Dunlop Direzza ZIII or Toyo Proxes R1R

[z boy mn]

Hello everyone! I'm shopping for new tires this spring (my Z just turned 50) and I'm trying to decide between the three options available. The size is probably the limiting factor (225/45/R16) in choice.

I've read everything there is online and even contacted TireRack directly. They suggested that the Dunlop ZIIIs will wear faster (that's OK with me) yet overall be the better tire. I have Dunlop "ZR" tires on it now, and I've been happy with them, but thought I'd ask this group to see what you think. I do not drive the car on the track very often anymore, it's mostly a daily that I zip around with. The link to the options at TireRack is here:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?zip-code=56401&width=225/&ratio=45&diameter=16&rearWidth=225/&rearRatio=45&rearDiameter=17

In total, there's a Dunlop, Toyo, and Yokohama.

Thoughts or advice or experiences would be appreciated!

[heyitsrama]

I really like Dunlop Direzza Dz102 for a street tire, good wear, and still have loads of grip. Just street it would say the Dunlop’s, the wear rating looks betterget more bang for buck.

 

if money is not important than A052 look nice :)

[zKars]

I’ve had R1R’s on my 510 for a 2-3 years so far. Absolutely love them. Ride, quiet, semi decent wet behavior, and the grip, OMG. (And I don’t OMG very often). On my second set. 

 

[z boy mn]

That's a strong recommendation, @zKars, thanks. The local tire shop said they thought the RIRs were more "modern." They'd have to order the Dunlops as they don't regularly stick them. I like the look of the R1R tread more than the ZIII, but I'm trying to be somewhat rational about the choice. 😛 Or, if someone has has had a really bad experience with one or the other, etc.

@heyitsrama, one thing that TireRack said was that the ZIII wouldn't last as long but deliver a more consistent performance over the life of the tire. That's definitely appealing. Truthfully, it's a good year if my Z sees 3K miles, so (like a lot of things) it's age that will get them. The Dunlops I have now are  from 2000, and while they look just fine and have handled well, I have to imagine they've gotten harder (not that I"ve been able to test that).

I'm looking forward to the snow melting....

 

Edited January 31, 2021 by z boy mn