At an autocross event I got a chance to compare a set of Dunlop Z2s and BFG Rivals. They both had a relatively close amount of wear on them the Dunlops might actually have had approximately 16 more runs than the BFG's. Both show no real signs of wear.

In the morning I did 4 runs on the BFG's in the morning session.

1. 1:15.348
2. 1:13.981
3. 1:12.114
4. 1:13.524

In the afternoon session I was actually able to get into both run groups. I decided to put the Dunlops on for 4 runs and then switch back the BFG's. I feel like these 8 runs were more comparative as they were all within very similar weather temps and the lot was pretty clean.

Dunlops
1. 1:13.135
2. 1:14.092
3. 1:13.715
4. 1:14.137

I was pretty stoked about the Dunlops after run 1. They were within 1 second of the BFG's while still being cold. I can't say they felt much different than the BFG's from the morning.

During the afternoon switchover I put the BFG's back on. Right off the bat they felt faster, the grip felt much higher, and they seemed to launch better. The times seem to reflect this. It might have been Bob, I am not sure, but he mentioned when I came to the trailer once that the car visually looked faster from the start and through the first offset and set of turns.

BFG's afternoon
1. 1:12.296
2. DNF
3. 1:13.461
4. 1:12.625

For now I am going to stick with the BFG's. I was able to get into the 1 min 12 second range 3 times with the BFG's and never got there with the Dunlops. I feel I can push the BFG's harder and they still generate a ton of stick.

 

Did the Pro with Jocelin in the WRX. The front shoulders are pretty worn. Some pretty significant wear from the weekend. Not sure how long they're going to last and wondering when the "good compound" will go away or if they're good even when they look like slicks....

 

Ive been wondering that too, seeing as how they're molded shallow.

 

Anyone made useful alignment adjustments when moving to the Rival? People compare them to the RS3, which (as I have been told but have no primary experience) does better with more front camber than the Dunlop.

 

I spoke with a couple of experienced drivers at the Lincoln event this week, and they were doing back to back tests between the Dunlops and the BFG's on one of the test courses. To my surprise, they both said they were immediately ~3 tenths faster in the Dunlops. UGH!!

 

pick your horse. they all can win.

 

Certainly, like the RS3/Z1* of last generation, one tire will suit a driver better than another. I doubt there is One True Tire to rule them all.

I switched to BFG because as a mediocre driver I have trouble keeping the tire within its peak grip window, often overdriving. The BFG reportedly has a broader area of peak grip across a wider slip angle, so that should be of some help. Maybe

 

I wish I had some donlops to try but I'm not baller enough to spend $800 on tires and $600 on another set of cheapy wheels. I've still short a couple thing in the STR car before I can do all that.

 

A friend had Z2s and they were markedly better than the Rivals in the rain when the Rivals were worn.

 

Yeah....pretty sure Rivals are not the right rain tire. DWs or PSS are probably better choices