2021 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 205/55 R16

For the 2021 ADAC summer tire tests, the German organization selected the popular 205/55 R16 and 225/50 R17 summer tire sizes.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson

March 2, 2021 7 min read Updated January 8, 2025

For the 2021 ADAC summer tire tests, the German organization selected the popular 205/55 R16 and 225/50 R17 summer tire sizes.

As usual with ADAC tests there is little raw data provided, instead the testers grading each tire with a score, but this year we do get wear data (below) and even some of the testers subjective thoughts on the tires, which is an excellent addition.

As with the 2020 18” ADAC, Continental have taken first place with the PremiumContact 6. As we’ve found, this tire is excellent in the dry and wet and offers sharp handling and predictable behavior in all conditions. Wear, which the tire came second in 2020, has dropped off a little, with the tire only placing mid pack.

The new Semperit Speed-Life 3 finishes a strong second place. The overall scores and testers notes put the new tire almost on par with the test winning Continental, which is an interesting result considering Continental own and manufacturer the Semperit brand.

Third and fourth places awarded to the Bridgestone Turanza T005 and Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2. The Bridgestone performed well in all categories, other than mid pack wear and slightly loud external noise, while the Goodyear was good in the wet, had low rolling resistance, by far the best wear on test, but was de-ranked due to poor dry handling.

Other notable results were good performances by Pirelli and Nokian, but both being hugely de-ranked because of very poor wear, the Uniroyal RainSport 5 struggled again in the dry and in wear.

As always with tire testing, the two cheapest tires had by far the worst results, with the re-treaded King Miller performing poorly.

Wear

The difference between the best and worst tires on the wear test was over 100%! The Nokian Wetproof was predicted to last just 15,410 miles, while the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 should be good for a huge 34,362 miles. It’s a shame there was no Michelin in this test, as it would have been interesting to see who would win between the two wear masters, Goodyear and Michelin.

Wear
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2	34,362 miles	Best
2Fulda EcoControl HP2	26,968 miles	-7,394 miles
3Petlas Imperium PT515	25,849 miles	-8,513 miles
4Kumho Ecsta HS51	25,228 miles	-9,134 miles
5BFGoodrich Advantage	23,674 miles	-10,688 miles
6Apollo Alnac 4g	23,239 miles	-11,123 miles
7Continental Premium Contact 6	21,313 miles	-13,049 miles
8Semperit Speed Life 3	20,878 miles	-13,484 miles
9Bridgestone Turanza T005	20,195 miles	-14,167 miles
10King Meiler Sport 1 KM	20,008 miles	-14,354 miles
10Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125	20,008 miles	-14,354 miles
12Maxxis Premitra HP5	17,398 miles	-16,964 miles
13Uniroyal RainSport 5	16,528 miles	-17,834 miles
14Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2	16,311 miles	-18,051 miles
15Nokian WetProof	15,410 miles	-18,952 miles

The difference between best and worst was 55.2% (18,952 miles).

Results

ADAC applied the following score weighting to the overall results - Dry 20% / Wet 40% / Noise 10% / Fuel 10% / Wear 20%

The Continental PremiumContact 6 is amongst the best on dry roads, with precise steering and good control. In the wet, the PremiumContact 6 was the best tire on test and has low fuel consumption.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	8
Wet	8.4
Rolling Resistance	7
Noise	5.8
Wear	7
Overall	7.6

Total: 43.8

EU Label: C/A/71

The Semperit Speed-Life 3 is a very balanced midrange tire. It was impressive in the dry with good steering and short braking distances and excellent in the wet, leading wet braking.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	8
Wet	8.2
Rolling Resistance	8
Noise	6.4
Wear	7
Overall	7.6

Total: 45.2

EU Label: C/B/71

The Bridgestone Turanza T005 delivers good grip in the dry, with particularly short braking distances. In the wet, it again excels in braking, but could only manage an average curved aquaplaning result.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	8
Wet	7.8
Rolling Resistance	8.4
Noise	5.6
Wear	7
Overall	7.4

Total: 44.2

EU Label: B/A/71

The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 has average steering and can feel imprecise during dry handling, though the dry braking result was good. The tire performs well in the wet, has a low fuel consumption and a big margin in wear, doubling the worst tire on test.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	6.8
Wet	7.4
Rolling Resistance	8.2
Noise	6.4
Wear	10.8
Overall	6.8

Total: 46.4

EU Label: B/A/69

The Kumho Ecsta HS51 feels less precise in the dry compared to its peers, and only has an average dry braking result. It's better in the wet, with high aquaplaning resistance, and has reasonable levels of noise.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	6.8
Wet	7.6
Rolling Resistance	8.8
Noise	6.4
Wear	8
Overall	6.8

Total: 44.4

EU Label: C/B/69

The Apollo Alnac 4G has imprecise steering in the dry with an oversteer balance, but a short dry braking distance.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	6.8
Wet	6.6
Rolling Resistance	8.2
Noise	6.4
Wear	8
Overall	6.6

Total: 42.6

EU Label: C/B/70

The Hankook Ventus Prime3 is a dry specialist, up there with the best in dry braking and good levels of control and grip in dry handling. In contrast, the Hankook is average in the wet, finishing midpack. Low noise and low fuel consumption.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	9
Wet	6.6
Rolling Resistance	8.2
Noise	6.2
Wear	7
Overall	6.6

Total: 43.6

EU Label: C/A/71

The Fulda EcoControl HP2 has an average dry performance with an oversteer balance, and struggled in the wet, losing grip early. Good aquaplaning resistance, low noise, low fuel consumption.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	7
Wet	6.4
Rolling Resistance	8.2
Noise	6.6
Wear	9
Overall	6.4

Total: 43.6

EU Label: C/B/70

The BF Goodrich Advantage is balanced on dry roads. In the wet, it still received a good rating when braking, but on the wet handling course,it had poor grip and a significant loss of cornering forces when accelerating and braking. Low noise, very low fuel use and good wear.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	7.6
Wet	6.2
Rolling Resistance	8.8
Noise	6.4
Wear	8
Overall	6.2

Total: 43.2

EU Label: C/A/70

The Maxxis Premitra 5 is a specialist on dry roads, with excellent grip and precise handling. It also performs well in the wet, with good handling and short braking distances. The negatives, it has high internal noise, high fuel consumption and poor wear.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	9.2
Wet	7.6
Rolling Resistance	6.6
Noise	5.8
Wear	6
Overall	6

Total: 41.2

EU Label: C/A/70

The Nokian Wetproof impresses in the wet with short braking distances and precise handling. It's also good in the dry. It has an average noise and fuel consumption, but most importantly, the highest wear on test.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	7.8
Wet	7.4
Rolling Resistance	7.4
Noise	6.6
Wear	6
Overall	6

Total: 41.2

EU Label: C/A/68

The Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 is very good in the dry and wet, with very short dry braking distances and strong handling, and has a low level of cabin noise. Sadly, it scored very poorly on the wear test, deranking its overall result.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	8
Wet	8
Rolling Resistance	7.4
Noise	6.6
Wear	6
Overall	6

Total: 42

EU Label: C/A/70

The Uniroyal Rainsport 5 has significant weaknesses in the dry with imprecise steering, low grip, and long dry braking distances. The RainSport 5 is still good in the wet, with short wet braking and high aquaplaning resistance. The tire also has low noise, low rolling resistance, but high levels of wear.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	6.2
Wet	7.8
Rolling Resistance	8.2
Noise	6.6
Wear	6
Overall	6

Total: 40.8

EU Label: C/A/71

The Petlas Imperium PT515 is particularly during dry braking, stopping the car a full 15 feet after the best on test. The tire also has poor handling. The trend continues in the wet, with long wet braking and weak handling results. The PT515 also has high levels of noise and high rolling resistance.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	5.4
Wet	5.4
Rolling Resistance	7.6
Noise	5.8
Wear	9
Overall	5.4

Total: 38.6

EU Label: C/B/71

The King Meiler Sport 1 is the only retreaded tire in the group, and could not keep up with the competition. Low levels of grip in the dry, with imprecise steering, and very low levels of grip in the wet. The Sport 1 is also the noisiest tire on test, and has an average fuel consumption.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	5.6
Wet	4.8
Rolling Resistance	8
Noise	4.6
Wear	7
Overall	4.8

Total: 34.8

Discussion

25 comments

930 Engineering Oct 3, 2022 archived

Sadly ADAC have been dead asleep again and missed to assess the presumedly best performing tire in this 205/55 R16. The Michelin PS4 seems to be superior or at the very least as good as Conti's PC6 (see https://www.tyrereviews.com... ) and the PS4 is available for several years in question of this size (even both LI91 and 94). I'm aware it's a classic 911 size (front) and that's surely also what they make them in 225/50 R16 too (rear).

#8327
1. TireReviews 930 Engineering Oct 3, 2022 archived
  
  I recently did a test in this size and Michelin really wanted the primacy 4 in it, not the PS4. I will test it sometime though
  
  #8330
  1. 930 Engineering TireReviews Oct 4, 2022 archived
    
    Agreed, quite probably indeed. However ADAC claim to decide the testing theirselfs. They also say they purchase the tires on local stores. If they actually ask the manufacturer what product he likes to see on the review, the ADAC appear to be somewhat dishonest. Add that to the lack of test data. Entirely contrary to TR. I truely appreciate your job.
    
    #8340
    1. TireReviews 930 Engineering Oct 4, 2022 archived
      
      ADAC do decide what they want, and buy. But I'm sure they also take suggestions and information from the manufacturers to help decide what to include, and in defense of them, the 16" PS4 would be out of place in a test full of premium touring tires (Though I agree it would be VERY interesting!)
      The lack of ADAC data is frustrating, but I believe there's a good business case for them (they sell it back to the manufacturers)
      
      #8345
boštjan hočevar Feb 1, 2022 archived

Does anybody know for what weight index were 205/55 R16 tested?
91V, 94V?
I’m in position to buy all 4 new summer tires. I need your expert opinion.
On my VW Passat Variant 2.0TDI is written, weight front 1120kg, back a 1110kg.
I can install 205/55 R16 91V or 205/55 R16 94V or 215/55 R16 97W.
Does the body roll less with bigger weight index?
What is the ride comfort?
Is the smaller tire quieter?
Thanks and regards, Bostjan

#7785
Péter Cziklin Mar 6, 2021 archived

Is there any info on the Hankook being the standard or the 4PR version? And what's the difference between them? All I could find out is the 4PR is generally more expensive and a tad lighter, but what's the point in making both versions of every single spec? Rim protection and EU label-wise they're the same too.

#6548
1. TireReviews Péter Cziklin Mar 6, 2021 archived
  
  You're ahead of me on this one, I don't know anything about the 4PR version!
  
  #6549
  1. Péter Cziklin TireReviews Mar 6, 2021 archived
    
    In 205/55 R16 91V the EAN & MPN are 8808563411880 & 1021023 for the standard version, 8808563390086 & 1019317 for 4PR.
    
    #6550
    1. Pedro Neves Péter Cziklin Mar 6, 2021 archived
      
      Since EAN means European Article Number and MPN means Manufacturer Part Number, that can explain a lot why we've had such different test results with this particular tire. Most certainly, they come from different factories that don't work with the same specifications. Hankook's quality control to blame!
      Premium manufacturer?! Maybe not there yet!
      
      #6551
      1. Péter Cziklin Pedro Neves Mar 6, 2021 archived
        
        I quoted the numbers for identification only to let those who are interested check what I'm talking about (and is relevant to this particular test).
        ADAC's findings here are basically the same as Jonathan's from last year, what stands out is Auto Bild's recent braking test which it aced. So either they got something tweaked, or a midlife update came quietly (delaying the Ventus Prime 4 (or maybe 5 if they don't like 4 for being Asian culture's 13 as Conti & Goodyear do)). Difference in test results can come from the circumstances (weather and track conditions, cars, etc) too.
        I have a gut feeling about the 4PR being related to sidewall design. Not that it makes too much sense, but that seems to be the easiest and cheapest to do, and as far as I know Hankook has some history with different sidewall designs (although the SBL mark should cover that). However I doubt it's worth the extra manufacturing and logistics resource.
        
        #6552
        
        TireReviews Péter Cziklin Mar 7, 2021 archived
        
        I'm going to ask Hankook. I expected mid-life update has happened!
        
        #6553
odjblue Mar 1, 2021 archived

Yokohama tires also not included in most recent tests... don't really understand why not...

#6501
1. TireReviews odjblue Mar 1, 2021 archived
  
  I'm sure they will have been spoken to about all these tests but declined to be included.
  
  #6505
  1. odjblue TireReviews Mar 1, 2021 archived
    
    But in this case, the tires were bought by ADAC... Can I assume It's a uninteresting brand in the german market ?
    
    #6506
    1. TireReviews odjblue Mar 1, 2021 archived
      
      Yokohama declined to be in my tests this year too but no reason was given
      
      #6507
      1. odjblue TireReviews Mar 1, 2021 archived
        
        Sad to hear that a brand like Yokohama don't attend these tests.
        
        #6510
        
        TireReviews odjblue Mar 1, 2021 archived
        
        Agreed, I've calls with them planned in the near future to hopefully get them included more :)
        
        #6511
2. Kolemjdouci odjblue Mar 1, 2021 archived
  
  You could read Yokohama user reviews here. Later on they could still appear in some independent tests though.
  
  #6509
  1. odjblue Kolemjdouci Mar 2, 2021 archived
    
    I've used Yokohama tires for quite a while, a few years ago... and still use in one of my cars, and very pleased, specially the with Advan V105. Also used the Bluearth AE-50, which proven to last long and good behavior in wet conditions.
    My surprise, is related to the absence of the brand, in recent tire tests... because I think they're always a strong contender.
    
    #6518
    1. TireReviews odjblue Mar 3, 2021 archived
      
      The V105 has been tested quite a bit - https://www.tyrereviews.com...
      It never did really well, and for the price point (they're not cheap) I feel you're better off with your money in a Goodyear or similar.
      
      #6521
Tom Feb 26, 2021 archived

"It’s a shame there was no Michelin in this test" - couldn't agree more.
I never really was a Michelin fan, but now in need to get new tires in
this size, I'm seriously considering Primacy 4, yet still would love to
see a comparison of more touring Primacy 4 with a bit more sporty Pilot
Sport 4. Both in this size. And here we have test where EGP2 is present
and yet no Primacy. Why, oh why did they do this to us? ;)

#6492
1. Kolemjdouci Tom Feb 26, 2021 archived
  
  True, the Michelin Primacy 4 is in this Autobild recent test: https://www.tyrereviews.com...
  Update: ADAC 2021 test with Michelin Primacy 4: 2021 ADAC Summer Tire Test - 225/50 R17: https://www.tyrereviews.com...
  
  #6493
  1. Tom Kolemjdouci Feb 26, 2021 archived
    
    Indeed. I read it before this one came out. It's just that this was just braking. Previous test with this tire checked more in-depth was in a different size and then the issue is that the 'same' tire in different sizes is not 'the same' and winner in one size can loose a lot in another one. Side walls change, thread pattern changes (or additional row of blocks is added / removed compared to different width) and so on. And hardly ever anyone compares different types from the same manufacturer, to show touring / HP etc. in one test with multiple brands from the same class - same car, same size, same conditions, just different brand's. Hell of a work, but that would really be something :)
    
    #6494
2. TireReviews Tom Feb 26, 2021 archived
  
  It's actually interesting as to why. ADAC buy all the tires on the open market, and it turns out they accidentally bought an OE approved tire (S1 I believe) and as the marking was so small, they didn't notice it until later in the testing.
  As the tire was modified for the OE, starting with less tread depth for lower noise, they didn't think it was fair to include it in the overall grades.
  
  #6495
  1. Tom TireReviews Feb 26, 2021 archived
    
    Lol! Thanks for sharing that. It's really hilarious that they realized late enough not to buy another, regular set and do the test with them.
    
    #6496

Tire	Continental Premium Contact 6	Semperit Speed Life 3	Bridgestone Turanza T005	Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2	Kumho Ecsta HS51	Apollo Alnac 4g	Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125	Fulda EcoControl HP2	BFGoodrich Advantage	Maxxis Premitra HP5	Nokian WetProof	Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2	Uniroyal RainSport 5	Petlas Imperium PT515	King Meiler Sport 1 KM
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