Any used Sumitomo HTR 200 on a spider ?

tverrall · #1 (**permalink**) 11-01-2003, 12:51 AM

I need new tires and have been torn between 185/70/14 or 195/65/14, along with the indescision is the lack of choice at these sizes. I would like something that handles well, is quiet and is safe in the wet - not something I drive in very often.
Right now I am thinking about Yoko H4, Falken Ziex 512 or Sumitomo HTR 200.
Any help welcomed.
Tim

**Gubi** · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2003, 02:02 AM

I bought the Sumitomos in 185/70/14 after having the same problem. I considered buying 15" alloys to get a better tire selection, but (1) it seemed a little silly to put $1000 worth of wheels into a car I just paid $6250 for, and (2) I really wanted to keep it as stock as possible.

Hey, so sue me, I'm a purist.

A great place to read tire reviews and buy tires is www.tirerack.com. The Sumitomos got quite good reviews and were very cheap. Like, super-hella cheap. Like, If-I-don't-like-them-I'll-just-throw-them-out cheap...$36 each. Yowza.

So far I've been very happy with them - they grip and corner extremely well. I haven't noticed much road noise, but road noise from the tires isn't really an issue when you have 60mph wind blowing around you with only a thin layer of vynil between you and it!

They are not all season, so do not plan on using them in the snow. It has not rained here in California much since I bought them, so I do not know how good their wet handling is. However, they got good reviews for wet handling on tirerack, and I have found the tire ratings there to be quite accurate in the past.

**Gubi** · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2003, 02:14 AM

Also - I was just looking on tirerack and I noticed that Michelin makes the Energy MXV4 tires in Alfa sizes. AVOID THESE TIRES LIKE THE PLAGUE! I had them on my old Acura Integra and they were bloody well *dangerous* in the wet and squealed like pigs in the dry.

The Dunlop SP Sport A2s I replaced them with were much, much better. Alas, they are unavailable in a 185/70/14.

Bluscuro · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2003, 07:30 PM

I've had the Sumitomos on for 5k now. Not bad in the wet,the only thing I have to compare on the Spider though are the Goodyear Regattas that were on it when I got the car.Felt like ice skating when I hit standing water with the Goodyears. Hasn't done that with the Sumitomos. No appreciable road noise. Corners very well.

**Alex Csank** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 05:32 AM

I have the Sumitomos on my Milano and like them very much. I have friends who have put them on their Spiders and swear by them.

AlfaAutoCrosser · #6 (**permalink**) 11-05-2003, 01:27 PM

I used to autocross my Spider with the 195/60-14 HTR-200's, and thought they were ok because I didn't know any better. After they wore out, I switched to Falken Azenis 195/60-14, and the car finally started to handle. I feel like my Spider can do anything with those tires. Another excellent choice, if you want every day tires with all season traction, are the Kumho Ecsta 716 HP4.

dwc · #7 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 12:11 AM

I've got Falken Azenis 195/60-14's on my '74 & '87 Spider's, and I think they're about the best tire I've ever had on a Spider. I just bought the set on the '87, and paid $270 with mounting, balancing, and tax, so they're a great buy, too. They are however 1/2" smaller in radius than a 185/70-14, but that hasn't been any trouble, even on my lowered '74 Spider. I've only driven them once in heavy rain, just out of curiosity, and they're usable, if one is aware if their characteristics and avoids standing water. Can't comment on wear, as I only drive each Spider a few thousand miles per year. Here's a handy tire size calculator, if anyone's interested:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's

Alfapwr · #8 (**permalink**) 11-26-2003, 12:00 AM

I second Dean's impression of the Falken Azenis Sports 195/60-14. My Duetto has Centerline springs, Koni reds and a rear sway bar. But I was running stock steel wheels with 165-15's. The ride was plush but the handling was scary. Then I found a set of BWA's ( 14 x 6 ), had them powdercoated and put on the Falkens.

MAN, NOW THAT'S WHAT I BUILT THIS CAR TO DO !!!.

I just love them, but I never drive the car in the rain.

Good luck !

Dan
67 Duetto
74 GTV ( yup, STILL for sale )

tverrall · #9 (**permalink**) 11-26-2003, 10:55 AM

Well folks, lots of useful replies.
I run the Falken Azenis on my Subaru and they are great. I use these for AutoX wet and dry and they stick. I am a bit nervous in wet conditions on the highway but so far have not had any examples of any down side.
On the spider I voted with my wallet as well as feedback. I put the Sumitomo's on and they have a 1000 miles on so far. SOOOOO much better then the old Michelin's that were on the car. The difference is huge, better ride, quieter by far and the handling is incomparably better. Good in the wet to.
5 tires fitted, balanced and all for $300.
I will update as they wear.
Tim

**DavidB** · #10 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 05:00 PM

Tim, what size tire did you finally choose?

tverrall · #11 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 05:15 PM

I stuck with the original 185/70 14.
The difference in the noise, comfort and handling has been simply amazing.