Brakes Wheels 1st Gen Tires Continental ExtremeContact Sport

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by cristo, Mar 8, 2017.

  1. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    #1 cristo, Mar 8, 2017
    Last edited: Mar 8, 2017
    These look very promising.
    Very good review here, saying pretty much it's most of the
    way from a Conti DW to a Michelin PSS in performance.
    http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/ID/4456/TESTED-Continental-Tire-ExtremeContact-Sport.aspx

    My backstory on this is as follows:

    I have 16 inch wheels and have used 205/50/16 tires for 14 years on my MINI.
    I loved the Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Positions that I got
    when the Cooper was new, even though they were on the heavy
    and stiff side of the spectrum.
    My next tires were Dunlop Sport Maxx, which were a step down
    in performance, but still quite adequate.
    My current tires are Continental ExtremeContact DW, which are
    a little soft in response and have very good but not great dry
    performance, and outstanding wet performance, and are light
    and have a very nice ride.
    One of them has a pretty big plug repair, they're halfway worn down,
    and have gotten a bit noisy with wear, and they're no longer
    made in 205/50/16, in fact, there are currently NO max performance
    summer tires in 205/50/16 on Tire Rack, so I'm drawn toward:

    Firestone Indy 500 - available in 205/50/16, but a step down
    in category from my previous max performance summer tires,
    and they're Firestones (not an inspiring brand for performance),
    but they seem to test incredibly well for an ultra high performance
    tire, at the head of the pack, above the BFG G-Force Sport Comp-2.

    Or the new Conti ExtremeContact Sport in 205/55/16.
    I've always said if they made the Michelin SPP in a 16 size
    for the MINI, I'd jump for it. I'm pretty happy with the DW,
    and I think I'd be significantly happier with the Sport.

    Also in the running would be the Yokohama Advan Sport V105,
    but I'm thinking I'd favor the new Conti EC Sports over these.

    Anyone have any experience or thoughts on this.

    The eminent arrival of Spring has given me a little bit of the
    old summer tire fever.

    By the way, they also make the Conti ExtremeContact Sport in
    205/45/17 and 215/45/17.
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    I like Dunlop tires but I run StarSpecs as they fill my need for the best Summer dry grip.

    Michelins ....not so much and too noisy when you push them hard.
     
  3. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    Everyone has their preferences and the tires you've listed are all great choices. That said, I loved my Pilot Super Sports. Once the Falkens on my new (to me) XKR are shot, I'll be looking same as you.
     
  4. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    Looks like the Conti ExtremeContact Sport just came out last month. I had DWS that were good for all season. Last year I upgraded to DW and love them. They are not the extreme that the Conti ExtremeContact Sport or Dave's favorite StarSpecs would be but they are great for my level of suspension tune and driving.
     
  5. Grizld700

    Grizld700 Well-Known Member

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    Interesting that you say this. My Pilot Super Sports made a noise. I wore them down to 2/32" and never had them talk back to me during extreme cornering or heavy acceleration.

    Unless you're talking about a different Michelin?
     
  6. Grizld700

    Grizld700 Well-Known Member

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    I ended up getting the outgoing DW tires since they were on blow out for $86 a tire. Besides these are my "touring" tires. I want good grip, but they're not the tire I use during autoX or track days.
     
  7. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    Update:
    I just ordered a set of the Conti E.C.Sports in 205/55/16.
    Will put them on in a few weeks when the 14 day forecast
    shows no chance of snow or really cold mornings.
     
  8. Qik

    Qik Well-Known Member

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    I'll be trying out a set of these StarSpecs just because you speak so highly of them.
    As for the Michelins, I know you had a set prior the them being updated. I got mine post update, and when they were on the newer side of the tread-wear they were super quiet, now that they've aged, when she starts to slide a little bit they do squeal but it's not obnoxious. I think there's something to be said of the post facelift Pilot Super Sports when compared to the previous design/materials. They handle fantastic :Thumbsup: Very predictable and controllable when they do decide to break. Overall great tyre. Will probly go back to them if the StarSpecs don't knock my socks off.
     
  9. AAONMS

    AAONMS Well-Known Member
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    Here's my two cents:
    I had the DW's, not the sports. I was underwhelmed to say the least.
    I'm on my fifth set of pilot super sports. I guess, I don't push them hard enough, as I've yet to encounter the noise. For me, they are year-round tire here in Florida. I understand that the pilot super sports are being superseded. Don't know whether or not they will come in 16s in the new variety. I would be surprised if they do.
    In reality, there is no "best" tire. Each person's circumstances can contribute to making a different tire better for them.
    Keep soliciting opinions here, and another option is to call the Tire Rack; talk to a rep and describe how you plan to use the tires. They may have some insight.
    Best of luck.


    Sent using Tapatalk
     
  10. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #10 Dave.0, Mar 9, 2017
    Last edited: Mar 9, 2017
    In reality, there is no "best" tire. Each person's circumstances can contribute to making a different tire better for them. :Thumbsup::Thumbsup:

    Spot on :Thumbsup:

    Yes I did have older Michelin SS and since replaced them with Dunlop Star Specs and I have had 3 or 4 sets including my latest version. When I find something the works for ME I stick with them.

    I have tried everything from Michelin, Kumo, Yoko's, Goodyear's and I like the Dunlop's for me the best for what I want them to do the best.

    Dry Summer Grip only because R-Comps are not street legal. :ihih::devil:
     
  11. Grizld700

    Grizld700 Well-Known Member

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    My friend swears by Star Specs. He's had them on his Evo, Fiesta St, and Miata.
     
  12. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    The May 2017 issue of Grassroots Motorsports has an article (Taking Street Tires to the Max)
    testing the Conti ExtremeContact Sport vs the Michelin PSS on a Miata (pp 134-138)
    and the Conti did extremely well, especially in wet testing.
    Don't have a link to the article, but if you subscribe, you can see it online with their app
    or pick up a copy on the stands.
     
  13. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    The Michelin did a little better on the skidpad and autocross,
    the Conti did a little better on the dry track, and way, way
    better on the wet track, and was more forgiving and easier
    to drive at the limit.

    They used 205/45R17 tires on 17x7 wheels (sound familiar), on a 2016 Mazda MX-5.

    They put BS RE-71R tires into the mix for comparison in the autocross test, and
    the RE-71R did even better than the PSS, as expected.

    I just got a set of the Contis in 205/55R16, but haven't put them on yet.
    Still have my winter tires on. Maybe tomorrow.
     

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