Bridgestone potenza RE050a vs RE040
 

Has anyone used both of these tyres and compared their performance?

I have been offered an ok price on both and was looking to fit them this weekend.

I have checked various forums and the manufacturers website Inc reviews, however I cannot find distinguishing differences between the two. What I really need to know is which of these two in the practical world is best for everyday use?

I have also been offered Toyo Proxy 1 at the same price, however I have been told that although they grip a little better than the bridgestones they wear much quicker and are a cheaper tyre and quality.

Can anyone provide any light on this subject?

Cheers

The RE050 won't be so noisy with wear, like the RE040.

I hated the RE040's that came on my '04 RX-8. They got rock hard after 2 years and all they would do is slide. I switched to Potenza S-03s, which unfortunately Bridgestone has stopped making.

I'm curious if the RE050(a) would be a reasonable replacement.

Here's a review of the RE50: http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...y_f1_gs_ds.pdf

Based on the reviews I've read it looks like a decent tire, but you can probably find better for the money: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests

Here's another:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=118

I think the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Specs will be my next tire, they look to be great irrespective of price, but then factor in the price. :)

I didn't notice much difference between by 040's and 050's. Both lasted between 20-25k miles, got noisy with age and handled well. The Star Specs are a little stickier and a lot louder (esp between 40-50 MPH). All did quite well in the wet. It's heresy to say, but I preferred the feel of the 050's over the Star Specs on the track.

Ok so read a couple more reviews and also found two of my friends had the 50's on their BMW's.

Direct from the horses mouth, my friends told me the tyres were ok when brand new, however lacked performance when moderately worn. Oh and apparently they do still get pretty noisy compared to the Continentals and Michelins they currently use.

Armed with this info I decided to give both a miss and opt for the Toyo Proxes. Initial impression is good, however time will tell I guess. I will update with full review in the future :)

I'm not sure how different they are but i have the RE050a pole positions that have 35k street miles 5 track days and countless autocross runs and they still stick like glue. Still going strong -- I'm going to run them to the cords.

I was very unhappy with the OE Bridgestone RE040 on my 2005.
They were so noisy at 22,000 miles that I had to replace them.
I went with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus.
The bonus with this tire is the 45,000 mile tread warranty.
So far I am extremely pleased with this choice. Very quiet, excellent ride, excellent traction.
In my opinion you can't go wrong with Michelin.
Costco had the best price but I won't buy there anymore. When I took my quote into America's Tires they matched the price and gave me excellent service.

RE050 is such a waste of money

For Bridgestone's summer tire, get RE11 or nothing.