Tire choices - Pirelli or Michelin?

Curious as to the prevailing opinion for these two tires for a 355, etc.

Pirelli P-Zeros or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2.

Cost is probably fairly close, what about mileage, handling and noise?

thanks, Mike

 

I love my PS2's

 

I love my PS2s...but they are "French tires".

If it weren't for the fact that the rears need replacing and fronts still look brand new, I might give the Pirellis a shot but instead I'll probably just buy 2 new rear PS2s.

 

www.tirerack.com
click on ->products->tires->tire survey
choose any of the top 3 in extreme performance summer
choose any of the top 5 in max performance summer
That are available in the correct sizes.

 

I just put a set of Kumho Ecsta LE Sport tires on my 1998 355GTS F1 just to try something different. After playing with the tire pressure a little bit, I am pretty impressed at half the price of the Michelin PS2.

I'm sure I'l have to replace them before I wear them out just like the Goodyear Fioranos that came with the car and the Pirelli and Michelin tires I have had on my car. The heat kills tires in Las Vegas.


http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?tireIndex=0&autoMake=Ferrari&autoYear=1998&autoModel=F355&autoModClar=&frontWidth=225/&frontRatio=40&frontDiameter=18&frontSortCode=53650&rearWidth=265/&rearRatio=40&rearDiameter=18&rearSortCode=54350&tab=All

 

I like the PS2's. I just put a set on my F355 Spider. I've also got a set on my 2003 Boxster S. I would expect that they're a lot quieter than the Pirelli tires

 

PS2's for me! Although I have PZero's on the 355 wheels until they are replaced - soon!

 

I've decided to go with Pilot Sports ultra performance all season. Using these because my tires are slightly wider than stock (Speedline wheels) and my size wasn't available in the
other Michelin tires mentioned - pilot sport PS2 or PS2 ZP.

If interested,the cost installed - balanced and valve stems will be $1564.00

Felt the Michelin's "less noise" and longer tread life were more valuable the extreme dry performance of the Pirelli tires.

thanks for the help guys.

 

I have Bridgestone Potenza on my 355...are these crappy tires? Should I change?

 

I have Pirelli P Zero's, I like them.

 

The Bridgestones are fine tires and the PS2 are awsome. The pirrelli would be my last choice of the 3

 

I'd only change them out if they're old or worn. My Bridgestones were in perfect condition with 1800 miles on them... but were 15 years old and flat spotted from sitting, so they had to go. Huge huge improvement going to the PS2's, but mostly because the PS2's were much rounder than the tires I took off!

 

They have some dry rot splits in the tread but not on the sidewall. They may be original tires from 1998. Probabaly a good idea to upgrade.

 

Do it sooner rather than later. Old tires can be very unsafe if driven agressively.

 

As long as you are comfortable with the decision. Just understand that oftem times there is some loss in dry and wet performance in order for a tire to achieve a "snow" rating and be considered "all season".

 

A slight reduction in total cornering grip is no big deal to me in that the tires are already wider than stock and the car has much more potential than I'll ever utilize. ON a good day I maybe take corners at 70% of the cars potential.

 

PS2s are about the best overall street tire to be had for the car. Great in the dry, superb in the wet, they don't pick up every little rock like semi-slicks, and the wear is quite acceptable.

There are better dry tires, but none that I'm aware of that are as good in all conditions.

 

I changed from Pirelli P Zero to Michelin PS2 on my Ferrari F355 and I'm really pleased with it. As already said, they're better on all weather conditions, make less noise and last longer (not as soft as the Pirelli). For a track day with a good weather, Pirelli tires might be better.

 

I drive the Bridgestone Expedia S01 since years and I love them.The Grip is just Perfect the wear is acceptable and on wet you can drive with over 100miles with no worries!

 

PS2's on my '98 now for 9k miles. Love them, great grip, low noise, good ride. Just replaced the rears with roughly 50% wear on the fronts, fyi. This includes an autocross day with 15-20 runs on a tight course, so fair wear imo.

Your mileage may vary, of course, but I would vouch for the Michelins.

John

 

I have PS2s and they have performed flawlessly .............. though I do like that little red sidewall logo on the P-Zero tires ......

 

Does anybody know if there is a big difference on the PS2s between the "BMW" spec and the N4 (Porsche) spec?

I checked my rear tires on the car right now and I have the 265/40/ZR18 - N3 101Y Extra Loads...which I can't find the match for on TireRack (closest are the N4s).

This is for a F355.

Thanks.

 

I have had both. My current 355 wears the Pirellis. I prefer the Michelins however.

 

Why? Can you describe the difference? I'd be interested to hear your impressions of how they compare.

 

I have the Bridgestone Expedias on my F355 right now.
On my TA WS6, I had Michelin Pilot Sports, then went with Pirelli Pzeros, then switched back to the Michelins. The Michelins performed much better on water for me as far as starting and stopping grip. They were also slightly less noisy.