Discussion
From what I wanted to see from a tire, the S03 was the better one. It made less noise (when aging), and gave me much better grip in wet weather even when with a few mm left, and no sign of aquaplaning. On these areas the S03 outperformed the Pirellis.
On the other hand, the S03 are more prone to flat spotting and tram lining, but those outweigh the above.
Now I have Conticontact 2, and have also let them be siped. This has given me even more grip in wet weather then I ever had before. Also, they are less prone to tram lining and flat spotting then the Pirelli's and S03.
Actually I only changed to the Conti's as Bridgestone did not have 275/35/20, but I actually like these ones better then the S03's.
On the other hand, the S03 are more prone to flat spotting and tram lining, but those outweigh the above.
Now I have Conticontact 2, and have also let them be siped. This has given me even more grip in wet weather then I ever had before. Also, they are less prone to tram lining and flat spotting then the Pirelli's and S03.
Actually I only changed to the Conti's as Bridgestone did not have 275/35/20, but I actually like these ones better then the S03's.
Personally I would fit Michelin tyres. They seem to be very consistent in manufacturing quality, and the Jag is VERY sensitive to tyre harmonics. Bear in mind that OE gets the best of the best tyres and the aftermarket gets everything else, you need to go for what is inherently made better to make the car vaguely pleasant to drive.
Did you see the Bridgestone Run flat tyres being tested on TV the other night? They performed brilliantly with and without air. I don't know what the extra cost would be or if they're even available in 20". But I'm certainly going to try to get them for my XKR.
www.bridgestone-eu.com/articles.asp?id=51951
www.bridgestone-eu.com/articles.asp?id=51951
Well pointed out AVOS. My Vectra 2.5 GSI had bad tram lining with Yokohama’s on. Then I changed to Michelin Pilot Sports…What a difference, The handling is 100% better all-round and no more tam lining... However make sure you get the correct tyre pressures for the pilot sports, as it may not be the same as your original tyres, as was in my case...
Interesting topic!
There are two trains of thought I think!
1.The manufacturers spend millions on R&D getting the car just right - and that includes testing different tyre combinations - so stick with their OE fitments.
2.The synical might argue that certain manufacturers have a vested interest/association with certain tyre company's and tend to take their model of tyre. Therefore listening to other owners experience, you can make your own minds up!
Me? - I am in the 'OE' camp!
Just don't skimp on cheap copies/imports - those four small squares of contact are all that keep you from the afterlife!!
Rgds
There are two trains of thought I think!
1.The manufacturers spend millions on R&D getting the car just right - and that includes testing different tyre combinations - so stick with their OE fitments.
2.The synical might argue that certain manufacturers have a vested interest/association with certain tyre company's and tend to take their model of tyre. Therefore listening to other owners experience, you can make your own minds up!
Me? - I am in the 'OE' camp!
Just don't skimp on cheap copies/imports - those four small squares of contact are all that keep you from the afterlife!!
Rgds
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