RKJ

I bought a '97 1.8t three years ago this Thursday (yippe) without the sports package. I knew the 15" rims would have to go ASAP. Thanks to a fellow A4.org reader, I was able to buy a set of 16" OEM 5-spoke rims w/ Bridgestone Potenza RE940's.

The change from the 15" Goodyears to the 16" Bridgestones was dramatic. The car felt really connected to the road. The slightest nudge of the steering wheel resulted in immediate change in direction, the Bridgestones seemed to have really stiff sidewalls. The downside of the 940's is that I felt their wet traction was sub-par for an 'all season' tire (from the start they hydroplaned easily IMO). They also were a bit noisy and transmitted every road imperfection (I swear, I could feel it when I drove over the shadow cast on the road by a powerline :-) ).

Well the Bridgestones didn't last long (22k since I got them, the previous owner put about 8k on them) and I have been in a quandry as to what to get next for about 6-months. I was leaning toward a set of Dunlop SP 8000's or 8000E's when I called Tirerack. They recomended the SP 5000 over the 8000, even though I don't need snow traction. According to the guys at Tirerack, the 5000 does everything the 8000 does, but with much better treadlife. A few folks here at Audiworld seconded the recomendation, so I ordered the 5000's.

I have only had the 5000's for a day, but I thought I would pass on my early impressions. I wish I had some experience with the 8000's, but I can only compare them with the Bridgestones. Anyway, the Dunlops are a lot quieter, and ride a lot better, but they don't have the quick turn-in that the Bridgestones had (some of this could be attributed to the newness of the tires). It takes a bit more steeringwheel input and a moment longer before the Dunlops respond. But for me, it seems like a good trade off, the Bridgestones were just a bit too harsh riding for my taste and were too 'exciting' in the rain.

As soon as it rains, I'll let you-all know what I think of the wet performance of the 5000's.

Thanks to the floks at Audiworld and Tirerack for your advice.

Robert