Temperature and moisture also make a big difference. If it's wet and/or cold, I much prefer the Z1's. If it's warm and dry, I prefer the RS-3's. And I agree that driving style would change our perceptions of a tire.

Don't we wish that money was not an issue I only had the RE-01's because Tirerack had an amazing closeout sale ($59 each).

 

I'm torn between how much of it is personal preference*, and how much of it is "the rest of your setup". Different cars, different weight, different suspension, different alignment (different tires like different amounts of camber, etc)...

*-aka. "Driving style", how fast you turn in, how you transition, etc.

Even if $$'s not an issue (ie. you won't be eating Ramen regardless of your tire choice), that $$ could still go towards entry fees/schools.

 

My RE11's felt sketchy in the rain. But that is because A) I cant drive and B) they are a few seasons in.
But in the dry, they stick like glue.

 

I'm still kicking myself for not buying another two rears at the time that sale was on. Boo. By the time I wanted to do it (like 2 days after I made the initial order) they only had one left in my size. Double boo.