Hello everyone, I am new to the group. I need to purchase 4 new tires for my 1997 Miata. I am a three season driver, don't race but enjoy a good drive on weekends in the country. I am looking for tires that will not break the bank but will have low noise level, good tread longevity, and good in the rain. Have researched tires and now my head is spinning. What do you all think about the following brands: Kumho, Falken. And Toyo and if you recommend which model #'s do you like? Didn't think this would be this difficult, help!! Should mention tire size 185/60R14 would be helpful, thanks!

 

Because you mentioned tread noise and longevity, I'm going to recommend the Falken ZE-912. They will grip reasonably well and meet all of your other requirements perfectly. If you want better grip than a 912, you'll need to sacrifice tread life and rain performance.

 

S-Drives, by Yokohama.

 

ZII, should still be a 20k mile tire and better in the rain than the crop of 400TW tires. Not many 3 season miatas go more than 5k miles a year so that points to 4 years for the ZIIs to wear out, right when you should be replacing them from age anyways.

 

To translate, that ZII is referring to Dunlop Direzza Star-Spec Z2.

I also really like my BFGoodrich Comp-2 tires if the Star-Specs are not available in a compatable size.

 

I have owned Star Specs on two of my cars (WRX and Miata). They are great DD tires and they are also a lot of fun at the track. I have put some good heat through them on my WRX and they never let me down. I was very happy with them on and off the track.

 

I like my comp2s as well, though they aren't as sticky as the Z2s. And after 30 consecutive runs in a faster then normal (limiter in 2nd a few times) 1 minute autocross course, they cupped pretty badly. Still should be getting 20-25k miles out of them easy though.

 

Two questions, and a note:

Q1: Define "good tread longevity." Personally, if I were ever to get 10k out of a set of tires, I'd question why they lasted so long, and wonder if perhaps I've become a spineless *****.


Q2: Are you really committed to staying with the 14" wheel? We've gotten to the point where the selection good of tires in that size is getting downright pathetic.


N: In my (admittedly limited) experience, tires which have a very high treadwear rating will actually wear out much faster than tires with a very low treadwear rating if you find that you are constantly pushing them beyond their limit.

Case in point: In 2008, I broke my left foot. My sister loaned me her spare Camry (automatic) to drive until I could work the clutch in my own car. In just under three months, I completely destroyed the all-season tires on the front of that car, driving it pretty much the same way I drive my Miata.

Example: In the following image set, the blue car and the red car are being driven around the same corner at the same speed:








Which set of tires do you think is going to last longer? (hint: pay attention to the sidewalls.)