Bridgestone Potenza RE 71RS vs Continental Sport Contact 3 — Compared (September 2026)

“Track tire fitment Just got some new Bridgestone Potenza RE-71rs in 245/40r18. I did my research on this subreddit and it seems like that will fit without rubbing/camber bolts. Does anyone know if the RE-71rs’ run wide cause they measure a full inch wider than the stock PS4s’, I’m just wondering now if I’ll need camber bolts. I’d prefer not, just want to throw them on and go. For reference they are being mounted onto a 18x8.5 +45 Enkei TS-V wheel. If anyone could offer insight cause I just can’t understand how they would fit but maybe I’m just over thinking it. Stock suspension by the way. I searched the sub and didn’t see anything with exact matching specs, only bigger and different tires. Tl;dr Will 245/40r18 Bridgestone Potenza RE-71rs’ fit on an 18x8.5 +45 wheel without clearance issues/adding other modifications (camber bolts) on our car? Thanks for any help! Read more”

“Need heat cycle advice I recently got a screaming deal on some Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS for my daily driver. It usually doesn't see track time but I figured it would be fun to try it out for the cost. The tires were cheap because they had a 2021 production date. In the past to heat cycle a tire, I've just driven on the highway a couple of hours and let the tire sit for 24 hours. The hurdle is, It's winter and too cold to really make an impact. To add to that, I doubt I will have clean enough roads for that tire. My track does have winter lapping when it is clean and dry, but it still may be cold. Any suggestions on how to get a heat cycle on these tires in cold temperatures? Read more”

“Mileage-expectancy of Bridgestone Potenza RE-71Rs? (200-rated, I think?) Forgive me I'm getting the terminology wrong, but I just bought a super dynamite NA Miata that has had a TON of incredible suspension work (mostly Flyin' Miata stuff) and the stickiest tires I have ever experienced by FAR: Potenza RE-71Rs. (Forget full measurements but they're on 15 x 7.5" inch wheels, 6UL's by 949 Racing.) And I think their life is pretty much over. I love them but I don't want to track the car; I want to drive it two hours into the country every other weekend. I want to drive through the mountains with great . . . spiritedness . . . but I don't need track-focused tires. I'd much rather have something slightly less grippy in exchange for longer tread life. The previous owner (who I've stayed in touch with) recommenced I get "300-rated" tires instead of "200-rated" tires. I don't really know what that means or how many miles I can expect from such a tire. I'm contemplating getting the Continental Extreme Contacts, but I just don't know enough about tires to know what they're like or how much ACTUAL mileage I can get----I also dont' understand 200 vs. 300 tires. Please help?”

“Honestly you’ll just have to try them and see. I get better life out of an sc0 rear than a 1 on an R6, I think because it spins less. Didn’t notice a lot of extra life from an SC3, at least on a zx10, I think for the same reason. Fronts IMO don’t matter, they heat cycle out for me before getting rid of the core holes”

“Current SC3 is different than the V3 compound I genuinely wouldn't worry about it, and I wouldn't even run warmers with that tire. If you do, set pressures cold, and adjust after a few good laps. All of us in my group running Sc1-sc3 use single temps with zero issues. I've ran them on V3+V4 Dot Pirellis on cold days. Don't over think it.”

“We see multiple temp ranges over the seasons here - from -3c to mid 40’s c. 45-47c at its hottest. Most track days I’ve been on have been between the 25c and 35c range, however have done a few below 10c/mid teens, and wet. Exclusive SC3 user, 675cc supersport-class bike - never felt the need to change.”

“Sc3 don’t have a ton more grip than sc2 and work in a wider range. Especially at your pace. 1:20 while respectable isn’t all that fast. I’d stick with the sc3 with a sc1 or 2 front which is really more of a difference in feeling more than grip between the 2. Really the only reason to run sc2 rear is if it’s pretty cold, in that case you can run the sc3 better anyway unless you are racing and need every bit of grip you can. If it’s hot run a sc1 or even a 0. If it’s warm you will tear up a sc2 pretty quick for not a whole lot more performance.”