The excellent UK automotive magazine EVO always seems to publish their summer tire test late in the season, but it shouldn't be ignored as it's one of the best in Europe if you care as much about steering feel and feedback as you do ultimate grip.
This year, EVO have tested seven 225/40 R18 UHP tires using a VW Golf GTI at the Pirelli test facility in Vizzola, Italy, and while the volume of tires is surprisingly small for such a common size, the breath of testing was as vast as any European tire test.
Dry
As ever, the dry testing was close, but this test showed a return to form by Pirelli.
During dry handling the P Zero had a huge advantage, finishing nearly a second over the second placed Michelin Pilot Sport 4, with both tires scoring well subjectively by demonstrating quick, accurate steering, and good feedback.
The Michelin also had nearly a second advantage over the third place Dunlop SportMaxx RT2, with the older Dunlop lacking the traction and steering feel of the best on test. Fourth place was joint awarded to the Continental PremiumContact 6 and Falken FK510. While they finished with matching lap times, subjectively the Continental was much better around the lap, with the Falken feeling light and inaccurate. The Nokian PowerProof and new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 rounded out the results, with the Goodyear scoring slightly better subjectively.
Dry Handling
Dry handling time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 87.3 s | Best | |
| 88.1 s | +0.80 s | |
| 89 s | +1.70 s | |
| 89.1 s | +1.80 s | |
| 89.1 s | +1.80 s | |
| 89.2 s | +1.90 s | |
| 89.3 s | +2.00 s |
All the tires in the Dry Handling test finished less than 3% apart.
Subj. Dry Handling
Subjective Dry Handling Score
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 63 Points | Best | |
| 57.5 Points | -5.50 Points | |
| 52 Points | -11.00 Points | |
| 52 Points | -11.00 Points | |
| 51 Points | -12.00 Points | |
| 50.5 Points | -12.50 Points | |
| 47 Points | -16.00 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 25.4% (16 Points).
Dry braking had a similar overall result, this time with Continental leading Michelin and Pirelli.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 115 ft | Best | |
| 116 ft | +1 ft | |
| 116 ft | +1 ft | |
| 119 ft | +4 ft | |
| 120 ft | +5 ft | |
| 121 ft | +6 ft | |
| 122 ft | +7 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 6% (7 ft ≈ 0.5 Car Lengths).
Wet
Once again, Pirelli dominated wet testing at their home track, with an unusually large 1.2 second advantage over just 1 miles. Michelin and Continental finished second and third place for both the timed lap, and subjective handling scores.
Dunlop and Falken placed fourth and fifth respectively in both timed and subjective handling, and the new Goodyear had another poor result finishing sixth in time, and last subjectively. This isn't something that's been shown in other testing.
Wet Handling
Wet handling time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 82.1 s | Best | |
| 83.3 s | +1.20 s | |
| 84.1 s | +2.00 s | |
| 84.3 s | +2.20 s | |
| 84.4 s | +2.30 s | |
| 84.4 s | +2.30 s | |
| 84.4 s | +2.30 s |
All the tires in the Wet Handling test finished less than 3% apart.
Subj. Wet Handling
Subjective Wet Handling Score
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 59 Points | Best | |
| 56.5 Points | -2.50 Points | |
| 55.5 Points | -3.50 Points | |
| 53 Points | -6.00 Points | |
| 51 Points | -8.00 Points | |
| 51 Points | -8.00 Points | |
| 49 Points | -10.00 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 16.9% (10 Points).
Wet braking again showed the dominance of the Pirelli, finishing a meter ahead of the Falken and 5 feet ahead of third placed Michelin.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 123 ft | Best | |
| 126 ft | +3 ft | |
| 128 ft | +5 ft | |
| 128 ft | +5 ft | |
| 130 ft | +7 ft | |
| 131 ft | +8 ft | |
| 134 ft | +11 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 8.8% (11 ft ≈ 0.7 Car Lengths).
Aquaplaning resulted in a rest bite for Goodyear, winning the straight aquaplaning test.
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in mph
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 48.2 mph | Best | |
| 47.8 mph | -0.4 mph | |
| 47.7 mph | -0.5 mph | |
| 47.0 mph | -1.2 mph | |
| 47.0 mph | -1.2 mph | |
| 46.9 mph | -1.3 mph | |
| 46.8 mph | -1.4 mph |
All the tires in the Straight Aqua test finished less than 3% apart.
Environment
EVO Magazine doesn't test NVH in a normal way, instead they run a road route on the tire which looks at noise and comfort levels, along with steering weight, feel and feedback on the road.
In this testing, the Continental proved to be the best on the road tire, largely thanks to its excellent refinement over all types of road surface.
If you'd prefer a little more steering feel over comfort, the Pirelli and Michelin both offered more feedback, with the Michelin doing a better job than the Pirelli of combining comfort and steering feel.
Surprisingly the Falken, which is often rated in other testing as having excellent levels of comfort at the expense of subjectively handling, was last in this test.
Subj. Comfort
Subjective Comfort Score
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Points | Best | |
| 23.5 Points | -0.50 Points | |
| 23.5 Points | -0.50 Points | |
| 23 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 22.5 Points | -1.50 Points | |
| 21 Points | -3.00 Points | |
| 18.5 Points | -5.50 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 22.9% (5.5 Points).
Rolling resistance was the weak point of the Pirelli, finishing last.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.58 kg/t | Best | $0 | |
| 8.59 kg/t | +0.01 kg/t | $0 | |
| 8.77 kg/t | +0.19 kg/t | $7 | |
| 8.84 kg/t | +0.26 kg/t | $9 | |
| 8.88 kg/t | +0.30 kg/t | $10 | |
| 9.08 kg/t | +0.50 kg/t | $17 | |
| 10.16 kg/t | +1.58 kg/t | $54 |
The difference between best and worst was 18.4% (1.58 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 uses about 15 gal ($54) more fuel than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
Results
Don't forget to go and pick up the magazine or check out www.evo.co.uk for the full test details!
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 116 ft | +1 ft |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 87.3 s | Best in this discipline |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 63 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 123 ft | Best in this discipline |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 82.1 s | Best in this discipline |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 59 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 47.0 mph | -1.2 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 23.5 Points | -0.50 Points |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 7th / 7 | 10.16 kg/t | +1.58 kg/t |
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 116 ft | +1 ft |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 88.1 s | +0.80 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 57.5 Points | -5.50 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 128 ft | +5 ft |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 83.3 s | +1.20 s |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 56.5 Points | -2.50 Points |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 47.7 mph | -0.5 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 23.5 Points | -0.50 Points |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 5th / 7 | 8.88 kg/t | +0.30 kg/t |
Continental Premium Contact 6
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 115 ft | Best in this discipline |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 89.1 s | +1.80 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 51 Points | -12.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 130 ft | +7 ft |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 84.1 s | +2.00 s |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 55.5 Points | -3.50 Points |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 46.8 mph | -1.4 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 24 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 4th / 7 | 8.84 kg/t | +0.26 kg/t |
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 121 ft | +6 ft |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 89 s | +1.70 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 52 Points | -11.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 134 ft | +11 ft |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 84.3 s | +2.20 s |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 53 Points | -6.00 Points |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 47.8 mph | -0.4 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 21 Points | -3.00 Points |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 1st / 7 | 8.58 kg/t | Best in this discipline |
Nokian PowerProof
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 119 ft | +4 ft |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 89.2 s | +1.90 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 50.5 Points | -12.50 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 128 ft | +5 ft |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 84.4 s | +2.30 s |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 51 Points | -8.00 Points |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 47.0 mph | -1.2 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 23 Points | -1.00 Points |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 8.77 kg/t | +0.19 kg/t |
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 120 ft | +5 ft |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 89.3 s | +2.00 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 52 Points | -11.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 131 ft | +8 ft |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 84.4 s | +2.30 s |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 49 Points | -10.00 Points |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 48.2 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 22.5 Points | -1.50 Points |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 8.59 kg/t | +0.01 kg/t |
Falken Azenis FK510
225/40 R18
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 122 ft | +7 ft |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 89.1 s | +1.80 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 47 Points | -16.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 126 ft | +3 ft |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 84.4 s | +2.30 s |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 51 Points | -8.00 Points |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 46.9 mph | -1.3 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 18.5 Points | -5.50 Points |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 6th / 7 | 9.08 kg/t | +0.50 kg/t |
What about the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 vs the Bridgestone Potenza s001? I have just bought Potemza S001 Y XL for my Giulietta 2.0 as they used to have rigid flanks and last at least 25000 /30 000 km..what do you think?
Not sure if it helps, my GQV has Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires which are brilliant on both dry and wet, the main issue is I´ve done almost 14.000 km and the rear tires are practically done.
I have done 30000 km with the last set of Bridgestone Potenza S001 and they were done. I was curious about P Zero PZ4 because I have heard that it has great holding but it's not that rigid to contrast car rolling.
Sorry I missed this! The PZ4 should offer better wet grip than the S001, and the ride comfort should be better too. If you're looking for a good grip / comfort the Asymmetric 5 is also a great tire to look into.
No problem! I see, better grip! Anyway what I liked a lot of Potenza S001 is the rigidity of the tire shoulder and I appreciated that because my Giulietta has good stability but it suffer a little of rolling so rigid tires compensate a little.
Would have liked to have seen the Eagle F1 SS in the test, but nm.
We tested it in our test :)
https://www.tirereviews.co....
In the magazine it said the Maxxis Victra Sport 5 would have would the test, beating Pirelli, had it been available to buy through wholesale - which i believe they are now?
That's correct, though I'm not sure what the question is? :)
Haha no question as such - just thought there would be some mention of it now that it's available to buy :)
Ah great, thank you for the comment :)
I'm also disappointed not to be able to view the results of this tire as well. Just because it was on wholesale at that point people can still use the test for future reference. It would be nice to see which categories it was strongest in and how close it was in other sections. I have seen that it comes with a treadwear rating of 320 in a review in Australia. So in theory same wear as a PS4? Seriously considering these for my next two tires as I have found them locally for £70 per tire on 225/45/17.
The results were in the magazine, but not part of the final scoring as pre-production tires can differ from the tires you end up buying in the aftermarket.
Hey! Why there is no PS 4S edition? Its available (gooosh finally...) in this 18" size
Can't have been available at the time of test. I've not officially heard about an 18" PS4S in the UK market!
The final oddity that i notice is that the Pirelli tire is top of the class for both wet and dry handling. Considering performance in one usually means sacrificing the other i am very surprised that it was so far ahead of even the nearest competitor in both tests.
I'd better get a tin foil hat and join the conspiracy nuts at this rate.
Also, a Golf GTI, not even an "R"? not really the car of choice to truly test the limits of a UHP tire. If the car was supplied by Pirelli, then again it would be safe to assume that this is their test car for that tire, again literally tailor made for the car. However, i understand that it can be hard to find a size that all manufacturers supply for a true comparison.
I think the GTI is dynamically better than the R, lighter, more feel, and for an 18" size, not the worst choice :)
Would the fact that they are using the Pirelli test track not in itself give an advantage to the Pirelli tires? Surely the Pirelli tires will have spent many thousands of miles more on this track than the competition. They are literally tailor made for this track.
There can be a SMALL home advantage at the hosts track, but look at the latest few tests from Uvalde, Continentals test facility. They've not won. The huge advantage of the PZ4 won't just be doing to being at Pirelli's facility, it was by far the best tire on test
Pirelli was good in the "auto bild sports car" too, but never did Falken and Nokian Powerproof do this "badly".
something stinks in this test
I'm sure there would have been no foul play, a lot of the EVO result is based on subjectivity, which is afterall subjective. The biggest surprise for me was Falken doing so badly in comfort testing, as nearly all other tests call this a comfortable tire.
Sponsored by Pirelli, no?
Nope! Pirelli will have provided the proving grounds and vehicle etc, but EVO will have planned and conducted the entire test themselves with no influence from Pirelli.
Thanks for that.
The image is of the "luxury saloon" variant. Was this indeed the variant tested? (And would you be able to separate the listings of the two variants please?)
Sport tire (Pirelli) against sporty/comfy tires from Conti and Michelin is an useless comparison in my opinion. Should have been Conti SportContact5 and Michelin Pilot Super Sport (Since Michelin has no 4S on offer for some strange reason). I know those are older types but so is the Dunlop RT2.....
The difference is the RT2 hasn't been replaced yet, the PSS and CSC5 have. The PC6 is also more sporty than the CSC5 in a lot of sizes too, don't let the name fool you
OK, understood. One thing though: The PS4 is not a real replacement for the PSS but again, it's strange that Michelin doesn't offer the PS4S in this popular size.
In the meantime my compliments for all the services and information on these pages. Many thanks. Greetings from the Netherlands.
With the Pirelli naming mess it would be really helpful to know which version of the p4z did get tested:
SC or LS - since the Pz4 dominates the wet tests also I would guess it was the LS version as I would expect the SC version to be extremely good on dry with less good performance on wet
As far as I understand, only the SC version is available to the aftermarket, so it would have been that
Mhh last year I don't know. At the moment I can order SC easily, depending on the size those are OE version.