Falken FK452 or Michelin Pilot Sport PS3?

[rotor]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of replacing all four tyres, and have more or less boiled it down to either the Falken FK452 or the Michelin Pilot Sport (PS2 or PS3). Now, I know these have very different prices, and therein lies the rub. Fully fitted prices for four tyres:

Falken FK452 - £304
Michelin Pilot Sport PS3 - £558

So the thing is... is it really worth spending an extra £254 for the Michelins? I know they have excellent reviews, but the Falkens aren't that far behind!

Suggestions, ideas, recommendations?

[FamilyDub]

Those with the cash would recommend the PS's - or conti sportcontact's - those without the Falken's.

I've not heard any bad feedback about the Falken's, though.

[maxp]

As a pinch of salt, on my mk2 I run the best tyres I can afford, not because i care about how fast i can take a corner but because the mk2 basically has no safety features (before crumple zones and airbags were on the scene).

You can't put a price on your safety. And its always a small reassurance when its wet weather, or if you've had a near miss.

Having said that, im sure both those tyres are probably pair with the mk5 nicely.

[Wayne]

Have used and can recommend the Falkens

[ifti]

I have the Falkens on my fronts at the moment. EXCELLENT tyre for the money - well impressed.
The only thing I dont like about the Falkens is they have no rim protectors.

[Blackroc]

Have a look at this if you are not sure. Im sure people would rate Sessanta's , f1 Eagles, or even at a cheaper price Hankook V12 Evo's (very good tyre for those in the know  )

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/

[ub7rm]

I also have the Falkens and rate them very highly for any money but are outstanding for the money.  One thing I've noticed is that they do benefit from being warmed up a bit before demanding too much traction from them but I'm not talking a lot, just a couple of miles worth.

[rotor]

It looks like Costco might have a 20% discount on a set of four Michelin Sport Pilot PS3, taking the fully fitted price to £445. For that price I will definitely be going with the PS3s.

[FamilyDub]

Look into the Kumho KU31 Ecsta tyre, which is ~£61 a corner for 17" tyres on camskill.co.uk

Strangely, the GTI massive slate them, but S/Scooby/M3 owners have nowt but praise for them...

[rotor]

Look into the Kumho KU31 Ecsta tyre, which is ~£61 a corner for 17" tyres on camskill.co.uk

Strangely, the GTI massive slate them, but S/Scooby/M3 owners have nowt but praise for them...

It seems that different chassis behave differently with the same tyres, something I would've pooh-poohed a couple of weeks ago (before reading up on tyres), but there does seem to be consensus that e.g. the Falken FK452 is rubbish on the Mk4 GTI, but excellent on the Mk5. Who would've known?