Are new tires really faster than old tires?

After 23 separate autocross events over two years–plus about 5300 miles total–perhaps our Falken Azenis RT660 tires on our Garage Rescue Miata had aged out. Even though they still sport 5/32 inch of tread across all four tires, the times from this past weekend suggest they've hit their expiration date.

[200-treadwear tire test | Falken RT660 vs. Yokohama A052 vs. …

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Small PS: How much time did we give up by not mounting the fresh Falkens on the wider wheels? 

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Or are the Volk's lighter? And how significant was the gain from reduced unsprung rotational mass? 

Been running 200tw tires since they were 140tw...  never worn a set to the cords but they get harder than differential calculus after a certain amount of time/cycles.

thashane said:

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Or are the Volk's lighter? And how significant was the gain from reduced unsprung rotational mass? 

They are lighter–but narrower, too. 

Those Falkens are well-known for heat cycling out long before the rubber's gone.  That said, autocross and street driving doesn't heat cycle like track use does.

They also have insanely stiff sidewalls, so I'd be surprised if the 6.5" vs 7" is all that noticeable with those tires--maybe even a benefit.

Berck said:

Those Falkens are well-known for heat cycling out long before the rubber's gone. 

I believe Andy’s reply was something like “told you so.”