wasz said:
Hi,
If you were a 'normal' (road/commute/weekend blast) 911 owner (and didn't work for Michelin so get your tyres free) would you choose to pay the premium for N rated tyres?
I know from my own experience over the years the vast differences between tyre brands. Granted, the difference between the top brands is not so great, but if you compare a Michelin/Continental/Pirelli vs. a mid range/budget tyre, the differences are huge. Yes, some of the them make good tyres, but on a premium car like a Porsche, that's been developed and tuned around the Premium brands, that would be the way to go.
The all round performance of something (such as Michelin's) will give you performance in all areas, from grip, braking, wear, steering, comfort, rolling resistance etc. With lower brand tyres you often get one or two areas but not the all round performance. Its a bit like buying a Porsche..
So, the other thing I would say is cost of ownership. Whilst a Michelin or other Premium tyre might not be the cheapest, if it last longer and performs better, then pound for pound it's the best choice.
On "N" rating, then you are buying tyres tuned for the car. It isn't marketing BS, we actually spend a lot of time and effort honing the tyres.
Yes, the warranty and other issues are covered elsewhere, but the "N" rating means you don't take any risks, e.g. optimised tyres, that will definitely work and have more potential.
On our range, it depends upon the sizes and age of the car.
Pilot Sport 2, go back to the 2004/5 period and are still a good tyre, and come in many "N" flavours
Pilot Super Sport, is the best performance road tyre we have ever made, but this year, is still waiting for "N" rating in most 911 sizes.
PS Cup2 is track based, but also works on the road, great tyres (and come in "N" flavours, but if your car doesn't go to the track or get driven really hard, probably not the best tyre..
So, if you aren't too worried about "N" ratings, the PSS is the choice I'd make.