I came across this the other night:

http://www.nlectc.org/testing/wintertires.html

"The National Institute of Justice's National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)–Northwest organized the tests in collaboration with the Canadian Police Research Centre (CPRC). The tests were conducted February 2–6, 2004, on snow-covered test-driving tracks at the RCMP Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Participants also included Ford Motor Company, the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, and The Tekne Group, Inc. The RCMP Depot drivers training unit provided test vehicles and trained law enforcement driving instructors to operate the test vehicles. The RCMP Depot also provided logistical, mechanical, and test track preparation support."

"The five brands of winter tires supplied by the manufacturers for testing were the Continental ContiWinterContact TS790, the Firestone Firehawk PVS, the Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW2, the Michelin Pilot Alpin, and the Pirelli Winter 210 Snowsport. The Goodyear Eagle RS-A Plus, an all-season pursuit speed rated tire supplied with Police Interceptors as original equipment, was used as the control tire."

I'm looking at a daily 100-mile round trip commute in a 244, and it occurred to me, hey, a Ford Crown Vic is RWD, and Alaska State Troopers log a lot of miles. I'm running the Hankooks from the car's previous owner this season. Anyone have any experience with any of the above tires? The Conti's look promising, if not a little expensive (but much less than a new ride).

-Jack