QuestionHey Jack,
I'm in the market for new tires for my 2001 Honda Civic LX. I am impressed with the reviews I've read for the Michelin Harmony and am considering buying four new ones. A local retailer (discount tire) tells me that they sell a product that is an exact clone of the Hamony,a tire that still carries the Michelin Brand but is named the Destiny. This retailer is also currently out of the 185-70-14 size that is stock to the vehicle and assures me that a 195-70-14 will perform as well if not better than the narrower tire.
My question is...is the Destiny the exact same tire as the Harmony,are there likely to be any diferences in construction or compound that might affect performance,durability or warranty and am I likely to notice any substantial difference in economy,rolling resistance or wet wheather performance with the 195 width vs.the 185 width?
thanx
Steve
AnswerHello, Steve
Both tires are made by Michelin. Most of the discount tires Michelin makes are made at BFGoodrich or Uniroyl plants. Michelin bought them out many years ago and they have made many changes to there tire building process. They now make a very good product. The Harmony and Destiny are both constructed the same. Both tires have very good reviews. I would ask for a better fitment of the Destiny. The 195/65R14 is amost the same height as the 185/70R14. The exact differance in your speedo are.
185/70R14 vs 195/70R14 2.3% at 60MPH you are going 61.4MPH
185/70R14 vs 195/65R14 .9% at 60MPH you are going 59.5MPH
There would not be a problem with the bigger tire other than the speedo being off. I don't know about the Honda, but my 2003 Silverado speedo can be adjusted with the computer. I went from a 235/75R16 to a 255/70R16 and had it adjusted at the dealership.
Even though the Michelin tires are built in BFGoodrich or Uniroyl plants the rubber compounds are differant than the BFGoodrich or Uniroyl tires. What I'm saying is Michelin is still a much better Tire.
Hope this helps you and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Jack Knight
