Well like the title says really which one is the better tire? The car will hardly (if ever) be used in the rain, so which gives more grip and which lasts longer?

Thanks V Much

Phil

Calling Mr Ison...

I'm inclined to say 48s are going to be the stickier. Depending on the compound you choose of course.
But........

If you use them on the road, you may never truly get them up to temperature to get them to work

And.....

If you use them in competition, they aren't in list 1a - so you would be put along with racing cars on slicks. I'm just thinking along the lines of speed events.

They're probably fantastic for track day use though.

I know - I'm not sounding very positive, I don't mean it, honestly.

What will be your use for the car, or are you thinking of more than one set of wheels ?

Ears are doing some great deals on A539's at the moment, excelent wet n dry trye.

48's dont last as long as 32's, for me anyway, never driven a 32 in the wet, the 48's are ok in the wet but not great.


http://www.ears.co.uk/motorsport/

so which one would you go for 4 track day use?

I reckon I will be going for A539s on the GTM - good price, plus they are a recognised road tyre and therefore legal for me in sprints

but i ment 32/48

I know - I apologise for the thread hijack.

I'll butt out now

Cant help you on that one because if i was buying a trye for track day use only and the track allowed it the tyre would have zero tread.
For road and track i would honestly look at somthing cheaper than the 048, they dont last long, the tread depth new is 1/2 that of a normal road going trye, 32's are a better bet for duel purpose use.

I started by saying i could'nt help and finished by saying id'e go for 32's out of the two, but given the choice i would'nt go for either, on price A539. Does that second or so matter on a track day ? The only reason i got them (48's) is cos i have too, there not cheap, and as pointed out above there a bit hairy till they warm up.

[Edited on 20/2/05 by Jon Ison]

[Edited on 20/2/05 by Jon Ison]

48's. Because 32's are being phased out...

ok thank you Jon

[Edited on 20/2/2005 by I love speed :-P]

Why not use 21's instead. 48's are superb but don't last.
2500-3000 miles/set on road and one track day lastyear! 539's are CRAP in comparison.
oh and 48's are fine in wet proivided there's no puddles around.
the 21 in 185/70-13 section are only 40quid/corner ie. 539 money. and give 6-7000 miles/set. I think they are the best VFM/grip available, provided you don't mind the 70 section. they also give increased ground clearance over the 48's which are only available in 60 section.