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Ford Mustang GT 1996-2014: High Performance Tire Review

A tire is one of the most important aspects of a vehicle. So instead of trying to cheap out on some rubber, check out some of the best tires available for your Ford Mustang GT.

By Neftali Medina - November 3, 2015
Contributors: American Muscle

This article applies to the Ford Mustang GT (1996-2014).

Tires make all the difference when it comes to a car's performance, and a bad set can really ruin your overall driving experience. The sidewalls, tread design, as well as the rubber compounds used in designing a tire are all very important in regards to its performance and how long it will last. The primary factor of a tire design is the type of compound it uses. There are hundreds of special compounds available, and each one is designed to adhere to different temperatures and environments. Tires that utilize more oily compounds often deal with horrid wet handling and poor lifespans. These tires are often listed with less upfront costs, but lead to more frequent replacement purchases. So instead of getting caught up with cheap tires that may perform well for a moment, check out these three brands and what they have to offer.

Ford Mustang High Performance Tires
Nitto Invo Ultra-High Performance
Sumitomo High Performance
Mickey Thompson
Price
 $764 a set $410 a set $620
Performance
 Excellent Wet/Dry Excellent Wet/Average Dry

Excellent Wet/Dry
Lifespan
 40,000 miles 20,000 miles 50,000 miles
Warranty
 5 years 5 years 3 years
Best Quality: Nitto Invo Ultra-High Performance

Best Value: Mickey Thompson

Nitto Invo Ultra-High Performance

Price – $764 a set

Performance – Excellent Wet/Dry

Lifespan – 40,000 miles

Warranty – 5 years

Nitto Invo tires are designed to withstand high performance environments. They feature a specialized tread pattern that utilizes two deep water channels that run around the middle circumference of the tire. The inner sidewall features a reinforced design to help with inner cornering, while the outer walls help keep traction in all environments. Also, the vibrations of the road are deafened through their design, allowing both a quiet and comfortable ride. These tires are recommended to those looking for an all-season tire and may want to occasionally hit the track.

Sumitomo High Performance

Price – $410 a set

Performance – Excellent Dry/Average Wet

Lifespan – 20,000 miles

Warranty – 5 years

Sumitomo tires are considered the budget option. Although these tires are relatively cheap, at around $100 a piece, they do not perform as well as the other options that are available. The treads for these tires allow for little to no escape for water to flow through, which can lead to loss of traction on any slippery surface. Another major difference has to do with its compound. The tire itself is made from an oil based compound that does not last as long as others. Many drivers who have used this brand in the past have experienced replacing these tires less than a year of mounting them. However, these tires are recommended for those who need tires and are tight on money, as they still offer descent traction for their price.

Mickey Thompson

Price – $620 a set

Performance – Excellent Wet/Dry

Lifespan – 50,000 miles

Warranty – 3 years

Are you budget conscious and looking for excellent performance? Well a Mickey Thompson Street Comp Tire sounds like it was made for you. These tire are built to perform well in both wet and dry environments. Similar to the Nitto Invo, two large water channel run through the center of the tire to help prevent slippage. The outer and inner sidewalls are reinforced to improve cornering ability. Tire life is also exceptionally high, lasting longer than Nitto or other high quality brands. These tires are recommended for those who are seeking excellent performance in both wet and dry environments with a long lifespan.

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