Kumho ASX vs Falken 512

[ru94]

I currently have 716 Kumhos (grand touring) H rated on our 1999 Lexus ES 300. I was hoping to go to a 215/60/15 instead of the OEM 205/65/15. I see that that the Falken 512's are only an H rated in that size, albeit an all season performance as opposed to the H rated touring I have now. My other choice would be the V rated Kumho ASX which is only available in the 205/65/15 not the 215/60/15 I was hoping for. My question is, would the H rated Falkens have more stiffness than the current tires I have or should I just go with the ASX v rated Kumhos. I' m just looking to get rid of some of the softness in the sidewalls without modifying the vehicle itself.  I still would like the tire to be quiet and have  good wet traction and some light snow traction. The ES 300 did come with V rated as OEM I'm just not sure if it was a V rated touring or performance all season, and would  that really make a difference in sidewall stiffness.

[morty]

The Falken ZE-512 will not be any stiffer than your 716's. The ASX in the V-Rating will definitely offer you some more stiffness and is a great all around tire. Offers a very high UTQG of 420 and meets the original spec for your car. If you want to go with a V-Rated tire you are pretty much limited to sticking with the 205/65R15. Not much offered in 215/60R15 V-Rated. Other tires you might consider adding to your list are BFG Traction T/A and Bridgestone Turanza LSV. Both receive great reviews and offer perforamce in an all-season.

Not recommended for snow. If you dont rely on your car for snow then OK. If you need to get around no matter the weather then consider dedicated winter tires.



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[ru94]

Thanks for the info Morty, I really appreciate or help and input.

I have also thought of the BFG T/A and Turanza LSV but my concern for the BFG T/A is noise and for the Turanza LSV is the cost and is the LSV worth that much more? Is the ASX just as good as these as far as noise and dry/wet traction? Or is the difference minimal?  As I said noise is also a concern as I do not want it to be a very loud humming tire, if i knew the noise levels of each tire that would help in making a choice. What about the Yokohama AVS Db S2, is this a good alternative?

I do understand that all seasons just don't cut it when it comes to snow but I do not need to depend 100% on this vehicle for snow.

(Message edited by ru94 on July 17, 2005)