In case anyone is interested. I recently fitted 4 new goodyear F1s (215/45/17). The rolling circ. difference was less than 1%.
I've since done a few hundred miles on both twisty and straight lanes and can see an improvement in both ride and handling characteristics (i.e. feedback and roll). The theoretical loss in grip isn't really noticable since you rarely lose grip in an S3 unless of course you're already going sideways. In which case you're waiting for the Haldex unit to do it's job rather than the tyres.
Anyway, this is merely a cheaper alternative (although less pleasing to the eye) than going upto 18's (225/40).
I've since done a few hundred miles on both twisty and straight lanes and can see an improvement in both ride and handling characteristics (i.e. feedback and roll). The theoretical loss in grip isn't really noticable since you rarely lose grip in an S3 unless of course you're already going sideways. In which case you're waiting for the Haldex unit to do it's job rather than the tyres.
Anyway, this is merely a cheaper alternative (although less pleasing to the eye) than going upto 18's (225/40).
