@digifish
What you say there is actually pretty predictable. The re002 are a more track orientated tyre, more for the enthusiast who will often get the tyres up to a more pliable, higher temp. Whereas the ecopia are more your everyday tyre. Softer sidewalls for added comfort and that extra "bite" at turn in.
If you and your wife drove the re002's a bit harder they would handle admirably but as you have said, that doesn't really match up with your driving style.