I know the PS2 is a popular tire of choice. My new A3 came with the PE2 though and hadn't read anything about them. Anyone know the main differences between the PE2 and the PS2? Anyone had both at one point?

 

The PS2 is considered a "max performance summer" tire, while the PE2 is the lower (but still high) "ultra high performance summer" tire.

Tire Rack has tested both against typical competition, and although not directly compared, their test methods and scoring seem to allow pretty accurate comparisons across tests.

Latest (of several) PS2 test:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=101

PE2 test:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...tirePageLocQty=

I'd say that you are very fortunate to get the PE2's, although they apparently aren't known for the longest tread life (but probably better then PS2's).

 

Thanks for the links! I figured it was probably the next model down from the PS2. Good info to know.

 

That is I was wondering what other tire types came on other peoples A3's. My 08 came with 225/40/18 ContiSportContact 2.

 

My came stock with Pirelli P Zeros. Not bad, much better than the P6s from what I've heard. But I'm going to be switching to PS2s.

 

The only bad thing about Conti SC2s is that being a UHP summer tire, they turn to rocks below 40 degrees and get very scary. That's why the warning "Not intended for use in temperatures near freezing or in snow" The rubber compund that works so well in warmer temps hardens up in the cold. Also, SC2s are several pounds lighter than most tires in equivalent sizes. This makes them handle better and tolerate high speeds better than most. It's also why Conti has a version rated for 220MPH continuous use. They won't fly apart on the autostrada when you are flying your R8.

Pirelli PZeros arre also great and so are Michelins. Why they chose the hideous Pirelli P6 for baseline cars remains a mystery.