I need some tires for a new set of 17 inch wheels for my ap1. I use S04 now and I am very happy with them. They are quite a bit cheaper - although not cheap by any standard.

Will I notice any performance difference in stock sizes between these two tires?

 

I had a set of Michelin PSS on the same Volks that you have. The problem is that the PSS 245 rears are a bit undersized and too narrow for a 17x9 wheel. Performance felt very average to me.

I've never tried S-04 but Bridgestone makes very good tires and the reviews are pretty good.

Another alternative is the Firesone Indy 500 that's a rebadged Bridgestone RE003, so it's a newly designed tire. Web reviews and comparisons to PSS sound good. Price is great and they offer 215 and 255 sizes.

I'm getting tired of my RE11A's throwing up rocks so I might try a set of the Firestones.

 

Here is what a PSS looks like on a 9" tire in a 245 size.


Not the best pictures but you get the idea. I think it puts just the right amount of stretch on them. Btw these tires have never let me down.

 

Michelin PSS 245/40/17 on a 17x9 +63 CE28. (Fronts are 215/45/17 on 17x7.5 +50)

 

For reference, Falken Azenis in 255/40/17 on 17x9 +63 CE28. Fronts are 225/45/17 on 17x7.5 +50 CE28 and they rubbed the fenders a little. 215/45/17 don't rub.

 

245/40/17 Bridgestone RE11 on 17x9 +63 CE28. Fronts are 215/45/17 on 17x7.5 +50, they run wide for a 215.

 

There was a TireRack and Car and Driver tire test a few years back. MPSS came in first, S04 came in second. Both were highly rated.

The MPSS seems to offer more grip, while the S04 might have a bit more steering feel and feedback, slightly stiffer sidewall. The MPSS is probably also slightly more comfortable.

If you never ran out of grip and were happy with S04, I would just get them again. If you want to try something new, see for yourself, get the MPSS.

I just went through this same decision myself (except I had no previous experience with either). I chose the S04.

 

I have these (on my Ap1 wheels) and I really like them.

 

It is interesting that the reports are slightly more grip with the MPSS v. the S-04s because the tread with on the rear tires in the rear 245 size is a bit less for the MPSS. It does not sound like there is a heck of a lot of difference between these two tires.

 

Both great tires, I went Continental ExtremeContact Sport, it is getting really good reviews so far.

That said it had a $70 rebate at the time and it doesn't now. I was between these and the S-04's, it was a toss up. Based on my research the MPSS do not give a distinct advantage for the extra $$$. Plus I do not like the stretched look.

I do not think you can go wrong with any of them listed above including the Firehawk.