Bridgestone Potenza s001 vs Continental Sport Contact 5 's tyres

[mariamartinez]

Hi I need to replace at least one of my tyres and currently have an odd set of tyres (Bridgestone x1 vs Continental x3 225/40/18) with 40%-65 wear (1 conti has about 65% wear down to 3-4mm). sorry this odd set is how the wheels came when I bought. Have a couple of questions.

1. I guess the logical option is to replace the most worn tyre Continental with a Bridgestone. If so I would have 2+2. So can I mix 2 up front and 2 on the rear...if so is they any logic in which goes where? Is this logical or not?

2. If on the other hand I did move completely to Bridgestone OR Continental is any preferable or is it personal choice....they are around the same price.

thanks

[fredgroves]

I've had three different tyres on the gtd at one time. There's no reason to care unless you are racing and looking for lap times.  I'd buy whatever I wanted in the end all round. Fronts wear about three to four times faster than the rears unless you have an R. Stick old tyres on the front to eat them up quick.

[Guzzle]

With tyres I find you usually tend to get what you pay for, stick with brand names that you recognise and you'll generally be fine. As for which brand, that really is personal choice.

My own personal choice is i'd avoid Bridgestone Potenza's. They're too hard and too noisy. My tyres of choice would be Michelin PS4, Good Year Asymmetric 3 and Continental Sport Contact 5 in that order. None of them will last as long as the Bridgestone's, but they should all be grippier and quieter.

It is better to have matching tyres on the same axle if you can help it, but it doesn't matter as much as ensuring that they're all fit for purpose with above legal minimum grip, no damage to tyre wall, correct pressure and the correct size and speed rating.

[random_nickname]

Just get rid of those Bridgestones asap. You will notice a vast improvement if you go to any of the choices above especially on the front axle as tramping and grip in cornering and various weather conditions are very poor with the Bridgestones.

[Jim_mk7.5]

As if perfect timing, this months evo (issue 238) has their annual tyre test and this years car is the Mk7.5 GTI.



Winner is Michelin PS4. You might be able to save a few quid and zoom in and read the results 

[Daz Auto]

Just get rid of those Bridgestones asap. You will notice a vast improvement if you go to any of the choices above especially on the front axle as tramping and grip in cornering and various weather conditions are very poor with the Bridgestones.

That's exactly what I am planning on doing and my car has not even be built yet

I know that sounds crazy. But I really do think the Bridgestones are that poor.

[Jim_mk7.5]

Just get rid of those Bridgestones asap. You will notice a vast improvement if you go to any of the choices above especially on the front axle as tramping and grip in cornering and various weather conditions are very poor with the Bridgestones.

That's exactly what I am planning on doing and my car has not even be built yet

I know that sounds crazy. But I really do think the Bridgestones are that poor.

Didn't realise that VW were still putting such a crap old tyre on their performance models...!

Found this review from 2011 when it was only a year old and it wasn't great even then. 6 years ago. 

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/tyre-guides/45325/bridgestone-potenza-s001

I've only had mine a week and half so haven't really been driving hard anywhere but in the dry everything seems ok through the bends. But when it rained, it didn't feel like there is much grip which is backed up by the above review.

 

[mariamartinez]

Thanks Jim_mk7.5! I also see autoexpress last week? did a really nice summer tyre test, results are partially shown here: http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2017-Auto-Express-Summer-Tyre-Test.htm.  Michelin PS4 wasn't tested but Continental Premium Contact 5 and Dunlop Sport (BluResponse   version) were with similar good results.

In my personal situation its a bit tricky to get rid of the potenza because its only half worn and the 3rd Cont Sp Contact is worn.

[wigit]

I have always been a huge Michelin fan on the Mk7 and I think the Contis have also got good feedback

I ran and still have the Michelin Super Sports (predecessor to the PS4) when I used to track my car and just could not believe how good they were especially in the wet and really showed how Sport Pilot Cup 2s are dire unless in ideal circumstances

[random_nickname]

Thanks Jim_mk7.5! I also see autoexpress last week? did a really nice summer tyre test, results are partially shown here: http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2017-Auto-Express-Summer-Tyre-Test.htm.  Michelin PS4 wasn't tested but Continental Premium Contact 5 and Dunlop Sport (BluResponse   version) were with similar good results.

In my personal situation its a bit tricky to get rid of the potenza because its only half worn and the 3rd Cont Sp Contact is worn.

I can't imagine it can be a good thing driving with 2 very contrasting tyres especially on the front axle unless you are a very reserved driver and could be potentially dangerous and confusing to the ESP of the car. I might sound a bit paranoid but my experiences were very different once I changed the front set and couldn't imagine driving with 1 of each.