billios996

I’m trying to decide between tire categories for my next set, 200tw “extreme” vs 300tw UHP, (e.g. Falken Azenis vs Conti Extreme Contact, etc).

I have a set of Fortune Auto coil overs also going is same time. Mostly twisty roads, occasional HPDE and autoX, run what you brung, not worried about rain.

My experience has been with 200tw tires. Wondering what I’m sacrificing or benefitting for a 300tw.

Chuck S

My only dislikes for 200TW tires are noise and they pick up every spec of gravel on the road and scatter it all over the bottom of the car. They, of course, wear out fast even in non-competitive driving. In competition keep in mind there are always guys who can and will outspend you for a partial second reduction in lap or course time.

"Ultra high" performance tires are 3d tier below "Maximum."

-- Chuck

billios996

i don’t have expectations of being competitive. I expect some additional road manners and longevity with the 300tw tires. I just don’t want to slide off the track or into a ditch.

starchland

If you drive the car hard or spirited,get a 200tw tire. The compromise of grip and feedback is not worth saving a few hundred bucks

kos

QFT. Agree wholeheartedly

Chuck S

200TW tires are not always more expensive than those with more wear. I found no noticeable difference between Bridgestone RE11A (200TW) and SO4 (280TW) tires in my driving. I'd recommend both but Bridgestone likes to discontinue tires I like.

And just to remind us all TW is just a treadwear rating, not a handling rating. Testing shows differences between 200TW tires. Softer compounds should provide more grip albeit at the expense of wear but there's more to tires than just how soft the rubber compound is.

-- Chuck

billios996

Cost is not in question in this discussion. I guess it comes down to handling vs longevity

Fokker

Assuming you're running a single set of wheels, if you're looking to put down some faster times as opposed to just have fun, go with EHP. Otherwise, UHP should be plenty for anything you do on the street and you'll still be able to enjoy yourself at events. EHP are going to get heat-cycled quick with street driving and are going to wear significantly quicker.

starchland

to answer your original question you are sacrificing enjoyment

Bullwings

the pace at which 200TW tires have technologically advanced far outpaces the other categories of tires.

Modern 200TW are faster than most 100TW on track. Nitto NT-01s, the defacto 100TW tire is slower than almost every 200TW tire out there. The other piece to factor in, is consistency on track. A 300TW tire might be fine for 2 hotlaps or so but will get hot, overheat, and get greasy for the latter 2/3 to 1/2 of your on track session.

A heat cycled 200TW will be faster than a fresh 300TW tire.