PSS Vs Direzza Z2

**waxxonMTL** · 01-25-2016 08:20 AM

I want to go 18 inch for lightweight spirited daily driving. In my previous ''race car'', I drove the exclaim UHP, Sumitomo HTR-Z3 and Dunlop Direzza Z2.

I really felt an increase in grip with the Z2 over the HTR-Z3, but also noticed an increase in tire noise ( or maybe it was my new race alignment..). However, considering it was a 25 yr old Skyline with 3.5inch exhaust, you can imagine I didn't really care for the extra tire noise and was all-over the extra grip. I didn't felt the tire was slippery during wet and colder time ( don't be stupid, just don't push as much as a nice hot sunny day !). And only drove about 3 000km on them so never got time to see how the wear was.

Keep in mind ; I will be installing a AWE Touring with Stock downpipe

option #1 So either I go for a set of HTR-Z3 that cost 450$ for the S4 in 245/40/18

OR....

option #2 PSS Vs Z2, basically they are pretty much the same price so price can't be a determining factor ;

1) Considering the luxury of the car, Would the tire noise of the Z2 be dampened by the OEM sound deadener of the car ? or the opposite, because everything is more quiet, I will hear the tire noise even more ? even with the wind coming from the sunroof ?

2) I know the PSS comes with a warranty 30k, but it seems most have worn out the tire before 30k miles and since I'm from Canada, I'm not sure if this warranty is only applicable to the USA resident. So if we consider the PSS can get me through 20k miles, I've read the Z2 can manage 15-20k miles of DD, so at this point, the wear factor might not be as important as it seems.

3) Grip factor. No doubt, the Z2 *MUST* have better grip and stiffer wall = better response, but I do not plan to hit the track, so... for spirited driving, twisty and on/off-ramp exit, would the z2 be over-kill ? ( i.e: could I notice better stopping distance with the z2 vs. pss? will i be able to take a curve at 60mph with the z2 while the pss will only be able to take it at 50mph ?)

I imagine very few had the chance to try both tires, but still... feel free to give me your opinion/feedback of either tires paired on the S4 !

Thanks folk !