1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I definitely like them a lot, but as you probably read on my other post about them, I have yet to experience them on a SAAB, but they made a huge improvement to the Volvo S70 we put them on in place of the Michelins. The only thing I don't like about them is that they emit a kind of strange noise when cornering hard... you don't really notice it with the radio on, but with the windows open and the radio off, you definitely will. The noise is very difficult to describe, it's like something from 'Bewitched', or some other '60s sci-fi TV. We have yet to experience them in snow, but they are great in rain and on dry roads. If the quietness factor (and yes, it is very quiet) is a priority to you, I think you will much prefer the AVS dB over most tires. The Michelin Pilot Sports are very quiet too for their performance, but obviously WAAY more $$$$. (IMHO, not worth it, unless you've got it to throw away). I don't know much about the FS SZ50, though I'm not too impressed with any Firestones I've driven on, and they're not usually quiet (especially when Wilderness A/Ts throw their tread...). The feedback on Tireracks website is encouraging, and I definitely have found that, in my experience, most of what is on there is realistic and good advice. I was a bit concerned that most of the feedback came from Mustangs and Camaros, but as you probably saw, there was one SAAB 9000 owner there who was very happy. I do not know a definite answer to your clearance question, but somebody will. I think as long as your car is not lowered, you should be ok with 225/50/16s. Not to open a big can of worms, but since we bought the dBs, a couple of other good tires have started to become available: the Brigestone Potenza RE 950, the new Pirelli P6 & P7. The 950 appears to be quite an improvement over the 930, which was in itself quite a good tire. If the Pirellis are anything like Pirellis of old, they won't work as well in cold weather as in warm (I don't know if you have a winter in your area). When I replace the tires on my 9000, I expect it to be with 205/60/15 AVS dB - the only other tire I'm seriously considering is Vredestein's Sport, but they are difficult to find, and impossible to get objective information about. They have a similar directional tread pattern to the dB, and cost about 30% more (tire rack doesn't carry them). I have no doubts about the quality, they are quiet, though exactly how they compare I do not know. If the Toyo Proxes FZS4s were made in a size that fit the rims on my SAAB, I would definitely consider them, because I loved them on my Volvo 940 T. However, quietness is definitely not their strong point.
I hope this is of some help... let me know what you decide on!
JMC
posted by 63.217.1...
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
