Given
66%
while driving a
Mazda RX8
(225/40 R19) on
a combination of roads
for 7,000
average miles
The federal is a strange one, extraordinarily cheap, surprisingly good in the dry, absolutely shocking in the wet. These were fitted brand new on my Rx8 R3 when I bought it and have to admit I was tempted to get rid of them before driving the car away from the forecourt so much was my concern. I gave them a shot, after getting rid of the release agent I was pleasantly suprised, dry grip, feel, feedback from the road all good, sharp turn in, little sidewall flex but still with a decentish ride. On track they cope admirably but will overheat when pushed for a few laps, grip is very good (dry) and even a second gear 90 def right full throttle couldn't unhitched the rear. Here comes the negative and it's a good one. One morning a little rain had fallen temps were cool and all he!! broke loose, when cold and damp these tyres are deadly if your not on your toes. Even straight line acceleration at half throttle sets the TC off, and don't even breath on the throttle if you can see a corner. As it turns out I've come to enjoy the jackal and Hyde tyre, it does suit the rear drive playful character of the car and once you know how bad they are in the wet you drive to it and can play when you want. If however your priorities are more safety avoid these like the plague. Back on a positive they never seem to wear...