15" Aggressive Street Tires - Avon ZZS vs. Falken Azenis RT660

[mca]

Hi All,

 

I need to replace some tires on my CSR260 and am debating between the Avon ZZS and Falken Azenis RT660.

 

Fronts are 195/50/15 Avon ZZS (2019 date code with plenty of available tread, replaced by previous owner)

Rears are 245/40/15 Avon CR500 (2016 date code and on the wear bars, original tires from 2016 build).

 

I'll need to replace at least the rear tires, while the fronts are debatable.  If I stay with Avon ZZS in the rear, I would keep the front Avon ZZS.  If I switch to Falken Azenis RT660 I would change all 4 tires.

 

Option 1: Avon ZZS 245/50/15 rear are available for ~$285/ea, $620 total cost per pair. Listed as 220 treadwear rating.

 

Option 2: Falken Azenis RT660 205/50/15 front, 245/50/15 rear for ~$600 for the complete set of 4. Listed as 200 treadwear rating.

 

Which option would you choose? Price is not a major determining factor, despite the gap between the two choices. I'm more concerned with performance, and assume that the current Avon ZZS in front are good with a 2019 date code (they feel adequate to the touch but I haven't pushed the car yet due to rear tires).

 

TIA for your opinions.

 

Aaron

Edited April 27, 2023 by mca
typo

[Croc]

@mca  I have stuck with the Avon ZZS front and rear to avoid changing the gearing too much (on the rears) and also not to create too much of a clearance issue on the front wings.  Will the Falken 205 fronts rub on the wing stay? 

 

I use the ZZS as my wet track tire on both my CSR and the 420R I have for track days in the UK.  I find it very good as an all round performance tire.  I have never tried the Falkens to be able to compare sorry. 

[CarlB]

The Avons were made for the car. I use the Falkens on my MINI ad love them. The issue for a Caterham is the Falkens and most other tires are not made for light weight cars. The only other tire I would consider for a street tire is the Toyo Proxes RA-1. That tire isn't available in the sizes you are looking for. 

[wemtd]

I strongly prefer the zzs over ra-1.  Much better grip & performance for street, autoX, and occasional trackday