Dunlop SP Sport 5000

Consumer Reports has again released a tire test and this year it's a test of all-season performance tires. (The H-rated TripleTreds that beat all the all-season passenger tires in last November's test only performed midpack compared to H-rated performance tires in this November's test.)

Their top rated all-season performance tire is also LRR (low rolling resistance) and long wearing according to their tests. I believe this top rated Dunlop SP Sport 5000 (symmetrical) is not available in our OEM size, but is available in alternate sizes like 195/65HR15 and 205/60VR15.

Has anyone tried the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 on their Prius?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pinball @ Oct 24 2006, 06:36 AM) [snapback]337239[/snapback]</div>

That's why I'm interested in the Dunlop SP Sport 5000. According to Consumer Reports' tests, it has great grip as well as good mileage in terms of both fuel efficiency (low rolling resistance) and longevity (tread-wear).

I prefer using the TireRack comparison tests for assessing wet and dry grip as well as other performance and comfort characteristics, but they don't measure rolling resistance or treadwear. The TRB data reports rolling resistance for many tires. It's nice that Consumer Reports measures all of these plus treadwear and snow and ice traction.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(msnancy61 @ Oct 24 2006, 09:20 AM) [snapback]337263[/snapback]</div>

right ...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(theorist @ Oct 22 2006, 05:30 PM) [snapback]336516[/snapback]</div>

I'm using size 195/65HR15 ContiProContacts on our 2006 Prius with great success. Many others have reported success using size 205/60HR15 tires. Neither will rub or scrub in any way. I've found that the 195/65-15 tires corrected the inflated speedometer and odometer. Size 195/65R15 tires will be taller and wider than OEM. 205/60R15 will be even wider with sidewall height and rolling radius in between OEM and 195/65R15. 205/60R15 will give you the greatest dry traction at the expense of some fuel efficiency and wet and snow traction.

Well, you'll have a very hard time doing worse than the Integrities.

Thanks for summarizing Consumer Reports' November 2006 test of performance tires for everyone in another thread. You said there that you were leaning towards the Dunlops. I encourage you to go for it.

I'd recommend size 195/65r15 out of your concern for snow traction. (The 195/65-15 size will also give you another quarter inch of ground clearance. I've heard reports of Priuses getting stuck in snow from simply bottoming out on a few inches of snow due to the lower ground clearance. The 205 width will have to clear a wider path through the snow and won't reach the asphalt as easily.) The size 195/65HR15 is also the precise tire and size that tested so well and is about $15 per tire less expensive.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NuShrike @ Oct 28 2006, 05:58 AM) [snapback]339884[/snapback]</div>

Unfortunately, Dunlop doesn't make this tire in that size. If using 15" rims on a 2004+ Prius, the choice is between 195/65HR15 and 205/20VR15.

Here's some data the differences in dimensions from tirerack. I found some surprises. It's always looking at the measured dimensions, not just the nominal sizes.


....................Michelin Pilot Exalto AS.......OEM.........Dunlop SP 5000.......Dunlop SP 5000
................................195/60-15.........185/65-15........205/60VR15..........195/65HR15

revolutions per mile........867...................855...................847.....................840
(change from OEM)......(+1.4%).....................................(-0.9%)...............(-1.8%)

diameter.......................24.0".................24.5".................24.6"..................24.8"

tread width.......................?......................?.......................6"......................6.2"

section width...................8.1"...................7.4"..................8.2"....................8.3"

mass............................21 lbs................17 lbs................20 lbs..................19 lbs


I agree that a size 195/60-15 would suit many drivers better. I'm unconcerned about appearance of the tires and welcome taller sidewalls for a bit more insurance against Boston potholes and ride comfort enabling me to use higher inflation pressures for fuel economy.