On my new, used, 911 (RWD Carrera, 996), I need tires before long. Stock 18" wheels.
Looking for opinions on how these cars respond to these tires:
Continental ExtremeContact DW, Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position, or Pirelli P Zero Rosso?

The price gap from the Conti's to the Bridgestones isn't too bad, but to the Pirellis is pretty significant. Any opinions? Advice? Other suggestions for a good all-rounder daily-driven summer tire for this car?

It's a daily driver, so I don't want to go too aggressive, but I want it to work properly too.
Thanks in advance!

 

Get a set of Hankook Evo V12's Excellent tire and very reasonable, I've had em on my 997, my Boxster, as well as my XJL 5.0 Supercharged.

 

I would talk to your local Porsche indy or better yet alignment place. Where you are and what conditions you drive in will affect your tire choice. I am in the rainy Pacific Northwest but I bought the car in Southern California so it has extreme performance summer tires on it - completely unsuitable for up here even in the summer because it will rain. So when the time comes to replace, I'm going with performance all seasons based on the recommendation of my local (trusted) alignment place.

 

Please give me a call. I'm happy to discuss.

 

Has anyone had experience with Conti DWS (Ultra High Performance All-Season) tires? Specifically want to know how they perform in rain and snow conditions. A tire dealer recommended installing them on my 1999 Carrera 4. Thank you for any input.

 

Since we replaced the factory Contis (which we didn't like) we've always used PS1s and been happy on our C4. We also run the all season version on our BMW and have been happy with them too.

 

Since you chimed in, I'll ask you this Tirerack question. On your website, you rightly point out Porsche's N-specification. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=26
However, how can I tell when I'm looking at the tires on your site whether they are N-spec or not?

 

No personal experience on a 911 but my alignment shop recommended the same. I will say that I had Contis (I think they were DWS or perhaps just DW) on a VW Touareg SUV and they didn't last. My wife drove it like it was a 911 and of course its much heavier weight would have helped rapid wear...

 

That's interesting. My experience with Conti car tires (OE on the 996 and on the BMW) has been very poor. Short life, loud, and uncomfortable (especially the RFTs on the BMW).

The Conti SUV tires I ran on my old Escape, however, were the best I found for it. Great ride, excellent traction, long life, and low noise. The OE Contis on my Cayenne have been pretty decent even though they (not at all shockingly) didn't handle a day of Auto-X very well. And yes (as evidenced by doing an Auto-X) I drive my SUVs hard

 

I have been very happy with the Kumho Ecsta, Have 5k on the set and the rears show very little wear, but it all depends on the alignment.

 

I just put Conti DWS on mine. Unfortunately I have not been able to drive it yet... Tirerack.com has good info. Search the reviews for Porsche.

 

Hankook V12's

 

I took your advice - TireRack appears to be a great resource. Thanks!

 

Pirelli's are over priced, Bridgestone Potenza were good but tire life on rear of my 996TT was about 6-7K, I had Conti's on my Jaguar, also not great tread life.

I'd give the the Hankook's a try for a lot less money and they have good reviews.

 

I'm getting the Hankook's for my 19's. Heard nothing but good things about them. For the price,and how often you need tires on these cars,you can't beat it!