Ok, first off - to simplify this I'm going to assume that the OP is looking for the OE size for 17" wheels (215/45/17), as that appears to be the case, from what I can see in his profile pictures.

For clarification here are the links for 3 of the tires were talking about, along with the closest comparable Kumho that is available in the proper size:

Goodyear:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tC&autoModClar=

BFG:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tC&autoModClar=

Michelin:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tC&autoModClar=

Kumho:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tC&autoModClar=

I'm not trying to argue with you here - I agree with most of what you said - except for the part about Tire Rack's testing. If you look closer you'll notice that the test results that are listed for the two tires I listed and for the two tires you listed are from 4 different tests. The four tires have no comparable test data - whatever data they do have is only comparable against the other tires in the respective tests. If you're trying to compare the actual number ratings from the test results then you'll be drastically misled - especially since we're trying to compare performace tires to GT tires. Also, the results listed from one of the tests are actually about driving in extreme winter conditions at the arctic circle.

--The Kumho's actually scored 3rd out of 4 tires tested - all GT tires. It's also worth noting that this specific tire is not available in the proper 17" size. Also, if you look at what the testers said, they commented on the poor wet traction of these which coincides with what I said before.

--The BFG's I listed scored 4th out of 4, but of the three higher scores two aren't available in the proper size for a tC.

--The Goodyear's I listed scored second.

--In the tests for both tires I listed, the best tire was a Yokohama that is available in the proper size.

Anyways... by making me look at the tests, you've inadvertently pointed out a mistake on my part. I've been looking at the same brands and models for years, and have failed to notice the new stuff. There are a few tires that are probably at least comparable to the two that I suggested, if not better (according to Tire Rack's tests). These are:

Comparable to the Goodyear Eagle GT you have
Bridgestone (very expensive):
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tC&autoModClar=

and Yokohama (low traction):
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tC&autoModClar=

Comparable to the BFG's you have Yokohama, which are pretty close to dead even by the numbers, but were rated significantly better in the test, and are cheaper as well:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tC&autoModClar=


Incidentally, I've personally had the Goodyear's on two of my cars and they were great. On one of the vehicles they lasted about 45-50,000 miles, and I sold the other one after putting about 15,000 on them, but they looked to be wearing about the same as the first set.

The Michelin and Bridgestone tires are both pretty pricey, though they're good tires. The Kumho's... well, I've already said my piece on that. If you want a GT tire rather than a performance tire, they're not a bad option, though not a great one either. For what's available on Tire Rack, they'd probably be the ones I chose, though I know there are better options out there from other manufacturers. If you are indeed looking for a non-performance oriented tire let us know, and I'll suggest some other options.

~Laken

 

how bout you get a set of nitto nt05s and star specs and do a comparison test becuase those are my 2 choices for my next tires.

 

Winter is on its way and where I live it tends to snow a lot soooo... what tires would you recommend for good traction in snowy/wet conditions for 17".

 

Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 (old model) or WS70 (new model)

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tC&autoModClar=

No question about it. They are incredible on snow and ice. The only drawback is that if you use them when the temperature is above freezing they will wear out extremely fast due to the softer rubber compound that helps keep them flexible in cold temp's.