Spending my first Winter in Colorado (Boulder specifically) and just can't decide between the Blizzak WS80 or the Michelin Xi3. From reading, I know the older Blizzak WS70 sucked in the dry, but the newer WS80 is supposed to be much better.

Second, what size? Both come in 185/55,60,65 and the Michelin also comes in 195/55 (which is what Rudy at Tirerack recommended). I have a gut feeling that I should go with 185/60, but I need some Miataturbo wisdom!

Thanks!

 

Having used both on my NB in the winter, i would take the Xi3. Though, i'm only going into season 3 on the Michelins, so low tread depth is unknown. I only run 195 wide. I would go for as much sidewall as possible i'm 60mm at tall. I've found that the limiting factor for Miatas in the winter is not traction but ground clearance. The 195/60/15s do not rub at any point on my NB. I also throw one bag of concrete in the trunk just to help rear traction slightly. Any more throws off the balance to much and upsets stability and cornering.

Edit* i use the Xi3's for almost 6 months too. Their cool / cold weather grip is far greater than my summer s-drives.

 

I'm on Xida's and Emilio just informed me that the max pinch weld height I can go to is only 5". So the bigger diameter the better, though I'm not looking forward to the change in handling from my Hankook RS3's, lol.

Hmm, now I'm debating between 195/60 or 185/65.

 

I don't mean to threadjack - but have you guys also used the older WS60? It comes in a good size for 14" tires (185/65) .