performance summer tire", and a leading "ultra high performance all-season tire" could all be tested against each other. This could demonstrate the difference in performance of these different kinds of tires in warmer weather (in the dry and in the wet), which is important to a lot of folks. AFAIK the Tire Rack hasn't posted this kind of test before.

 

I would like to add to their request one of my own...

More 16" wheel offerings, please.

 

P.S. Another test I would like to see is a comparison of the new generation of extreme performance summer tires (XS vs RE-11 vs Z222 vs AD08).

 

same here. these all came on at once. for years we had the bfg kd and 615, now a whole heap of new tires hit. even nitto released a new nt05 to compete with the xs, ad08 etc

 

An interesting concept, and a valid point.

From a manufacturer's perspective, however, companies/brands have always made a point to emphasize the differences between performance categories -- especially max and UHP summer and all-season tires. It makes sense, in more than just a business way: different tread compounds will behave differently under different weather and climate conditions, so comparing tires across performance categories would be almost like comparing apples and oranges. UHP summer tires and UHP all-season tires serve their specific purposes, but I do agree that a lot of folks with whom I speak on a daily basis don't know the differences, or don't understand them (which is not the case here, of course.)

We do strive to make the differences more evident to the consumer, on the website and on the phone. For a quick reference, click here.

 

All I can say is... coming soon.

Another great reason to have The Tire Rack as a sponsor: as soon as the tests results are compiled, you'll get them here firsthand before everyone else.

 

Check out the latest Grassroots Motorsports magazine (June 2009 Issue: The Perfect Workshop). They recently conducted a review of all the latest tires branded as Extreme Performance Summer Tires at an autocross event. However, they only tested tires which were availabe in 15" sizes so they left out the AD08 and a couple other contenders. They also weren't bothered by the tires street/all-around performance, the review was only based on what the tire is capable of when tested on an auto-x course.

I won't spoil the results