Tire Size and Performance Impact
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Boise Idaho
Tire Size and Performance Impact
Deciding on new summer tires and in desperate need since current set is almost bald. I have Z06 sized wheels (17X9.5, 18X10.5). Problem is have a wedding coming up and budget for tires is small so the less I can pay the better. So I'm deciding between two:
Continental DW's in 275/40R17 in front and 295/35R18 in the rears. Those would run me about $800 installed.
Other option:
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo's in 255/40R17 in front and 285/35R18 in rear which would run about $700 installed but they also have a $100 rebate with Tire Rack right now.
My Questions:
Do the DW's have better traction/tread life to make the extra cost worth it? Would the narrower size of the Hankooks be detrimental to performance?
Thanks!
Continental DW's in 275/40R17 in front and 295/35R18 in the rears. Those would run me about $800 installed.
Other option:
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo's in 255/40R17 in front and 285/35R18 in rear which would run about $700 installed but they also have a $100 rebate with Tire Rack right now.
My Questions:
Do the DW's have better traction/tread life to make the extra cost worth it? Would the narrower size of the Hankooks be detrimental to performance?
Thanks!
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 97
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From: Minnesota
Been doing a little tire research myself.
My take on the reviews is, both are more than acceptable tires; the Continentals will have a slight edge in dry performance and the Hankooks a slight edge in the wet.
I'm probably buying Hankooks (partially because I don't see the Continental DW in stock coupe sizes).
And, yes, I did look into Mich. Pilot SS also.
My take on the reviews is, both are more than acceptable tires; the Continentals will have a slight edge in dry performance and the Hankooks a slight edge in the wet.
I'm probably buying Hankooks (partially because I don't see the Continental DW in stock coupe sizes).
And, yes, I did look into Mich. Pilot SS also.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 479
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From: Northern Colorado
I have Z06 wheels on my 99 and the exact same tires/sizes. You will get a boatload of opinions here (sorry about your day) but I went with the DWs and am about as pleased as I can be. Can't imagine a better choice and certainly not for the $. Road noise greatly decreased (previous = Khumo's), handling = excellent. I have not been in a full rain but the tires rate very well for wet traction. Watch your date codes...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
Narrow tires "detrimental to performance" No....
Assuming you don't put your car on the road course, there is nothing wrong with the Hankooks.
Assuming you don't put your car on the road course, there is nothing wrong with the Hankooks.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 84
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From: Boise Idaho
I have Z06 wheels on my 99 and the exact same tires/sizes. You will get a boatload of opinions here (sorry about your day) but I went with the DWs and am about as pleased as I can be. Can't imagine a better choice and certainly not for the $. Road noise greatly decreased (previous = Khumo's), handling = excellent. I have not been in a full rain but the tires rate very well for wet traction. Watch your date codes...
Yeah, I've read through many opinions here, on other car forums, reviews on sites like TireRack, etc (sometimes too much info can lead to paralysis by analysis). The car came with DW's but the rears were almost to the wear bars so I didn't get much of a true experience. On a side note, the repairs should all be covered but it's just a long process, ugh
That's good to know, I didn't think slightly narrower than stock Z06 sizes would be a huge issue but wanted to ask. It would be about $200 less expensive but I'm still having trouble pulling the trigger, the Hankooks scored lower across the board in the Tire Rack testing vs the DW's and I've seen numerous reviews claiming you get what you pay for and also that they don't last all that long for their 320 rating. I only drive on the street and don't track it so maybe I'm just overly concerned about bench numbers I will never see.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I'd recommend pulling the trigger on the Conti's. I have them on my '04 Z06, and they've been very impressive. Traction is awesome (~400rwp), and they perform very well in rain. The only down side would be the softer sidewalls. Unless you're planning on tracking the car though, I wouldn't worry about that. DW's for the win. 
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 84
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From: Boise Idaho
I'd recommend pulling the trigger on the Conti's. I have them on my '04 Z06, and they've been very impressive. Traction is awesome (~400rwp), and they perform very well in rain. The only down side would be the softer sidewalls. Unless you're planning on tracking the car though, I wouldn't worry about that. DW's for the win.
Yeah soft sidewalls are not ideal but I'd just bump the pressure up a bit to mitigate it.
Do you have any other info?
I like the price point but I need something with higher tread life. I know I'm trading some performance for life but I'd like at the very least 20K miles, 30k+ would be great.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 544
From: Appleton WI
Check with Discount Tire. In February I bought the Continental DWS tires. I received a $100 rebate for buying 4 tires and another $60 rebate for signing up and using their credit card. I got 6 months same as cash to boot!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 479
Likes: 44
From: Northern Colorado
I went with Discount Tire as well but this experience (only one of many) has not been stellar. However I did not consider the Hankooks for my own reasons but lots of guys like them. I looked at Eagles and Michelin's. The Michelins were literally TWICE the price and while they are great no doubt, I can't see them being twice the tire. I'm very happy with the Conti's. I run them so far at 32psi and for my habits, they are perfect. BTW, you have a good price. My DW's were 915 installed. Good luck! Great choices out there.