Goodyear Eagle RS-A Passenger Performance Tire - No Squeal!
Written: Oct 26 '04 (Updated Oct 28 '04)
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Pros: Quiet and soft, provides good ride, good cornering and braking
Cons: Pricey, not the best handling, wet performance could be better
The Bottom Line: The Goodyear Eagle RS-A is not a bad tire. Unfortunately, it is not a very good tire either. In attempt to be all things to all...
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| dkozin's Full Review: Goodyear Eagle RSA Passenger/Performance Tire |
I have driven the same car (2004 Infiniti G35) shod with Bridgestone Turanza EL42 tires as well as with Goodyear Eagle RS-A. Both tires were in the size 215/55R17 (215 mm width, aspect ratio 55, 17-inch wheel diameter) and were V-rated (up to 149 mph). I also drove the Infiniti FX35 shod with Goodyear Eagle RS-A in 265mm width.
The RS-A is a high-preformance all-season tire. They are available in several speed ratings. I am reviewing the V-rated tire.
Performance
I can say that the Goodyear Eagle RS-A is a better tire than the Bridgestone Turanza EL42. Although I have re-checked the tire pressure, the EL42 keeps squealing in even moderate cornering and at the end of the semi-hard braking. In contrast, the RS-A tire stayed quiet and provided very good cornering speeds (I went for a spirited drive on a windy mountain road, after which the tires emanated the smell of burning rubber).
The suspension geometry and the weight distribution matter a lot in the braking and cornering performance. But so do the tires.
In addition to not squealing, the RS-A is a quieter overall tire than the Bridgestone EL42 and seems to have softer tread. However, neither RS-A nor EL42 approach the level of performance of some other tires (e.g. Goodyear Eagle GS-D, some Kumho models). The RS-A does seem to perform better than the EL42, but you can do much better with other tires.
Another example would be Avon Tech M500 (it is cheaper too). With some aforementioned alternatives, you will give up a little ride quality and quietness for much better cornering, braking and a much better wet performance.
Treadwear
I cannot attest to the longevity of the RS-A. It depends on too many variables: driving style, size, speed rating, vehicle type, size, weight, suspension, etc. I feel that the RS-A in my size (215/55R17) has longevity similar to its competitors like Bridgestone EL42. The treadwear rating is 260, similar to EL42 and Avon Tech M500.
Pricing
The Goodyear Eagle RS-A is priced comparable to competition. The price depends on the tire size. The RS-A is less expensive than the likes of Goodyear GS-D but more expensive than Avon Tech M500.
Bottom Line
The Goodyear Eagle RS-A is not a bad tire. Unfortunately, it is not a very good tire either. In attempt to be all things to all people (provide good performance while keeping the noise low and having good ride quality with decent tread wear), the RS-A excels in no single area. If you want a decent tire that rides comfortably and quietly while providing good cornering and braking, the RS-A is a good choice. If you want excellent performance at a slight sacrifice of the ride and quietness, check out some alternatives. If your tire size permits, check out the Kumho Ecsta HP4 716.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): OEM
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dkozin
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