I need to replace my worn OEM tires (RE050?) with something that has similar traction but wears as good or better than stock.

I am thinking of the new non-star spec Direzza since they are cheaper. The OEM tires are almost perfect but I daily drive the S2000 and a lot of it driven on the freeway. Obviously an autocross tire like the star spec with more traction than the RE-050s would not be a good choice.

I want a cheaper than OEM Direzza that is close to the OEM RE-050 but maybe a little longer wearing. A Direzza with the exact same traction and short life of the OEM tire would be ok too since the Direzza is $200 a set cheaper.

Thanks.

 

I am curious too, I just realized that there are the Dunlop Direzza, then the Dunlop Direzza Star-Specs, about a $200.00 Difference. I wonder how much better they are

 

are you talking about the dz101?

 

yea

 

I would not recommend that tire. They are not even close to the OE tires for handling. Take a look at the new Sumitomo HTRZ III at 111.00 front and 169.00 rear. They are a lot better handling tire and they are going to give you longer tread life.
If I can help let me know.

 

Thanks.

I will take a look at that tire.

Tire Rack's review give a better wear score for the Star Spec than the RE050's. Is that right or do those tires wear too much for daily drivers.

 

The Star Specs will probably last just as long as the OEM tires, but will offer FAR superior dry and wet performance. I'm putting a set of Star Specs on my car when I get home this weekend, they're in my garage waiting for me

 

The Star Spec is a different kind of tire. It is like a track tire for the street. The tread life will be no more than the OE tires.

 

I might do light autocross, but mostly interested in some "spirited street driving" I guess its worth it for me to spend the extra $200.00 on the star specs then the regular Direzza? I am not interested in how long they last, just how well they perform

 

Definitely check out the sumitomo htrzIII's. If you look on tirerack they tested very well compared to the re050s and actually in some of the dry condition tests did better. Not quite as good in the wet though. Not sure if that test was done against the same re050 as what comes stock on the ap2 or not. Jim@Tirerack can probably chime in on that one. and the sumitomo's are definitely cheaper.

I had picked them up for my wrx the last time I replaced tires and one of the biggest reasons I chose them was for the price and how well they tested against the re050s which I knew to already be good tires. I found them to be very good in the rain but of course that was on a heavier AWD vehicle. They will be one of my top considerations when I get wheels for the s2k.