Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[gadget]

There seem to be opposing views on this issue.

What is better- a lighter tire or one with a stiffer sidewall?

Some say that unsprung weight is the worst thing to add to a car. Others state that a stiffer sidewall results in better handling.

Yet the RFT have a very stiff sidewall and handle like crap.

I'm trying to replace my tires and the two options i'm consdering have this scenario

The Bridgestone RE-11 weigh ~4lbs more per tire vs. the PS2 which has softer sidewalls

What are the pros and cons of a softer vs. harder sidewall ?

and what are the pros and cons of a lighter vs. heavier tire?

Thanks.

[TRZ06]

You can't compare a non-run flat to a run-flat, all non-runflats will handle better and be smoother than a run-flat of equal tire.

You have to remember that the PS2 has a uncommonly soft side-wall. It is 3 ply, and most high performance tires are 4 ply in the side-walls.

It's a personal choice, but I prefer a sharp/crisp turn-in even if it adds a few pounds. Especially with the RE-11's with a tread wear of 180, the tread will go quick and you will loose weight as that happens.

Also tires no matter what kind, will get a little sharper and crisper as the tread wears down (usually about 60% tread left) because there is less squirm from the tread area.

For me personally, the extra grip from the RE-11's offset any weight increase.

[MrHarris]

What size RE-11's are you getting?

[gadget]

Originally Posted by MrHarris

What size RE-11's are you getting?

I have the OEM 19s so 265/35/19 on the rears and 245/35/19 on the fronts.