Bridgestone Insignia SL tire

[thelews]

I may be putting 185s on my car  

[graphic66]

Who made the claims regarding speed ratings and "handling"?

I had two sets of Sumitomo HTR200s on my 107 and rate them an 8 out of 10. They wore very quickly but performed well and were relatively quite.
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ote]
  This is the link I posted earlier of an article where someone test drove cars with tires having different speed ratings and evaluated the handling. Not sure of the source, just an article I found while searching. I just may get a set of the Sumitomos, You liked them?

[bogeyman]

There is an interesting article in the "upfront" of this month's (May, 2010) Car and Driver.  They tested a VW Golf with stock wheels/tires vs plus1, plus2, plus3 and plus4 versions.  The larger sizes did return the expected increase in cornering but also showed a decrease in 0-60 performance and mileage due to the extra unsprung weight of the larger wheels/tires.
Everything is a compromise in this physical world we live in.

[RickM]

I just may get a set of the Sumitomos, You liked them?

Graphic: Yes, overall I did like them. But, I do fresh research every time I invest in rubber as the technology changes quickly. I just haven't gotten to new tires for the 113 yet. Sooner or later I will so this discussion won't go to waste. FWIW, I really value the consumer opinions on www.TireRack.com regarding specific tires....just one of the factors to take into account.

[RickM]

There is an interesting article in the "upfront" of this month's (May, 2010) Car and Driver.  They tested a VW Golf with stock wheels/tires vs plus1, plus2, plus3 and plus4 versions.  The larger sizes did return the expected increase in cornering but also showed a decrease in 0-60 performance and mileage due to the extra unsprung weight of the larger wheels/tires.
Everything is a compromise in this physical world we live in.

... yup, those shorter sidewalls help with cornering and a harsher ride. Tire compounds that markedly decrease rolling resistance are making there way into the market.....another variable to throw in the mix.