I've autocrossed for about 3 years. I got XS's because RS3's weren't available, then RS3s. Both 'Hot Weather' tires. But this isn't an AutoX thread, right.

 

9/10 would autocross again.

 

Lub me some autocross. Who would want to drive on a track and actually have to shift? Parking lot racing FTW!

 

I think the rivals are the right choice. I've seen chunked R1R's before.

If decide you want to drive in the wet, the Dunlop ZII's are amazing! I did 110 on the VIR back straight in heavy rain with no problems. The tire was very predictable and very fun to slide around on. They're not bad in the dry either but the rivals are a tad better.

 

i love my XSs, but since ive never had anything else, i have nothing to compare them too, so i wont elaborate on my opinion as i feel it is worthless. however, as far as wear: my friend and i both run the car at track days in different groups, plus we ad a time trials series for each day, thats a total of 10, 20 minute sessions per track day. we have done 7 track days, with one 80 miles jaunt up into the mountains on these tires, theyre at about 25% tread.

 

add a bit of mix to this. if you are in the 205/50R15 size, I ran the Yoko AD08. They are great. They are equivalent to the first gen Star specs, but they are supposed to be more responsive. I can't comment on that truth of that as its been a while since I switched to this set.

Dunno how they compare to Rivals, but I would definitely buy them again if I hate my next tire choice. I have a shitty alignment and they are maybe 3/4 way done after 8-ish weekends (a few Ax events and probably ~7k street miles). If you had a decent alignment with somewhat even wear, they will last longer.

Like all tires in this group, they get greasy after a few hard laps.

 

Except the Rivals don't really do that...?

Also, what's the price on the Yokohamas? My impression has always been they are more expensive than the other major players (Rivals, RS3, etc.)

 

I guess not. I have used a few tires in this group and they all get greasy within the 20-25 minute session. I don't see anything special about the Rivals that would indicate that is not the case. But if people are not experiencing that, then maybe the Rivals really have an advantage here.

The yokos are a bit more expensive, haven't looked at the price recently, mine are a few years old. Tirerack has them though.

 

Think of rivals as someone took khumo victoracers, changed the sidewall letters, and made a stickier compound (seriously look at the tread of victoracers next to rivals). They would have been considered an R-compound semi slick 5-10 years ago.

 

Support my Dad's retirement. Buy BFG.

LOL.

 

I actually prefer the Yoke AD 08's over the Star Spec. The R version is supposed to be even better.