Nexen Tires?

Specifically the Nfera SU1 for an NB Miata.  Trying to decide between the 205/50r15 Conti Extreme Contact Sport (18lbs, $100) and the Nexen Nfera SU1 195/45r15 (16lbs $60)

Obviously it gets driven hard, may see Challenge 2018, and in Alabama we have our share of rain, sometimes it snows, and usually  gets down below 45F which is the cutoff for UHP summers.  I like to slide the back end out here and there.  The smaller diameter tire ups the revs per mile but decreases unsprung weight be 2lbs per corner and I can almost buy 2 sets to one of the other.  The Conti is a more common size, lower highway rpm, probably stickier, heavier and more money.  Like $240 for the nexen vs $400 for the Conti.  Not a big deal overall, but do I go with better traction or lighter weight? Traction is an assumption based on tread width and name brand.  Well, a larger diameter contributes a small amount (in this case) to contact patch

I may just buy 2 of each for "that staggered fitment, yo!"

I know you are talking about a different tire, I just started using a set of 200 treadwear for auto cross.  I have not given them t he best test, mostly wet and some cold days.  I am still not sure about them. They are on a 2006 mustang.  I also used a set of their snows on my focus svt.  I thought the snows were good.  

I have 195/45/15s on my Insight. That tire size is going to look real funny on an NB. It's a significant size difference from a 205/50. I honestly wouldn't do it just because i think it will look bad. 

Thanks yall!

I know it isn’t exactly apples to apples, but it’s a no from me given I didn’t even get out of their warranty window on some tires in my Avalanche. Now they are dragging their feet on claiming the warranty.....

I don't know anything at length about the Nexen, but the Conti ECS are phenomenal, I think they do like to wear quickly but i've loved them on my NB. Nexens also look to have pretty decent warranty...  might be worth a shot 

https://www.nexentireusa.com/tires/n_fera_su1

In reply to Ranger50 :

Nexen ot Continental?

In reply to spacecadet :

With the comments so far, I think I will go with the Contis.  The 205/50 is fairly common, the bigger tire will have more traction and lower rpms on the highway, look better and only give up 2 pounds per corner to the Nexen, giving me, from what I've read, a 29 pound wheel and tire combo which is pretty good and only 3 pounds more than the tiny 185/65r14s on it now.  I'm open to suggestions of light, inexpensive tires for a Miata on 15" rims of anyone thinks I'm missing something 

Wait, is 205 too wide for a stock 15x6?

In reply to Justjim75 :

I had 215s on 14x6 wheels on a certain S10 (what was there when I bought it, came with 195s originally IIRC). Not really the same thing, but I can tell you it had a TON of sidewall flex with that setup. Understeered like a pig. 

In reply to Justjim75 :

Nexens.

Now looking at 195/50

Had a set of Conti ExtremeContact Sports. They have reliable traction on wet and dry roads though sidewalls are somewhat soft.  Bought these tires because I got a good deal from 4wheelonline before.