so i went and checked out some of the specs on the oem S02 for the honda s2000 and the mx (225/50/16) on tire rack
S02: Section Width 9.2
MX : Section Width 9.3

S02: Measured Rim Width 7
MX : Measured Rim Width 7

so what am i missing?? why would i need a 245 in this tire in order to have just as wide of a contact patch as the S02??
It seems like it is just as wide (if not a tiny bit wider) then the OEM s02 as a 225!

 

The tread width is what is different about the S02 not the section width. The S02 has a very square shoulder.

Jim

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jim@tirerack
[B]The tread width is what is different about the S02 not the section width.

 

I looked at the MX yesterday and found the section width to be about the same but the shoulder of the MX does roll more gradually resulting in a smaller tread width and contact patch. The amount of space between the tread blocks is also greater with the MX so I think there is a reduction in total contact area available. Unless the compound grips better than the S02 I cannot see how they could reach the same dry grip. I'm still torn between the OEM S02, MX and BFG KD for my stock wheels I use for Auto X and track only. The MX is certainly a good value but I wonder if it is as quick as my OEM's. The current Tire Rack comparisons show a close result between the KD and OEM S02 as far as ratings go but no test results (like the KD, MX, Pilot, AVS track test) between the two.