Comparing an S03 level tire to a Ecsta712/FM901 level tire
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AudiWorld Super User
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From: Orlando, FL
Comparing an S03 level tire to a Ecsta712/FM901 level tire
Clearly two totally different price ranges here.
When my tire purchase need comes time, I'd like to know why Ishould choose one level of tire over the other.
I live in central, FL. So there's no snow on the roads ever. Worst weather conditions are rain, so wet traction is high on the list of needs. Beyond that, good dry traction would be the only other major requirement. Sandy/dusty roads I usually am not driving on.
I have 16" rims now, but will be likely going to a 17/18" rim when I need new tires.
I don't autox/drag the car, and don't plan to. I've got quattro so I like to take advantage of it's abilities occasionaly, but not very frequently as the roads that I tend to drive just don't allow it.
So given the situations, why would I want the ultra high performance top of the line over a lesser performance tire, or vice versa.
When my tire purchase need comes time, I'd like to know why Ishould choose one level of tire over the other.
I live in central, FL. So there's no snow on the roads ever. Worst weather conditions are rain, so wet traction is high on the list of needs. Beyond that, good dry traction would be the only other major requirement. Sandy/dusty roads I usually am not driving on.
I have 16" rims now, but will be likely going to a 17/18" rim when I need new tires.
I don't autox/drag the car, and don't plan to. I've got quattro so I like to take advantage of it's abilities occasionaly, but not very frequently as the roads that I tend to drive just don't allow it.
So given the situations, why would I want the ultra high performance top of the line over a lesser performance tire, or vice versa.
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Re: Comparing an S03 level tire to a Ecsta712/FM901 level tire
Hey, I have both S03s and Kumhos. I bought Kumhos thinking I would not take it on the track. They felt great not too much tire noise and very good tread wear rating. Then I did eventually take them on the track. Did ok, but squealed horribly. Sidewall fairly strong, but real problem was they would over heat!!! This was a big problem. Turned very slick after 15mins or so of hard use. I then bought S03s. Totally awesome!!! Very grippy on the street. Could feel a noticable diff. Then on track huge difference. Problem here too though. They only lasted me 3 weeks. Bought another set which has been ok, but sidewall seemed very weak on first set. I also have Yoko A032Rs now which are even better but probably too noisy for the street. Hope this helps.
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Joined: Mar 2000
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I have the FM901 for the street and I think they are as good as the Michelin Pilot Sports (m)
that they replaced. I don't plan to use these tires on the track (I have Yokohama AO32R for that). But, these Dunlops are as quiet, grip as well and look as good as my Michelin Pilot Sports.
I live in Houston, Texas, so weather conditions are similar to what you face in Florida.
I've never had the SO-3, but I'd say the Pilot Sport is in the same class as the SO-3.
I'll go with the FM901 again and use the money I save for something else.
Hope that helps,
PeteH
I live in Houston, Texas, so weather conditions are similar to what you face in Florida.
I've never had the SO-3, but I'd say the Pilot Sport is in the same class as the SO-3.
I'll go with the FM901 again and use the money I save for something else.
Hope that helps,
PeteH
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,110
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From: Michigan, USA
for the most part, by going to "higher level", you buy wet traction...
I'm just talking about street use here, no tracking. Tracking will reveal additional issues with tires, like others already described.
All/most summer tires are good (or about the same) in the dry. But only a few are just as good in the wet. This is what sets S-03 apart from the lower-end of the market, like Ecsta 712.
Is it worth the extra $$$? Hard to say, really. If it can save your life, you can't put a price on it. "If."
BTW, the FM901 is getting pretty good reviews so far. I'd choose it over Ecsta 712. I like the tread pattern much better, too ;-)
All/most summer tires are good (or about the same) in the dry. But only a few are just as good in the wet. This is what sets S-03 apart from the lower-end of the market, like Ecsta 712.
Is it worth the extra $$$? Hard to say, really. If it can save your life, you can't put a price on it. "If."
BTW, the FM901 is getting pretty good reviews so far. I'd choose it over Ecsta 712. I like the tread pattern much better, too ;-)
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