Hello,

I'm looking to buy a set of 4 tires for my '02 S2000. Would like to get OEM sizes. I currently have Kumho Ecsta Supra 712's all around, but am considering the Kumho Ecsta MX's. What do you guys recommend? How do the two compare in terms of dry grip, wet handling, and longevity? For me, these three factors are of more or less equal importance.

Btw, Jim, I saw on the TireRack site that the rear Kumho Ecsta MX's are currently back ordered. Is this still true? Any chance you can PM me an e-mail address and phone number where I can contact you? I bought through you before but have since lost your contact information... I'm also interested in picking up a set of 4 OEM tires for a 1999 Toyota Camry at the same time.

Thanks a lot...

 

I have 712s on my Miata, and I like them. They are cheap and work great in the rain, and ok on dry. Not the best auto-x tire though.

I had MXs on my M3, and they were great tires. Not too expensive, great in the rain, and great on dry.

If the money's not a big issue, the MXs will be much better on the S.

 

Thanks standard63! That's the kind of info I was looking for. My car is strictly street driven, so ultimate grip at 10/10ths isn't all that important, but the Supra 712's do leave some room for improvement when it comes to dry grip. That's the main reason I'm looking at the MX this time around.

One last question - would you say these two tires have similar longevity? Thanks again.

 

I changed to MX's when I upgraded to 17 inch wheels. They aren't quite as rigid as the OEM S02's, but they have very good grip. They do feel more stable on wet pavement than the stock tires, and that is a bonus. Plus they are cheaper than the S02's!

Good luck, you wouldn't be disappointed with the MX's.

JJ

 

I'd stay away from the 712s unless you're looking for longevity. MXs may not have the ultimate grip of the S02s (it's close) but for the ~2% they give away in G forces they more than make up for in predictability and control when the back end steps out. Plus they're a hell of a lot cheaper than the Bridgestones.