good tires for Sport in stock size?

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Oct 31, 2012 | 10:55 PM

#21

hayden

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Joined: May 2006

Posts: 1,899

From: tx

Quote:

Originally Posted by kntr

Do they handle better? Why go to a different size then?

Do wider tires handle better? Think about it.

Although, "handling" is a pretty subjective term. You will get more grip, as well as feel a difference in the ride quality and steering response between brands. Straight line stability, and dealing with wind on the highway is also improved.

Nov 1, 2012 | 01:11 AM

#22

Goobers

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Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 4,295

From: Wandering around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kntr

Do they handle better? Why go to a different size then?

In the case of the Continental DWS... there's one more reason, they aren't offered at stock size. The DWS are one of the better rated tires, so it's worth it for some of us.

Nov 1, 2012 | 01:21 AM

#23

ed_in_texas

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Joined: May 2006

Posts: 70

From: Tx

"Oh, that is not what I expected," is a typical pre accident emotion. DWS provide the most road surface independent response of any tire I have owned. It is a straight safety call for me. I like the turn in response of summer tires better. DWS do improve after the first 500 miles. I think a part of that is training the driver, but not all of it.

Nov 1, 2012 | 07:16 AM

#24

Texas Coyote

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Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 7,388

From: Anderson County Texas

I have Wally World's version of the Goodyear GT in 205-50-16"... They stick like crazy and feel great even at 90+ during a Texas turd floater... The heavier weight of them does improve straight line stability but at the cost of a loss in acceleration.. I feel safer with them until I have to pass a slow moving big rig on a hilly twisting 2 lane highway..

Nov 1, 2012 | 09:11 AM

#25

Ultrawolf

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Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 393

From: Akron/Canton, OH

Also keep in mind that many people made the switch to 205/50 tires a couple of years ago, when the only choice in OEM size was expensive and poorly regarded OEM Bridgestone or Dunlop tires. Now at least there are a couple more choices in OEM size including the Yokohamas.

Nov 1, 2012 | 10:09 AM

#26

socalkid1

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Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 53

From: So Cal

Quote:

Originally Posted by kntr

Do they handle better? Why go to a different size then?

i do daily 35-45 mi commutes on So Cal highways and from that perspective they handle much better... as others have commented, greatly improved straight line stability... i've also noticed a more comfortable/stable/less twitchy ride at speed on the highway, improved stability during rain/wet roads and during windy conditions... plus i think they look better on the car... the reduction in mpg (im still getting between 33-34 mpg on the highway - typically drive between 73-77 mph) is worth it for me with the added benefits

FYI tires are Yokohama YK580s

Nov 2, 2012 | 10:58 AM

#27

Eugene.Atget

Thread Starter

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Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 285

From: NYC

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdmkc

2009 Fit Sport with Eibach Pro Kit, K&N CAI, ETC, Tanabe Touring, Ichibi 15mm spacers in rear (shoulda gone for 20mm!)...

The OEM Dunlops were awful!
Got my Avid Ascends about 6 months ago (TireRack)...was seriously considering the Conti DWS 205/50r16s. The Yokos are quiet! Tame at first though...was a little disappointed...guess I shouldn't have expected "performance" out of them. HOWEVER...
now I'm blowing around curves...the grip is great, sidewalls feel stiffer...?? And I'm getting feedback from them about their limits as I push 'em harder. I'm surprised and happy!

Love 'em. First rotation last weekend and the tread looked like new.

They're pretty, but don't look badass...happily they're starting to feel so when behind the wheel.

My 2 cents...

Thanks, that's very helpful. I don't know where in the USA you're located, but if you get some snow there anytime soon please post with your experiences. I'll have to make my decision in December, so hopefully before then.