I have it on pretty solid authority that Sumitomo htr z3's are essentially Michelin pilot sports as far as grip goes with 75% of the tread life magic, for roughly half the price.
I just replaced my worn out Michelin's with a brand new set of Cooper RS3-G1 tires (235-45-17) and the traction from a standing start is impressive.
Tire fit no rubbing at full lock so I ordered three more. The increased diameter is noticeable under acceleration, but I can live with it.
The Sumitomo HTRs are pretty good. Either the A/S P02 or the Z III. The Z IIIs are a bit sportier, and the P02s are solid all seasons with a 500 treadwear rating and a W speed rating. They also grip impressively well for a set of fairly cheap all seasons.
Other than the heavy feeling at low speed (and a little bit of throttle fixes that), I think that most of the difference that I've experienced so far can be pinned on tires rather than the rack itself - feedback of the 14" Cooper H rated tires are slow and sloppy when compared to the BFG summer tires on our other car. I do like the faster ratio of the manual rack though, and I can feel the tug of the tires in rutted suburban streets, so feedback is good, if a little muted through the tires.
ive got those same coopers on my geo and they seem to do well. but they are clearly an AT tire.
Recommend a switch to "Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring" tires. I have a 2011 Tiguan SE. Replaced my stock 17-inch Continentals after 7,500 miles because they were too noisy and I had 2 flats within a month. Did considerable research on all-weather tires before I settled on the Cooper CS5 . . a new unique tread design and rubber compounds. There was a 100% improvement in my SUV's handling, as well as a soft, quiet ride. Now have 54k on this SUV, and my W-rated tires remain almost like new.
I have Sumitoma HTR ZIII's on my car and they work great for a street tire. I am surprised how long the rear tires are lasting.
I have a set of 205's from sumitomo on my 17x9" rear. They stretched nicely, ride good and were cheap as dirt.
they are actually very poor tires. the sidewall is super soft an the compound is far from ideal. i ran these in maybe two autox's an they were just plain sad.
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