Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
Expect notably stronger all-round performance, longevity and aquaplaning safety from the Goodyear, with repeated wins in snow braking/traction and across dry metrics. The Pirelli counters with competitive wet grip in some protocols (including concrete wet braking) and decent comfort at times, but shows variability on dry roads and lower wear life, with occasional strengths on ice braking.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been sixteen tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 | fourteen | |
| Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 | two |
While it might look like the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is better than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Outstanding snow braking and traction consistency across tests
- Best-in-class aquaplaning safety and strong wet handling balance
- High projected mileage and low abrasion for superior long-term value
- Low noise and good comfort with competitive rolling resistance
- Strong results in select wet protocols (incl. wet braking, concrete)
- Competitive ice braking in ADAC testing
- Touring-oriented ride with quiet pass-by noise in some tests
- Occasional snow handling competitiveness and good curved aquaplaning
Dry Braking
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during ten dry braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped the vehicle in 1.09% less distance than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Dry Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was 0.55% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during six dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was 0.86% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 scored 1.09% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from fourteen tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during eight wet braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped the vehicle in 0.79% less distance than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Wet Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during two wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stopped the vehicle in 2.91% less distance than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was 0.58% faster around a wet lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during four wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1.17% faster around a wet lap than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 scored 2.2% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 had 2.14% higher lateral wet grip than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Wet Circle: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during nine straight aqua tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 floated at a 0.79% higher speed than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Straight Aqua: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during eight curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 slipped out at a 6.18% higher speed than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from fourteen tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during thirteen snow braking tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stopped the vehicle in 2.01% less distance than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Snow Braking: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 accelerated 1.04% faster than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Snow Traction: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during six snow traction tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 had 1.27% better snow traction than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Snow Traction: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during one snow handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was 0.01% faster around a lap than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during three snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was 1.12% faster around a lap than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Snow Handling
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two subj. snow handling tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 scored 2.18% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two snow circle tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 provided 2.8% more lateral grip than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Snow Circle: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during three snow slalom tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was 0.29% faster through a slalom than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Snow Slalom: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during two ice braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 stopped the vehicle 9.28% shorter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Ice Braking: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during three subj. comfort tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 scored 11.79% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 scored 6.17% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Subj. Noise: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from eight tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during six noise tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 measured 1.33% quieter than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Noise: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during five wear tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is predicted to cover 18.53% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Wear: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during three value tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 proved to have a 13.14% better value based on price/1000km than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Value: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 was better during two price tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 cost 0.31% less than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Best In Price: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from nine tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during five rolling resistance tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 had a 3.13% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 performed equally well in fuel consumption tests.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 was better during two abrasion tests. On average the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 emitted 26.32% less particle wear matter than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Best In Abrasion: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
In total the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 has been reviewed 13 times and drivers have given the tire 87% overall.
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 has been reviewed 3 times and drivers have given the tire 78% overall.
This means in real world driving, people prefer the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3.
Conclusion
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 remains viable for drivers prioritizing touring comfort and select wet protocols (notably wet braking on certain surfaces and good curved aquaplaning in some tests), plus relatively strong ice braking in ADAC. However, its inconsistent dry precision, weaker snow braking versus Goodyear, higher rolling resistance in several tests, and significantly shorter wear undermine its case. If you drive through a wide range of winter conditions or simply want fewer compromises, the Goodyear is the safer, longer-lasting bet; opt for the Pirelli only if your winters are mainly wet/mild with occasional ice and you value a touring feel.
Key Differences
- Overall results: Goodyear consistently places higher (e.g., ADAC wins; multiple top-3 finishes) versus mid-pack Pirelli results
- Snow safety: Goodyear dominates snow braking (13 category wins vs. 0) and traction in most tests
- Aquaplaning: Goodyear leads both straight and curved aquaplaning by meaningful margins
- Wear and value: Goodyear shows 20-45% longer projected mileage and lower abrasion with better price-per-1,000 km
- Dry road performance: Goodyear edges Pirelli in dry braking/handling in most studies; Pirelli cited for vague dry feel
- Surface nuance: Pirelli occasionally wins wet braking on certain surfaces (e.g., concrete) and performs better on ice braking in ADAC
Overall Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
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Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.