STL2SLW

Another great option is the kumho ecsta xs very similar in performance to RS3 couldn't go wrong either way.

Reckon

The Sumitomo HTR ZIII are a great bang for the buck and probably the cheapest you will find in regards to performance, rank 13 out of 25 under Max Performance. I would recommend these, as the set of four in the OEM sizes are $418 plus shipping. Otherwise, the Continental ExtremeContact DW, ranks higher, and is around $518 plus shipping for the set in OEM sizes.

Try looking at the Tire Rack surveys for the tire category you are interested in and then select based on price.

Good luck!

All Categories
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/index.jsp

Extreme Performance Summer (great traction, short life)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ay.jsp?type=EP

Max Performance Summer (good traction, long life)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ay.jsp?type=MP

OVR_9000

Not much of a tire guru, but for what its worth, I am currently running Federal SS-595s and they are spectacular. This is my second set and I am sure they aren't my last! and for about ~$80 a tire, it's even better on the wallet haha. Like I said, I don't know a lot about the tires mentioned above, but for what it is worth, there is my 2 cents!

cadams05nfr

I would also say Sumitomo HTRZ 3's if you want good tread life but still want to get really good performance. If tread life is not an issue grab some rs3 or nt05.

How many miles total are you guys getting out of the NT05?

S2k007

Where does the Nt05s rank among the extreme tires? It's too bad tire rack doesn't carry them I would like to see where they rank them.

2000ths

not sure about total miles since i run them on the track as well as daily them. track obviously eats them up faster than just DD. but if anyone is concerned about longevity then tires in this category are probably not the best choice.

jpembry

I've yet to flip my fronts for camber wear after about 10k ..rears should last me another 3-5k hopefully. Camber is 2.5f 3.5r fwiw... Been pleased with them in every aspect. Wet traction is better than I expected and I'm assuming noticeably better than the rs3 in the wet

HonCBRf2

I'm throwing my vote for the Nexen N3000 tire, I'm currently running them on my '04 and I can't find anything wrong with them. They handle awesome in the rain, plus the tread wear is awesome...the prices are great.

Froth.

I'm on my 3rd complete set of Federal SS595's and I love them, especially at under $100 a tire for 18's...lol

2000ths

Fixed my post. RS-3 has an A wet traction rating and the NT05 an AA.