Tire Choice vs Skill Level Question

So I purchased a set of RE71R because they are supposed to be the hot ticket. I went with a 225 width because some people said that they would fit the FiST, but they only come in a 50-series, and they won't fit. So now I have to swap to either a 205/45 in the Bridgestones, or go to a 215/45 in the BFG RivalS.

The logical side of my brain says "go for the most tread you can" but as I read reviews online, I am hearing about ultimate grip, transient response, initial bite, heat sink, etc. It makes my tiny brain spin. So, for someone who is just trying not to hit cones, does it really matter? I am going from a 340 treadwear to a 200, on a smaller and lighter wheel/tire combo. Do I really have to sweat if the Bridgestone or BFG is better?

Buy the tire you want. Learn to drive on it. When your times get super consistent, have someone else drive it. If it's still slow, then think about the tire choice.

Honestly, I've driven on the Rival (pre-s and S, but not my car), the RE71 and the RS-3v2. They are all stupid sticky. They're all better than I can drive. My personal preference in feel was the Rival. I am way faster on the Re71 and I loved the longevity of the RS-3.

The FiSt is an 18, right? what if you drop to a 17 and get the 225/45 RE71/Rival?

The RE-71 is nearly a tie with the Rival S, top tier drivers will find something they prefer about each but coming from a 340 TW all season either one will be a huge step up for you.

I'd go with the most tire I could if I were running a high powered FWD car.

When skill is the limiting factor - and with me, it always is - I go with the highest-rated contender that is described as "forgiving" in the pro test comments. I'm more likely to need help when I overdrive or make a mistake than I am to eke that last tenth or two from having the most ultimate grip from a fussy tire.

The RE71R is simply a much easier tire to drive fast because it communicates that it's nearing its limits before it's actually there.

The Rival S has roughly the same ultimate grip, maybe even a hair more, but it is not communicative. Things sound and feel fine until you're sideways, backwards, or plowing the front end through the turn.

So from that perspective, I feel that the RE-71R is a better tire for beginner and intermediate autocrossers since it will help you to get better through its "communication".

In reply to drdisque:

Interesting. I haven't driven anything on the Rival S, but I had Rivals on my MR2 Turbo and found them pretty communicative and easy to drive at the limit. I've had that MR2 sideways more often than I wanted to and found it easy to control. I think some of this really depends on personal preference.

drdisque wrote: The RE71R is simply a much easier tire to drive fast because it communicates that it's nearing its limits before it's actually there. The Rival S has roughly the same ultimate grip, maybe even a hair more, but it is not communicative. Things sound and feel fine until you're sideways, backwards, or plowing the front end through the turn. So from that perspective, I feel that the RE-71R is a better tire for beginner and intermediate autocrossers since it will help you to get better through its "communication".

That's very helpful. I think that also helps cement the BFG to me. I have never been good at creeping up on the limits. I tend to go all out until I soil myself, then back off a tenth.

I drove on hoosier slicks for the first time at the last autocross I went to. I feel like having a tire that has alot of grip gives you something to aim for as far as driving.

Bobzilla wrote: The FiSt is an 18, right? what if you drop to a 17 and get the 225/45 RE71/Rival?

The stock size is P205/40R17. I had 215/40-17's on the one I had.

The narrower Rivals recently got a redesign to improve the feedback, so they are probably dead nuts with the 71s now. You can't go wrong with either one honestly.