Tyres for standard speedlines

[james brown 10]

I know this question has been asked in the past but as the years roll by, the choice of tyres for standard 15" speedlines (205/50r15) is becoming worse and worse. As far as I can see, the choice is limited to cheap budget brands or at best lower end premium tyres, 2-3 generations old.

 

So the question is; should I go for something like a Vredestein Sportrac 5 / Hankook Ventus Prime 3 or downsize to a 195/50 and go for a more accomplished (albeit not sports focused) tyre such as a Dunlop Sport BluResponse or Continental Premium Contact 5? I know none of these tyres looks any good but from what i can gather they are leagues ahead of the far sexier Toyo Proxes in terms of performance.

 

I'm guessing that in terms of performance, most tyres would be a step up to the aging rubber currently on the car, although the current Firestones do look good!