The BFGs are the best rated 245 50R16: G-Force Comp 2 A/S (W rated) and ONLY $135 each (unmounted in a box, of course). On the scale I just posted, they are 400 AA A. I have seen nothing better in our size.
"Better" is relative. The 3rd gen was a pretty high performing machine in it's day, and the TTA the best of them. Handling was particularly praised in these cars when new. And while tire performance has continuously improved (just like that of automobiles), I personally would error in favor of best handling performance. But that's me.
One indicator of that grip/performance (though far from conclusive) is tread compound, or durometer. And the only sidewall indicator we have of that is the treadwear number. And indeed, 400 is a good number for a performance tire, IMO.
For me, my Michelins still look largely like new, and are dying of old age. I will come no where near wearing them out before I must replace them due to craccking. So a high treadwear number is not all that important to me. Also, a lower treadwear is likely a "softer" compound, and likely a little more sticky. Personally, I'm leaning toward that.
On Tire Racks site, the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 is a 500 treadwear. And, with Goodyear not an option from Tire Rack, they are the only American company with a tire on the list. I've had good luck with Coopers on several of my daily drivers, so if that tires specs appealed to me, I wouldn't hesitate to give them a try. It's also W speed rated, AA and A rated like the BFG.
The General I referenced in post 5 is "softer" at 360 treadwear, W speed and AA and A, but is also a summer tire. That won't work for everyone, and summer tires have a lot of restrictions about cooler fall-like temps, and even storage in colder weather. So study carefully.
There are several others with sub-400 treadwear, and in summer only. You can compare them all here.
245/50/16 at Tire Rack
I "thought" that I had read elsewhere that the treadwear rating # is only comparable within the same manufacturer... that is, a 400 tire from General does not necessarily equal the same miles of tread life as a 400 from Firestone(?).
Some basis for that, but still a good indicator.
Tire Rack
"While certain performance standards are held standard, such as Traction Grades and Temperature Resistance, UTQG treadwear numbers are published by the manufacturer based upon their test findings of a tire's life expectancy. It's important to note that not all manufacturer's standards are equal and similar ratings may lead to different real world results between similar product types.
On a large basis, however, most manufacturer's figures are surprisingly accurate. To gain a better understanding of the process, take a look at a few of our popular performance categories beginning with soft compounds and working our way up."