Michelin Versus Bridgestone
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 0
From: Charleston SC
Michelin Versus Bridgestone
For folks dumping the runflat technology, the tire of choice around here has been the Michelin Pilot Sport. A new contender for the best tire being recommended by TireRack is the Bridgestone Potenza S-03.
Any opinions on this?
Any opinions on this?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,521
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (OliverM5)
Bridgstones have always been at the top when it come to construction but they're tread design a compound are lacking. My frefernce is of a pair of RE71's back in the day but I've been hearing the same thing about the newer models. But, BStone has been on the track a lot lately.
I would like to see someone's impression that has the S-03. Might it be derived from a more competition oriented tire?
Thanks
I would like to see someone's impression that has the S-03. Might it be derived from a more competition oriented tire?
Thanks
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 0
From: Charleston SC
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (C5Cemo)
I appreciate your thoughts, but let me try again. A set of Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position tires from TireRack is $916. A set of Michelin Pilot Sport tires is $1166. That's a $250 difference. In addition, the information that they make available sure leads me to believe that the Bridgestone is a better tire. It is a new tire based on the Potenza Racing Rain tire and does great in the wet - hydroplaning is less fun every time it happens, and the relatively light C5 with wide front tires is prone to this.
See the test results at:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...+Pole+Position
comparing the Potenza S-03 Pole Position to the Michelin Pilot Sport and the Pirelli PZero Rosso Assimetrico,
and see the user reviews at:
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...+Pole+Position
You would think that if there were any bias on the part of TireRack, and I certainly have no reason to suspect it, they would be flogging the more expensive tire.
So unless I hear a serious reason to do otherwise, I'm going for the S03.
See the test results at:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...+Pole+Position
comparing the Potenza S-03 Pole Position to the Michelin Pilot Sport and the Pirelli PZero Rosso Assimetrico,
and see the user reviews at:
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...+Pole+Position
You would think that if there were any bias on the part of TireRack, and I certainly have no reason to suspect it, they would be flogging the more expensive tire.
So unless I hear a serious reason to do otherwise, I'm going for the S03.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (George Cooper)
George. I have no experience with either tire. But I have read a lot lately, and am familiar with historical reputation of both mfrs. Having said that, I would go with Bridgestone as well. As stated in my post above, I'm looking for the Z06 sizes, and which they were offered. I assume you are going stock sizes. Good luck
Advanced
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (George Cooper)
I have had both the SO-2 Polepositions and Pilot Sports on a 96' Ram Air TA and a 99' Firehawk respectively. I would buy the SO-2 again without second thought. The things I liked about it were the strong sidewalls of the tire for quick responsiveness, quiet ride, and awesome wet traction. The Pilot felt soft to me in corners. It did soak up the bumps better though.
I don't know about the new SO-3. I have been curious myself and was disappointed that all the correct sizes are not available to replace the ones on my stock wheels.
I have also had the regular all season Pilot XGT on the 96'. Not a bad tire, but I noticed little gain in bad weather from it over a "summer" tire. I would go back to the Sport over the Pilot XGT.
Bottom line for me is that the level of joy from that set of Bridgestone SO-2's have yet to be obtained by any of the other tires I have driven on. Except maybe the F-1 Supercar's. (Miss the wet traction of the SO-2 though.)
I don't know about the new SO-3. I have been curious myself and was disappointed that all the correct sizes are not available to replace the ones on my stock wheels.
I have also had the regular all season Pilot XGT on the 96'. Not a bad tire, but I noticed little gain in bad weather from it over a "summer" tire. I would go back to the Sport over the Pilot XGT.
Bottom line for me is that the level of joy from that set of Bridgestone SO-2's have yet to be obtained by any of the other tires I have driven on. Except maybe the F-1 Supercar's. (Miss the wet traction of the SO-2 though.)
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Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: El Paso, TX
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (George Cooper)
I am going with the S-03's soon. I have met a friend through Auto-X and he loves his. Also there are a couple of other members that have them and swear by them, but there are many Pilot lovers too.....
Dare to be different.....the S-03's !! :lol:
Dare to be different.....the S-03's !! :lol:
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 3,514
Likes: 0
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (ace)
Well IMO the Bridgestone's are the BEST tire out there right now. I say this because in comparison to my old BFG Gforce KD SSS they have more grip are quieter, ride nicer and are WAY better in the wet. I'm sure the Michelin's are good and the average driver would not reach the limits of either tire but for me I need the best tire possible. I drive the wheels off my car, just ask anyone who has driven behind me :D
All I know is when it comes time for replacement another set of S03's are going on.
Joe
All I know is when it comes time for replacement another set of S03's are going on.
Joe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 39
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (C5Cemo)
I've got 2 sets of tires on a post it note with prices from TireRack right next to the PC.
Glad to hear the lower priced set getting good responses. I've had 2 sets of RE71's on the 928S4 I had. I liked them but negative camber in the 928 was next to impossible to keep out and it ate fronts.
Gotta replace the rocks soon.
BTW: no crime in PWI..posting while intoxicated. Better behind a keyboard than a dashboard.
[Modified by Gary2KC5, 12:26 AM 11/17/2001]
Glad to hear the lower priced set getting good responses. I've had 2 sets of RE71's on the 928S4 I had. I liked them but negative camber in the 928 was next to impossible to keep out and it ate fronts.
Gotta replace the rocks soon.
BTW: no crime in PWI..posting while intoxicated. Better behind a keyboard than a dashboard.
[Modified by Gary2KC5, 12:26 AM 11/17/2001]
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 17,708
Likes: 1,218
From: Phila PA, Bonita Springs FL
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (Gary2KC5)
Bridgestone/Firestone use Japanese rubber, with chemicals mixed in to prevent drywall cracking. :eek:
You'll just love it when your sidewalls turn brown & muddy looking. :madI will never buy Firestone/Bridgestone again.
Michlein Pilot Sports all the way. :)
You'll just love it when your sidewalls turn brown & muddy looking. :madI will never buy Firestone/Bridgestone again.
Michlein Pilot Sports all the way. :)
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 3,514
Likes: 0
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (indypace78)
Bridgestone/Firestone use Japanese rubber, with chemicals mixed in to prevent drywall cracking. :eek:
You'll just love it when your sidewalls turn brown & muddy looking. :madI will never buy Firestone/Bridgestone again.
Michlein Pilot Sports all the way. :)
You'll just love it when your sidewalls turn brown & muddy looking. :madI will never buy Firestone/Bridgestone again.
Michlein Pilot Sports all the way. :)
Mine Bridgestone's are as black as the day I bought them. Most tires turn brown from using garbage tire dressings like Armor All and No Touch. JMHO of course.
Joe
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans Area LA
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (CRUZMISL)
CRUZMISL is exactly correct about the cause of brown, muddy looking sidewalls. "Japanese" rubber has nothing to do with it.
All "real" rubber comes from asia. Synthetic is all formulated similar enough not to be the cause of cruddy sidewalls.
[Modified by TorchZ06, 4:44 PM 11/17/2001]
All "real" rubber comes from asia. Synthetic is all formulated similar enough not to be the cause of cruddy sidewalls.
[Modified by TorchZ06, 4:44 PM 11/17/2001]
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 17,708
Likes: 1,218
From: Phila PA, Bonita Springs FL
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (TorchZ06)
[QUOTE]CRUZMISL is exactly correct about the cause of brown, muddy looking sidewalls.
Wanna bet? My Firehawks turned brown every time they got wet, and i NEVER used ANYTHING on them. When i called customer service, first they said I need to drive more often, then they said it was an inherent problem by using the additives. I told them the BFG Radial T/A's don't use it and never turn brown, they told me truthfully, they have been innundated with complaints about their tires turning brown, and are considering eliminating the additive, but for now its still being used. The refunded my money, & paid for installation of BFG tires on my 78.
Wanna bet? My Firehawks turned brown every time they got wet, and i NEVER used ANYTHING on them. When i called customer service, first they said I need to drive more often, then they said it was an inherent problem by using the additives. I told them the BFG Radial T/A's don't use it and never turn brown, they told me truthfully, they have been innundated with complaints about their tires turning brown, and are considering eliminating the additive, but for now its still being used. The refunded my money, & paid for installation of BFG tires on my 78.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Summerville SC
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (George Cooper)
Hey George, I have the SO3 pole positions on my vert now. If you are thinking of getting them, I will let you see what you think for yourself.
I also looked at all of the info on Tirerack as far as feedback and went with the SO3. I put the Firestones on Renee's FRC because she wanted to stick with the runflats. 8k miles, no brown. Let me know if you want to check out my tires. :cheers:
I also looked at all of the info on Tirerack as far as feedback and went with the SO3. I put the Firestones on Renee's FRC because she wanted to stick with the runflats. 8k miles, no brown. Let me know if you want to check out my tires. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 0
From: Charleston SC
Re: Michelin Versus Bridgestone (ChasNMe)
Hey Jake, that would be super! I'm not any kind of tire expert, but I'm going with the stock-sized S03's since 1) I have the magnesium wheels and want to keep them so stock sizes are good enough, 2) the things are considerably less money that the Pilots, 3) TireRack likes them better, and 4) none of the folks on this forum, where there are some folks who know a lot more about tires than me, has put up a reason not to do so (I have the Zaino tire dressing stuff, and like all Zaino stuff, it must be perfect which means no brown sidewalls!).
George
George
