I currently have Vredestein Ultrac all round and I hate them. I know these are a good tyre, but I don't seem to get the performance from them. I don't like the soft side walls, which are a real hinderance when aggressive corning plus they squeal like nobody business.

My Impreza is rather stiff and firm, so I need a tyre with a stiff side wall and is good in wet/dry and will give me a good feedback.

I was thinking of

Toyo's T1-R
Bridgestones RE050
Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3

 

I have Toyos but in 205/45/17. Very good in wet and dry. Gradual breakaway increases as you get to the last few mils of tread.

 

Goodyear Eagle F1s for me (superb all rounder). Although If you like a stiff sidewall you might want to get the XL variety!

 

If I had a bigger alloy, say 17" then I would probably be alright with any performance tyre and not have to get a stiff side wall being a lower profile.

I did not think you could get XL on my size tyre Goodyear-Performance Tire

 

Don't have the Toyo's, They are rubbish.

The Goodyears are a great tyre, Had three sets in the past and found them a joy to drive with in rain or in the dry (aweful in the snow though). Go for the new Asymmetric as this is supposed to be even better.

I'm running Dunlop SP Sport Maxx's now (As kiwkfit couldn't get teh goodyears)and find these awesum, Very good in the dry, wet or damp (and very good in the recent snow).

 

I would like to get the F1 Asymmetric, but they don't come in 205/50/16. So it looks like its going to be the F1 GSD3

 

eagle f1s or toyo t1s but defo go for a larger wheel.

if you go up to 17s youll find the tyres are cheaper too. dont know why but 17s always come out cheaper than 16s. you could probably find a good wheel&tyre package that will only be a bit more than getting four new 16" boots.

 

mytyres.co.uk - Details: Uniroyal RainSport 2 205/50 ZR16 93W

Grid reviews - tyre reviews, ratings and road tests for all car, bike and trackday performance tyres

Uniroyal Rainsport 2 reviews - tyre reviews, ratings and road tests for all car, bike and trackday performance tyres

 

I saw your post in another thread about the rainsport2 A good tyre by the looks and sounds of it. I think i am going to go with the gsd3

 

2 uk MY97 cars here with the size you are looking at.

1 (wife's) has GSD3 fitted.
The other (mine) has the T1R's

Found both to be an even match in the dry. GSD3 marginally better in the wet. But the biggest difference is the wear. Both sets were fitted the same month at approx the same mileage and 4 wheel alignment carried out. 10k miles later and the GSD3 are hardly worn, but the Toyos are nearly shot. The shoulders are worn terribly. You could argue different driving styles but we swap the cars quite a lot and my wife is nearly as aggressive in the twisties, so I doubt it.

As the Goodyears are only £10 ea more they represent far better value for money IMHO

 

You won't go wrong with the Goodyear Eagel F1 GSD3 all round, every time... have them on my 1996 v3 STi and they are the best tyres i've had on the car..

Mikey

 

Thank you, thank you. That is the kind of answer I was looking for and hoping for.

I had 65% made my mind of GSD3, now I think you have sealed the deal.