Nokian Z v. Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3

[tastade]

I am considering getting some Nokian Z tires for my next 3 season tires. Anyone have experience with these tires? I know Nokian is renowned for their winter tires, but it appears they have some good summer tires as well. It would be nice if someone who has driven both could comment.

My current tires are the Goodyear F1s, and was just thinking about switching to something different. I want to use the tires for autocrosses as well. My main complaint with the Goodyears is the poor traction at less than 50 or 60 F. Like on a cold spring day it is easy to slip the tires, even while shifting to second gear.

http://www.nokiantyres.com/passenger...&name=NOKIAN+Z

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Eagle+F1+GS-D3

[Tyler]

Well when you put high performance summer tires on a car they are meant for the summer. The colder it is the crappier that tire is going to be. A friend of mine has them on his car (goodyear eagle f1 gs d3's)and they are by far the best tires all around i've seen on a car. His car never hydroplanes in the rain and he has excellent dry traction and the car handles great with them.

[tastade]

I agree, I really like the Goodyears, and the reduced traction at colder temperatures isn't a serious problem, just one of my small complaints. The Nokian is supposed to be a very similar tire as far as wet handling and dry handling as the Goodyears, so I just wanted a comparison between the two.

As for hydroplaning with the Goodyears, it is hard to do even after 20k miles of wear on them and several autocross events. As I said, I am not looking to get rid of the Goodyears, I just wanted to look at the alternatives. Maybe I will buy the Nokians anyway and I can post a comparison. Probably won't be until next spring as my Goodyears will easily last me through the summer if I don't do any track days.