Test setup & methodology

The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.

Recorded test conditions

Dry Braking: 62.1 → 0.0 mph
Wet Braking: 49.7 → 0.0 mph

Every year, the British publication EVO Magazine conduct a UHP summer tire test, with this years test covering the hugely popular 235/35 R19 tire size, on a VW Golf GTI. This year, due to travel restrictions, the handling testing was conducted at MIRA in the UK, rather than the Continental facility in Germany.

The EVO summer tire tests are particularly interesting as they're one of the few publications to really dig into the subjective handling of each tire on test, as what good is a fast tire if it's no fun to drive? This means, much like our own tests, the EVO test can help you understand which tire will give you not just the best grip, but the most driving enjoyment too.

As always, head over to the EVO website or locate EVO issue Dec 1st, pages 119-126 for the full details, or carry on reading to our summary below.

Dry

As usual, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S had a dry braking advantage, stopping the Golf in a slightly shorter distance than the second placed Continental SportContact 6.

Dry Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	110 ft	Best	0 mph
2Continental Sport Contact 6	111 ft	+1 ft	6 mph
3Pirelli P Zero PZ4	112 ft	+2 ft	10 mph
4Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport	114 ft	+4 ft	14 mph
5Nokian PowerProof	116 ft	+6 ft	19 mph
6Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2	117 ft	+7 ft	19 mph
7Vredestein Ultrac Vorti	118 ft	+8 ft	21 mph

The difference between best and worst was 7.4% (8 ft ≈ 0.6 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Vredestein Ultrac Vorti would still be travelling at 21 mph when the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Michelin carried this advantage through to dry handling, where it tied first with the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Dry Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	52.15 s	Best
1Pirelli P Zero PZ4	52.15 s	Best
3Vredestein Ultrac Vorti	52.5 s	+0.35 s
3Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport	52.5 s	+0.35 s
5Continental Sport Contact 6	52.65 s	+0.50 s
6Nokian PowerProof	52.95 s	+0.80 s
7Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2	53.1 s	+0.95 s

All the tires in the Dry Handling test finished less than 3% apart.

The Michelin also had the best subjective handling and made the lap feel easy, whereas the Pirelli felt great on lap one, but lost its edge on the second lap.

Subj. Dry Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	63 Points	Best
2Continental Sport Contact 6	61.5 Points	-1.50 Points
3Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport	59 Points	-4.00 Points
4Pirelli P Zero PZ4	57 Points	-6.00 Points
5Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2	56 Points	-7.00 Points
5Nokian PowerProof	56 Points	-7.00 Points
7Vredestein Ultrac Vorti	53.5 Points	-9.50 Points

The difference between best and worst was 15.1% (9.5 Points).

Wet

Michelin once again dominated wet braking, with a significant advantage over the group from 50 mph.

Wet Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	85 ft	Best	0 mph
2Continental Sport Contact 6	91 ft	+6 ft	20 mph
3Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport	92 ft	+7 ft	21 mph
4Pirelli P Zero PZ4	94 ft	+9 ft	25 mph
5Nokian PowerProof	94 ft	+9 ft	25 mph
6Vredestein Ultrac Vorti	97 ft	+12 ft	28 mph
7Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2	99 ft	+14 ft	30 mph

The difference between best and worst was 15.8% (14 ft ≈ 0.9 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 would still be travelling at 30 mph when the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Pirelli was fastest by nearly a second over the short wet handling lap, with Continental finishing last with the SportContact 6.

Wet Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Pirelli P Zero PZ4	46 s	Best
2Nokian PowerProof	46.7 s	+0.70 s
2Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport	46.7 s	+0.70 s
4Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	46.8 s	+0.80 s
5Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2	47.2 s	+1.20 s
6Vredestein Ultrac Vorti	48 s	+2.00 s
7Continental Sport Contact 6	48.5 s	+2.50 s

The difference between best and worst was 5.4% (2.5 s).

The Pirelli was also the best subjective tire during wet handling, offering the best of everything, with good grip and balance.

Subj. Wet Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Pirelli P Zero PZ4	62 Points	Best
2Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2	58.5 Points	-3.50 Points
3Nokian PowerProof	56.5 Points	-5.50 Points
4Continental Sport Contact 6	56 Points	-6.00 Points
5Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport	55.5 Points	-6.50 Points
6Vredestein Ultrac Vorti	55 Points	-7.00 Points
7Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	54.5 Points	-7.50 Points

The difference between best and worst was 12.1% (7.5 Points).

The Michelin Pilot Sport PS4 S took another win in the wet circle test, posting the fastest time around the round track.

Wet Circle
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	12.39 s	Best
2Pirelli P Zero PZ4	12.42 s	+0.03 s
2Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport	12.42 s	+0.03 s
4Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2	12.54 s	+0.15 s
4Nokian PowerProof	12.54 s	+0.15 s
6Continental Sport Contact 6	12.6 s	+0.21 s
7Vredestein Ultrac Vorti	12.71 s	+0.32 s

All the tires in the Wet Circle test finished less than 3% apart.

The tires that struggled during the wet handling lap were also the tires with the lowest aquaplaning resistance, which isn't uncommon for MIRA.

Straight Aqua
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2	46.2 mph	Best
2Pirelli P Zero PZ4	44.9 mph	-1.3 mph
3Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	44.7 mph	-1.5 mph
4Nokian PowerProof	44.6 mph	-1.6 mph
5Vredestein Ultrac Vorti	44.6 mph	-1.6 mph
6Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport	44.5 mph	-1.7 mph
7Continental Sport Contact 6	44.4 mph	-1.8 mph

The difference between best and worst was 3.9% (1.8 mph).

Environment

Interestingly, the tire with the best subjective dry handling was also awarded the best subjective comfort. These are usually opposing design requirements.

Subj. Comfort
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	25 Points	Best
2Continental Sport Contact 6	24.5 Points	-0.50 Points
3Nokian PowerProof	23.5 Points	-1.50 Points
4Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2	22.5 Points	-2.50 Points
4Pirelli P Zero PZ4	22.5 Points	-2.50 Points
6Vredestein Ultrac Vorti	22 Points	-3.00 Points
6Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport	22 Points	-3.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 12% (3 Points).

The Contiental SportContact 6 had the lowest rolling resistance on test, in a very close group. Strangely, the Continental is one of "E" rated tires for the EU tire label rolling resistance category, beating all of the "C" rated.

Rolling Resistance
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Extra fuel / year
1Continental Sport Contact 6	0.83 kg/t	Best	$0
2Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2	0.84 kg/t	+0.01 kg/t	$4
3Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	0.87 kg/t	+0.04 kg/t	$14
4Nokian PowerProof	0.89 kg/t	+0.06 kg/t	$21
5Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport	0.92 kg/t	+0.09 kg/t	$32
6Vredestein Ultrac Vorti	0.98 kg/t	+0.15 kg/t	$53
7Pirelli P Zero PZ4	1.02 kg/t	+0.19 kg/t	$67

The difference between best and worst was 22.9% (0.19 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 uses about 19 gal ($67) more fuel than the Continental Sport Contact 6.

Adjust the assumptions

Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.

Gas/Diesel Electric

Annual Mileage

12,000 mi

km (L)

miles (US gal)

Fuel Price

$3.60/gal

GBP (£)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Set my vehicle consumption

Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tire age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

Ignoring the strange price for the Dunlop, the Michelin took its usual position as the most expensive tire on test. Sadly, EVO didn't conduct any wear testing which is a category Michelin usually excels in, but in recent years Continental and Goodyear have caught up in.

Results

The Pilot Sport 4 S was good in the wet and outstanding in the dry, setting the fastest dry lap time and topping our subjective ratings on track and on the road route, where it impressed with superb steering feel and feedback and ride comfort. A great tire that will improve the feel of your performance car.

Dry100%

Wet98.2%

Comfort100%

Rolling Resistance95.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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	1^st / 7	110 ft	Best in this discipline
Dry HandlingLower is better	1^st / 7	52.15 s	Best in this discipline
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 7	63 Points	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 7	85 ft	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingLower is better	4^th / 7	46.8 s	+0.80 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	7^th / 7	54.5 Points	-7.50 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	1^st / 7	12.39 s	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	3^rd / 7	44.7 mph	-1.5 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	1^st / 7	25 Points	Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	3^rd / 7	0.873 kg/t	+0.04 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/72
Price: 142.00

The SportContact 6 lacked corner traction in the wet, as is reflected in its slowest wet handling time and bottom-of-the-table aquaplaning results, but it was good elsewhere and subjectively was highly rated in the dry and on the road route for its steering feel, calm poise and decent refinement.

Dry99.1%

Wet95.3%

Comfort98%

Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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	2^nd / 7	111 ft	+1 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	5^th / 7	52.65 s	+0.50 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	2^nd / 7	61.5 Points	-1.50 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 7	91 ft	+6 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	7^th / 7	48.5 s	+2.50 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	4^th / 7	56 Points	-6.00 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	6^th / 7	12.6 s	+0.21 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	7^th / 7	44.4 mph	-1.8 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	2^nd / 7	24.5 Points	-0.50 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	1^st / 7	0.831 kg/t	Best in this discipline

EU Label: E/A/72
Price: 133.00

The ‘PZ4’ P Zero was outstanding in the wet, setting the fastest time and feeling the most connected and grippy on the wet circuit, which it backed up with strong aquaplaning performances. It lacked the steering feel and feedback of the best but was good in the dry too, setting the equal fastest lap time.

Dry98.5%

Wet97.1%

Comfort90%

Rolling Resistance81.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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	3^rd / 7	112 ft	+2 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	1^st / 7	52.15 s	Best in this discipline
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	4^th / 7	57 Points	-6.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	4^th / 7	94 ft	+9 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	1^st / 7	46 s	Best in this discipline
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 7	62 Points	Best in this discipline
Wet CircleLower is better	2^nd / 7	12.42 s	+0.03 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	2^nd / 7	44.9 mph	-1.3 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4^th / 7	22.5 Points	-2.50 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	7^th / 7	1.017 kg/t	+0.19 kg/t

EU Label: E/A/71
Price: 124.00

A great result for the Powerproof. It’s not the most tactile or the sharpest steering here but it delivered strong performances in the wet, including equal second fastest on the wet track and good aquaplaning resistance. This it combines with decent everyday refinement and good value.

Dry95.9%

Wet95.6%

Comfort94%

Rolling Resistance93%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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	5^th / 7	116 ft	+6 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	6^th / 7	52.95 s	+0.80 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 7	56 Points	-7.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	5^th / 7	94 ft	+9 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	2^nd / 7	46.7 s	+0.70 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 7	56.5 Points	-5.50 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	4^th / 7	12.54 s	+0.15 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	4^th / 7	44.6 mph	-1.6 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	3^rd / 7	23.5 Points	-1.50 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	4^th / 7	0.894 kg/t	+0.06 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/72
Price: 110.00

The Eagle F1 SuperSport had steering feel and feedback as good as the best, helping it achieve strong dry results. It delivered good objective wet performances too, but while its steering was outstanding its refinement was less good: on poor surfaces it was noisy and bumpy.

Dry97.7%

Wet96.4%

Comfort88%

Rolling Resistance90.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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	4^th / 7	114 ft	+4 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	3^rd / 7	52.5 s	+0.35 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 7	59 Points	-4.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	3^rd / 7	92 ft	+7 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	2^nd / 7	46.7 s	+0.70 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 7	55.5 Points	-6.50 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	2^nd / 7	12.42 s	+0.03 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	6^th / 7	44.5 mph	-1.7 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	6^th / 7	22 Points	-3.00 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	5^th / 7	0.917 kg/t	+0.09 kg/t

EU Label: E/A/72
Price: 129.00

By far the best in aquaplaning, the Sport Maxx RT2 was also highly rated on the wet handling circuit. It wasn’t as impressive in the dry though, being marginally the slowest on track and middle-ranked subjectively, and also marked down on the road for a lack of feel and refinement.

Dry95.6%

Wet94.9%

Comfort90%

Rolling Resistance98.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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	6^th / 7	117 ft	+7 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	7^th / 7	53.1 s	+0.95 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 7	56 Points	-7.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	7^th / 7	99 ft	+14 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	5^th / 7	47.2 s	+1.20 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	2^nd / 7	58.5 Points	-3.50 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	4^th / 7	12.54 s	+0.15 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	1^st / 7	46.2 mph	Best in this discipline
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4^th / 7	22.5 Points	-2.50 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	2^nd / 7	0.84 kg/t	+0.01 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/72
Price: 150.00

The Ultra Vorti is a decent tire that showed well in the aquaplaning tests and set a good lap time on the dry circuit too. It was at or near the bottom of the table in many tests, though, and subjectively was noisy and lacked the connection of the best. It’s worth noting that an updated version is due in the new year.

Dry95.2%

Wet93.6%

Comfort88%

Rolling Resistance85.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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	7^th / 7	118 ft	+8 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	3^rd / 7	52.5 s	+0.35 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	7^th / 7	53.5 Points	-9.50 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	6^th / 7	97 ft	+12 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	6^th / 7	48 s	+2.00 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 7	55 Points	-7.00 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	7^th / 7	12.71 s	+0.32 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	5^th / 7	44.6 mph	-1.6 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	6^th / 7	22 Points	-3.00 Points
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	6^th / 7	0.977 kg/t	+0.15 kg/t

EU Label: E/B/70
Price: 119.00

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The evidence behind the verdict

Test setup & methodology

Recorded test conditions

Dry

Wet

Environment

Results

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