This year Auto Bild have covered both 19 and 20" UHP tires, and while we've covered the 20" test already, we delayed covering the 19" test for a few weeks.
In those few weeks, Sport Auto Magazine released their 19" tire test, and it uses exactly the same 245/35 R19 and 265/35 R19 tires, on the same BMW M2, and tests the same six UHP tires at the same location.
The logical question would be why publish this version of the test, as the results should be exactly the same? Well, they're not. Whether it be down to driving style, test parameters or just the weather on the day, Sport Auto and Auto Bild have managed to come up with two different test results using the same vehicle and tires, proving just how close the very best tires on the market are.
Below is the Auto Bild version of the test, be sure to check out Sport Autos results here.
Dry
In the dry the Continental was strongest, winning both the dry braking and dry handling tests. The Michelin was second fastest around the lap, but could only place fourth during the braking tests, stopping the car 2 feet after the Continental did.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 116 ft | Best | |
| 118 ft | +2 ft | |
| 118 ft | +2 ft | |
| 118 ft | +2 ft | |
| 125 ft | +9 ft | |
| 127 ft | +11 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 9.6% (11 ft ≈ 0.8 Car Lengths).
Dry Handling
Dry Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 76.5 mph | Best | |
| 76.2 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 75.4 mph | -1.1 mph | |
| 74.6 mph | -1.9 mph | |
| 73.6 mph | -2.9 mph | |
| 72.0 mph | -4.5 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 5.8% (4.5 mph).
Wet
The Falken continued its recent strong performance by dominating in both the shallow water wet tests, and being close enough during the aquaplaning results. The Michelin, Continental and Hankook were again all close with the Toyo and Nankang once again lagging behind.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 153 ft | Best | |
| 155 ft | +2 ft | |
| 158 ft | +5 ft | |
| 158 ft | +5 ft | |
| 169 ft | +16 ft | |
| 195 ft | +42 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 27.4% (42 ft ≈ 2.8 Car Lengths).
Wet Handling
Wet Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 50.8 mph | Best | |
| 50.5 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 50.1 mph | -0.7 mph | |
| 49.6 mph | -1.2 mph | |
| 49.2 mph | -1.6 mph | |
| 46.4 mph | -4.4 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 8.6% (4.4 mph).
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in mph
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 57.7 mph | Best | |
| 54.9 mph | -2.8 mph | |
| 54.0 mph | -3.7 mph | |
| 53.9 mph | -3.8 mph | |
| 53.2 mph | -4.5 mph | |
| 53.1 mph | -4.6 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 8% (4.6 mph).
Environment
While the Nankang was the cheapest to buy, it also used the most fuel. The Continental proved to have the best external noise levels.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.57 kg/t | Best | $0 | |
| 9.21 kg/t | +0.64 kg/t | $22 | |
| 9.34 kg/t | +0.77 kg/t | $26 | |
| 9.49 kg/t | +0.92 kg/t | $32 | |
| 9.97 kg/t | +1.40 kg/t | $48 | |
| 9.99 kg/t | +1.42 kg/t | $49 |
The difference between best and worst was 16.6% (1.42 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Nankang Noble Sport NS20 uses about 14 gal ($49) more fuel than the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
Noise
External noise in dB
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 73.6 dB | Best | |
| 73.6 dB | Best | |
| 74.1 dB | +0.50 dB | |
| 74.2 dB | +0.60 dB | |
| 74.4 dB | +0.80 dB | |
| 74.6 dB | +1.00 dB |
All the tires in the Noise test finished less than 3% apart.
Results
Full details below, and as always check out the Auto Bild website for all the glorious details (in German)
Continental Sport Contact 6
265/35 R19
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 8 |
| Wet | 7 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Rolling Resistance | 5 |
| Noise | 6 |
| Overall | 8 |
Total: 39
- Price
- 880.00
Hankook Ventus S1 evo2
265/35 R19
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 7 |
| Wet | 6 |
| Comfort | 7 |
| Rolling Resistance | 6 |
| Noise | 5 |
| Overall | 7 |
Total: 38
- Price
- 690.00
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
265/35 R19
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 8 |
| Wet | 6 |
| Comfort | 6 |
| Rolling Resistance | 6 |
| Noise | 5 |
| Overall | 7 |
Total: 38
- Price
- 1060.00
Falken Azenis FK510
265/35 R19
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 6 |
| Wet | 8 |
| Comfort | 3 |
| Rolling Resistance | 5 |
| Noise | 5 |
| Overall | 5 |
Total: 32
- Price
- 590.00
Toyo Proxes Sport
265/35 R19
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 4 |
| Wet | 5 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Rolling Resistance | 5 |
| Noise | 6 |
| Overall | 4 |
Total: 29
- Price
- 590.00
Nankang Noble Sport NS20
265/35 R19
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 1 |
| Wet | 1 |
| Comfort | 2 |
| Rolling Resistance | 5 |
| Noise | 6 |
| Overall | 2 |
Total: 17
- Price
- 420.00
I’m looking for replacement tires for my 2016 Audi A4 3.0 tdi s line it’s on 245 35 19 Hankook Ventus s1 evo at the moment I’m looking for a tire with low road noise and a smooth ride would the Goodyear f1 3 be my best bet?
Just noticed today that the Sport Contact 6 is available in one 18 inch size, 235/40R18 which is 'my' size. Does @Tirereviews recon this is an upgrade in ultimate grip and trackability compared to the PS4 I'm rocking now? My car is a MQB Hot Estate pushing 370hp+ through the front wheels... Realize it is a more expensive tire because of the quicker wear, but if it puts power down noticeably better and perhaps gives some more steering feel (probably not) it could be worth it..
Sorry, I can't really answer that as I've not done the test. I think the raw dry and wet grip will be similar, however the SC6 might give you better steering feel. This is based on an assumption so might not be true.
After careful consideration, I think I'm gonna try the Supersports for their motorsport construction. I'm in it for the fun/feedback, bit like running a cold Cup2 can be fun while being dead slow. But since I do daily the car and carry the whole family a Cup2 would be a notch too far... If I don't like it, I just paid for an early swap, the PS4 can go back on once the PSS wear down. Makes sense to a tire testing/handling nerd, right? ;)
I'm on board with that plan :)
I got the 225/40R18 HN version, the ones that go on the i30N, a similar weight HH. As opposed to the * star BMW version (narrower front axle version?). I do wonder what the HN version entails... You have good contacts at Michelin?
I have great contacts at Michelin, but often they can't or won't say when it comes to specific details like that sadly.
Little follow up. Drove the home commute with the PSS, which involves a small back road I know very well. The PS4 were only 1mm down, same weather same road, same car, same tire pressures, same alignment. PSS already scrubbed in a fair bit. The PSS most definitely gives more feedback up and beyond max grip. And on top of that and to me clearly noticable, more eager to change direction, which is something that I was missing with the PS4. Definitely more enjoyable to drive on my fairly focussed ride, the relative small cold wet grip penalty should be worth it. I'll certainly will have a better idea of grip levels. Aftermarket tpms sensors added will give some tire temp information there too...
Glad you're liking them :)
Just to be clear, this is entirely your working, from the comparison vid to the SC6 and the PS4S, would have otherwise discounted it as an 'old' tire... So thank you sir, you saved my very important car-guy relationship!! ;)
Subjective impressions are difficult to validate, even more so on different platforms, but from another drive this night, it is uncanny how much a, to most people fairly similar, tire can make itself felt so clearly even at low speeds. MQB with aftermarket LCA with uniball front and fairly aggresive alignment with max toe rear and max toe out (instead of in) front. First now I really feel the alignment working its magic. And bit surprising that I can still be surprised having extensive experience on other cars with SC3, VEvo2, Asymmetrics, AD08, SC5, RE001, SC5P, PS3*, PS4* and also proper drives with MPSC, V105 and PS4S to name a few... Hope this feedback is helpful to you and others.
*with hindsight these two *feel* very similar with reservation for different platforms