I've narrowed my tire search down to the g-Force T/A KDW 2 or the RE050A Pole Position. Both are similarly priced. I need two front tires.

Here's the deal: I have 31,000 miles. At 20,000, I put the KDW2's on my rears and have probably half or more treadlife left. I am happy with the tire. The original Pilot Sports remain on the front and they are near the wear bars. So, I'm looking for one of these two tires for the front only.

I am happy with the present setup, the VDC only kicks in once in awhile, presumably due to the mismatch on hard cornering, then again, it could just be because I'm cornering hard and it would happen anyway. Its so infrequent that it's not a concern, but I certainly don't want it to happen more frequently if I go with the Bridgestones up front.

Here's a pro/con list I made:

KDW2 pros:
1. tread life is much better than Bridgestone (expect 15K from Bridgestone)
2. quieter at mid-life of tire (heard both sides of story here)
3. match with the rears will probably limit VDC kicking in.

Bridgestone pros
1. Little better handling with softer tread
2. nicer looking tread design (subjective)
3. less expensive by only $8 for two tires
4. Tire Rack says they are quieter (that was disputed here)

I feel that the cornerning abilities of the Pilot Sports are great and only hope that the KDW2's will handle as well if I get them. My main concern is that I do not want to downgrade the handling ability of the car in any way.

Maybe I just made up my mind and should go with the KDW2's to complete the match? The KDW2's are great in the rear, will they be equally as pleasing up front? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

 

You Really should match your fronts to the rears so getting the KDW's is a great idea...i honestly don't believe you'll notice any handling difference...KDW's will definitely last you a while longer too because the tread rating on the Potenzas is a measely 140..which is TERRIBLE the treadwear reating on the KDW's is higher.

 

Treadwear ratings are largely irrelevant. They are only useful for comparing different product from the same manufacturer. Each manufacturer sets their own numbering system, which does not relate to the numbering used by other manufacturers. A really stupid arrangement, but that's the way it is.