225/45 17 Tires. performance -vs- Tread life, dirt roads?

["John Chudzik" <chud@together.net>]

I'm thinking of going with a 17" wheel (ATP Spa or TSW VX-1)for my A4, but
can't decide on a tire.
I would need a 225/45.  My concern is that I live on a dirt road in VT, but
spend 90% of my time  on pavement. Should I go with an Dunlop Sport 9000, or
Yokahama AVS Sport or stick with a lesser performance tire that would offer
me a longer tread life and stand up to the dirt roads better?

Any thoughts?

I'm going to keep the 16" stock wheels for snows.

--CHUD

John Chudzik      (cell) 802-793-5500 best#
PO Box 1166          (H) 802-253-9537
Stowe, VT 05672-1166 (W) 802-253-4681 x13

owner: 96' A4 2.8L Q,  feature car Feb. 99 Northeast A4 list
http://www.mck.com/a4

"SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT"