Auto Bild Klassik magazine recently conducted a test of seven classic-style summer tires in the 205/70 VR 15 size, aiming to improve safety and performance for vintage sports cars. The testers used a Jaguar E-Type Lightweight replica, an iconic 1960s sports car renowned for its powerful 270 PS engine and impressive 149 mph top speed. I'm very sad this isn't a Tire Reviews test!

As usual with Auto Bild tests, they've done a proper job. On wet surfaces, the tires were evaluated for their resistance to aquaplaning, cornering stability, overall handling, and braking efficiency. Dry condition tests focused on handling, braking performance, rolling comfort, and noise levels. Additionally, the tires' rolling resistance was measured to gauge their efficiency.

The test looked to find out what tire could best enhance the driving dynamics and safety of a vintage vehicle while maintaining period-correct aesthetics. The test included offerings from major manufacturers like Pirelli, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, as well as lesser-known brands, providing a comprehensive view of the market for classic car enthusiasts seeking to upgrade their vehicles' performance without compromising their authentic look.

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: 62.1 → 0.0 mph

Dry

In dry conditions, the test revealed small differences among the tires. The Pirelli Cinturato P5 and Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 achieved the highest scores in handling tests, with both tires allowing average speeds of 54.4 mph and 54.4 mph respectively. The Dunlop Sport Classic and Radar Dimax Classic followed closely, both reaching 53.9 mph.

Braking performance from 62 mph showed the Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 stopping in the shortest distance at 122 feet. The Pirelli Cinturato P5 required 125 feet, while the Dunlop Sport Classic needed 127 feet to come to a full stop.

The Michelin XWX recorded the lowest average speed in dry handling at 53.1 mph, indicating less responsive steering and reduced lateral grip compared to its competitors. However, it compensated with a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, despite its wet-weather oriented name, managed a respectable 53.6 mph in dry handling. However, it required the longest braking distance of 136 feet from 62 mph.

Comfort factors varied among the tires. The Vredestein Sprint Classic and Michelin XWX produced the least road noise, measuring 72.6 dB(A) and 72.5 dB(A) respectively at 50 mph. In contrast, the Pirelli models generated slightly more noise, with the Cinturato P5 measuring 78.0 dB(A).

The test highlighted that while all tires performed adequately in dry conditions, measurable differences emerged in specific performance areas.

Dry Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12	122 ft	Best	0 mph
2Pirelli Cinturato P5	125 ft	+3 ft	12 mph
3Dunlop Sport Classic	127 ft	+5 ft	16 mph
4Radar Dimax Classic	128 ft	+6 ft	18 mph
5Michelin XWX	129 ft	+7 ft	18 mph
6Vredestein Sprint Classic	130 ft	+8 ft	19 mph
7Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet	136 ft	+14 ft	25 mph

The difference between best and worst was 11.3% (14 ft ≈ 0.9 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet would still be travelling at 25 mph when the Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 had stopped.

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

Dry Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Pirelli Cinturato P5	54.4 mph	Best
2Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12	54.4 mph	0.0 mph
3Dunlop Sport Classic	53.9 mph	-0.5 mph
3Radar Dimax Classic	53.9 mph	-0.5 mph
5Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet	53.6 mph	-0.8 mph
6Vredestein Sprint Classic	53.6 mph	-0.8 mph
7Michelin XWX	53.1 mph	-1.3 mph

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

Noise
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet	71.6 dB	Best
2Radar Dimax Classic	71.9 dB	+0.30 dB
3Michelin XWX	72.5 dB	+0.90 dB
4Vredestein Sprint Classic	72.6 dB	+1.00 dB
5Dunlop Sport Classic	74 dB	+2.40 dB
6Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12	75.4 dB	+3.80 dB
7Pirelli Cinturato P5	78 dB	+6.40 dB

The difference between best and worst was 8.9% (6.4 dB).

Wet

Wet conditions revealed more significant differences between the tires. The Pirelli models again stood out, with the Cinturato HS CN12 and Cinturato P5 achieving the highest scores in most wet tests.

Wet braking from 62 mph saw the Pirelli Cinturato P5 stop in the shortest distance of 162 feet. The Dunlop Sport Classic and Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 followed closely at 50.3 and 166 feet. The Radar Dimax Classic required the longest distance at 236 feet.

Wet Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Pirelli Cinturato P5	162 ft	Best	0 mph
2Dunlop Sport Classic	165 ft	+3 ft	10 mph
3Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12	166 ft	+4 ft	11 mph
4Vredestein Sprint Classic	176 ft	+14 ft	22 mph
5Michelin XWX	192 ft	+30 ft	31 mph
6Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet	212 ft	+50 ft	39 mph
7Radar Dimax Classic	236 ft	+74 ft	45 mph

The difference between best and worst was 45.3% (74 ft ≈ 5 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Radar Dimax Classic would still be travelling at 45 mph when the Pirelli Cinturato P5 had stopped.

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

In wet handling, the Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 allowed the highest average speed of 49.0 mph, closely followed by the Cinturato P5 at 48.7 mph. The Dunlop Sport Classic and Vredestein Sprint Classic followed with 47.3 mph and 46.7 mph respectively. The Radar Dimax Classic struggled most in this test, managing only 41.1 mph.

Wet Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12	49.0 mph	Best
2Pirelli Cinturato P5	48.7 mph	-0.3 mph
3Dunlop Sport Classic	47.3 mph	-1.7 mph
4Vredestein Sprint Classic	46.7 mph	-2.3 mph
5Michelin XWX	45.3 mph	-3.7 mph
6Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet	44.2 mph	-4.8 mph
7Radar Dimax Classic	41.1 mph	-7.9 mph

The difference between best and worst was 16% (7.9 mph).

In the wet circular track test, both Pirelli models completed the circuit in 11.4 seconds, with the Dunlop Sport Classic and Vredestein Sprint Classic following at 11.8 and 11.9 seconds. The Radar Dimax Classic took significantly longer at 13.2 seconds.

Wet Circle
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12	11.4 s	Best
1Pirelli Cinturato P5	11.4 s	Best
3Dunlop Sport Classic	11.8 s	+0.40 s
4Vredestein Sprint Classic	11.9 s	+0.50 s
5Michelin XWX	12.6 s	+1.20 s
6Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet	12.9 s	+1.50 s
7Radar Dimax Classic	13.2 s	+1.80 s

The difference between best and worst was 15.8% (1.8 s).

Aquaplaning resistance tests showed the Pirelli Cinturato P5 maintaining traction up to 58.0 mph, with the Vredestein Sprint Classic close behind at 56.9 mph. The Michelin XWX and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet lost traction earliest, at 45.7 mph and 45.9 mph respectively.

Straight Aqua
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Pirelli Cinturato P5	58.0 mph	Best
2Vredestein Sprint Classic	56.9 mph	-1.1 mph
3Dunlop Sport Classic	54.1 mph	-3.9 mph
4Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12	53.5 mph	-4.5 mph
5Radar Dimax Classic	49.7 mph	-8.3 mph
6Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet	45.9 mph	-12.1 mph
7Michelin XWX	45.7 mph	-12.3 mph

The difference between best and worst was 21.1% (12.3 mph).

Curved Aquaplaning
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Dunlop Sport Classic	12.9 ft/s²	Best
2Pirelli Cinturato P5	11.6 ft/s²	-1.3 ft/s²
3Vredestein Sprint Classic	11.1 ft/s²	-1.8 ft/s²
4Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12	10.5 ft/s²	-2.4 ft/s²
5Radar Dimax Classic	9.0 ft/s²	-3.9 ft/s²
6Michelin XWX	7.7 ft/s²	-5.2 ft/s²
7Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet	7.0 ft/s²	-5.9 ft/s²

The difference between best and worst was 45.7% (5.9 ft/s²).

Value

The Dunlop Sport Classic demonstrated the lowest rolling resistance at 9.01 kg/t, suggesting it would be the most energy-efficient option among the tested tires.

Following closely was the Radar Dimax Classic with a rolling resistance of 9.53 kg/t, and the Michelin XWX at 9.99 kg/t.

In the middle of the pack, the Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 and Vredestein Sprint Classic showed similar results, with rolling resistances of 10.90 kg/t and 10.91 kg/t respectively.

The Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet had a higher rolling resistance at 11.54 kg/t, suggesting it may be less energy-efficient compared to most of its competitors in this test.

The Pirelli Cinturato P5 recorded the highest rolling resistance at 11.88 kg/t, indicating it might have the largest impact on fuel consumption among the tested tires.

It's worth noting that while lower rolling resistance is generally beneficial for energy efficiency, it's just one factor in overall tire performance. Tires with higher rolling resistance often provide better grip, especially in wet conditions, as seen with the Pirelli models in this test.

Rolling Resistance
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Extra fuel / year
1Dunlop Sport Classic	9.01 kg/t	Best	$0
2Radar Dimax Classic	9.53 kg/t	+0.52 kg/t	$17
3Michelin XWX	9.99 kg/t	+0.98 kg/t	$32
4Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12	10.9 kg/t	+1.89 kg/t	$62
5Vredestein Sprint Classic	10.91 kg/t	+1.90 kg/t	$62
6Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet	11.54 kg/t	+2.53 kg/t	$83
7Pirelli Cinturato P5	11.88 kg/t	+2.87 kg/t	$94

The difference between best and worst was 31.9% (2.87 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Pirelli Cinturato P5 uses about 26 gal ($94) more fuel than the Dunlop Sport Classic.

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.

Results

Dry99.9%

Wet96.6%

Comfort95%

Rolling Resistance82.7%

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	1^st / 7	122 ft	Best in this discipline
Dry HandlingHigher is better	2^nd / 7	54.4 mph	0.0 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	3^rd / 7	166 ft	+4 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 7	49.0 mph	Best in this discipline
Wet CircleLower is better	1^st / 7	11.4 s	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	4^th / 7	53.5 mph	-4.5 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	4^th / 7	10.5 ft/s²	-2.4 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	6^th / 7	75.4 dB	+3.80 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	4^th / 7	10.9 kg/t	+1.89 kg/t

Price: 1830.00

Dry97.6%

Wet97.1%

Comfort96.8%

Rolling Resistance100%

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	3^rd / 7	127 ft	+5 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 7	53.9 mph	-0.5 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 7	165 ft	+3 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 7	47.3 mph	-1.7 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	3^rd / 7	11.8 s	+0.40 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	3^rd / 7	54.1 mph	-3.9 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	1^st / 7	12.9 ft/s²	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	5^th / 7	74 dB	+2.40 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	1^st / 7	9.01 kg/t	Best in this discipline

Price: 1470.00

Dry98.9%

Wet98.8%

Comfort91.8%

Rolling Resistance75.8%

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	2^nd / 7	125 ft	+3 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 7	54.4 mph	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 7	162 ft	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingHigher is better	2^nd / 7	48.7 mph	-0.3 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	1^st / 7	11.4 s	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	1^st / 7	58.0 mph	Best in this discipline
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	2^nd / 7	11.6 ft/s²	-1.3 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	7^th / 7	78 dB	+6.40 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	7^th / 7	11.88 kg/t	+2.87 kg/t

Price: 1615.00

Dry96.3%

Wet94%

Comfort98.6%

Rolling Resistance82.6%

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	6^th / 7	130 ft	+8 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 7	53.6 mph	-0.8 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	4^th / 7	176 ft	+14 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	4^th / 7	46.7 mph	-2.3 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	4^th / 7	11.9 s	+0.50 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	2^nd / 7	56.9 mph	-1.1 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	3^rd / 7	11.1 ft/s²	-1.8 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	4^th / 7	72.6 dB	+1.00 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	5^th / 7	10.91 kg/t	+1.90 kg/t

Price: 1185.00

Dry96.1%

Wet84.9%

Comfort98.8%

Rolling Resistance90.2%

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	5^th / 7	129 ft	+7 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	7^th / 7	53.1 mph	-1.3 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	5^th / 7	192 ft	+30 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 7	45.3 mph	-3.7 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	5^th / 7	12.6 s	+1.20 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	7^th / 7	45.7 mph	-12.3 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	6^th / 7	7.7 ft/s²	-5.2 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	3^rd / 7	72.5 dB	+0.90 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	3^rd / 7	9.99 kg/t	+0.98 kg/t

Price: 1520.00

Dry94.2%

Wet81.1%

Comfort100%

Rolling Resistance78.1%

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	7^th / 7	136 ft	+14 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 7	53.6 mph	-0.8 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	6^th / 7	212 ft	+50 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 7	44.2 mph	-4.8 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	6^th / 7	12.9 s	+1.50 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	6^th / 7	45.9 mph	-12.1 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	7^th / 7	7.0 ft/s²	-5.9 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	1^st / 7	71.6 dB	Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	6^th / 7	11.54 kg/t	+2.53 kg/t

Price: 2100.00

Dry97.1%

Wet79.3%

Comfort99.6%

Rolling Resistance94.5%

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	4^th / 7	128 ft	+6 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 7	53.9 mph	-0.5 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	7^th / 7	236 ft	+74 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	7^th / 7	41.1 mph	-7.9 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	7^th / 7	13.2 s	+1.80 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	5^th / 7	49.7 mph	-8.3 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	5^th / 7	9.0 ft/s²	-3.9 ft/s²
NoiseLower is better	2^nd / 7	71.9 dB	+0.30 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	2^nd / 7	9.53 kg/t	+0.52 kg/t

Price: 315.00

Discussion

13 comments

Julian Jul 10, 2026

The Rader had "dangerously long braking distances on wet and dry roads" but it scored 4th in dry braking? Also effectively in the middle of the pack distance-wise in that test.

#10694
1. TireReviews Julian Jul 12, 2026
  
  You are correct, that should just say 'wet' roads. I'll get it edited now.
  
  #10699
4cvg Nov 26, 2025 archived

The Tire Rack has just done a "classic" tire test. Compared to ABK thoroughness, it's a disappointingly limited effort but, given the paucity of "classic" tire tests, it would be nice for you to give it a forum.

#10437
1. TireReviews 4cvg Nov 28, 2025 archived
  
  I'll put it on the list.
  
  #10440
  1. 4cvg TireReviews Nov 28, 2025 archived
    
    ta!
    
    #10441
4cvg Sep 21, 2024 archived

Jonathan, I don't know if you are in conversation with the good folk at ABK, but if so, perhaps you could suggest to them that a future test of interest would be in 155/80-15. I mention it because it is a size of interest as it is available in the FF compound formulation of the Xas. The regular compound Xas generally tests poorly in the wet but the FF should do better in merely slick conditions which don't make demands on the pattern's poor water clearance.
Adding interest would be to also test some 145/80 (XZX for example) &, if it is available still, the TB15 in 170/65 against the 155/80 field.
Vehicle? Superbeetle maybe (5" rims) or R8 Gordini or R8S (with 4.5" standard wheels)

#9667
1. 4cvg 4cvg Sep 21, 2024 archived
  
  Oh, and perhaps 175/70-15 as it allows the CN36 to feature.
  
  #9668
2. TireReviews 4cvg Sep 22, 2024 archived
  
  Sadly I have almost no contact with AB, other than our paths crossing sometimes when testing. Dirk is a great guy, maybe write in?
  
  #9674
  1. 4cvg TireReviews Sep 23, 2024 archived
    
    Would it breach confidentiality to share his email (or whatnot) here?
    
    #9677
    1. TireReviews 4cvg Sep 30, 2024 archived
      
      Unfortunately I don't have it!
      
      #9697
      1. 4cvg TireReviews Oct 1, 2024 archived
        
        I've requested via the generic ABK contact email but no response yet.
        
        #9698
4cvg Sep 4, 2024 archived

Thanks so much for this Jonathan. The ABK tests are otherwise very hard to access. (Spoken as someone whose youngest car is 45 years old & all of them take unfashionably small sizes.) I'll spread the word that it's up here.

#9643
1. TireReviews 4cvg Sep 5, 2024 archived
  
  Sounds like you have quite the interesting garage!
  
  #9646

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Test setup & methodology

Recorded test conditions

Dry

Wet

Value

Results

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