Around Thanksgiving last year, I had two Michelin MXV4 Eco+ OEM stock tires that were worn and need of replacing. I followed suggestions of colleagues and Consumer Reports and bought two Falken Ziex ZE-512, and installed them on the front of my 1998.5 Turbo Passat Wagon. Although I kept the same size (195/65/R15) I was impressed immediately: much better handling, steering response, road feel, as well as seriously improved wet and dry grip. Extremely stable at 90mph+ speeds, and good cornering. After about 1000 miles however, I thought I had front-end or transmission problems, as there was this terrible WHOO=WHOO sound coming from the front. I took it to a shop and they said no trouble, just tire noise. Noise worsened, so took to VW dealer in Maine while on the road; they said that car was aligned perfectly per spec, but Falken tires were \"cupped\", and worn on the inside.
Reviews of Falken tires
2852 votes
I just got a set of Falken Azenis St-115s (225/45/17 from Edgeracing) - only had them on for 200 miles or sobut they are awesome -- so frickin quiet! So tire hum at all!
i ended up getting the falken 512's.... btw i'm very happy with these, i can carve corners that i would never have dreamed of w/ my old tires(i guess partially b/c the front were basically bald, and the rears only had about 1k left), anyways the handling difference is amazing, i can't wait till i reaaaally get to try these out in a parking lot w/ some cones friday night of so lol
get the Azenis St-115, best handling all-season tire i've ever used. and it handles alot better than the Kuhmo ecsta 712s i had before.
great tire i love it.. cheap and great grip.. just the tread life isnt so happy
Yes, the sidewall is very stiff. The Azenis is a close as you can get to a "R" compound tire. I use them for track days and am very impressed with their performance.
If you're looking for ultimate grip from a street tire then the Azenis's grip vs the Ziex will far outweigh the additional weight. If you are looking for a decent grip tire and want to get some mileage out of them then don't go with the Azenis.
I run a 205/50/15 Falken Azenis, and its pretty sweet
best drag for the $ definetly Falken Azenis...cheap and very good grippage...better then nitto 555
I just went through the entire process of fitting 15X7 wheels on my '84 GTI. Many people on Vortex had concerns that this combination would be too tight of a fit with 205/50/15 tires (especially the Falken Azenis tires - as they are supposed to be wider at the shoulder than most). I have not had rubbing problems at the shock/ spring support or the wheel wells (except a little when hitting big ol' bumps... where the outside of the tire will slightly rub the fender - nothing to be too alarmed about... just don't hit em')
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