mx5cartalk.com

Recently I was compelled to buy 2 new tyres, so I bought the 050As as that was what was on the car.

Looking at they tyres the car came with - 205 45 17 - Made in Japan, rating 84W

The two I just bought, made in France, 205 45 17 rating 88W

The French tyre also has the Traction , TreadWear and Temperature ratings on it, the Japanese one does not.

Interesting as well, the Treadwear rating for these (140) is lower than a Kumho KU36 (180). Yet the Bridgestone is rated Traction A, the Kumho Traction AA. Interesting.

Anyway why the diffferent load rating for the same tyre made in two different countries? It probably makes no difference to an MX5, but is it maybe a performance upgrade to the tyre itself?

c

Different load rating = different inner construction. Traction and Treadwear do not have anything to do with eachother. The Kumho will last longer and allow you to brake in the wet better.

not necessarily.

Treadwear ratings may be comparable by the same manufacturer, but not necessarily between manufacturers. The test can be easily manipulated to provide the desired result.

I use to love the Re-050 (a).

but loathe them now.

Very susceptible to heel/toe wear and then noisy as hell.