Hi all,
I know there are countless threads in the forum about this issue and, believe me, I spent the whole day reading them all and comparing opinions... maybe that's why I'm even more confused now and I'm asking for your advice.
Following all the various ideas, I've come down to a few options for the upcoming cold season (prices below are from Tire Rack).
A short premise about my usage: I don't track my car. This is my only car and my DD but I live only 4 miles of back roads (with a couple of steep hills) from the office. Long trips are usually on wife's SUV. However, this is Northern New Jersey and the winter can be brutal sometimes, so I need something different than the Goodyear Eagle F1 summer tires that came with the leased car (I could not swap them at the dealership). I can work from home when a storm hits hard, I can eventually hitch a ride from my wife to reach work but it would be nice to be able to actually use my Camaro 99% of the times. And I love the safety of good winter tires, if I can have them.
So, these are the options that I'm considering:
1)
Winter tires with current 20" rims (prices around $1,500).
There aren't many choices, mainly just the Pirelli Winter Sottozero, for winter tires on 20" rims and Camaro sizes. You can have the older series II in the OE sizes or the newer (?) Sottozero 3 by putting a wider 285/35 at the rear.
PROS: I'll have the best tire for every season.
CONS: need to visit a tire shop to swap tires on rims twice per year. Pricey option compared to #2. No run-flat winter options.
2)
A/S tires with current 20" rims (prices vary: BFG's for $750, Continental DWS06 for $930, P-Zero A/S for $1,200)
PROS: no need to keep swapping tires on rims. Cheaper option (especially if I manage to sell my current Eagle F1's that only have 500 miles).
CONS: middle of the road performance in summer or winter. No run-flat options.
3)
Winter tire/wheel set with 18" or 19" rims (prices vary from $1,500 to $1,900 including tires, wheels and TPMS sensors)
I have considered rim/tires in sizes of 245/45 R19" and 245/50R18", this last one is a suggested option from Tire Rack but I'm not sure if the 18" rims will clear the Brembo brakes. I'll need to check if I pick this option.
PROS: I'll have the best tire for every season. No need swap tires on rims. The smaller size at the rear is better for snow conditions. Some run-flat options are available.
CONS: pricey option compared to #2, although simpler than option #1 (and probably cheaper in the long run). Less grip/traction on dry conditions. Looks.
I'm really torn between the various options, so your opinion is welcome!
PS: I know I can buy a set of MRR M228 wheels with meaty, sticky summer tires and use the stock 20" rims for a set of Winter tires... but I'm leasing the car and I need to be a bit conservative with the improvements
