Re: Michelin

[Tom Nas <tnas@euronet.nl>]

My $.02 on the subject: although there seems to be a difference in tyre
compounds US vs. Europe(?), I'd never buy either Contis or Michelins for my
car.

Both (data points: MXVs, MXTs and EcoContacts/SuperContacts/SportContacts)
share the comfort-oriented characteristics of hard tread rubber and soft
side walls. Good for a long lifespan, good for a smooth ride, bad for
sporty ride and cornering grip.

Many lease companies here make VW/Audi dealers take off the OE Contis (at
least here in Holland, where the VAG importer also owns the Conti importer)
because their customers don't like the tyres. Very noisy, low grip and
prone to cupping (noise-inducing deformation of the tread surface). There
even seems to be some variation on the 'round, black, holds air' theme, in
that 'round' is not necessarily a base characteristic. ;-)

I've been a Pirelli user for years now, and would recommend them to anyone.
My current P5000 Dragos (directional) are incredible. The only thing they
don't like is diesel oil slicks, unfortunately... :-( The only _real_
downside I've found so far is that they're quite noisy on rough pavement.
Even through _very_ spirited cornering, I've yet to find their limits... or
even get them to screech!

I've heard several good reports about Gislaveds, Kumhos and Toyos recently.
Might try these someday.

Of course- as always, YMM, and will probably, V...

Tom

PS For those who like their driving, and like to make the most of their
Audi's roadholding- avoid all tyres that say 'Eco'. They're made for a long
life and low rolling resistance, which generally means poor grip. I've yet
to find an 'Eco' tyre that's nice for spirited driving.

 _______________________________________________________________________
 Tom Nas                                          Zeist, The Netherlands
 tnas@euronet.nl
 1987 Audi 90q 2.3E, Tizianrot metallic, 165,000km

       The number of people watching you is directly proportional
                    to the stupidity of your action.