Is it the tyres or FWD?

[Jammy1]

Hi all,

I've not really driven in wet/greasy conditions in the GTD until the last few days.  The traction is really poor even under moderate throttle.  I haven't had a reasonably powerful fwd car for a number of years having had BMWs and a weekend/dry day TVR.

So is the traction issue more down to the tyre or fwd?  I'm seriously considering ditching the bridgestones on the front and replacing them with the Conti Sport Contact 5s.  I don't really want to spend the money if there isn't a marked difference though.  Anyone made the switch from bridgetones to something with reported better traction?

Thanks

James.

PS
I don't expect a fwd to better off the line but when rolling in 2nd/3rd I would have expected it to be a bit better with a lump of a diesel engine over the front wheels and lots of traction gizmos.

[monkeyhanger]

If you've got greasy roads to contend with, you might have a few slippages if you drive the car hard, but in the main it is those sh!tty Bridgestone tyres. Mine has them and grip is terrible in all conditions, especially from a standstill with loads of tramping. My dad's GTD shod with Dunlops has no such issues. You will see far better traction with CSC5, Michelin PS3 or Goodyear Eagle Asy F1. If you're a Costco member hen the Michelin option will be your cheapest. Ive had the back end slide when taking a corner hard too. I have the DTUK box on, but even at stock I had all these traction issues.

[itavaltalainen]

You will always get some slips on low gears when it's wet with a high torque engine and FWD (in particular if wheels are turned), though tyres make a big difference.
Mine originally came with Pirelli P7 Cinturatos, when they were worn got Dunlop Sportmaxx RT as a replacement. They are better for traction buch MUCH worse for wear (Pirellis lasted 23k until the were worn to 2mm, Dunlops are down to 3mm after only 13k miles  ).

[Jammy1]

Thanks guys.  Think I'll look at changing the fronts then.  I'm a pretty steady Eddie in the bends, but I do like to get my foot down out of corners and roundabout etc.  I think I'm too tight to replace all four   I have considered winters but as I work at home and the wife's Mini has them fitted I think I'll cope.

[corgi]

There is another option... the weight of your right foot 

Bridgestone's notoriously temperature sensitive meaning poor traction when cold and/or wet.

Mine came with Conti SportContact 2 which were fine. I now have Michelin on the front (the choice of the lease company) which are also fine but not a massive step on from the Conti's except that they are quieter and offer slightly better feel...

[Jammy1]

There is another option... the weight of your right foot 

Bridgestone's notoriously temperature sensitive meaning poor traction when cold and/or wet.

Mine came with Conti SportContact 2 which were fine. I now have Michelin on the front (the choice of the lease company) which are also fine but not a massive step on from the Conti's except that they are quieter and offer slightly better feel...

  I learnt the art of right foot traction control driving a 21 year old, plastic, rwd, front engine, 250bhp per ton V8 

I think the tyres must have a lot to do with the traction issues.  I know it's not directly comparable but the wife's Mini Cooper on skinny 175 Contis doesn't have any issues at all on full throttle, straight or exiting a corner.  The GTD struggles on half throttle, in second, on the straights. 

Maybe I am expecting too much from fwd though.  Although I'm sure I recall someone on here making a statement something like 'full throttle in the damp and no traction issues', maybe that was a PP GTI which might help a little, even on the straights.

I'll give the Conti sport 5s a go and see what difference they make.

PS
For sale, soon, one pair of lightly used but rubbish Bridgestones   

[monkeyhanger]

Jammy1: it's almost certainly the tyres. MK 5 GT Sport 170 TDI, with 205/55/17 Potenzas, lots of tramping. Scirocco 140 TDI, 235/40/18 Dunlop SP01, No tramping in any conditions. Scirocco 170 TDI, Pirelli P7 then Michelin PS3 on 235/40/18, No tramping under any conditions. MK7 GTD, potenzas.....you know the story. My dad has no bother with his GTD on Dunlops. I'll be mildly pissed off if my R comes with Potenzas.