Tire Comparo

osbornsm

Bridgestone RE050
- 140 Treadwear
- $1100 for all 4 (in 18's) <-- eye watering
Great feedback via steering wheel and once up to temperature... they are glue.
Subtle audible feedback as you approach the limits of adhesion.
6-8 psi increase for a hot tire (road course use)

Sumitomo HTR III
- 300 Treadwear
- $550 for all 4 (in 18's) <-- a steal!
Gained 8-10 psi once up to temperature at the track (road course).
Squeal like pigs, but treadwear is acceptable considering the abuse they have taken.
As stated above, LOTS of audible feedback to let you know when you're under-steering, or simply applying too much slip angle in the turns. I could then feel AND hear when i'm applying too much steering in corners.
Very steerable via your right foot once you've leaned into a corner (and up to temp).

1-2 seconds slower around a 3.5 mile road course.

Bridgestone S-04
- 280 Treadwear
- $710 for all 4 (in 18's)
Quieter than RE050's.
These tires are the king of rain traction.
Tread-wear is acceptable, although nothing I'd call excellent.
I would NOT take these to the track. The longitudinal grooves are wide and would lead to extreme feathering of the tread blocks.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport (PSS)
- 300 Treadwear
- $1200 for all 4 (in 19's)
Great feedback via steering wheel and once up to temperature... they are glue.
I don't say this about many tires, but i don't feel the need to have the traction control on while driving these tires.
There is SO much grip on the rears (305) that there's not really much reason to let go of the loud pedal.
I paid $700 for just the rears... I hope treadwear doesn't make me regret this :-)

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