There are two snow tire categories:
1. Low Speed Rated Winter Tires, like the Blizzak WS-50, begin
with deeper tread depth, have softer rubber compositions, softer
sidewalls and on the plus side grip in deep snow and especially
ice much better that Performance Snow Tires, they just don't
handle on dry roads as well.2. Performance Snow Tires, like the Blizzak LM-22/LM-25 and
the Dunlop WS M2 & M3, start life with less tread depth and
use a different rubber composition. The design standpoint of
these tires are focused more toward more "spirited" driving.
These tires provide less of a drastic transition from your per-
formance tires to snow tires. They will be much much better
than an all-season tire in snow and slightly better on ice but
are in no way manner shape or form comparable on ice or deep
snow.The decision has to be yours. I cannot give any conclusive numbers
of a softer rubber tire that starts with more tread depth verses a
tire that starts with less tread depth and because has a higher "fun"
factor on dry roads, likely means you'll push the right pedal more &
the tires may suffer accordingly, ....meaning I doubt that one tire
type has a mileage advantage, or vise a versa.I say pick the tire's characteristics that best suit your intended desire
or focus. The WS-50 is an awesome tire. But, the best is relative,
sometimes relative to the particular certain cars and/or drivers very
specific and particular needs. Example: The not so very Gti that I
drive goes in snow with Pirelli H Speed rated Performance Snows.
I drive that car pretty aggressively. I prefer handling and know
what I'm giving up and willing to make that sacrifice. However if
my wife were going to drive that same car, because we are different
"style" drivers, to make her be and feel more confident on the slippery
stuff, then I'd run WS-50's.I've got Customers that run WS-50's on R32's, S4's and E46 M3's.
Others with the same cars run the more performance stuff. Since
I don't drive your car like you do, nor live where you do, I'll always
help as much as I can, but ultimately, it's your decision to make.Quite honesty that part of the decision is the hardest part. Once
that is out of the way, if you decide to go for a performance oriented
snow tire there is really not a bad one of the bunch. The numbers
are so close to each other.As far as old gen vs. new gen tires, part of that whole thing is IMHO,
partly competition, the Jones trying to keep up etc. The "old" LM-22
or the LM-25 vs. the M2 or the M3's, ...all are great tires, especially
in comparison to an all-season tire. I personally don't think there is
a "bad" snow tire, or that one stands out above the rest, except
WS-50's. The rest of them are all great snow tires. I may be wrong
about this but for the most part, I think the Germans pick the Dunlops
because they are manufactured in Germany: One they're easier to get,
and two helps with German economy, German jobs etc. But Porsche
also recommends other Snow tire manufacturers, not just Dunlops. I'll
say this with some accuracy, they are as good as, not superior to
other brands of snow tires. Just pick one for whatever reasons work
for you and as as you already know, once snows are on your car,
you'll never go back and even more importantly, at that point,
then you have enacted the full effect and meaning of Quattro.
.
Modified by Eric @ TIRE RACK at 9:43 PM 10-10-2004
Thanks SO much !!!
