Adboy

I’ve got over 100 miles on the Nittos now and like them more and more. First thing I noticed- and I had a hard time believing this myself- was a HUGE difference in braking. At first I thought it was just me, but the difference is SO noticeable, I have to accept it. These tires make my car stop a lot better than I ever would have expected.

And cornering- they’re feeling much better in the corners now. Yesterday they held well, but I got a little "slipping sensation." That’s gone now, I think it was probably something they sprayed on the tires. Took a daily curve at 75 MPH this morning and felt like 55 on the blow-tenzas. Less body roll, lean, whatever you call it the car just took the curve effortlessly. Potenzas were two small jerks of the wheel. This was one smooth turn of the wheel. (and 10 MPH faster)

Road Noise: I’m not sure here. They seem pretty noisy on some bad road surfaces, i.e. ones that were already a bit noisier seem even worse now. But on normal roads, I seem to be able to hear a lot more wind now. Wind and engine is all I hear…I assume that’s a good thing.

As for the ride, it seems a LOT more confident in everything I do. However, the ride seems firmer and a bit jumpier than with the Potenzas. Definitely not any smoother…but I’ll take a firm ride and confident handling over that "floaty feeling" any day. I’m very happy with the difference they made to the overall feel of my car.


So far:

Cornering: A-
Braking: A+
Road Noise: B
Looks: A
Wet Traction: (Incomplete)
Ride Comfort: C+
Ride Feel: B+

Overall: A-.

Finally,
Don’t ask me if they’re better than the Pilots, I wouldn’t know. My guess would be the Pilots are a little better, but whether they’re $400 better is your call. I’m happy with my Nittos. Considering RSB and SFC’s with the money I "saved." Or maybe a UDP… or FSTB… or STS…

bcannon

we need to find someone who has had both the Nittos and Pilot Sport A/S...anyone?

2k2se6spd

All new tires have a "mold release" compound on them from the factory. This allows the rubber to come out from the mold when they are made. It sometimes takes hundreds of miles for this to completely wear off.

Adboy

I know RubMan and I both live in Dallas. He has the Pilots.

RubMan will have to take off the Susp. Mods, or we could trade for a while.

I’m up.

Ruben?

bcannon

Either that or we can find a pub or website that has reviewed them both. I don't think tirerack.com carries Nittos right?

Maximam

I run nt-450s on my 16s and like them for the price ($79. each) but I hate how they follow the lines in the road and I have a radial pull with them. They are a little noisy too. All in all I like them better than the stock Toyos and they corner much better. Next time I will be getting lightweight 18" wheels with some more quality rubber.

Mark

rubman

I think it's about time for another Dallas meet. Anyone up for that so that we can test drive each others cars?

Adboy

I'm outta here until early Jan.

Then I'm all for it.

And, sure, I'll drive your car!



Don't you have FSTB/RSB? If so, it's not going to be a very fair comparison. I thought your GLE is also on 16" rims, but I don't think that would make much diff.

Let's hook up in Jan.

Have a merry X-mas.

sloppymax

iTrader: (8)

adboy, what size are you running and do you still have the stock rims?

rubman

My SE has no FSTB/RSB or 16"s. I have 17" 200s SE Altima wheels. You shoyld be able to get a good feel of the road.

Dario

iTrader: (1)

yeah i love my NT450's as well, glad you like them

Adboy

I have the "stock" AE 17s. I'm enjoying the Nittos more and more.

Sorry for thinking you had a GLE Ruben. That auto must have thrown me off!