Are Michelin XWX's worth it?

[Jim Breazeale]

I am running the 185/70VR14. Is there a discernible difference between the 185/70VR14 and the 185HR14 ?

Without any solid data I would guess the 70 series tire is 1 to 2" shorter that an old school 185 X 15.

Regards

Jim

[Jim Breazeale]

Without any solid data I would guess the 70 series tire is 1 to 2" shorter that an old school 185 X 15.

Regards

Jim

I just did some research on Tire Rack and found a tire that came in both 185 X 14 and 185 X 70 x 14. The difference in height was 1.4". My WAG was pretty close. Just another thought. I never, repeat never let them know what car my searches are for. I'm pretty sure that they think they are bound to warn you that the particular tire size you are selecting is not suitable for your car.

Regards

Jim
71 911T with Toyo R888R 205 X 50 X 15 front tires and 225 X 50 X 15 rears.

[Arne]

I just did some research on Tire Rack and found a tire that came in both 185 X 14 and 185 X 70 x 14. The difference in height was 1.4".

Jim is right on th money. The 185/70-14 is much shorter than any tire ever offered on a 911. Your gearing and speedometer/odometer are both off significantly with the 185/70-14 on the car. In theory, the 185/70-14 should be a full inch shorter than the common 185/70-15, and a bit more than an inch over the non-low-profile 185-14 that was original. In reality, different brands are all somewhat different in actual specs.

I'd expect about 5% gearing difference. Your off-the-line acceleration will be a touch quicker, but your speedo is reading higher than your true speed, and your odometer is adding about 105 miles for every 100 actual miles traveled.

[snwalker]

Interesting article comparing the various tyre options....

https://www.cinturato.net/185-70-15.html

[911kiwi]

I'm running Michelins on my 72S - 205/65. Dry road handling is great, excellent steering feel and weight, very low road noise. Don't drive my 911 on purpose in the wet, so I'm less concerned about wet weather handling (I just slow down). I like the appearance and with this sizing, the speedo is spot on. (1% variance is close enough for me)

[savagejayj]

I always thought that a 205/60/15 was closer to a 195/65/15 which is closer to a 185/70/15, but brands do have different specs.

[911kiwi]

There are minor variations with different tyre brands, hence some wider options fit under your standards fenders and others rub. I was running Bridgestone Potenzas 205/60s previously & speedo was about 2.5% out.

[blue72s]

I'm running Michelins on my 72S - 205/65.

Can you please post pics if possible?

[911kiwi]

Wow, this thread was from a few years ago ….

I’ve changed tyres since then. I drive my car spiritedly & regularly (most weekends) and sometimes on 2-3 day drives.
I think the first photo is on the aforementioned Bridgestones.
The subsequent photos are Michelin XM2 205/65. VR rated.
I really like them, fitted to both Fuchs and Minilites.

[blue72s]

They look great although a little under inflated? With 7-inch wheels the stance would be even better.