Do XL tires have better steering response?

[skyactiv]

I need new tires for my VW GTI. I drive spiritedly, dislike all-season rubber and prefer tires with sharp steering response.
I'm interested in the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2. Goodyear makes one that is a standard load tire and a newer one that is an extra load tire. The Tire Rack tested the standard load version of this tire and wished it had more steering response. Is it possible the extra load version of this tire has firmer sidewalls for better steering response?

 

[Danno]

Probably firmer sidewalls and probably more weight and stiffer ride as the other side effects of a higher load rated tire.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: skyactiv
I need new tires for my VW GTI. I drive spiritedly, dislike all-season rubber and prefer tires with sharp steering response.
I'm interested in the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2. Goodyear makes one that is a standard load tire and a newer one that is an extra load tire. The Tire Rack tested the standard load version of this tire and wished it had more steering response. Is it possible the extra load version of this tire has firmer sidewalls for better steering response?


I THINK they do. I mean for SURE in taller snow tires I can actually FEEL a difference. I run XL's in a height that would otherwise drive me nuts in my WRX, it's not perfect but by far better than without XL. I'm not so sure in every brand and type of tire this holds true.

 

[GutsyGecko]

Eagle F1's are terrible! Are you looking for a dedicated summer tire?

 

[GutsyGecko]

I would push you towards something made by BFG, Sumitomo (htrz3), or Michelin (think pilot super sport)

 

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted By: skyactiv
I need new tires for my VW GTI. I drive spiritedly, dislike all-season rubber and prefer tires with sharp steering response.
I'm interested in the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2. Goodyear makes one that is a standard load tire and a newer one that is an extra load tire. The Tire Rack tested the standard load version of this tire and wished it had more steering response. Is it possible the extra load version of this tire has firmer sidewalls for better steering response?


All other things being equal, yes. But other things are rarely equal, so the answer is not to rely on that for guidance. Even what appears to be the same exact tire might not be - and it makes little sense for Goodyear to produce both an SL and an XL version UNLESS they are supplying the tire to a vehicle manufacturer - and if that is the case, then you can tell very little about those 2 versions.

 

[KitaCam]

A higher load bearing tire that has a higher speed rating is more likely a performance tire that can run at PSI higher than the door-jamb specs for OEM-tires...and THAT quicken steering response...

For example...I used to run 34 PSI on 15" OEM tires when spec'd for 29...it's a soft-riding Camry, so higher PSI firmed up the ride....now on 17" performance tires I'm running 40-45! On performance tread....

Unbelievably higher than 29PSI, I know, but that's where the road contact patch seems right (no shoulder scrubbing up front, contact to but not on the shoulders at the rear)...and the reaction time, as well as the ride is much more responsive...a bit harsher, yes, but it's a Camry, so that means it's riding firm...that and the bigger wheels are a world of difference in terms of eliminating front-to-back and cornering roll...likely as much a reaction to the larger wheels, but the performance tires help as well...they are really grippy...

....Yes bigger/better tires make a difference, but here's the most appropriate case to add, YMMV...

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: KitaCam
now on 17" performance tires I'm running 40-45!


What size/model?

 

[KitaCam]

Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
Originally Posted By: KitaCam
now on 17" performance tires I'm running 40-45!


What size/model?


Hankook Ventus V4 ES 215/55/17 (OEM size for 17"ers on Camrys) with a 51psi max cold spec...I have upped the PSIs from 38 to 46 two PSIs at a time and tested traction (wet as well as dry) and there's no slipping yet...

I've read of people running 51psi, the max "allowed" for many tires, and previously hadn't believed anywhere near that would be appropriate...

....but the 4cyl Camry LE, with the manual transmission and the lightest suspension of all Camrys, and 17 wheels/performance tires that add only 4 lbs per corner over the 15" OEM set-up, all "add up" to a very light car on wheels/tires designed for a heavier car...hence the "acceptance" of the greater PSI in this "custom" arrangement....or maybe it's just how THESE tires function at these settings...hence the YMMV caveat...