2021 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test

Dry BrakingBridgestone Potenza Sport: 33.1 MNankang Sportnex AS2 Plus: 37.5 M
Dry HandlingBridgestone Potenza Sport: 129.3 Km/HNankang Sportnex AS2 Plus: 125.2 Km/H
Subj. Dry HandlingBridgestone Potenza Sport: 10 PointsNankang Sportnex AS2 Plus: 5 Points
Wet BrakingMichelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 34.1 MToyo Proxes Sport: 41.5 M
Wet HandlingFalken Azenis FK510: 72.8 Km/HToyo Proxes Sport: 68.6 Km/H
Subj. Wet HandlingGoodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5: 9 PointsMichelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 7 Points
Wet CircleMichelin Pilot Sport 4 S: 9.23 m/sToyo Proxes Sport: 8.41 m/s
Straight AquaNankang Sportnex AS2 Plus: 91.8 Km/HMaxxis Victra Sport 5: 87.6 Km/H
NoiseNankang Sportnex AS2 Plus: 71.2 dBBridgestone Potenza Sport: 73.1 dB
PriceNankang Sportnex AS2 Plus: 139 Bridgestone Potenza Sport: 267
Rolling ResistanceContinental Sport Contact 6: 8.3 kg / tBridgestone Potenza Sport: 9.7 kg / t
It's the second time in history the new Bridgestone Potenza Sport has been tested in a tire test, and it's super exciting to see whether it can it match the first place from the Auto Bild Sportscars test!

There are some small differences between the two tests. Firstly, Auto Bild tested 20" tires using a Ford Mustang, where for this test Sport Auto have used the Toyota Supra / BMW Z4 platform which wears 255/35 R19 front and 275/35 R19 rear tires.

Sport Auto have also added a little depth to the test by including both UUHP (or Maximum Performance) and UHP tires, which means we get the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 up against the best from Michelin and Bridgestone, not the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport.

Sport Auto have also provided lots of data about the tires on test, which you'll see in the results below underneath the images, and it's interesting to see Bridgestone have been punchy with a starting tread depth of just 6.7mm on the front tire, way lower than the 7.4mm of the Michelin and 8mm of the Goodyear. Please note, the information listed below is for the rear 275/35 R19 size, if you'd like the data for the front size please head over to the Sport Auto website. 

UUHP vs UHP

Analyzing the differences between the best UUHP and best UHP tires brings up some interesting data.

In the dry, the UUHP tires from Michelin and Bridgestone were unrivaled in both braking and handling, with the testers also noting they had the sportiest handling on test.

The wet testing muddied the water a little. The UUHP Michelin had the shortest wet braking, but Falken managed to beat the Bridgestone to second place. Falken also dominated the wet handling test, ahead of second placed UHP Goodyear with the Bridgestone having to settle for third and the Michelin down in seventh! Somewhat strangely, the wet circle test brought the advantage back to the UUHP tires, with Michelin leading Bridgestone, which could mean the water depth on the wet handling circuit was too much for the UUHP tires at points, as the UHP tires were the clear leaders in the aquaplaning tests.

Dry

The new Potenza Sport led the way in dry braking with a small advantage over the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. 

Dry handling matched the first two  positions of dry braking, with the Continental SportContact 6 taking an impressive third place.

Unsurprisingly the two fastest tires on test also had the best subjectively handling, with the Continental and Goodyear the best of the UHP tires.

Wet

The top three positions in wet braking were covered by just 0.3 meters, with the updated Toyo Proxes Sport A still struggling in the wet.

The Falken FK510 again proved its wet mastery, edging out the Goodyear for the fastest average speed around the lap. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S seemed to unusually struggle, posting the second slowest time.

The three fastest tires also had the best subjective handling.

Michelin improved its wet weather performance by producing the highest lateral G around the wet circle.

The Nankang AS2+ was impressively ahead in straight aquaplaning tests, however that didn't make up for the otherwise low grip.

Environment

The spread of external noise was covered by just 1.9db.

The Continental SportContact 6 had the lowest rolling resistance on test, with the new Bridgestone posting it's first test loss.

Unsurprisingly the Nankang was cheapest, but surprisingly the Bridgestone was actually more expensive than the Michelin, at over 1000 Euros for a set.

Results

1st: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
  • 275/35 R19 100Y
  • EU Label: C/A/71
  • Origin: Germany
  • Weight: 12.5kgs
  • Tread: 7.4mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd33.3 M33.1 M+0.2 M99.4%
Dry Handling2nd129.2 Km/H129.3 Km/H-0.1 Km/H99.92%
Subj. Dry Handling1st10 Points100%
Wet Braking1st34.1 M100%
Wet Handling7th69.7 Km/H72.8 Km/H-3.1 Km/H95.74%
Subj. Wet Handling6th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Wet Circle1st9.23 m/s100%
Straight Aqua4th89.2 Km/H91.8 Km/H-2.6 Km/H97.17%
Noise3rd72 dB71.2 dB+0.8 dB98.89%
Price7th259 139 +120 53.67%
Rolling Resistance3rd8.8 kg / t8.3 kg / t+0.5 kg / t94.32%
Very short braking distances in the wet and dry, high levels of grip, very direct steering response and very high steering prevision in the dry, low rolling resistance.
Very narrow grip limit with tendency to oversteer in the wet, slight restrictions in ride comfort.
The Pilot Sport 4S delivers precise, reliable steering and top grip in the dry and wet.

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2nd: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
  • 275/35 R19 100Y
  • EU Label: E/A/72
  • Origin: Poland
  • Weight: 12.6kgs
  • Tread: 6.8mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st33.1 M100%
Dry Handling1st129.3 Km/H100%
Subj. Dry Handling1st10 Points100%
Wet Braking3rd34.3 M34.1 M+0.2 M99.42%
Wet Handling3rd72 Km/H72.8 Km/H-0.8 Km/H98.9%
Subj. Wet Handling1st9 Points100%
Wet Circle2nd9.16 m/s9.23 m/s-0.07 m/s99.24%
Straight Aqua7th88.1 Km/H91.8 Km/H-3.7 Km/H95.97%
Noise7th73.1 dB71.2 dB+1.9 dB97.4%
Price8th267 139 +128 52.06%
Rolling Resistance7th9.7 kg / t8.3 kg / t+1.4 kg / t85.57%
Very high level of grip in the wet and in particular the dry. Direct steering response and high steering precision during dry handling.
Somewhat sensitive to load changes in the wet, increased aquaplaning risks in curves, increased rolling resistance.
The new Potenza Sport excels in the dry, with a slight aquaplaning weakness.

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3rd: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
  • 275/35 R19 100Y
  • EU Label: C/A/73
  • Origin: Germany
  • Weight: 11.5kgs
  • Tread: 8.1mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th34 M33.1 M+0.9 M97.35%
Dry Handling4th128.3 Km/H129.3 Km/H-1 Km/H99.23%
Subj. Dry Handling3rd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Wet Braking4th34.6 M34.1 M+0.5 M98.55%
Wet Handling2nd72.6 Km/H72.8 Km/H-0.2 Km/H99.73%
Subj. Wet Handling1st9 Points100%
Wet Circle4th9.13 m/s9.23 m/s-0.1 m/s98.92%
Straight Aqua5th89.1 Km/H91.8 Km/H-2.7 Km/H97.06%
Noise5th72.7 dB71.2 dB+1.5 dB97.94%
Price6th240 139 +101 57.92%
Rolling Resistance2nd8.7 kg / t8.3 kg / t+0.4 kg / t95.4%
A very wall balanced tire with excellent handling in the dry, forgiving and still sporty in the dry, low rolling resistance, high driving stability and good comfort.
Not a very dynamic steering response, higher noise levels.
The Asymmetric 5 is sporty and comfortable for every day safety in any weather.

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4th: Continental Sport Contact 6

Continental Sport Contact 6
  • 275/35 R19 100Y
  • EU Label: E/A/73
  • Origin: Germany
  • Weight: 12.6kgs
  • Tread: 7.1mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th34.3 M33.1 M+1.2 M96.5%
Dry Handling3rd129 Km/H129.3 Km/H-0.3 Km/H99.77%
Subj. Dry Handling3rd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Wet Braking7th36.7 M34.1 M+2.6 M92.92%
Wet Handling4th71.7 Km/H72.8 Km/H-1.1 Km/H98.49%
Subj. Wet Handling4th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Wet Circle5th9.08 m/s9.23 m/s-0.15 m/s98.37%
Straight Aqua2nd89.8 Km/H91.8 Km/H-2 Km/H97.82%
Noise2nd71.9 dB71.2 dB+0.7 dB99.03%
Price5th211 139 +72 65.88%
Rolling Resistance1st8.3 kg / t100%
A well balanced tire, very low rolling resistance, good ride comfort.
Small deficits in wet braking.
The aging Sport Contact 6 is still an excellent tire.

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5th: Falken Azenis FK510

Falken Azenis FK510
  • 275/35 R19 100Y
  • EU Label: E/A/70
  • Origin: Japan
  • Weight: 12.5kgs
  • Tread: 7.4mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th34.3 M33.1 M+1.2 M96.5%
Dry Handling5th127.2 Km/H129.3 Km/H-2.1 Km/H98.38%
Subj. Dry Handling5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking2nd34.2 M34.1 M+0.1 M99.71%
Wet Handling1st72.8 Km/H100%
Subj. Wet Handling1st9 Points100%
Wet Circle6th9.05 m/s9.23 m/s-0.18 m/s98.05%
Straight Aqua6th88.5 Km/H91.8 Km/H-3.3 Km/H96.41%
Noise4th72.2 dB71.2 dB+1 dB98.61%
Price3rd161 139 +22 86.34%
Rolling Resistance6th9.5 kg / t8.3 kg / t+1.2 kg / t87.37%
Very good in all wet tests.
Sluggish steering reactions and reduced corning grip in the dry, average ride comfort, somewhat increased rolling resistance.
The FK510 is excellent in the wet, but limited in the dry.

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6th: Maxxis Victra Sport 5

Maxxis Victra Sport 5
  • 275/35 R19 100Y
  • EU Label: E/A/72
  • Origin: China
  • Weight: 11.8kgs
  • Tread: 6.5mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking3rd33.9 M33.1 M+0.8 M97.64%
Dry Handling6th127 Km/H129.3 Km/H-2.3 Km/H98.22%
Subj. Dry Handling6th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Wet Braking5th35.1 M34.1 M+1 M97.15%
Wet Handling5th71.2 Km/H72.8 Km/H-1.6 Km/H97.8%
Subj. Wet Handling6th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Wet Circle3rd9.14 m/s9.23 m/s-0.09 m/s99.02%
Straight Aqua8th87.6 Km/H91.8 Km/H-4.2 Km/H95.42%
Noise7th73.1 dB71.2 dB+1.9 dB97.4%
Price2nd150 139 +11 92.67%
Rolling Resistance4th9 kg / t8.3 kg / t+0.7 kg / t92.22%
Good braking performance in the wet and dry, easily manageable understeer in the dry.
Weaker aquaplaning resistance.
The Victra Sport 5 is a mostly safe entry level tire with no racing ambition.

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7th: Nankang Sportnex AS2+

Nankang Sportnex AS2 Plus
  • 275/35 R19 96Y
  • EU Label: E/A/71
  • Origin: China
  • Weight: 12.2kgs
  • Tread: 7.7mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th37.5 M33.1 M+4.4 M88.27%
Dry Handling8th125.2 Km/H129.3 Km/H-4.1 Km/H96.83%
Subj. Dry Handling8th5 Points10 Points-5 Points50%
Wet Braking6th36.5 M34.1 M+2.4 M93.42%
Wet Handling6th71.1 Km/H72.8 Km/H-1.7 Km/H97.66%
Subj. Wet Handling4th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Wet Circle7th8.68 m/s9.23 m/s-0.55 m/s94.04%
Straight Aqua1st91.8 Km/H100%
Noise1st71.2 dB100%
Price1st139 100%
Rolling Resistance4th9 kg / t8.3 kg / t+0.7 kg / t92.22%
Mostly safe in the wet, with an understeer balance, excellent aquaplaning resistance.
No sporty driving with sluggish inaccurate steering and poor grip. Relatively long braking distances and weak cornering grip in the wet.
The low cost SportNex AS2+ just shines in aquaplaning resistance.

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8th: Toyo Proxes Sport

Toyo Proxes Sport
  • 275/35 R19 100Y
  • EU Label: E/A/70
  • Origin: Japan
  • Weight: 11.8kgs
  • Tread: 7.2mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking7th35.8 M33.1 M+2.7 M92.46%
Dry Handling7th126.7 Km/H129.3 Km/H-2.6 Km/H97.99%
Subj. Dry Handling7th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Wet Braking8th41.5 M34.1 M+7.4 M82.17%
Wet Handling8th68.6 Km/H72.8 Km/H-4.2 Km/H94.23%
Subj. Wet Handling6th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Wet Circle8th8.41 m/s9.23 m/s-0.82 m/s91.12%
Straight Aqua3rd89.7 Km/H91.8 Km/H-2.1 Km/H97.71%
Noise6th72.9 dB71.2 dB+1.7 dB97.67%
Price4th192 139 +53 72.4%
Rolling Resistance7th9.7 kg / t8.3 kg / t+1.4 kg / t85.57%
Well balanced handling.
Limited steering precision and oversteering the dry, very long wet and dry braking distances.
The new Proxes Sport A still has grip problems.

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