Which tire to choose...

[routesixtysixer]

Trying to decide between Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S ($137), Yoko Advan S.4. ($195), Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS ($157) and Dunlop SP Sport Maxx ($195). Priorities are ride, noise, dry handling/traction, wet handling/traction (in that order). Pirelli's are evidently being discontinued (and they are significantly cheaper), but the new Yokos get really superb rating. Input? Help?

[iversonm]

Trying to decide between Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S ($137), Yoko Advan S.4. ($195), Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS ($157) and Dunlop SP Sport Maxx ($195). Priorities are ride, noise, dry handling/traction, wet handling/traction (in that order). Pirelli's are evidently being discontinued (and they are significantly cheaper), but the new Yokos get really superb rating. Input? Help?

I have the P-Zero Nero M+S.

1) Ride is quite smooth.

2) The tires were quiet to begin with, but have become noiser. The noise is not terrible, but it is noticeable.

3) Dry handling is quite good, assuming you are not putting the car on the track. These are all season tires, after all.

4) No issues with wet traction.

Overall they are a good tire for the dollar. You don't give up much perfomance compared to a summer tire, but the cost is about half that of a summer.

Treadwear is good. I have about 15,000 mile on mine (estimated, as I have dedicated snows in the winter) They should last about 22,000 to 25,000 miles.

My biggest complaint is that they lack a large "bead" (for lack of a better term) that protects the wheel from curb damage. This is mostly an issue with my from tires. If you are cautious parallel parking, you needn't worry about this.

Don't assume that these tires will afford you performance in snow. They are useless in that respect. They will provide decent traction/braking in cold weather, however.

I'm quite pleased with them and would recommend them based on their price/performance ratio, but don't compare them to Michellin Pilot Sports. However, they are 75% of the tire for half the price.

I can't comment on the Yokohamas, as I have not had any.

[Gary@Tirerack]

The Sport Maxx is a summer-only max performance tire that will be firmer-riding and faster wearing than the other all-season tires in your post, but the Dunlop will have better cornering and dry grip. Of the all-season tires, the 960A/S is currently at the top of its category.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/tires/index.jsp