I am upgrading the handling of my WRX, but since I can't afford to get the 17"s that I want (SSR Comps), I am going with a temporary upgrade for now. I am replacing my 205/55 16 RE92 with a 225/50 16 tire.

I am looking for a tire with excellent traction in dry and wet, excellent cornering and steering response, stiffer ride, not too loud (looking for a quite tire), and excellent treadwear and consistency throughout the tires life. I would like it to last about 30,000 miles (give or take 5,000 miles) and not just one season.

Can anyone rate these tires on a scale or give me there suggestions if you have them: Bridgestone Potenza S-02, S-03, or RE750 / Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP / Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 / BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2 / Continental ContiExtreme Conatact / Michilin PilotSport A/S.

The last 2 above are All-Season tires, since I live in Washington and we get light snow and ice occasionaly (but not every year).

All the comments, suggestion, and help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,

Don

 

That's all?

If you're driving in any snow at all, summer tires don't work. Here is my list of all season's considering your desires:

Michelin Pilot Sport AS (Hands down)
Sumitomo HTR+ (Great value, I use currently)
Yokahama AVS DB S2 (Nice one)
Continental Extreme Contact (Value)
BF Goodrich G-Force T/A KDWS (Great responsiveness)
Dunlop Sport 5000 (Good all-around)
Bridgestone Potenza RE950 (Longer life, less responsiveness)
Dunlop SP Sport A2 (Longer life yet, less responsiveness)

READ THE REVIEWS AND SURVEYS HERE

Others are available, but these are my favorites. I have tried each of these and the order of the list indicates, in my opinion, decreasing applicability to your situation.

 

Dexter

I really like the reviews about the Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP. How do these compare to the Michelin PilotSport A/S or the Continental ContiExtreme Contact?

It rains alot here in NW Washington, but it doesn't snow quite often and if it does it is just a light dusting 1-2", and a couple of icy days.

How would the Firestones do in those conditions?

By the way what kind of vehicle do you drive the Sumi's on?

 

The SZ50 will outhandle both of them, though it will offer 15-25% less life. It's better in the rain as well. This all means very little when sitting in a ditch after first snowfall. If you use summer tires, life is great for 9 months out of the year - but you need to have a provision for when the snow flies. Steel wheels and snow tires can be very inexpensive. A Subaru AWD with snow tires is one of the most capable vehicles made with snow on the ground.

I use the Sumitomos on an '02 WRX wagon (17") with good results.

 

Needhelp,

Take a look here for wheel fitments and tire recommendations. You can get pictures and reviews on tires there as well.

 

Stock tires/wheels are a hot item for people looking for a snow setup. You may be able to get a few dollars for them through this very website in the "For Sale" section.