Tires MICHELIN or Kumho

I just got rid of my Falken 512s. They were not good (loud, hard, wore out fast), but for that price pretty much nothing is. I ended up going with Kumho ASX's and I'm pretty happy with them. They have a 30k mile warranty and ride much better than the Falken 512s, are quieter, and offer just as much grip. I think they run around $110/tire.

i've replaced some RFTs on my Z4 with Michelin Pilot SuperSports, and LOVE them, but i doubt they're in your < $500 budget..

+1 Had these swapped onto the GTI from the GLI that I traded. On both, they were transformational. Exceptional dry grip, and almost as good in the rain. Amazingly low tire noise and pretty decent tread wear so far.

Michelin Pilot Super Sports. They are probably the best tire on the market. Fairly low noise as far as summer tires go. They grip well in the dry and the rain.

Neuspeed RSe12 wheels with Michelin Pilot 4S tires

instead of so-so ContiProContacts, my baby is now sporting top-of-the-line treads - Michelin Primacy MXM's.

Personally I had Kumhos before and they were pretty good, I had no issues.

I have some decent Kumhos on mine (used to have Gislaved Nordfrost 5 on my MKIV, but they wore very quickly) and my Golf is perfectly fine in the snow.

I have Michelin Pilot HX MXM4s on right now, and they're a nice tire.

I can only speak re: the PS2's. Had them on my S2000 for track duty. Unbelievable grip once their hot. Key point here. They're risky as daily drivers, and use caution about driving in the rain - it's like ice. If they're cold (like anytime their not warmed by a few yellow-laps), they are slick. Pardon if I didn't read all of your question, if you want the most adhesive track tire out there, go for it. I did use them as daily drivers, they were fine, but could bite you.