What tire is better for the challenge?

A good deal popped up on the local CL for some wheels I may be able to use on my challenge car. Since tires are pretty dependent on wheels, what do you all think will grip better? I would only be able to get one set of tires likely so they need to be best at autox and drag. Tires aren't part of the challenge budget, but money is still coming out of my pocket. These options are within $5 of each other per corner. Of course there are A7 (or Rival S) choices in 18s as well, but starting to get mighty spendy for me. Also, its a big car, so bigger wheels will probably look better, but I dunno how much.

1. RE-71R in 275/35R18 new wheels
2. A7 in 245/45R16 current wheels

The hoosier gets probably a compound advantage (grip/area or whatever), has a weight advantage of 5.5lbs/corner, and a gearing advantage of 4.6%. Cheaper of the two as well. Unfortunately, they are the smaller width, and I would not be able to ride to/from the event on the hoosiers, which I would like to (try to) do. Maybe I can get a set of cheapies to road trip on. Finally, hoosier also makes a 275/45R16 A7, but I think that might be a bit wide for my 16x8 wheels. Rules don't seem to limit either option for me.

2

There is a 50% chance that it could rain during the even. They won't drag in the rain but they will autox.
Some tread would be beneficial in the rain/wet.

In reply to JohnRW1621:

Good call on the possibility of rain... hmmm.

Hoosiers will be quicker, even in the smaller width.

And don't be afraid to cram a 275 on there. Hoosiers take well to being pinched unlike street tires.