Anyone running Atturo AZ 800 tyres?

[Skier1]

Originally Posted by ants_oz

I was offering an example - and like all examples, there are exceptions. Would you prefer I offered the example of suburban Seattle as compared to say - the Birdsville Track?

There are some inescapable facts here - Australia is roughly the size of the Continental USA. Yet we have a road network paid for by a population of ~23 million people. We do not have good roads.

No, I don't know what the road conditions are like in the USA, but the fact remains - what might work for person A in country B, will not necessarily be the right solution for person C in country D.

That is the message, whether you like to accept it or not.

[TiAgX5]

As I stated in my initial post, "I'm glad you guys are happy with the atturoAZs", still stands.

I'm just pointing out most "premium vehicle brand" owners are reluctant when it comes to lower price range tires. Testing side by side with more expensive tires show their weak points.

I had no idea the Vred UVs where so expensive there.

Almost all the online reviews of the Vreds are owners in the UK, chipped stone/gravel/dirt/mud/puddles in the norm there too.

[Joshdub]

A quick Google search shows that Newcastle and Seattle are actually pretty similar in temperatures throughout the year with Seattle being slightly colder, yet not really cold enough for snow, while precipitation is rather consistent year round for both. But really climate is irrelevant in this context as we are talking about inferior quality Chinese tires vs well engineered ones. We aren't discussing types of tires, but comparing the quality of tires in the same categories, so climate doesn't play a roll.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by ants_oz

"As tested" by who? Which authoritative organisation has undertaken a comprehensive test of ANY recent Chinese tyres - not a single car and driver test from 6 years ago...? 6 years. Is it not beyond the realms of possibility that things may have changed since then, or must we all still rely on the same old Internet "truths" for eternity?

The test I linked was the last one I saw.

A big indication of what the inexpensive Asian manufacturers think of the tires they produce is how they release them, usually the tires just "show up" at the tire stores and online.

Reputable manufacturers have a press release track day and let editors/reviewers test the new tire.

Vredestein & Italdesign Giugiaro even went so far as to rent out the F1 Hungaroring, provide heavy GT cars (Jags, Astons, BMW M6s, MBs) and proceeded to let the world automotive press pound the cars around the Formula 1 track (wet & dry, with TONS of track time). This speaks volumes of the faith the designer & manufacturer have in their product.

Releasing a new tire in this manner goes a long way in getting me to take notice in their product.

[ants_oz]

Yeah, but road conditions do. And Aussie road conditions are somewhat unique. To the extent that Saab (some years ago) recalled every single 900/9-3 vehicle sold in Australia to replace front suspension wishbones on models dating back to the mid 70's - all due to Australia's extreme road camber.

Oh well, that's your choice. And mine is different to yours Carry on folks!

I'd just LOVE to see your "evidence" that current generation Chinese manufactured tyres are "inferior" to supposed "well engineered" ones. (Discounting the fact that Atturo tyres are not in fact manufactured in China.) And a 6 year old article from car and driver reviewing one model from one brand is hardly compelling evidence.

Now....you talk about "categories" of tyres. What makes a category? Size surely does. So would target vehicle type (eg sedan, people mover, SUV). And I would argue, so does price. So what is the point in comparing things from two SUBSTANTIALLY different price categories, if price is a consideration for you?

And on a (minimum) 9 year old SUV - which is hardly cutting edge, top of the line or current technology - I would argue that price is quite a consideration for many owners. I'm sure that I'm not alone in not wanting to spend top-dollar on what may be considered premium range tyres for a vehicle that is now far from premium.

Sorry if that offends some owners, but sorry - I don't regard the e53 as a premium vehicle. It is an older SUV. Nothing more.

[ants_oz]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

<snip>
Reputable manufacturers have a press release track day and let editors/reviewers test the new tire.

<snip>

Maybe they do in your market, but in a country of 23 million people even the "big names" in tyres don't do that.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by ants_oz

Maybe they do in your market, but in a country of 23 million people even the "big names" in tyres don't do that.

Vredestein flew in automotive press from around the world when the Ultrac Vorti was released.

[ants_oz]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

Vredestein flew in automotive press from around the world when the Ultrac Vorti was released.

Awesome - how many of them were from Australia? Unless you KNOW that there were representatives from all countries present, how can you say "they flew in automotive press from around the world"? They might have flown in reps from 5, 10, or even 15 countries....but....

[TiAgX5]

".......Sorry if that offends some owners, but sorry - I don't regard the e53 as a premium vehicle. It is an older SUV. Nothing more.[/QUOTE]"

E53 suspension is lifted straight from the E39 5 series, a very capable vehicle even by todays standards.

These are not straight axle/leaf spring Jeeps.

[ants_oz]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

E53 suspension is lifted straight from the E39 5 series, a very capable vehicle even by todays standards.

These are not straight axle/leaf spring Jeeps.

Riiiiight....not sure where you even GOT that comparison from...

Besides, nothing wrong with a well configured live-axle so long as you use it within it's limits.