My '99 Cobra has Michelin Pilot Sport 265/35 ZR18's on the front wheels. I am about to replace them, but there is a big difference in price between Z-rated and W-rated tires. If I get the W-rated (in order to save a couple hundred dollars), will I lose performance? Will I be able to notice the difference? I see that the W-rated tires have a speed rating of like 168mph. That seems plenty..... If the Ws are not recommended, do you guys know a good Z-rated 265/35 ZR18 that doesn't cost a fortune???
The brand and characteristic of the tire will affect it more that just a speed rating. As a general rule, Z rated tires tend to have a lower treadwear rating than W rated tires. What that means is they will be stickier, but not last as long. It all comes down to what you want out of the tire. Do you want a combo rain/dry tire, or do you want an all out performance dry tire? Those pilot sports are pretty good dry tires, although not so much after they have been used up some. They are also ultra expensive brand new. In that size, I recommend a BFG KD or a Bridgestone S02 for all out performance. If you want a dry/wet combo tire, i recommend a Bridgestone S03 or maybe a Perelli P Zero Rosso. For the $, these tires are excellent values, and dominate their class in performance.
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Z-rated Tires vs. W-rated Tires - 
