I stuck with the staggered set up as I thought the whole benefit of it was combating understeer..
Audi rs3 best tyres
- Thread starter S3_Sanni
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Goodyear do a higher performance tyre now. Don't think it comes in the 255/30 R19 size, though.
https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/tires/eagle_f1_supersport.EAGF1SUPSP.html
Going square allows you to rotate for more even wear. The 245/35 ps4s are wider than the 255 Pirelli so you will get more grip up front with the Michelin
I am about to order a new set of SportContact 6 245/35 for my FL RS3.
I had a set of new PS4S on my previous Focus RS (gen 3, 4WD) and although they had very good grip, they killed the fun in the car. From tail happy it became prone for understeer. So I think they will make the RS3 more prone to understeer than it already is.
I had a set of new PS4S on my previous Focus RS (gen 3, 4WD) and although they had very good grip, they killed the fun in the car. From tail happy it became prone for understeer. So I think they will make the RS3 more prone to understeer than it already is.
At the end of the day both are regarded as great tyres and there's not much between them, the SC6 slightly edge the overall grip but PS4S do have the wear advantage. I went off a review by someone who tests tyres for a living and tests them back to back, even though in the review he was driving an M3 and said he'd choose PS4S with a rear wheel drive car but if it wasn't he'd choose the SC6. I went for the SC6 because of a few people saying they had traction control issues with PS4S, another reason was tyre sizes having the staggered set up. The PS4S are wider than other tyres of the same spec so I wasn't sure whether i should go a size down or not, the SC6 also have rim protection. This is the review I watched https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/Michelin-Pilot-Super-Sport-VS-Continental-Sport-Contact-6.htm
Had them on my Civic Type R. Lasted 6000 miles, put apparently can go as soon as 3000.
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I've just put the PS4S on mine, contis were on prior. Fronts were down to 2.5mm after 6000 miles, rears were down to 4mm so wear isn't great. Not driven hard enough yet to comment on handling of the Michelins, contis were good in the dry but not great in the wet from my experience.
Thanks for sharing, will be great if you can post your thoughts after a few trips in the car. I had noticeably more understeer with the PS4S on Focus RS MK3.
I've had a few hard drives now since getting my brakes sorted and the PS4S are noticeably better than the conti's in my opinion. Much more grip when cornering in the dry. Definitely shown that the rear needs stiffening so I'm getting a rear ARB fitted soon.
I actually had the Continental SportContact 6 RO2 (245/35-19 all around) fitted a month ago, and now have driven about 1000 KM with them. In my opinion these are superior to the Michelins. Much better grip on dry or wet. Where the Michelin's gave up and the car started to understeer, the Contis just hold and hold like being glued to the tarmac. I also think they are quieter than the Michelin's.
They are great, very grippy and actually a little 'sticky' in my experience, they love to collect little bits of gravel. But in my experience will wear at the same rate as tracing paper!
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I had no complaints about the grip of the contis and I had the same experience with wear, the fronts only lasted 6k miles!
Had them on the type-r from factory on 20inch rims and a rubber band thin profile, yes good grip but did not last long managed just under 6k on the fronts, swapped the lot out to 19 inch rims and went Pilot sport 4s. They were still good 7k later when i sold it.
I had the Pirelli P Zeros that came with my 2020 RS3 since new but was finding I was only getting 12000 kms from the fronts before they were shagged.
Last tyre change I changed to Michelin Pilot sport 4S all round based mostly on this presumably independent (?) comparison: https://www.tyrereviews.com/Tyres_For/Audi/RS3-8V.htm Have had them on for about 6000 kms thus far and all looks good. I prefer their dry handling characteristics to the Pirellis. Havent really pushed them in the wet. Wear rate looks to be less than the Pirellis but still early days on that front.
Last tyre change I changed to Michelin Pilot sport 4S all round based mostly on this presumably independent (?) comparison: https://www.tyrereviews.com/Tyres_For/Audi/RS3-8V.htm Have had them on for about 6000 kms thus far and all looks good. I prefer their dry handling characteristics to the Pirellis. Havent really pushed them in the wet. Wear rate looks to be less than the Pirellis but still early days on that front.
I'm fairly sold on putting a full set of Pirelli PZ5 on here. 245/35 R19 all around, replacing worn Pilot Sport 4S 255/30 and 235/35.
Had previously set on going with Pilot Sport 5 as I'm familiar with them and trust them, so it's really hard to believe Pirelli can just came along and dethrone them, particularly with their poor history with the PZ4. Newer compound and latest R&D trumps all apparently!
PZ5 should have the same comfort as the Michelins and Continentals, has the nice modernised sidewall design too. I'm the sort of person to try fit Michelin PRIMACY 5 if they did them in the right size - so I better get the PZ5 before that becomes an option lol.
Just looking forward to getting rid of the 30 profile fronts and giving my RS3 the more sophisticated ride it needs on UK roads while trying to eliminate low speed TCS issue with a square setup.
Had previously set on going with Pilot Sport 5 as I'm familiar with them and trust them, so it's really hard to believe Pirelli can just came along and dethrone them, particularly with their poor history with the PZ4. Newer compound and latest R&D trumps all apparently!
PZ5 should have the same comfort as the Michelins and Continentals, has the nice modernised sidewall design too. I'm the sort of person to try fit Michelin PRIMACY 5 if they did them in the right size - so I better get the PZ5 before that becomes an option lol.
Just looking forward to getting rid of the 30 profile fronts and giving my RS3 the more sophisticated ride it needs on UK roads while trying to eliminate low speed TCS issue with a square setup.
I am of the same mindset as you in fact, I conducted my tire shop today to order 235/35 or 245/35 19 but they called me back and told me that there are no available tires at the moment. I guess that's because it's a very new tire. I am on the waiting list right now, will post whenever I get my hands on them
Now starting the 5th summer on square 245/35 (8.5x19 all round with magride) and absolutely no regrets here. PS4Ss still good for a year or two and no regrets either. My only concern about Pirelli (not just the $h1t OEM RO2s) is the grip is good when new but drops off with use. Michelin grip seems more constant, even seems best mid-wear.
I am hoping they last until the PS S5 is released generally as I think the PS5 is not up to dealing with 400bhp AWD. Just like the PS4, fine on a GTi but runs out of talent fairly quick anything more.
Continental have always been good in the wet and the cold, but Bridgestone seem to be up there too recently as the wet-weather all-seasons I use in the winter have been nothing short of amazing in the biblical rain we get and got me home through some really bad snow and ice last winter.
PZ5 finally available and I pulled the trigger.First 50km not impressed at all, was expecting something far more mind blowing considering the review I read and it being a little better than the previous "king" the sportcontact 7. of course as with any new tire first 300 km are needed for the break in period. Will know soon enough, but right now it seems when the Michelin are released, I might pull the trigger for them...
Forgot about this thread, I did get PZ5 245/35 R19 (square on staggered) fitted a month ago now, so good time to talk about them a bit!
My main concern before going into this was any rubbing; on full lock turning or multiple passengers max compression over b road dips and bumps. I can gladly report the non OEM size has been a flawless fit.
The new rubber has made a perceivable difference to comfort as well. The 35 ratio sidewall on the fronts has rounded off the gradient shudders about 15%. Not massive but noticeable.
With the extra comfort has come the erasure of road texture feel over the PS4s definitely learning towards more of a sports touring tyre, which makes sense given where the PZ5 sits on Pirelli's range (as the all rounder).
Is there really any negatives? I would say during high speed turns, the tyre loads up almost uncanny in it's linearity. I.e. the amount of force to turn the steering wheel at 0.5g is the same at 1.0g. It's grips like it's on rails, it absolutely does, but this does mean the steering also feels overly sensitive around the centre. Obviously no tail wagging on launches, even launching around a corner it often feels like a ethereal experience guided by your finger tips.
The insane turn-in, as well as trail-breaking oversteer remains the same even on the slightly narrower 245 over the 255 OE.
Cold grip is only really noticeable on standing traction at tight junctions. Drive for 10-15 mins and it just hooks without drama, bogging the transfer box and haldex before torque can spin them. In that respect if you drive respectfully on a cold engine it's more of a quirk - the only noticeable difference that stands out on an otherwise unbothered tire, and they aren't close to being broken in yet.
Let me know if anybody else has any other questions, I've never done a tire review.
My main concern before going into this was any rubbing; on full lock turning or multiple passengers max compression over b road dips and bumps. I can gladly report the non OEM size has been a flawless fit.
The new rubber has made a perceivable difference to comfort as well. The 35 ratio sidewall on the fronts has rounded off the gradient shudders about 15%. Not massive but noticeable.
With the extra comfort has come the erasure of road texture feel over the PS4s definitely learning towards more of a sports touring tyre, which makes sense given where the PZ5 sits on Pirelli's range (as the all rounder).
Is there really any negatives? I would say during high speed turns, the tyre loads up almost uncanny in it's linearity. I.e. the amount of force to turn the steering wheel at 0.5g is the same at 1.0g. It's grips like it's on rails, it absolutely does, but this does mean the steering also feels overly sensitive around the centre. Obviously no tail wagging on launches, even launching around a corner it often feels like a ethereal experience guided by your finger tips.
The insane turn-in, as well as trail-breaking oversteer remains the same even on the slightly narrower 245 over the 255 OE.
Cold grip is only really noticeable on standing traction at tight junctions. Drive for 10-15 mins and it just hooks without drama, bogging the transfer box and haldex before torque can spin them. In that respect if you drive respectfully on a cold engine it's more of a quirk - the only noticeable difference that stands out on an otherwise unbothered tire, and they aren't close to being broken in yet.
Let me know if anybody else has any other questions, I've never done a tire review.
Interesting review, fitted exact same dimensions on square setup and changed the OEM alloys to OZ leggera which are a little lighter I think, but wasnt impressed at all with the cornering grip. i bought the car used with sportcontact 5P so was expecting a lot more from a new tyre mind you the new player in the UUHP category. As I said break in is expected in 2 weeks, but right now am very disappointed..
I definitely wish my wheels could be lighter (and in R18) so that's sounds odd to me. The cornering forces capable on my RS3 are already so extreme you slide out of the seats before it understeers, so bucket seats would be needed for any serious track times. But I have a home cinema spec so that was never my objective.
The only thing I can't rule out is what alignment work was done since I'm the 3rd owner. But I have yet to find any cause to go get a 4 wheel alignment done and I'm watching the wear in marks like a hawk.
I had to import my batch of Pirelli PZ5 from Poland. Manufactured week 43-44 2024 if that helps.
The only thing I can't rule out is what alignment work was done since I'm the 3rd owner. But I have yet to find any cause to go get a 4 wheel alignment done and I'm watching the wear in marks like a hawk.
I had to import my batch of Pirelli PZ5 from Poland. Manufactured week 43-44 2024 if that helps.
Mine is 01/25
I will wait a couple of hundred kilometers for my final verdict, it's not like I bought the car to track it or corner it hard, but it's nice to know that if you wanted to, you could!
Forgot to mention, the other main reason for going for equal diameter 235 or 245 tires on all corners is the damn overly sensitive TC (traction control) on the ABS module.
It is better at not interrupting acceleration as much.
But TC power cuts can still happen of course... take any energetic exit on a tight junction on cold tires, like I said. But at least it no longer also happens on straight pulls, like joining motorway, like it did before!
It's basically as good as it can be now I think, for the platform. Out of interest VAG have definitely worked on improving the slip sensitivity caused by the differential in turns on the latter 8Y gen.
It is better at not interrupting acceleration as much.
But TC power cuts can still happen of course... take any energetic exit on a tight junction on cold tires, like I said. But at least it no longer also happens on straight pulls, like joining motorway, like it did before!
It's basically as good as it can be now I think, for the platform. Out of interest VAG have definitely worked on improving the slip sensitivity caused by the differential in turns on the latter 8Y gen.
Regarding the TC comment you did, all the posts I have seen mention that the car should be driven with the ESC on sport to fully utilize the haldex.
The Magna system on the 8Y is not as sensitive to front/rear bias as Haldex. Haldex works just fine until you make stupid decisions like adding reverse staggered wheels to help a poor suspension setup. The 8V has open diffs so will not affect the TC. The problem is the car uses brakes to slow the faster wheel which is not as controllable as a good LSD, especially when brakes are old and worn. Front and rear LSD do make a huge difference as the brakes do not need to cut in as often or as hard.
ESC sport has no effect on Haldex operation, it is down to traction available from the tyres. If the car has to intervene to brake a slipping wheel too much it will reduce torque. Gen 5 haldex is locked in 4wd in many circumstances like normal start and launch. Gen V Haldex is a marked improvement over previous of which I have pretty much had them all.
ESC sport just allows more slip before cutting torque, but it does use more brake.
You seem very
You seem very knowledgeable.I want to try and take the same corners with ESC fully on and see the difference, I did a 100km last night so getting close to completing the brake in period
You seem very knowledgeable.I want to try and take the same corners with ESC fully on and see the difference, I did a 100km last night so getting close to completing the brake in period
That's amazing because I wrote a paragraph about the XDS interaction being another factor in all this, but I decided to delete it - as it was more of a rant against Audi's over-engineering although I do appreciate the sophistication in other areas. Basically leaning too heavily on electronic systems to compensate for the lack of mechanical solutions, but then that is the Audi mythos.
Anyway now I have fresh tires, brakes and pads, the whole system feels hyper-sensitive, which makes me tempted to start experimenting with XDS adjustments with OBD11 to fine-tune how it all comes together. As it's rather unnatural to lean on a brake servo in a corner instead of leaning on a tire, this blanket is veiling the true performance of the Pirelli PZ5.
The experiment sounds interesting!That's amazing because I wrote a paragraph about the XDS interaction being another factor in all this, but I decided to delete it - as it was more of a rant against Audi's over-engineering although I do appreciate the sophistication in other areas. Basically leaning too heavily on electronic systems to compensate for the lack of mechanical solutions, but then that is the Audi mythos.
Anyway now I have fresh tires, brakes and pads, the whole system feels hyper-sensitive, which makes me tempted to start experimenting with XDS adjustments with OBD11 to fine-tune how it all comes together. As it's rather unnatural to lean on a brake servo in a corner instead of leaning on a tire, this blanket is veiling the true performance of the Pirelli PZ5.
Anyway now I have fresh tires, brakes and pads, the whole system feels hyper-sensitive, which makes me tempted to start experimenting with XDS adjustments with OBD11 to fine-tune how it all comes together. As it's rather unnatural to lean on a brake servo in a corner instead of leaning on a tire, this blanket is veiling the true performance of the Pirelli PZ5.
I have to admit I don't over think it, I know how haldex works and that there was no real changes when they added staggered wheels. I don't find the XDS settings have much effect on the cars I have tried in the past. Not felt the need on the RS3 TBH, I run a square setup and the Haldex works exactly as it should.
IMHO Square 245/35 PS4S have been nothing short of exceptional last 6 summers and still are despite being about 1/3 worn. Same goes for the 235 Bridgestone wet weather winters
If I do end up doing any work to the car, front and rear Wavetrac are a possibility depending on how things are getting across the Atlantic at the time
Wavetrac is a type of torque-biasing LSD that does not lose drive if one wheel loses traction like a normal Torsen LSD. They have been fitted to the front for a few years but mor recently it has been found how to machine the rear to suit also.
Not cheap at all but it means the car never gets to the stage where the XDF needs to cut in with the brakes but it is still there as a safety net. I have other things that need spending on first
What do you have in mind spending wiseWavetrac is a type of torque-biasing LSD that does not lose drive if one wheel loses traction like a normal Torsen LSD. They have been fitted to the front for a few years but mor recently it has been found how to machine the rear to suit also.
Not cheap at all but it means the car never gets to the stage where the XDF needs to cut in with the brakes but it is still there as a safety net. I have other things that need spending on first
Just getting the car a bit future proofed, replacing a few bits on the engine with the latest version, some protection to the bodywork.
TBH I don't push the limits of the car often and I find the handling near the limit just fine as it is so LSDs are not a priority for me