As the title stated, I am debating on getting either one of these two tires to replace my mismatched tires that came with my car when i purchased it.

I've heard lots of reviews on the DSW for the 07-08 TL-S and that they were the preferred tires but luck is on my side and I am able to buy the A/S 3's for about the same price as the DSW. My brother works in a tire warehouse and he can purchase the A/S 3's for $141 vs the DSW for $138 on tirerack.

My question to everyone is.... How big is the difference between the two tires in noise/ride comfort levels? I don't see any Snow from where I live so the Snow tractions isn't a big deal to me.

 

To get the right tire you really need to list your priorities, highest to lowest. Also, with these 2 tires you're in 2 different performance categories. The AS3 is a high-performance all-season, and the DWS is an ultra high-performance all-season. Both of these tires are rated #2 in their respective classes, so it comes down to your priorities...

List these in order:

Price
Wet Traction
Dry Traction
Steering Response
Comfort
Noise
Treadwear

Then go here and the choice will be easy...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....emeContact+DWS

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Speed+Rated%29

 

There are two different versions of the AS3. One being Y speed rated places it in the UHP category. Comparing that model to the DWS, the Michelin is going to have better dry grip and steering response. Ride comfort is slightly better out of the DWS as is wet traction. Resistance to pothole damage is better on the Michelin. Noise is pretty similar from both, maybe a little better in the DWS.

 

I am actually looking into upgrading from my okay Kumho Ecsta 4X A/S tires, they lasted me a good 40k miles. I had Conti's DWS tires before, great tires but too soft for my liking.

But they did okay in rain and dry road, but my car never felt planted for both Kumho's and Contis. So I'm sure a Michelin would be your best bet, unless you want to save a bit of money then go Conti's. Michelins and Contis are both great in Dry and Wet conditions.

 

How do the two compare in light snow? I have some super crappy Dunlop tires that I can't wait to get rid of for something with better performance but I need to be atle to get through an inch or two of snow, past that the car is staying parked.

 

The DWS is significantly better in the winter than the AS3. The AS3 does handle much better in the dry.

 

A lot of people push the Conti DWS on this board so I tried them. They are by far the worst tire I have ever owned in 30+ years behind the Bridgestones. Initially they were and continue to be too soft in the sidewalks and after about 10k they became terribly noisy. They also are in constant need of rebalancing. I think people are too willing to overlook all the flat spotting, road noise and lousy performance because of the low price.

 

I agree 100% with what sonny@tirerack said. I currently have the AS3's in my 6mt Type S and to put it simply....they sucked in any sort of snow. So if snow is a factor for you then the DWS would probably be the better choice. We had the DWS's on my wife's Accord and they were good all around tires. They felt a little soft as far as handling goes, but a good all season tire. The AS3 is great in wet and dry from what I can tell. Also if looks means anything the AS3 is the better looking tire as well.