OK, I used search, but haven't found a real clear answer to my question.

I am upgrading the suspension on my '85 MkII. Springs, shocks, swaybars, poly bushings, etc - the standard drill. I want a great handling car - not looking at drag racing, just fast driving in the mountains.

I have a set of 16x8, zero offset rims I want to use.

The car will get 245/45-16 tires all the way around.

I am looking at the following tires:
Bridgewtone Potenza RE750
Fuzion ZRi
Avon Tech M500
Sumitomo HTR Z
Yokohama AVS ES100

Can anyone tell me your experience with any of these? Pros and cons - mostly interested in how the car handles.

The bridgestone would be the one I would choose. The S03 I had were awesome tires, I just wouldn't expect them to last long.

SO3s are completely different than RE730s.

Surprised you don't list Toyo RA1s. Those are great for grip. A lot better than anything you've listed.

Guess it depends on what you're gonna use them for and how much you want to spend. My supra is my DD but also my weekend warrior. I use BFG G-Force sports, i think they're pretty good summer tires.

Hankook RS-2 is better than any of those you have listed and avaliable in that size. Check east coast tires and discount tire direct for them.

I second the Hankooks for maximum grip street tire in that size. If your willing to change size, the Falken Azenis 615 is available in 225/50-16 and runs wider than a normal 225. That is a great tire as well.

I loved the azenis on my talon....very good in the rain and on the street

I have the Fuzions. The grip is good for dry, but as I use my car in less than optimal weather, I got them because their wet traction was decent. For the price, you can't beat them, IMHO. Good grip in all weather, good looks, good price, and minimal road noise.

BFG "G force" KDWs are pretty sweet. they come on the GTOs and the SRT4s. got em on my 83 p and they grip really good

I am with above... I won't run anything but BFGs... best for the buck and last. I had KDWS and KDW on my WRX and 245/40-17 KDW on the front of my Supra now...

BFG "G force" KDWs are pretty sweet.

According to the BFG website however.......

The G Force KDW's are not available in 245/45/16's. Closest size they have, is 245/50/16.

At the moment, according to the BFG website, the only tire that they have available in a 245/45/16 is the G Force R1. Which also limits my tire choices from BFG if I ever have to eventually replace my Yokohama AVS Intermediates.

The last time I bought 245/45-16s, I purchased BFG ZRs.... I think the KD series replaced that now that I think about it.

A great tire for the money also is the Kumhos....

I have the Fuzions. The grip is good for dry, but as I use my car in less than optimal weather, I got them because their wet traction was decent. For the price, you can't beat them, IMHO. Good grip in all weather, good looks, good price, and minimal road noise.

How did you find them for cornering ability? Noisy before breaking loose or did they hold anything you through at them?

of the tires you listed I have run the Yokohama AVS ES100 and now have the Fuzion ZRi

Of those two tires the AVS is better then the ZRi
The AVS only lasted 12K of canyon abuse the ZRis i expect to last longer as they are a harder tire and you can tell. They arent trash but they also arent that grate. It really depends on how hard you drive your car. As of now i can live with the ZRi and will probably get them agean do to how cheep they are (im so broke these days)

Well let me say this with my 245 45 16 up front and 275 40 17 out back the rear is fine its the front im not to thrilled with. All and all not a bad tire yes there are way better tires but for the money not bad at all.

I have the ES300s... I mean ES100s I am satisfied with them so far.

I was originally going to buy the RE750s but they were out at the time and I have no patience, so I went with my second choice which was the Yokos.

The RE750s have gotten the best rating overall on Tirerack for 245/45/16, and IIRC the ES100s were not far behind.

I also have the Sumitumos on my Camry, and they are not junk by any means.

But if your not worried about the price I would go with either to Yokos or the Potenzas. If your pinchin get the Sumitumos since I think they are the cheapest.

Just bought Sumitomos for my sons car (HTR4). I was surpised to see... Made in CHINA!