Why do some FR-S cars come with Michelins, and others Bridgestone?

[hushypushy]

Originally Posted by husker741

Just so you all know, I just went on to Consumer Reports and the top rated tire under the "Performance All Season" section was in fact.... Michelin Primacy MXV4's.

This doesn't mean much, for a lot of reasons.

1. The MXV4 is a different tire than the Primacy HP. First of all, the MXV4 does not have "performance" (the sporty type) listed anywhere in its M.O. The MXV4 is a "Grand Touring All-Season", which means that it's meant for quiet, comfort, and longevity--not performance.

2. Consumer Reports is not the place for an enthusiast to be looking at tire reviews; they don't even review true performance tires at all (Kumho XS, Bridgestone RE-11, Yokohama AD08, etc). The reason the MXV4 did well on Consumer Reports is because it's great tire for their target audience (i.e. our moms): it's quiet, squishy, and long lasting.

3. The Primacy HP is listed as a "Grand Touring Summer". This category is almost a paradox because "Grand Touring" is one of the worst categories of tires. It's pretty sad that the Primacy HP is considered a "Summer" tire considering how crap the grip is when it's warm...I don't even want to know how bad these tires are in the cold or wet.

4. Even if you did want some comfy mom-spec tires, you don't want the MXV4 or the Primacy HP anyway. Why? They are INSANELY expensive. I mean, to the point of being ridiculous. On TireRack, MXV4's are $188 each, which is cheaper than the Primacy HP's at $202 each.

If you just want cheap tires that grip better than either of those, the Fuzion UHP is $68 each. Fuzion's are made by Bridgestone in the USA, even though a lot of people think they're some cheap Chinese tire. The Fuzion ZRi, which is very similar to the old Bridgestone RE750, are $103 each. (The RE760 will run you $126 each)

Those tires will have plenty of grip for those who think the stock Primacy HP's are good. But let's say you're a hard driver, someone who has some autocross and/or track experience with your past rides. How about the Hankook R-S3 for $139 each? The Bridgestone RE-11, which is a brilliant tire, is on sale for $144 each right now. You really want to spend $200 per tire? Be a badass and pick up some Advan A048 R-comps for $195, or the Toyo R888 for $209.

I really can't fathom why anyone who purchase the MXV4 or Primacy HP as a replacement tire for their ZN6. Hell, if you absolutely must have Michelin tires, you can get Pilot Super Sports for $153 each. Don't spend too much money on crappy rubber...

[that_guy]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

First time I've heard that, any documentation for that claim? Every promotional material I've seen spec's Michelins.

Nothing I can provide officially, but I do work for the company, so that might help the claim a little.

[mswhong]

Don't be afraid if you're short-handed with bridgestones, the michelin's aren't that far off. The tyres are designed to be economic in terms of fuel consumption (correct me if wrong). If you wanted high performance tyres, then i suggest swapping to federal rsr's or Kmuho ku36's/31's or Advan a050's -> this is considering you have money to spend

[husker741]

Well the suspense is over. My car came in today and has Michelins! Although they still suck, I'm happy they aren't the Bridgestones! I'll take delivery in a week or two.

[DarkSunrise]

For those interested, Tire Rack now has Fuzion ZRi (UHP summer tires) on clearance for $55/ea in stock size. A nice step up from stock for not too much money.

[husker741]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

For those interested, Tire Rack now has Fuzion ZRi (UHP summer tires) on clearance for $55/ea in stock size. A nice step up from stock for not too much money.

Link?

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by husker741

Link?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

[husker741]

I've never even heard of that brand. Anyone have experience with them?

[hushypushy]

Originally Posted by husker741

I've never even heard of that brand. Anyone have experience with them?

Fuzion is made by Bridgestone in the USA. Fuzion is to Bridgestone what Scion is to Toyota

At $55 each the ZRi is a total steal. They have soft sidewalls, but the overall grip is pretty good. Certainly worlds better than the stock tires...and you can get a whole set for the cost of one Primacy HP.

[Anaxilus]

Originally Posted by jmaryt

to the japanese "cheap" is good, "cheap" works! remember! margins,margins,margins!

I'm glad GM, Ford and Dodge don't have this problem. Otherwise they'd catch on fire, have parts fall off the car, make stuff nobody wants, or just go bankrupt. Phew!!

[utekineir]

my turanzas were removed before the first fillup

they were so bad i almost feel guilty trying to sell them.

[StormTrooper]

I just switched out my michelins for some Dunlop sport maxx rt's and holy carp it's amazing the difference.

I think primacy must stand for no grip... Now I know why everyone say to leave tc on when driving around. With the stock tires you slide so much you can't drive with the nannies on. but with real tires you'd need to really be hooning around to engage the lights of nanny land