2011 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test

In 2011, the excellent German Auto Zeitung have tested 14 winter tires throughout Europe. Running the popular 205/55 R16, fitted to a BMW 3 Series, the tires have been thoroughly tested on snow, wet roads and in dry conditions.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson

September 19, 2011 6 min read Updated January 8, 2025

The Results

The new Goodyear Ultragrip 8 is convincing in every respect, and confidently wins the test.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	116
Wet	136
Snow	129

Total: 381

The new Semperit Speed Grip 2 has impeccable precision meaning a strong 2nd place.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	127
Wet	129
Snow	118

Total: 374

Excellent handling on snow and good overall handling characteristics leave the Nokian WR D3 in a strong 3rd.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	112
Wet	111
Snow	142

Total: 365

The new Dunlop Winter Sport 4d runs well under all conditions and is always safe and sporty.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	118
Wet	130
Snow	115

Total: 363

Due to be replaced soon, the Continental WinterContact TS830 is still a leading winter tire.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	123
Wet	135
Snow	101

Total: 359

Compared to the predecessor, the Pirelli Winter Snow Control Series 3 is a better all round tire.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	113
Wet	118
Snow	120

Total: 351

The Michelin Alpine A4 shows a good all round performance.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	114
Wet	120
Snow	116

Total: 350

The Vredestein Snowtrac 3 is a good all round performer.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	108
Wet	111
Snow	117

Total: 336

The Sava Eskimo HP is a well balanced winter tire.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	93
Wet	111
Snow	117

Total: 321

The Bridgestone Blizzak LM32 has excellent slush control, slightly let down by its rolling resistance.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	97
Wet	104
Snow	103

Total: 304

The Fulda Kirstall Control HP is unremarkable in any category, but no major weaknesses.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	100
Wet	96
Snow	100

Total: 296

The Winterhalk 2 EVO is good in the snow, not enough wet grip leaves the Firestone 12th.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	98
Wet	83
Snow	109

Total: 290

Other than an excellent dry braking performance, the Apollo Acelere leaves a lot to be desired.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	114
Wet	77
Snow	85

Total: 276

Poor snow and wet grip leave the GT Radial in last place.

All discipline results (3)

Test	Result
Dry	97
Wet	63
Snow	83

Total: 243

Tire	Goodyear UltraGrip 8	Semperit Speed Grip 2	Nokian WR D3	Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D	Continental WinterContact TS830	Pirelli Winter Snow Control Series 3	Michelin Alpin A4	Vredestein Snowtrac 3	Sava eskimo hp	Bridgestone Blizzak LM32	Fulda Kristall Control HP	Firestone Winterhawk 2 EVO	Apollo Acelere Winter	GT Radial Champiro Winterpro
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