I currently have Bridgestone Potenzas <came stock> and they are good, but I was wondering if I replaced them with Michilian Pilot's would I notice much of a difference? The set is about $375 more then the Bridgestones. Not to compare, but I had a set of Michelins on my v6 Accord and I loved them. Didn't replace them with Michelins and regretted it. BUT, the Michelins seemed to wear out quick.

Thoughts?

 

Take a close look at Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

My son has them on his new M3 and I had chance to 'sample' them at an event put on by Michelin last year. They were pretty impressive and to boot cost less than the PS2's.

My rears are close to needing replacement and I plan on putting a pair of the Super Sports.

 

I have Bridgestone's on my car as well and they are very good. I had Michelin's on my last car (M3) and I loved them too, but I don't believe they are worth the difference in money when the performance is very close. I do think Michelins are the best tires that I have owned (I haven't owned Pirelli's), but it's really a question of how hard you drive it and if you really need that 1-2% improved stickiness. As AP 997 S wrote, the other Michelin model may be a good in between choice to consider.

 

What is the difference between the super sport pilot and reg pilots? Other then price that is.

 

Price yes will be a bit different. Michelins Pilot Sports are stock on this vehicle. I'd say in my option that they are the best for this car (provided they are "N" rated). Pirelli is a bit softer and Bridestone tires were the old stock tires. I think you'll be happy with the Mich's. Pilot Sport Cup tires are usually only installed for track days and are very sketchy on the street (esp with rain) - but usually their are only options on GT3's.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

I'd suggest doing a bit web searching to find details. Look at the Tire Rack site and of course Michelin's web site. Simply 'google' Michelin Pilot Super Sport and you'll find a wealth of information. The Michelin SS tire is their latest design and what I hear will have 'n' ratings soon if not already. They have the appropriate sizes for Porsche's right now.

 

Tirerack has them in N and non-N rated tires for Summer tires. The N ratings are N4 for Summer. They also have Mich Alpin Winter tires which are N2 rated. Def get the N rated tires if you can.

 

I don't track and it rains cats and dogs here in Houston, I need something that can handle rain well and hopefully has a wee bit of endurance.

Thanks for the info!

 

Conti DW then. no high performance summer tires will have good wet traction.
new PS sports are ok in wet but conti dw are better, as any real all-season tires.

 

I agree if you need something good for rain go for an all season tire. I am acutely aware of the difference in performance in the rain with different tires. It can be a dramatic difference.

 

yep.
i am fine with reduced wet bite so i drive on 235/275 z1 star specs all year long and it is fine with me. but they do not exist in 19".

 

Really? So no N tire for decent rain performance? Wow, ok glad I asked.

 

Another element to consider: the Pilot Super Sports have a 15,000 mile treadwear warranty (it's actually a 30,000 mile warranty but reduced 50% because the tires can't be rotated front to back). Very few other tires in these sizes have a treadwear warranty.

http://www.michelinman.com/pilotsupersport/

 

on an English forum, i noticed that Continental Supersports are well reputated, especially with a great performance compared to price. I havent experienced them, though...

 

The comment was nonsense, or nearly so. I've had Michelin PS2 and PSS on this car and they stick in the rain wonderfully. And this was in temps down to the 40F which is the dividing line when you should change to winter or all-season tires if you know it's going to grow colder.

I haven't tried all-season tires on a car like ours and don't see a reason to begin. I don't say those have poor grip. That isn't my point at all, but the tires Porsche recommends are great. I'm used to high g-loads and these Michelin performance tires produce braking and side-load performance that exceeds the level any drivers are likely to reach who do not have race experience. Well, except in an emergency braking situation where the ABS takes over. And if that happens, you'll definitely be glad you had N-rated tires.

Gary