Why are 91W tires more expensive than 91V tires?
4 Answers
The price of a tire cannot be judged solely by its speed rating; it requires a comprehensive consideration of various aspects of the tire, such as the brand, type, and applicable wheel size. Often, 91W tires are designed for larger wheel sizes, and larger wheels indicate higher performance requirements for the tire, which can make them more expensive. More details are as follows: 1. The speed rating of tires can be divided into different levels from A to Z, with level A further subdivided into eight different levels from A1 to A8. V indicates that the tire can withstand a maximum speed of 240 km/h, while W indicates a maximum speed of 270 km/h. Generally, the further back the letter representing the tire's speed rating is in the alphabet, the better the tire's performance. 2. Common speed ratings mainly range from Q (160 km/h) to Y (300 km/h), and tires with different speed ratings have different applications: Q-T level tires (maximum speed 160-190 km/h) are suitable for small and compact cars; U-V level tires (maximum speed 200-240 km/h) are suitable for mid-to-high-end cars; while W-Z level tires (maximum speed 240-300 km/h) offer better performance and are therefore more commonly used in large luxury cars and supercars.
I'm a seasoned driver who loves pushing the speed limit, always using high-performance tires. The 91W tires are significantly more expensive than 91V mainly because of the huge difference in speed ratings—V-rated tires max out at just 240 km/h, while W-rated ones can handle up to 270 km/h. This means W-rated tires use a rubber compound that’s more heat-resistant and durable at high speeds, preventing deformation or premature wear, which drives up material costs. When I’m tearing through mountain roads, I can clearly feel the W-rated tires offer better grip and more stability in corners. Manufacturers also have to conduct more extreme tests, like simulating high-speed rolling to ensure safety, a process that’s both time-consuming and expensive. Plus, W-rated tires are often used in sports cars or performance vehicles, targeting the premium market, so brand markup naturally kicks in. But for everyday city driving, V-rated tires are more than enough—unless you frequently hit the highway for some spirited driving. Spending extra for that marginal speed difference is worth it if safety comes first.
Having worked in a repair shop, I've seen firsthand that 91W tires are more complex to manufacture—premium materials are used: rubber must include heat-resistant additives and reinforced fiber layers to withstand high temperatures at 270 km/h speeds. In contrast, V-grade materials have lower standards to cut costs. Production line controls are stricter, such as a denser tire structure to prevent high-speed vibrations, and additional safety tests are required, like extended high-speed simulation trials to ensure no failures occur. These extra steps demand more labor and resources, naturally driving up the price. My advice? Don’t just focus on the numbers—while 91 indicates the same load capacity, high-speed performance differs: W-grade is for those who love pushing limits, costing more for guaranteed performance; V-grade suits daily commutes and saves money. Choose tires that match your driving habits—don’t waste money on unnecessary features.
As a young enthusiast who's always into car modifications, I understand why 91W tires are pricier: it's all about the speed rating difference! V-rated tops out at 240km/h, while W can push to 270! The materials are more aggressive – the rubber offers superior grip, ensuring stable braking without skidding at high speeds, making drifting or track days exhilarating. This performance boost comes from enhanced design: optimized tread patterns for better water drainage and noise reduction, plus reinforced internal structure. Manufacturers position these as premium high-speed options, justifying the higher price. While V-rated tires are fine for daily driving, if you crave speed and thrills, the extra cost for W-rated tires is absolutely worth the handling pleasure – otherwise, highway driving could get dangerously floaty. From my actual racing experience, spending more on quality tires equals investing in driving safety.
