205 55 16 Dunlop Tires

I like to start things out on a high note so lets review the Extreme Performance tire first. The Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star designed for sports cars, coupes and sporty sedans is Dunlop's highest performing summer tire. According to Dunlop it was made for people looking to tear around the track (or road) and who need consistent grip once things get warmed up. Let's face it though, at $105 each its a nice tire for the dollar but it can't compete with some of the heavy hitters that Bridgestone and BFGoodrich pump out.

Next up are the Maxx Performance tires. The first is the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx. Designed sports cars, coupes, and sedans they are meant for exciting dry time driving and reliable wet driving, but like all summer tires are not recommended for freezing temperatures. Dunlop claims the tread on this tire was designed to keep more of the tire on more of the road, more of the time. (Has a good ring to it anyway.) The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT (which stands for Touch Technology) is just the updated version of the original SP Sport Maxx which might be phased out to make room for the TT. Both will run you around $90. Once again, a nice price.

The Ultra High Performance tires are really just Dunlop's budget sports tires but they are still quality and most of us probably wouldn't notice a lot of difference between these and more expensive tires. The SP Sport 8000 is the cheapest on the block at $70 a piece. There are two different design elements in the tread of this tire to provide exceptional wet driving while at the same time not taking anything away from the dry driving you want to punch the gas in. The Direzza DZ101 is designed for compact sports cars. The tread was formulated to enhance grip (aren't they all?) and at $77 each you have a nice budget sports tire.

Dunlop tires are well respected in the industry and while inexpensive they provide high quality making them a good option for us weekend, neighborhood racers. For more tire reviews check out this review on 205 55 16 tires.