Bridgestone Potenza RE71

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1997 Honda Prelude Type SH

Summary:
I have a 1997 Honda Prelude Type SH. I drive this car daily except when it snowing because this tires don't have any traction at all on the snow. I also race my car at the track and autocrossing. I was pretty dissapointed with the factory Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires so I replaced it with the Nitto NT-450 tires. I was still very dissappointed with the Nittos. The Nittos has a very bad traction on a wet road. Finally I bought the Bridgestone Potenza RE71 after I tried it on my friend's Acura Integra Type R. The Bridgestone Potenza RE71 is the tires I need. Excellent traction on the wet or dry and the price is very reasonable. I actually used this tires when I raced my car at Lime Rock road racing track on a rainy day. I would recommend anybody this tires if you are looking for a high performance tires but low on cash.

Strengths:
Excellent grip on the rain or dry. It's definitely the best for the price.

Weaknesses:
Absolutely no snow traction what so ever on the snow, The thread wears out very quick.

Similar Products Used:
Nitto NT450 Extreme Performance Tires - The Bridgestone Potenza RE71 is much better on the rain or dry that the Nittos. I'm actually very dissappointed with the Nittos.

Year / Model Reviewed:
 Mazda RX7 Twin Turbo

Summary:
Using them on a 1992 Mazda RX7 twin turbo and lost the back end at 15 mph in 2nd gear only lightly accelerating in the wet. I'm not to blame for buying them cos they were on the car when I got it. Also lost the backend at 40 Mph cornering at about 3deg C road temperature !!!

Am I right in saying ONLY USE THEM IN HOT WEATHER ???

Strengths:
NONE

Weaknesses:
Loads ... Don't use them in the cold or rain

Similar Products Used:
Yokohama A520 ... Can't compare The Yokohama kicks arse

Year / Model Reviewed:
 95 Acura Integra GS-R

Summary:
I'd buy these again...if they were still being made. I bought these for summer & Blizzak MZ-01s for the winter. Great combination, but don't get caught with the RE's with snow or ice on the road! I knew I shoulda checked the weather report that day! ;)

Strengths:
Excellent traction on wet & dry roads. No squealing in hard corners.

Weaknesses:
Treadwear is fairly short. About the same as other summer tires.

Similar Products Used:
Stock Michelins. RUN AWAY! Those stunk BIG TIME!

Price Paid:  $70.00

Summary:
I've had two sets of RE-71s and been blessed to have owned this tire. It's performance on the street, track, and autocross circuit have been simply outstanding, and it has a very predictable, progressive character that is perfect for those getting to explore the limits of their car. Not advisable for those who value tire life over tire performance or live in cold weather, however, as the compound is soft. ALSO NOTE: The RE-71 is no longer in production, as it is being replaced by the RE730, which looks to be an even better tire. I also recommend buying at www.tirerack.com - very quick to ship and some of the best prices available.

Strengths:
Outstanding grip and progressive breakaway for street, auto-x, and track applications; excellent value; very good in rain

Weaknesses:
Poor cold weather performance; does have a bit of a drone when they wear down

Similar Products Used:
Dunlop D60A2. RE71s are superior in every way.

Summary:
High performance tire at a low price. Original equipment on the Porsche 959 (a few years back)

Strengths:
Tires are sticky and predictable at the adhesion limit in both dry and wet. Low price.

Weaknesses:
Tread wear rating of 160 and they are not for snow (both characteristics of a high performance summer tire).