I sort of wonder if the Pirellis might just be a stiffer tire, which makes for a little rougher ride on small streets at 30-60km/h.
Based on your own observations, I'd say 'probably'.
I remember a customer choosing some Goodyear (maybe Eagle something?) tires for her Prelude, then complaining loudly that her car "squirmed" while driving, blaming us for jacking with her alignment and suspension. "No, lady, it's the tires you picked out."