I voted for the ES100. I run it for a daily tire and it has good wear and good grip (more than enough for the street). I can't comment on noise, my car runs 5000 rpms at 80 mph so all I hear is engine noise.

If traction is more a concern than wear and you want to be a bit more competitive at the occasional auto-x I'd suggest you consider the Kumho MX. Safe in the rain and just about as sticky as an Azenis. I'd stay away from the 712 like the plague if traction matters. Great wear but hard as a rock compared to the ES100 and MX.

Trey

 

its just a daily driver with some upgrades for now... my friend (who sold me the rims/tires) says he hasnt had a better tire in the rain, but in the snow they blow. i think they are 712's, i didnt really pay attention cuz it didnt matter to me - like i said, anything is better than what i have now.

 

So good things being said about the Falken Azenis ... hows the treadwear compared to the ES100? Are they much much cheaper than the ES100s?

 

Falken Azenis are good but tend to hydroplane due to large tread blocks. Kumh MX have a directional tread pattern and tend to hande the water better. Yokohama ES100 isn't as sticky as either but is great for a daily tire and even an auto-x 1-2 times a year. Beyond that, I'd get the Kumho MX for street/auto-x duty.

The Kumho 712 is sub par for 3 season tires. ALl the tires above are good for even cold weather just not snow.

 

Just checked out the Falken website...
looks like only the GRB FK-451 is availble in 205/45/16 ... these tires any good?

 

Oh .. the Ziex as well ... I'd assume that the GRB has superior traction over the ziex?

 

The only Falken I would buy is the Azenis. I have heard people speaking more positively about eh Zeix as of late but there are far better tires.

Not to repeat myself to hear myself type but my top 3 would be Kumho MX, Yoko ES100 and Falken Azenis.

Of these based on what you say you plan to do ES100 would be my first choice. CHeck out the Bridgestone S03 too.

 

How much are you looking to spend? That will give us a better idea of what you can obtain. From that list, I would have to say the ES100's are the best, but if youre willing to spend more, there are plenty of other tires Id pay attention to.

Also, in terms of looks, I would take the 205/40's, but in terms of performance, I would see what is available in 215/45's.

 

He can either get them in a 205/55/16, or a 215/45/16...either way he's gonna rub.

I love my Yokohama AVS ES100's, 205/45/16.

 

I'm looking for tires around the es100 price range ... seems as though the falken zeix run for the same price as the ES100s so I guess they'd be the best choice is that price range.