Snow Tires, again, need advice ASAP!

[ricematthews]

Taka:

After my experience last night coming home from the Poconos, I am also
considering the purchase of snow tires.  I thought I'd try out the
all-season Dunlop D60 A2 's that the PO had on the car before I went ahead
and bought snows (I always had decent luck in the snow with BFG Comp T/A
HR4's).  After that drive, I think a set of snows are in my future.  The
D60's really didn't do very well and I'm thinking of a narrower size.

Does anyone know if a 15 inch rim will fit on a '98 A4 Avant Quattro 2.8 30v
w/ Sport Package?  I know 15 " wheels came on a lot of A4's but Tire Rack
recomments 16" or 17", so I don't know if they reconfigured the brakes so
15" won't fit or if Tire Rack just figures that most people want the same or
larger rim size as came stock.  I'm thinking of a 15 inch steel rim with a
195/??/15 tire.

Any BTDT's?

Thanks!

-Mark

*******************************************************
Taka wrote:

Hi listers,
I'm getting snow tires this week and need some advice ASAP on
the following three choices:

Dunlop Wintersport M2
Vredestein Wintrac
Nokian NRW-H

I'll be getting these in 225/45R17 and in Philly, we hardly get
snow- some sleet and ice is more likely, but it tends to stay pretty
dry on the major roads as it doesn't usually stay well below freezing
for long.

I need these tires to last, I don't want to wear them out in 2 seasons,
so longevity is a factor, as well as dry road performance- that's why
Blizzaks and Michelin Alpins are out, as well as any other multicell
compound tire.

I can get the Dunlops for about $400 (take-offs, virtually new),
the Vredesteins w/ 2500 miles for the same $400 or the Nokians new
for about $600.

Which is the best deal? I can pick up the Vredesteins, need to have
the others shipped.

Thanks.

Taka