Tire comparisons

[Mtorque6]

Hey all, I'm looking into getting some new wheels for my car. I live in California so I'll be getting summer times and sticking with them year round. My first choice was a staggered set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S at 245/40/19 and 275/35/19. But why are they so much more expensive than other summer tires? Are they simply just that much better in every single way? Pilot Super Sports are only be about $20 cheaper.

These are other tires that are available in the sizes I’m looking for. Anybody have experiences/thoughts/opinions?

• Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2, ~$434 cheaper than the Michelin PS4S in the same size.
• Continental Extremecontact Sports, $230 cheaper.
• Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position, $246 cheaper.
• Falken Azenis FK510, ~$436 cheaper.
• Pirelli P Zero, ~$100 cheaper.
• Continental Sport Contact 5P, ~$218 cheaper.
• Continental Sport Contact 6, ~$210 cheaper.
• General GMAX RS, ~$510 cheaper.
• Yokohama ADVAN Fleva V701, ~$338 cheaper.
• Nexen NFERA SU1, ~$428 cheaper.
• Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601, ~$312 cheaper.
• Nitto NT05, ~$132 cheaper
• Verdestein ULTRAC VORTI, ~$422 cheaper
• Firestone INDY 500, ~$403 cheaper.
• Sumitomo HTR Z5, ~$404 cheaper.
• Dunlop Direzza ZIII, ~$ 102 cheaper.

I'm okay with dismissing some of these as I don't think I have even heard of them, but I would appreciate it if anyone can chime in. Thanks in advance.

[pbonsalb]

Conti EC Sport are good all around tires. Also lightweight like the Michelin. A good value.

[MarcoZandrini]

I think with tires you get what you pay for. That includes the usual: performance, miles, etc.
But for me it’s knowing that my car is running the best “sneakers“ available. Michelin PSS is my tire of choice.

[pbonsalb]

I was not that impressed with PSS. Have run them on my 08 E61 535xi and 08 M3. Good all around summer tire like the Conti EC Sport, but more expensive. The P4S might tempt me over the EC Sport that I have also run in both cars but probably only for the M3. I do like the Conti and Michelin because they are several pounds lighter than most other summer tires and both are good all around summer tires that are good in the rain, on dry roads, at 100F or at 30F.

[cactusjack]

i will not buy any new tire if it not a michelin

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they are always round

[pbonsalb]

I have had Michelins flat spot when I have not been able to drive for a few weeks, but they do return to round pretty quickly.

[Jim@tirerack]

We have feedback on all of those tires on our web site. Most of them also have been tested by us and those results are also on the web site. I will say if you are looking for the best handling it is the Michelin Sport 4S with the Conti in second in our testing. Like others have mentioned you do get what you pay for with the Michelin.
If I can help let me know.