I'm sure that the S-03's are good if you want to spend $1k on just tires. The KDW's beat the S-03's out in everything but the wet traction and the difference is between 8.8 (s-03) and 8.7 (KDW2). I would be interested in what Dan has to say about them.

 

LOL, random Asian d00d with no car at Ward... that's me
Good meeting you too brah.

 

I have had BOTH tires.

S-03's have a little better dry traction but will wear out a little faster. The compound on those tires are relatively soft. I had these on my R/T.

KDW2's have much better wet traction but that isn't really an issue for AWD cars They come stock on my SRT and I was blown away by their wet traction abilities.

I would get S-03's if you're going for more performance. KDW's are the "Wet" version of KD's, hence the "W" part. I'd get the KD's or S03's if I had to buy new tires. Both these tires have pretty high road noise btw...

 

I have never owned a set of the S-03 but they are just to expensive there are I am sure tires out there that are just as good if not better and will last longer I just don't know what tire that is..

 

Run Toyo RA1's. You won't be disappointed.

 

I've owned both...

The S-O3s are a Max Performance Summer tire, that are ok in the rain, and don't last that long. They are on sale @ tirerack right now for $171 a tire <---Good price for S-O3s

The KDW2s are a Ultra High Performance Summer tire, that are a little better in the rain and have a better tread life. They are on sale @ tirerack right now for $129 a tire <--- Really Good price for KDW2s

If you are going to Auto-X or take the car to track days...these are good tires to have.

Out of the 2 I'd go with the KDWs just for the price.

If you just drive you car you don't need these, take a look at The g-Force Sport it's a Ultra High Performance Summer tire @ $98 tire.

 

i got the KDW2s mounted on wednesday...i love them so far...

 

roy -- where did u get them mounted ? and for how much ?

i saw these tires at costco for 139/tire for the 225/45/17 size... and mounting, too..

i'm still debating on these, stretched over a 8.5 width.... or 235-mx's...

 

I'm now running the KDW2's and I am absolutely blown away.

They're 225/45/17 on stock suspension on the GC8.

I know it's been a long time since I've been in an Impreza, but honestly I am flaberghasted(sp) at how well these fckrs grip!

I can only compare them to the Potenza 950's, though, since they are all I've been on for the last few weeks.

 

yeah. i heard they hold up well and have near uber-grip. besides rex tire where else is it available?

 

Hey how long should you be riding on stock sti tires before swapping them? I have slightly used 6k on mine..

 

i got them mounted and balance at eurosport. i have 225/45/17 mounted on 17 x 7.5 rims.

that's a really good price. i paid about $590 from tire rack. i didn't know costco had them...

 

Right now Barry Lai and I are running the RA1's until they run out. Then I'm back to V700's. I got them from Frisby Tire. Look them up on the web. I think I paid somewhere near $800 shipped. Just depends how much tire life you're willing to give up for grip.

LaR