- Messages
- 162
No experience with the Vredsteins and what is available on the internetz in terms of reviews is mixed. If you don't plan on autocross or other use that might make you want more grip, I'd maybe give them a shot, though. Real street tires in that size are unicorns.
I have quite a bit of experience with Toyo's. The RA1 in a 205 section width, square (same size f/r), is without doubt what I would have on my car if I still ran 13's...but, I do autocross and want the grip. The R888 doesn't feel as good, gives no real advantage in grip and wears much worse. Interesting data point, the Spec Miata class went from RA1's to R888's then back to RA1's. Toyo initially was planning to phase out the RA1, with the introduction of the R888, but ended up having to continue production due to demand. Not to say the R888 is a "bad" tire, just sharing my experience with both. (Also should mention the RA1 is a better rain tire)
I'm not sure which Federals you're looking at, but the manufacturer does have some good tires in their line up. I was given a set of 205/50-15 RS595 Federals to try on my car and have been pleased with them. Not as much outright grip as the Toyo R1R they replaced, but very close.
The RA1 is the only 13" R-comp tire I'd run on the street, personally, now that Kumho no longer makes the Victoracer. Hoosiers are basically radial slicks and not safe in the rain...they sure do have a ton of grip, though
Thanks for the good info (Again!). As I said, I was all excited to buy a set of the new 15" LAT wheels for better tire choices, until I saw them. They are just not what I expected, the outside depth is so much less & the holes look like I could pass my hand through. Even though I have requested a couple of times on FB for anyone that has these new wheels mounted on a car, still no one has posted a picture. So after 40+ years with the originals on my car, I guess I will be just keeping the 13's. I tried finding the Federals without any luck. The Toyos are great I am sure but the shallow tread depth before I have to have the rims / tires trued scares me on what the tread depth will be then. Honestly, every time a tire changing machine starts breaking down one of my original rims, I just cringe with fear, that they are going to break one, so I'd like to put a set of tires on the car that will last at least six years of highway driving. Still on the fence... Thanks again.