Simple Review for 18" Potenza RE760's

[axeman71]

Please note: this is my daily driver, I have no track driving training or experience. This review is for daily driving not track use.

I have a '10 Roadster with the 18" rims. After 26000mi my tires were bald (I did a number of 4-6 hour interstate trips in the car, hence the high mileage) and I began combing the forums for a good set of replacements. Unfortunately many of the often recommended tires were only available for the 19" rims. Bridgestone RE-11s, and the cheaper Contenintal among others, for example.

In the end I came down to the very highly rated Michelin Pilot Super Sport and the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport. I went with the RE760's as they were around $300 cheaper at the time on Tire Rack and had a slightly higher wear rating than the Super Sports (a good bit higher the stock Potenza RE050A's). I have had them about a month and thought I'd post my impressions for other 18" owners.

Dry Traction: Slightly less grip than the 050A's. I have only noticed it once or twice pulling out of my neighborhood. Fast heavy throttle causes just a quick flash of the traction light. I never remember having this happen with the stock tires. I have not noticed it any where else.

Wet Traction: Excellent. I have driven in heavy rain twice and they are completely stable, no sliding or heavy pulling when going through puddles. I even tried breaking heavily a few times to try them out, no slipping at all.

Road Noise: Quieter than the stock tires. Granted the last couple of months I had them the original tires were quite bare and noisy but I still believe the 760's are quieter.

Comfort: Definitely better than stock, seams and road imperfections are handled with less harshness.

Handling: I have only had one trip on a curvy road with the new 760's. All I can really say is they feel just a little different than the stock 050A's. I like spirited driving on curvy roads though I know I am no where near the limits of the car (or tires). There is just a different feeling. I don't know how to describe it. The handling is still crisp, no sliding of the tires but something is not the same, not better or worse, just different. I am sorry I can't give a better description.

Overall I am very happy with the 760's. The Super Sports were so highly rated I really wanted to try them but I can't believe that for my driving they would be worth $300 more. I definitely recommend these over the stock 050A's and generally recommend them for anyone not tracking their car.

One quick note: Even though the 18" tires are not as low profile as the 19" make sure your installer can handle them. My installer damaged my rims and had to repair them. It was a PITA having to take the car in for the rim repairs. Ask before you have the tires delivered to your installer (if using Tire Rack).

[blueranger]

Great Review.

[Jsolo]

Were the s04's a consideration at all? I'm also considering the PSS, but recall reading folks have had good results with the s04's. This would be in stock size for the G (225/50/18, 245/45/18).

[axeman71]

I did not consider the s04's myself. I am not sure why as it has been a few months and I'm forgetting the details of my search now. I leaned heavily on reviews here and at Tire Rack so I suggest you start there and see what they have to say.