For AutoBild's third summer tire test for 2022, the German publication tested ten sets of 245/40 R19 tires using a BMW 5 Series.
As this is the first test with both the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 AND Continental SportContact 7, it makes for a very interesting test!
The new Goodyear wins overall thanks to excelling in nearly every test, other than aquaplaning (though strangely Auto Bild still said the tire has good aquaplaning reserves, we're not sure why.)
The SportContact 7 was the fastest tire in the dry and had the best dry braking, however it couldn't match the stellar wet performance we found in the Tire Reviews 2022 UUHP Tire Test.
Test setup & methodology
The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.
Recorded test conditions
Recorded test conditions
- Dry Braking
- 62.1 → 0.0 mph
- Wet Braking
- 62.1 → 0.0 mph
Why the difference in wet?
There's no official statement, but looking at the lower than usual wet performance of the Bridgestone, and the photos from the test looking quite overcast and cool, we would guess that like the Bridgestone the new Continental SportContact 7 needs a little temperature to work at its very best in the wet. Something to keep in mind.
Other notes from the test was the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 continuing its ridiculous wet braking performance, and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 still holding its own, even though it has now been replaced by the Pilot Sport 5.
As mentioned, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport could only place sixth due to an average wet performance, not something we're used to from the Potenza Sport, finishing behind a Maxxis tire. This, like the Continentals result, is possibly due to the cool test conditions, and something to keep in mind for tire purchase decisions as wet driving is usually at cooler temperatures.
Dry
On a dry road, the differences in emergency braking from 62 mph are within 3meters. Only the Star Performer UHP-3 goes one step further, but remains within the acceptable range.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in feet (62 - 0 mph)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110 ft | Best | 0 mph | |
| 111 ft | +1 ft | 8 mph | |
| 112 ft | +2 ft | 9 mph | |
| 115 ft | +5 ft | 15 mph | |
| 116 ft | +6 ft | 18 mph | |
| 116 ft | +6 ft | 19 mph | |
| 117 ft | +7 ft | 19 mph | |
| 119 ft | +9 ft | 22 mph | |
| 120 ft | +10 ft | 23 mph | |
| 127 ft | +17 ft | 29 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 15.2% (17 ft ≈ 1.1 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Star Performer UHP 3 would still be travelling at 29 mph when the Continental SportContact 7 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
AutoBild reported that the new SportContact 7 from Continental is in its element on dry roads, with precise steering and outstanding grip, it clearly sets itself apart from its pursuers Bridgestone and Goodyear.
Dry Handling
Dry Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 74.2 mph | Best | |
| 73.4 mph | -0.8 mph | |
| 73.2 mph | -1.0 mph | |
| 73.1 mph | -1.1 mph | |
| 73.0 mph | -1.2 mph | |
| 72.5 mph | -1.7 mph | |
| 72.4 mph | -1.8 mph | |
| 72.2 mph | -2.0 mph | |
| 71.8 mph | -2.4 mph | |
| 71.6 mph | -2.6 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 3.5% (2.6 mph).
Wet
Hankook lead again in wet braking, with outstanding stopping performance 5 feet better than second placed Goodyear. The Star Performer needed an extra 69 feet to stop the car.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in feet (62 - 0 mph)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 162 ft | Best | 0 mph | |
| 171 ft | +9 ft | 18 mph | |
| 173 ft | +11 ft | 20 mph | |
| 174 ft | +12 ft | 21 mph | |
| 175 ft | +13 ft | 22 mph | |
| 182 ft | +20 ft | 27 mph | |
| 184 ft | +22 ft | 28 mph | |
| 185 ft | +23 ft | 28 mph | |
| 186 ft | +24 ft | 29 mph | |
| 231 ft | +69 ft | 44 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 42.7% (69 ft ≈ 4.7 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Star Performer UHP 3 would still be travelling at 44 mph when the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
In the wet Vredestein, Hankook and Goodyear are fighting for the top spot, all having the highest levels of grip. Bridgestone and Continental are missing a little something, and the BMW 5 Series is a drift machine on the budget tires.
Wet Handling
Wet Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 46.7 mph | Best | |
| 46.7 mph | Best | |
| 46.5 mph | -0.2 mph | |
| 45.5 mph | -1.2 mph | |
| 45.3 mph | -1.4 mph | |
| 45.1 mph | -1.6 mph | |
| 44.9 mph | -1.8 mph | |
| 44.9 mph | -1.8 mph | |
| 44.0 mph | -2.7 mph | |
| 40.1 mph | -6.6 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 14% (6.6 mph).
As always, Michelin performed extremely well in the aquaplaning tests
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in mph
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 58.8 mph | Best | |
| 58.3 mph | -0.5 mph | |
| 57.9 mph | -0.9 mph | |
| 57.8 mph | -1.0 mph | |
| 57.5 mph | -1.3 mph | |
| 57.4 mph | -1.4 mph | |
| 57.4 mph | -1.4 mph | |
| 57.3 mph | -1.5 mph | |
| 56.8 mph | -2.0 mph | |
| 56.7 mph | -2.1 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 3.6% (2.1 mph).
Curved Aquaplaning
Remaining lateral acceleration
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 9.7 ft/s² | Best | |
| 9.7 ft/s² | 0.0 ft/s² | |
| 9.1 ft/s² | -0.6 ft/s² | |
| 9.0 ft/s² | -0.7 ft/s² | |
| 9.0 ft/s² | -0.7 ft/s² | |
| 9.0 ft/s² | -0.7 ft/s² | |
| 8.8 ft/s² | -0.9 ft/s² | |
| 8.6 ft/s² | -1.1 ft/s² | |
| 8.5 ft/s² | -1.2 ft/s² | |
| 8.2 ft/s² | -1.5 ft/s² |
The difference between best and worst was 15.5% (1.5 ft/s²).
Environment
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 was the quietest tire on test.
Noise
External noise in dB
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 70.6 dB | Best | |
| 70.7 dB | +0.10 dB | |
| 70.8 dB | +0.20 dB | |
| 71.6 dB | +1.00 dB | |
| 71.7 dB | +1.10 dB | |
| 71.7 dB | +1.10 dB | |
| 72 dB | +1.40 dB | |
| 72.8 dB | +2.20 dB | |
| 72.9 dB | +2.30 dB | |
| 73.6 dB | +3.00 dB |
The difference between best and worst was 4.2% (3 dB).
The new Asymmetric 6 also had the lowest rolling resistance on test.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.86 kg/t | Best | $0 | |
| 8.29 kg/t | +0.43 kg/t | $16 | |
| 8.48 kg/t | +0.62 kg/t | $23 | |
| 8.59 kg/t | +0.73 kg/t | $27 | |
| 8.64 kg/t | +0.78 kg/t | $29 | |
| 8.69 kg/t | +0.83 kg/t | $31 | |
| 9.01 kg/t | +1.15 kg/t | $43 | |
| 9.04 kg/t | +1.18 kg/t | $44 | |
| 9.28 kg/t | +1.42 kg/t | $53 | |
| 9.51 kg/t | +1.65 kg/t | $62 |
The difference between best and worst was 21% (1.65 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Vredestein Ultrac Vorti+ uses about 17 gal ($62) more fuel than the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
The most expensive tires in the test were also the best.
Results
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
245/40 R19 98Y XL
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 / 10 | 111 ft | +1 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 10 | 73.2 mph | -1.0 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 10 | 171 ft | +9 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 10 | 46.7 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 1st / 10 | 11.34 s | Best in this discipline |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 10th / 10 | 56.7 mph | -2.1 mph |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 9th / 10 | 8.5 ft/s² | -1.2 ft/s² |
| NoiseLower is better | 1st / 10 | 70.6 dB | Best in this discipline |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 1st / 10 | 7.86 kg/t | Best in this discipline |
- EU Label
- C/A/70
- Weight
- 10.24 kgs
- Price
- 745.00
Continental SportContact 7
245/40 R19 98Y XL
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 / 10 | 110 ft | Best in this discipline |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 10 | 74.2 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 10 | 173 ft | +11 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 10 | 45.3 mph | -1.4 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 3rd / 10 | 11.36 s | +0.02 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 4th / 10 | 57.8 mph | -1.0 mph |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 5th / 10 | 9.0 ft/s² | -0.7 ft/s² |
| NoiseLower is better | 4th / 10 | 71.6 dB | +1.00 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 3rd / 10 | 8.48 kg/t | +0.62 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/70
- Weight
- 10.60 kgs
- Price
- 725.00
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
245/40 R19 98Y XL
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 / 10 | 112 ft | +2 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 10 | 72.4 mph | -1.8 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 1st / 10 | 162 ft | Best in this discipline |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 10 | 46.5 mph | -0.2 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 7th / 10 | 11.71 s | +0.37 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 9th / 10 | 56.8 mph | -2.0 mph |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 10th / 10 | 8.2 ft/s² | -1.5 ft/s² |
| NoiseLower is better | 2nd / 10 | 70.7 dB | +0.10 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 4th / 10 | 8.59 kg/t | +0.73 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/72
- Weight
- 12 kgs
- Price
- 600.00
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
245/40 R19 98Y XL
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 / 10 | 115 ft | +5 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 10 | 73.1 mph | -1.1 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 4th / 10 | 174 ft | +12 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 10 | 45.1 mph | -1.6 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 5th / 10 | 11.63 s | +0.29 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 1st / 10 | 58.8 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 1st / 10 | 9.7 ft/s² | Best in this discipline |
| NoiseLower is better | 5th / 10 | 71.7 dB | +1.10 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 2nd / 10 | 8.29 kg/t | +0.43 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/71
- Weight
- 11.34 kgs
- Price
- 800.00
Maxxis Victra Sport 5
245/40 R19 98Y XL
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 / 10 | 116 ft | +6 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 10 | 72.5 mph | -1.7 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 6th / 10 | 182 ft | +20 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 8th / 10 | 44.9 mph | -1.8 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 4th / 10 | 11.58 s | +0.24 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 7th / 10 | 57.4 mph | -1.4 mph |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 7th / 10 | 8.8 ft/s² | -0.9 ft/s² |
| NoiseLower is better | 5th / 10 | 71.7 dB | +1.10 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 5th / 10 | 8.64 kg/t | +0.78 kg/t |
- EU Label
- D/A/72
- Weight
- 11.67 kgs
- Price
- 475.00
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
245/40 R19 98Y XL
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 / 10 | 117 ft | +7 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 10 | 73.4 mph | -0.8 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 7th / 10 | 184 ft | +22 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 10 | 45.5 mph | -1.2 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 2nd / 10 | 11.35 s | +0.01 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 5th / 10 | 57.5 mph | -1.3 mph |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 6th / 10 | 9.0 ft/s² | -0.7 ft/s² |
| NoiseLower is better | 10th / 10 | 73.6 dB | +3.00 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 8th / 10 | 9.04 kg/t | +1.18 kg/t |
- EU Label
- D/A/72
- Weight
- 11.13 kgs
- Price
- 710.00
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti+
245/40 R19 98Y XL
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 | 8th / 10 | 119 ft | +9 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 10 | 73.0 mph | -1.2 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 8th / 10 | 185 ft | +23 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 10 | 46.7 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 6th / 10 | 11.66 s | +0.32 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 6th / 10 | 57.4 mph | -1.4 mph |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 8th / 10 | 8.6 ft/s² | -1.1 ft/s² |
| NoiseLower is better | 7th / 10 | 72 dB | +1.40 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 10th / 10 | 9.51 kg/t | +1.65 kg/t |
- EU Label
- D/B/70
- Weight
- 13.17 kgs
- Price
- 560.00
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
245/40 R19 98Y XL
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 / 10 | 116 ft | +6 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 10th / 10 | 71.6 mph | -2.6 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 5th / 10 | 175 ft | +13 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 10 | 44.9 mph | -1.8 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 8th / 10 | 11.91 s | +0.57 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 2nd / 10 | 58.3 mph | -0.5 mph |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 3rd / 10 | 9.1 ft/s² | -0.6 ft/s² |
| NoiseLower is better | 3rd / 10 | 70.8 dB | +0.20 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 7th / 10 | 9.01 kg/t | +1.15 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/69
- Weight
- 12.12 kgs
- Price
- 550.00
Falken Azenis FK510
245/40 R19 98Y XL
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 | 9th / 10 | 120 ft | +10 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 8th / 10 | 72.2 mph | -2.0 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 9th / 10 | 186 ft | +24 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 9th / 10 | 44.0 mph | -2.7 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 9th / 10 | 12.01 s | +0.67 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 3rd / 10 | 57.9 mph | -0.9 mph |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 2nd / 10 | 9.7 ft/s² | 0.0 ft/s² |
| NoiseLower is better | 9th / 10 | 72.9 dB | +2.30 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 9th / 10 | 9.28 kg/t | +1.42 kg/t |
- EU Label
- D/A/69
- Weight
- 12.05 kgs
- Price
- 585.00
Star Performer UHP 3
245/40 R19 98Y XL
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 | 10th / 10 | 127 ft | +17 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 9th / 10 | 71.8 mph | -2.4 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 10th / 10 | 231 ft | +69 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 10th / 10 | 40.1 mph | -6.6 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 10th / 10 | 12.37 s | +1.03 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 8th / 10 | 57.3 mph | -1.5 mph |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 4th / 10 | 9.0 ft/s² | -0.7 ft/s² |
| NoiseLower is better | 8th / 10 | 72.8 dB | +2.20 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 6th / 10 | 8.69 kg/t | +0.83 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/C/72
- Weight
- 11.3 kgs
- Price
- 355.00
I'm curious if you have any insight on when some of these tires may be available in the US. I'm specifically interested in the F1 Asymmetric 6 and the Sport Contact 7. From what I can see the Goodyear isn't available in the US at all currently, and the Conti seems to only be available in really limited sizes in 21".
I have no insight sadly. I do know as they are both EU primary lines, and the US has their own versions (Supercar 3 and ExtremeContactSport) which are more suited to the US market demands, I would be surprised if either appeared in lots of sizes.
Any thoughts in terms of comparisons between the EU and US counterparts (Supercar 3 v. Asymm 6 or Extreme Contact v. Contact 7)? Is the Supercar 3 a direct competitor to the Asymm 6? Isn't it rated closer to 200 for treadwear? Have you tested any of the US market specific tires in the UHP/UUHP category as well?
They're quite different tires, US market wants treadlife so they tend to last much longer and feel more sporty, but EU tires have lower rolling resistance and better wet grip.
I've not compared them back to back though sadly.
Thanks for the feedback. It's much appreciated. Looks like I'll probably end up in the Pilot 4S camp, which isn't a let down by any means.
What a world we live in when the 4S is a backup tire! It's such a great product!
Hi i'm looking for new tires for a 520D Xdrive touring, its got 18"rims, with 240/45 and 275/40 rear runflats. I believe because it's xdrive need the same make tires on all 4 wheels. I was wondering what recommendations you have my main priority is reduced cabin noise, then fuel economy. Currently it has Pirelli cinturato's on, and on rough roads they are very noisy. cheers.
Are you willing to ditch runflats?
Sadly not able to, as its a lease car.
I've not actually tested runflats before so I can't be specific, but my theory is any tire in non-runflat that does well in a test that comes in runflat would be a good start.
Ok. At the moment the only tires available are the Michelin Sport 4, Pirelli Cinturata, possibly Pzero, and Hankook S1 Evo 3. I have seen sometimes that the hankook's do well, then others really badly. Sadly I cannot get the Bridgestone Turanza on all 4 wheels (it would be the ER300 on one axel).
I have leased BMW and I take the RF off right away.
Hey! I'M looking for a new tire for my 2016 CLS220d It has 255/40 R18 front, and 285/35 r18 back.
In some of the tests the S1EVO3 is a quite nice tire, like in this, but in other tests its a much much more heavier and noisier tire....but here it's one of the lightest/quietest. this 245 size is the closest to my wanted one. What would you do? Go for it? The weight and noise is mostly the most important values for me... since 285 is a huge tire. If it's noisy, then its really noisy, and superheavy....stressing out the engine and my ears too much.
Here in Hungary, the S1EVO3 is super-duper cheap, comparing to the rest.
Now I've a 3 years old P zero. Noise is ok, but a bit heavy, and life-dangeorusly horrible in wet. I've almost crashed the car in low speed 3 times (where the rest of the cars are going with the same speed flawless...and mine was drifitng into the walls---almost)
If you say the Hankook is very cheap I would be very tempted! Alternatively if you can get the Falken FK510/520 that might also suit your needs, though I've found that tire can change quite a lot depending on size.
Thank you!
Yes, here the Hankook is about 60% in price if any top tire (assy5/6, PS4/5) is 100%
Within few weeks our new car should be delivered, a Skoda Superb liftback. The OE tires on the car will be Continental EcoContact 6 235/45 R18 94W, I know that for 99,9 %, and I want to change them to something better, because I'm not fan of these eco tires.
My first question is: what to choose? I will not use the car on track days (I know, that's a big surprise :D), but usually I'm driving faster than I should and not just on the highways, so short braking distances and good handling in corners are important for me. Another things are the noise and comfort. It has lower importance, but it's not irrelevant, because I don't want tires which are extremely noisy or uncomfortable to drive. At this moment I'm considering buying: Continental SportContact 7, Continental PremiumContact 6 (I have them on my current small car, and they are great), Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, Michelin Pilot Sport 5 or Michelin CrossClimate 2. Yes, I know the last one is all season tire, but I'm not planning to buy winter tires, so who knows, maybe once in 3 years I will using them in icy or snowy conditions, and maybe they are still better than the OE EcoContact 6 tires. We need a test for that! :-)
My second question: I know, technically and legally I can use 98W or 98Y instead of 94W tires, but is it a good idea? I’m asking because I’m afraid that the tires with 98 load index number will be uncomfortable, and maybe the higher speed index also have some disadvatages. Most of the tires I’m considering are available only as 98W or 98Y, not as 94W. Thanks.
Hi! General heads up about allseason: With an all season tire, your are choosing a constant compromise for 1-2months of "maybe ice". The all seasons are offsetted to the witner tires with a lot of thread, etc. So they are a bit heavy and noisy, and longer brake distnaces. Maybe in par with the worse summer tires in extreme wet.
I would go with a good summer one, after checking the prices. The Hankook is by far the cheapest, however nothing real disadavantages. (it is noisy and heavy in other tests...so im a bit suspicious....) In this size, i would go for an Assy5 or EVO3 as the best balance between price/features.
Yes, I'm avare of the disadvantages of all season tires, but they are always reviewed against some "refference summer tire" and I don't know what kind of summer tire it is. It is the winner of the latest UHP summer tire test, or it is some avarage (not the best, but not a Chinese) summer tire from the local grocery store?
But ok, why Assy5, why not Assy 6?
The S1 EVO seems to be a really good tire, I'm thinking about it. It is litle bit cheaper, but the price is not that importatn for me, because, if I sell the OE EC6 tires as new, I can get ca. 400 € back, and the extra 160 € for the most expensive tires against the S1 EVO3 is not a dealbreaker for me.
BTW, do you know why are the Hankooks cheaper for you? Because you are from Hungary, and they are made in Hungary. Thats also one of the reaseon why am I considering them. ;-)
Assy5 is much more cheaper, and still awesome, thats why. :)
Yep, that could be a reason. :) (importing the others resulting much higher prices... )
Usually in my tests the reference tires are test winning tires, and apart from last years all season tire, they're always publically named.
The comfort differences between 94 and 98 shouldn't be too high.
My suggestion is this. Get the car, see how it feels on the EcoContact 6 then let me know what's missing. You MIGHT find that if it's an OE fitment, the EcoContact 6 isn't as bad as you expect :) (or it might be worse!)
I was thinking about this, but after reading about the 6,5 mm tread depth on EC6, I decided that it will be much better to sell completly the tires with the color line marking on them, like new. If the tires loose the color line, noone will belive me that they are new.