Rubber brand makes a difference too in my opinion. The Pirelli winter rubber seemed to grip dry pavement much better than the Toyo rubber. That may have had a bit to do with the 40 profile Pirelli versus the 45 profile Toyo, but the difference between the two is drastic. The Toyo 45 profile winter rubber handles like a minivan, when compared to the three different types of Pirelli winter/summer tires that I’ve had on my A4 (in 35 and 40 profile).
