Yes, the sidewall is very stiff. The Azenis is a close as you can get to a "R" compound tire. I use them for track days and am very impressed with their performance.
Owner reviews for tires
If you're looking for ultimate grip from a street tire then the Azenis's grip vs the Ziex will far outweigh the additional weight. If you are looking for a decent grip tire and want to get some mileage out of them then don't go with the Azenis.
They are ATP Magnum Elegance (9,5 x 18) with Fulda Tramp 4x4 Yukon (255/55/18).
FWIW, I had 225/45R17 Nokian Hakkas on my 2001 TT Roadster, and I had absolutely no problems on hard-packed snow or loose, slushy wet snow. I distinctly remember leaving a big, jacked-up Jeep with all-terrain tires in my wake at a stop light in about 8 inches of unplowed snow!
I tried both Golf GTI with 195/65-15 and the R32 with 225/40-18 last winter, and the R32 was much better to drive even if the tyres are wider. I have 225/45-17 today (winter tyres, without spikes of course!) and they are awesome. Quite, nice handling
I weighed my MCS 17"s on a bathroom scale - 49 lb. That's with the 205/45-17 Badyear RS-A's. My 215/45-16 and 16x6.5" Enkei RPO1/Falken Azenis weighed 37 lb. on the same scale. 12 lb per corner is a HUGE amount, and is extremely noticeable while driving.
I had some Hakka's on my 85 Vanagon, all four wheels, they were very good. Felt better in most cases on snow than the summer Dunlops did on dry pavement.
4 studded Vredestein Transport Snow's 185/75/R14 8-ply, load index 102, N speed-rated (up to 87 mph) I'd go with all 4 tires, rather than just the rears.
I had 205-5015 khumos 712 esctas on 15x7 and they where wonderfull now I have yokohama YK420 195-50-15 they are fair and grip just fine for H rated tires...
My old 15" Conti's where great in the snow but these 17" Michelins really break traction easy.
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