hmm there is some good info here, from what i can tell for me, its going to be between the Dunlop Z1 Star Spec and the Yokohama S-drive, this is going to be a tough choice, looking at their web sites, they have almost identical features, not sure which is the better tire.....

 

damn .....WHY does Dunlop NOT make the Z1 in a 19" tire size?!?! ugh its the perfect tire for what i am using it for, plus Tire Rack rated it #1 in its category and i really wanted to go with a 19" wheel, 18s look small on the X arrrrrr....well im debating between i guess the Yokohama S-Drive, the RE01R, ADVAN Neova AD07, still undecided.....

 

Of these three you have chosen I think it is fairly straight forward decision. First, you indicated originally that cost was an issue. The comparative prices (per tire) are for the 245/40/18 are in order: S-Drive, RE 01R, and Advan Neova with $156 ,$241 and $307, respectively.
Since Neova are ~ equal in cost to OEM i.e., expensive, they are out. So that leaves either the Bridgestones or S-drive. Between these two, I think it is a no brainer:
Variable , Bridgestone , S Drive
Cost , $241, $156
Strength(wall) , 93 , 97
Speed rating , 168mph , 186mph
Wear (UTQG) , 140 , 300
Temperature , AA , AAA

Hope this helps.

Later, Ken

 

Dunlop direzza sport Z1's.

 

as i heard its a new sensation over 140 UTQG rating.

 

Yep I use the s. drives and love them...the sidewall seems softer to me, but overall performance is very good, and MUCH quieter tire as well

 

Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec has a weaker sidewall (93), lower speed rating(W=168mph) and poorer wear(200 UTQG) than the S-drive and it costs($191) a bit more.

Later, Ken

 

yea given the above comparison, the S-drives or even the RE-01R might me the way to go

 

actually i think im set on the S-drives, dont think i can go wrong for the specs and pricing

 

The RE01R and Z1 have the same sidewall rating. 168mph is not fast enough?

The difference is compounds. The Z1s are sticker, then the RE01R's, then other tires. Sure 300 tread rated, but they will not compete with the two other tires mentioned here.

But if you want them to last, then you know your answer - the S Drives. They will last longer but the trade-off will be ultimate grip.

 

The speed rating on a tire, say W rated means the tire has been tested at 168mph in the laboratory. Since most will not go this fast, then the question arises, why worry about duplicating the OEM speed rating and use a lower speed rating, like H which is 130mph? The answer is the speed rating is more than just the maximum speed at which the tire can be rotated; it is also related to the grip and steering preciseness of the tire at speed under normal vehicle loading. That is, a H speed rated tire will not handle as well as the W rated tire.
The OEM Advan for the EVO X is a Y rated tire. I would stick with this rating when replacing your tires to ensure that the handling characteristics of the tire is similar. Yes, it is true, as our moderator has stated, the handling is also a function of the "stickiness" of the tire as well. Tire manufacturers vary both speed rating and grip (via UTQG variations) so while the RE 01R have a lower UTQG than the S-Drive (so are supposed to be softer), the speed rating is lower. In addition, the S-drive does not heat up as much as the RE 01R. In short, for what you want: economy, wear and handling, I would recommend the Yoko's AND, NO, I do not sell or have any affliation with Yokohama tire company.

Later, Ken

 

Also, keep in mind that the treadwear rating varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. A treadwear rating of 200 from Yokohama may be different than a 200 from Dunlop. The US government has a system established (UTQG) for gauranteeing minimum performance in treadwear, traction, and temperature. But all of the testing was done in controlled enviroments and conditions, so it's pretty much useless to performance oriented consumers.

 

Yes, it is true the UTQG ratings may differ from different manufacturers. So a tire with identical UTQG ratings from say Toyo and Goodyear may actually differ in terms of softness/adhesion. However, that is not say you cannot use the UTQG ratings to compare different tires to one another. For our example of two tires with identical UTQG ratings, it is more accurate to say they are approximately the same. For example, a UTQG of 140 for one tire brand and 160 for another brand probably is not significantly different in terms of wear. But a tire of 300 UTQG vs another of 140 will result in the former wearing better than the latter. Also, UTQG within a company are more consistent than between companys. For example, a Yoko of 140 UTQG is softer than another Yoko rated at 180.

Later, Ken

 

haha 168 is more than enough, until i get my GT-R in a few years when i make it in Hollywood i REALLY wanted to go with the Z1s, BUT they dont make them in 19" i also realized that the S-Drives are in a lesser summer performance category, but im curious as to dry traction between the S-Drives and the RE-01R as I dont want to loose that much grip over stock, still undecided on a tire....