Tires: Tire Comparison, wear warranty, treadwear

Question
Hi Barry,

Since you are not able to compare different brands, we like to ask for your comment on the different specs of our 2000 Acura 3.5RL:

Our tire size is 215-60-16.  But the store assured us that the 205-65-16 is a suitable replacement.  Is that correct?

The speed rating of the original quote (215-60-16) is H; Treadwear was 480; Traction A; Temp A.  50k warranty.

The speed rating of the tire they sold us (205-65-16) is T; Treadwear is 760; Traction A; Temp B.  85k warranty

In your opinion, is this a fair trade?  Is speed rating more important than warranty, treadwear?  Thank you in advance for your advice & opinion.

Answer
Michael,

"....Our tire size is 215-60-16.  But the store assured us that the 205-65-16 is a suitable replacement.  Is that correct?...."

As I indicated in my earlier response, yes.

".......The speed rating of the original quote (215-60-16) is H; Treadwear was 480; Traction A; Temp A.  50k warranty.

The speed rating of the tire they sold us (205-65-16) is T; Treadwear is 760; Traction A; Temp B.  85k warranty

In your opinion, is this a fair trade?....."

What you got is a tire that wears better but probably doesn't grip or handle as well.  The "fair trade" part of the question can only be answer by you.

"..... Is speed rating more important than warranty, treadwear?.........."

In my opinion, yes.  Speed rating deals with capability and the more capable a tire is the more safe it is (the less likely it is to fail).  Tread wear warranty is merely a numbers game.

What you