[jimmuller]

I've had my new winter setup on the car now long enough to notice how different they feel. Summer 20" Michelin PS4S, winter 19" Michelin Alpin. I was running the PS4S near the recommended "performance" pressure 33psi at 68degF. I'm running the Alpins at the recommended 31psi but at about 40degF. At 30degF they read lower but of course the pressure goes up as they warm.

The winter setup rides a bit softer. The tire noise is different, more of a tread buzz at some speeds, but not noticeable most of the time. The biggest difference is how they feel in a turn. The best way to describe it is they feel more conventional. Turn-in seems more progressive but still quick. My naive thought is that they run slightly higher angles. They seem to communicate more to the driver than the PS4S's did but that's probably not real. The PS4S's were precise and quick with so much grip on dry pavement that I have no idea what their real limits are and few opportunities to find out. By that standard the Alpins are certainly more like what I'm used to.

I'm sure the softer ride is from the combination of lower pressure and taller sidewall. I may put a bit more air in them. I'm not sure about the cornering feel. Probably the tread compound is a factor though the temperatures are within what I'd guess to be their design target. The sidewall may be the biggest factor.

But what do I know? I've never had a car with tires like the PS4S before.

And did I mention how much I really like driving the Cayman?

 

[Third]

The winter setup rides a bit softer. The tire noise is different, more of a tread buzz at some speeds, but not noticeable most of the time. The biggest difference is how they feel in a turn. The best way to describe it is they feel more conventional. Turn-in seems more progressive but still quick. My naive thought is that they run slightly higher angles. They seem to communicate more to the driver than the PS4S's did but that's probably not real. The PS4S's were precise and quick with so much grip on dry pavement that I have no idea what their real limits are and few opportunities to find out. By that standard the Alpins are certainly more like what I'm used to.

I'm probably not skilled enough to tease out the performance-difference on dry days between my summer tires driven in warm weather and winter tires driven in the cold. That said, I have found a striking difference when comparing the two driven on a cold day. What I have found is that winter tires retain grip the summers lose as ambient temperatures drop, even on bone dry pavement.

 

[roundtail]

I also find the winter set to give a somewhat more “conventional” feel to the car, though I will say that sensation is more prevalent at relatively warmer temps. When the temperature drops into the meat of the target range (sub-freezing), the tires become more responsive. I’m sure this is related to the compound as with the summer set, only inversely. Again, my winter set is an inch smaller, so not apples-to-apples either.

That said, the performance envelope is noticeably smaller, as should be expected, but still more than adequate for a scintillating drive!

 

[Nosmo]

I hope I'm not the only one who hates the drive of the Sotozero Pirellis (18"). The car feels "unsettled" in most corners. It's either the latteral movement of the tread blocks which has me reacting on the steering wheel in almost every corner or the wheel nuts haven't been tightened. Don't trail brake into a corner either. The moment the weight shifts from front to neutral to rear the steering inputhas to follow unsettling the car again. I also find the grip levels (greasy UK roads) disconcerting. I'm no pro but am comfortable on the brakes. These Pirelli tyres don't give me that confidence. It's been cold (tyre operating range) on a couple of mornings and the feeling doesn't change.

Maybe the Michelin tyres are the better option in the winter too. Alternatively (and possibly) I am a little too sensitive.

 

[roundtail]

Alternatively (and possibly) I am a little too sensitive.

Perhaps you’re expecting too much from the tire. After all, it’s intended to perform in conditions that your summer tires can’t even roll in. Whether a different tire is subjectively more to your liking with dry performance is something only you would know for sure, just as with the summer set.

 

[DriveInHouston]

A very good video.

Our tires (Extreme High Performance Summer Tires) are slightly out of the purview, but it is a good expose of the qualities of various season tires.