LRR Tire Comparison...feedback from owners

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by NineScorpions, Nov 16, 2011.

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  1. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    ok guys, I have been reading and reading the forums trying to decide on a wheel and tire combo. I think I am hooked on the wheels...Drag DR-33 (machined face) which are 18x7.5, 22lbs, 45mm offset.

    The tires are still up in the air. Looking in the LRR category, it is slim pickings. The two tires I am looking at are (225/40/18)

    Continental ContiTouringContact CW95

    and the

    Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3

    I have read a lot about how the factory Yokas are weak in extreme weather. From the two above replacements, the Continental is a all-season while the Michelin is a winter tire. The Michelin is slight more expensive but also lighter. Where I am stumped is the reviews the two tires have received on tirerack's website. Continental is rated at 6.5 and Michelin is at 8.7. That seems to be a pretty substantial difference, but perhaps there is more two it? Any input? Is the Michelin really that much a better tire? I travel up north once a year into the land of the snow, so I am not opposed to the Michelin.

    I can already see that my upgrade will add approximately 9-11lbs per corner of additional weight (tire and wheel), so I have to let go of that one. That is why I am attempting to compensate by getting a LRR tire, even though they are more expensive. And even with all of that...I will need to lower the car.

    Cheers,
     
    #1 NineScorpions, Nov 16, 2011
  2. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Honestly the price of the Continental tire is so high that the fact it is LRR likely won't save you any money when compared to a lower priced non- LRR tire.

    I would suggest looking at the General Altimax HP. Only $115 vs. $209 for the Continental plus a higher treadwear rating and a 55,000 mile warranty vs. no warranty on the Continentals. The Altimax also rated well in Tirerack tests.

    I also suggest performing the calculations yourself based on your estimated annual mileage and expected lifetime of the tire.
     
    #2 F8L, Nov 17, 2011
  3. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

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    I have a set of them on other car and they grip in all conditions encountered so far but they don't roll as easy, MPG went down comparing to Avids they replaced.
     
    #3 cyclopathic, Nov 17, 2011
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  4. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Agreed. Unfortunately the 18' LRR tire selection is very slim and VERY costly compared to something like the Altimax HP so even if you lose 3mpg you still come out ahead due to the large price difference. I usually do recommend LRR tires but this is an extreme case. :)
     
    #4 F8L, Nov 17, 2011
  5. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    Really when considering a tire in this class can you expect good FE? I don't think so. Large foot print can only mean poor FE! Hal
     
    #5 Hal W, Nov 17, 2011
  6. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    Thanks for the feedback guys!
     
    #6 NineScorpions, Nov 17, 2011
  7. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    wheels and tires ordered. I ended up going with the Continental DWS tires and the Drag DR-33 machined face rims. Should arrive sometime next week!
     
    #7 NineScorpions, Nov 20, 2011
  8. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    The DWS is a good tire.
     
    #8 F8L, Nov 20, 2011
  9. lpe350

    lpe350 Member

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    I have DWS on 18x7.5 Advan T5's my mileage went down from 50.5 to 49.2 since my upgrade. Although my wheels are only about 17lbs each. I think you should be ok.
     
    #9 lpe350, Nov 24, 2011
  10. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    #10 TonyPSchaefer, Nov 24, 2011
  11. mmcdonal

    mmcdonal Active Member

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    I like the Drag DR40's in gloss black with the machined lip, myself. 17's look nice.
     
    #11 mmcdonal, Nov 24, 2011
  12. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    #12 NineScorpions, Nov 25, 2011
  13. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    That is encouraging info!
     
    #13 NineScorpions, Nov 25, 2011
  14. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    wheels and tires are in...Friday morning install. Let´s see how they turn out. :)
     
    #14 NineScorpions, Nov 25, 2011
  15. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Post pictures or we'll ban you. ;)
     
    #15 F8L, Nov 25, 2011
  16. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    Here you are...
     

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    #16 NineScorpions, Nov 25, 2011
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  17. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Looking good! :)
     
    #17 F8L, Nov 25, 2011
  18. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    Look very goooooood! Hal
     
    #18 Hal W, Nov 25, 2011
  19. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    Those look great. What offset are they? I was looking at the same wheel in a 17" diameter, which should weigh less but I was having a hard time finding the wheel weight. I was looking for a 17x7 wheel & a 205/50R17 LRR tire. Good to see the look though since I have a BP too. :)
     
    #19 SuperchargedMR2, Nov 29, 2011
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  20. darelldd

    darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler

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    Yup. That worked!
     
    #20 darelldd, Nov 29, 2011
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