🏁 Yokohama AD09 vs Nankang NS-2R – Street & Track Performance Tyre Comparison
Are you looking for a tyre that dominates on the track but still hits the road with confidence? Two strong contenders stand out: the Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD09 and the Nankang NS-2R. At Autosport Tyreworld Magill, we test both to find which gives you the best blend of performance, value and real-world usability.
⚙️ 1. Design Philosophy & Target Audience
Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD09
The AD09 represents Yokohama’s high-performance proposition built for drivers who demand elite lap times and road usability. Its architecture emphasises rigidity, precision and strong grip across conditions.
Key Features:
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Semi-slick inspired tread with wide shoulders for strong dry contact.
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Asymmetrical tread pattern and high-rigidity casing for sharp steering response.
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Improved wet handling with wide grooves to evacuate water efficiently.
➡ Ideal for: Performance sedans, hot hatches, sports coupes that see track days and spirited driving on the street.
Nankang NS-2R
The NS-2R is Nankang’s serious semi-slick street/track tyre (treadwear indexes 120/180 etc) that offers immersive performance at a much more accessible price point.
Key Features:
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Wide contact patch (up to 13% wider than regular tyres) for improved corner stability.
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E-marked for road in many sizes (street & track compounds) plus dedicated track-only variants.
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Strong value proposition for club day/occasional track use while still being street-legal in many cases.
➡ Ideal for: Drivers looking for aggressive grip on a budget, with occasional track days and weekend hero drives.
☀️ 2. Dry Grip & Cornering Feel
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AD09: Delivers elite dry grip, very sharp feel and behaviour that leans towards race-car precision. The wide shoulders and contact patch contribute to high lateral forces.
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NS-2R: Delivers very good dry grip for the price; however it might not match the sheer magnitude of grip or chassis feedback of the AD09, particularly when pushing the very limit.
💡 Verdict: If you measure performance purely by dry grip and ultimate lap time, AD09 wins. If you want excellent grip for the money with decent track behaviour, NS-2R excels for value.
🌧️ 3. Wet & Mixed Condition Handling
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AD09: Despite its track-bias, the AD09 has been designed with improved wet capability (groove design, compound) so it holds up better in light/moderate wet conditions.
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NS-2R: Although it performs very well in dry, wet performance is a compromise. Many user reviews note it becomes more cautious in damp or cold conditions.
💡 Verdict: Wet weather gives the edge to AD09 for more confidence and broader usability.
🔥 4. Heat Resistance, Longevity & Usability
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AD09: Built with strong materials, good for both street and track. However, when used heavily on track repeatedly, performance drop-off may be quicker compared to tyres built exclusively for endurance.
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NS-2R: Designed for mixed use; its value comes from its durability and multiple heat-cycle stability (especially in the higher treadwear versions).
💡 Verdict: NS-2R gives better durability for mixed use; AD09 gives sharper performance but maybe more suited to dedicated high-performance builds.
💵 5. Pricing & Value
| Tyre Model | Approx. Price (Set of 4, fitted) | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Yokohama AD09 | Premium-tier | Elite grip, refined performance |
| Nankang NS-2R | Mid-tier / Value | Excellent cost-to-performance ratio |
💡 Verdict: For high budget and ultimate performance: AD09. For budget-smart performance: NS-2R.
🏆 Final Verdict – Which Tyre Should You Choose?
| Driving Style | Best Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Short track sessions / performance builds | Yokohama AD09 | Maximum grip, sharp response, broader usability |
| Occasional track day / street + weekend hero | Nankang NS-2R | Strong value, very good grip for the money |
| Daily driver with spirited runs | Yokohama AD09 | More refined and safe in wet/mixed conditions |
| Budget-conscious enthusiast | Nankang NS-2R | Great balance between cost and performance |
At Autosport Tyreworld Magill, we’ve fitted and tested both tyres across a range of performance cars in Australia.
➡ Yokohama AD09 = sharper, faster, more aggressive.
➡ Nankang NS-2R = smarter value, excellent grip for the price, strong join-in performance.
🛞 Available Now at Autosport Tyreworld Magill
We stock both the Yokohama AD09 and the Nankang NS-2R, plus other performance tyre options. All tyres are fitted, balanced, aligned and supported by our expert team.
📍 Address: 647 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
📞 Phone: 0452 641 023
🌐 Website: autostw.com.au
Autosport Tyreworld – Where Performance Meets Precision.