Replacement Tires
 

2004 Carrera Cab, 14K miles
Currently running 295/30ZR-18 N1 Michelin OEMs on the rear and one of them is worn to the metal along the shoulder edge.

I am new to the Forum and don't know if this is the correct place to post this inquiry. I would like to get some input on replacements for the 2 rear tires which were original equipment on the car. I am trying to decide between new N1 or N2-6 Michelins, Pirelli P Zero Systems (N3), Rossos (N5) or Corsas (N6), and Bridgestone Potenza S 02 (N3). I use the car as a daily driver (no track days).

For the life of me, I cannot figure or find out what the difference between the various "N" numbers is and whether anything other than the N1 is right for my car. The front Michelins have plenty of life left and maybe, since I am keeping them, I need to go with the Michelin Pilot Sport which is an N1. On the other hand, I have heard good things about the Bridgestones and Pirellis (although neither of them offers an N1 tire N2 or 3 or 5 or 6, but not N1.

Is there any wisdom out there on what to do and what to expect?
Thanks much.

RE: Replacement Tires
 

When sticking with the oem replacements, we usually go with the pilot sports or the bridgestones. Both are decent tires, but a lot of money. We have been using a lot of Sumitomo HTRZIII's lately, which are a fraction of the cost, and have been great on tire life, grip, wet weather driving, etc. Some of the N's have been discontinued, I can't remember if it is the N1 or the N2.

RE: Replacement Tires
 

I recently purchased 4 new Michelin Pilot Sport Rib tires for my '02 911 Cab and couldn't be happier.


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RE: Replacement Tires
 

Thanks to both of you for your rapid responses!
Do you think that I would be better off sticking with the Michelins since I am replacing only the rear tires and leaving the existing Michelins on the front? Or, do you think it doesn't matter? My mechanic has heard that the Bridgestones are somewhat quieter, but, unless they offer some real advantage over the Michelins, symmetry, at least, would suggest the Michelins.

Do you have any idea what the difference between the N1 and any of the other Ns is?