205/45-16 or 205/50-16 re71r for autocross ?

[Plainrt]

What’s the pros and cons of 205/45-16 and 205/50-16 re71r’s ? What do you prefer?

 

[LargeRubberFist]

50 is significantly cheaper and gets you ~2 mph in 2nd so if your course tends to be fast that would be good. I haven't run both so can't give personal experience.

 

[pinchvalve]

I am switching from BFGs to the Bridgestones, so I am interested in how they compare. I went with the shorter sidewall because I want less deflection and better response, but I have pretty short courses with lots of turns.

 

[BRGT350]

I too would go with the shorter sidewall for the better turn-in and less sidewall deflection. All of my courses are really short, so I am not concerned about the extra mph in each gear. However, if you are driving them on the street, the taller sidewall provides more wheel protection if you live in a pot hole part of the world.

 

[Plainrt]

I have few places that I max out 2nd longer than I’d like with 205/50-16. I’m not sure I’d want smaller yet. Went to order 205/50-16 re71rs other day from Discount tire and I’m told they are on back order till mid March. I remember while back some talk of the 45 series being a better compound but can’t find that Info now.

 

[thomas.mcniven]

215/45-16


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[Jabbit]

Reviving this thread - just bought a set of 205/45/16 to mount on 16x8 rpf1s, hoping the tires are as good as everyone says they are.

 

[pinchvalve]

I have run BFGs, Yokos, Falkens and the Bridgestones and by far prefer the RE71rs.

• The new Falkens RT660s drive very similar to the 'stones, but wear about twice as fast. The $ saved at purchase is not worth it in the long run.
• The Yokohama AO52 are probably the fastest of the 4, but you need some skill to make the most of them. I am not a very precise driver, kinda ham-fisted, so the extra $400+ per set was not worth it to me.
• The BFG Rival 1.5S is great but needs some heat to work. Here in the NE, I prefer to be able to run in colder temps on colder tires. It means that I have to keep them cool in the hot months, but that's easier than keeping them warm in the cold ones. If I lived in like TX or AZ, I'd swap to the BFG.
• The RE71 match my driving style better, I find them more forgiving at the limit and more communicative. They last me a season, and I can get them for a decent price.

As for size, I have played around with a lot of options and I think the 215/45-16 is ideal, but that means BFG or Falken, the 'stones and Yoks come in 205/45-16.