Cheap Track/Street Tires
 

I was hoping someone might read this who has used both Falken Azenis RT-615 (before K) and Nitto NT05. I want to know if the grip is in the same league.

I'm used to the Azenis but the price of the new K model is creeping up. I'm wondering if the NT05 is comparable as it is less expensive, and also has directional tread design (vs inside/outside on the RT-615) so I can make use of rotating the tires to prolong the life instead of always riding down the inside edge.

The NT05 is a stickier tire than the old RT-615's.

Another option for a pretty good street tire is the Dunlop StarSpec's.
And they are pretty cheap too.

Thanks, exactly the feedback I wanted.

Now to choose between the StarSpec or NT05, $45 difference each.

What size tire? If the Starspecs are cheaper, I'd go with them.

235/40/17 (or maybe 245/40/17 but I'm lazy about fender rolling and checking that they will fit at full lock)

Starspecs (each) are $45 more than the NT05, or $10 more than the RT-615K. I think I might spoil myself and get them.

Chances are the delivery will be at least a week, so I might switch all wheels back to my winter setup and splurge in the spring. However driving on the stock wheels with 195/55/16 winters sucks in comparison - even in freezing temperatures, unless there's snow or hail.

Any chance summer tires get cheaper in the winter?

Tire prices are pretty much the same year round. If you are looking for a deal, check around just before christmas. A few years ago, I remember seeing a couple of places online had instant rebates for $100 for a set of 4 tires.

Not usually, but they do sometimes have sales on discontinued tires. Of those tires you're interested in, not likely, since they're all relatively new models of tires.

TIn that price range, there's also the Kumho XS which might be the best in dry grip but I've heard isn't that great in the wet.

I found an interesting comparison test from Car and Driver. However, it is lame that they didn't provide a summary table of results of each test.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests

Oh and the Kumho XS looks to be inside/outside tread design, so even if I did find it in my size, I would prefer a directional tire.