Difference between Kumho KW17 & KW19

[SilverRex]

Need some input on winter tires,

just in case I dont sell my tsx this year, I am going to get some winter tires.

My stock tires are
17”x7 +55mm offset 5x114.3 on 215/50/17 tires


Looking for a set of kumho KW17 however I notice they only offer them with 205/50R17, so if I want 215/50/17 I have to get the KW19

does anyone know what are the difference between them? or is it true that running narrower tires 205 instead of 215 actually helps for winter performence.

thanks

[rc2002]

KW17 is more of a performance winter tire (if such a thing exists).

I've driven on both, and KW17 feels a little bit better - stiffer sidewall (I think it's a better speed rating too).

Narrower tires do help in the winter time, although I'm not sure how much difference 205 -> 210 will make. I noticed big time when I had 165 tires.

[SilverRex]

Originally posted by richardchan2002
KW17 is more of a performance winter tire (if such a thing exists).

I've driven on both, and KW17 feels a little bit better - stiffer sidewall (I think it's a better speed rating too).

Narrower tires do help in the winter time, although I'm not sure how much difference 205 -> 210 will make. I noticed big time when I had 165 tires.

so even if my stock tires are 215, its completely normal to get 205s?

[KoukiS14]

Why not call the professionals? Get accurate answers and prices while you're at it.

[benyl]

The problem with going narrower is that you lose rim protection.

I have KW17 on the STi and KW19 on the BMW.

KW19 is better grip. But they wear faster. They are squirmy when the road is dry.

KW17 has less grip, wear slower and are more surefooted in the dry.

[403Gemini]

Originally posted by benyl
The problem with going narrower is that you lose rim protection.

I have KW17 on the STi and KW19 on the BMW.

KW19 is better grip. But they wear faster. They are squirmy when the road is dry.

KW17 has less grip, wear slower and are more surefooted in the dry.

Bingo

I had kw-17's on my saturn and the kw-19's on my cobalt this last summer, i noticed that the kw-19's gripped quite a bit better in thicker snow, and this is with a car with almost 100 more hp and torque, so that says something imo

I recommend kw-19's as long as you dont keep em on too long, as benyl stated, they wear pretty quick on dry roads.

[Annoyingrob]

Originally posted by SilverRex


so even if my stock tires are 215, its completely normal to get 205s?

Yes, or even smaller.

My car runs 225s stock, I run 205s in the winter.

[max_boost]

Depends on how you drive

KW17 V-Rated (240kms/h)
KW19 T-Rated (190kms/h)

I had the KW19's for 3 seasons. Great tire for the snow but I couldn't drive very fast or take corners too quickly on them. The tires weren't meant for that. You need a higher speed rating if you want to drive aggressively. Big difference in the tires in terms of dry road capability.

For peace of mind, just get the tires with the right size.

If you end up going for the KW17's, also consider the Hankook W300. Another good tire but even cheaper!

[CLiVE]

I ran a set of KW17's for the past 2 winters.
Not very impressed with the level of grip. I will not get "performance" winter tires again.

[benyl]

What do you use for the Mini?

[CLiVE]

Originally posted by benyl
What do you use for the Mini?

KW17's are for the MINI.

Blizzak Revo's for the 325XIT.

Of all the winter tires I've owned (Blizzak MZ-01's, Kumho KW17's, Firestone Winterfire, Michelin X-ice, etc.) IMO the KW17's were the worst of the bunch in terms of traction. Not that impressed with the dry handling of the KW17's on the MINI either. They are still 'squishy' under hard braking, and cornering. Not much better than my blizzaks IMO.

[SilverBoost]

As for sizing, mine came 215 stock, even though I run a 225 in a summer, and a 205 or 195 as a winter. Have to double check that one.

[gpomp]

Originally posted by CLiVE


KW17's are for the MINI.

Blizzak Revo's for the 325XIT.

Of all the winter tires I've owned (Blizzak MZ-01's, Kumho KW17's, Firestone Winterfire, Michelin X-ice, etc.) IMO the KW17's were the worst of the bunch in terms of traction. Not that impressed with the dry handling of the KW17's on the MINI either. They are still 'squishy' under hard braking, and cornering. Not much better than my blizzaks IMO.

which were the best?

[403Gemini]

Originally posted by CLiVE


KW17's are for the MINI.

Blizzak Revo's for the 325XIT.

Of all the winter tires I've owned (Blizzak MZ-01's, Kumho KW17's, Firestone Winterfire, Michelin X-ice, etc.) IMO the KW17's were the worst of the bunch in terms of traction. Not that impressed with the dry handling of the KW17's on the MINI either. They are still 'squishy' under hard braking, and cornering. Not much better than my blizzaks IMO.

how were the x-ice? I was eyeing those when i was buying the kw-17's on my saturn a few years back.

[max_boost]

^^^

X-ICE is super soft Q-rated touring tire. Can't really compare it to the KW17. KW17 is performance!

[CLiVE]

Originally posted by gpomp
which were the best?

The Blizzak MZ-01's.....which were discontinued.
Followed by the X-ice, which I feel provide the best all-round performance in all winter conditions.

It will be interesting to see how the Revo1's are on the 325xit this season.

[CLiVE]

Originally posted by max_boost
^^^

X-ICE is super soft Q-rated touring tire. Can't really compare it to the KW17. KW17 is performance!

Exactly. I'm not a fan of 'performance' winters.
If you want the best winter traction buy a Q-rated winter tire.