Tires Continental or Nokia
I'll second the continentals. I have them on my car for 2000 miles now and I think they are a great tire, good traction in all conditions. I had 205/50's on my car before and to me, they look too small in the wheel well. Just my opinion.
I got 205/55/15 Continental ContiExtreme Contact from Tire Rack. I think they were $68/tire. Best all-season performance tire for the price. Great dry,wet, and snow traction.
Had my first snow experience with the WRs on my way yo work today. Obviously not the grip of a studded tire, but I think they perform just as good as the Blizzaks.
I've driven 3 winters with Nokian Q:s. 2.5 with 185/65-14 and 1/2 winter with 195/55-15 and with 15" Q:s handling was much better but grip was same as the 14".
ditto on the nokias. my last set saw 6 winters (about 30,000 miles) and were still going strong. quiet at crusiing speeds and handle resonably well for snow tires - i'd rather been on my summer rubber for an emergency maneuver, but i've dodged a few deers on the Nokias with no problem.
I'm a firm believer in Nokians. I have 3 year old 16" Nokian NRWs on my Passat Wagon 1.8T 5 speed, and my wife's Passat Wagon 1.8T Tip is riding on brand new 16" Nokian WRs. With the ESP and the Nokians, my wife's car feels invincible in snow - which is exactly how I want it to be. Both sets are rated for extreme conditions AND provide excellent dry-road performance with minimal noise.
Precisely the reason why I looked for the Conti's on my quiet, silky smooth ride new car. Until I ride in someone's car with better ones, I'm happy.
my new car, the white love wagon II , came with the conti's but I haven't even begun to break them in, or the engine for that matter with less that 200 mi on the car......but in my first impression the conti's seem quieter that the mxv4 pluses......
Another case of 'ignorance is bliss' perhaps, but I'm favorably impressed with my Conti's (8600 miles since new on 9/11) for quietness, ride, and traction (wet/snow).
I think the Contis get bashed because they look skimpy and performance leans towards comfort and quiet. I have driven 4000 miles in various conditions and can't complain. They've never squealed, skidded, growled or aquaplaned and they give a silky smooth ride.
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