Further Thoughts here
But to summarize, if you want handling, you buy summer (above 40 degrees) UHP tires. You want all weather, you buy all-seasons UHP and you give up lots of dry handling, braking and ride. How much?
Well lets look at just one maker...Michelin...since they make the top rated summer UHP in a November 2007 Consumer Reports (page 58) comparison of 36 18" tires marketed as some form of UHP.
The summer PS2 had 3 excellent (5 of 5) and 3 very good (4 of 5) ratings in the dry and wet handling and braking categories. Their all season Pilot Sport A/S had 4 but also had only a fair (2 of 5) in dry and wet braking and a good (3 of 5) in dry handling.
A difference in 2 rating categories between 2 tires seems significant. The total of differences seems even more significant. Not fatal..because every tire is a compromise. But enough to really influence your decision.
Neither all season nor summer UHP tires are going to get you great tire mileage. A good pro-mileage alignment of the rear wheels will help.
I suggest reading the comparison (unfortunately, not on the web without a subscription...go to the library) and then think about your driving needs.
And whatever you do, don't drive a summer UHP much below 40 degrees. There is a beautiful '99 Boxster in the wrecking yards because I did.
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