Below is the data from the Die-Reifen summer performance tire test which tested eight popular summer tires in 225/40 R18 using a VW Golf GTI.
Test Size:
225/40 R18
Tires Tested:
8 tires
Test Categories:
4 categories (8 tests)
4 categories (8 tests)
| Test Category | Best Performer | Worst Performer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry (2 tests) | |||
| Dry Braking | ▲ Bridgestone Potenza Sport: 33.62 M | ▼ Vredestein Ultrac Pro: 35.62 M | 2.0 M (5.6%) |
| Subj. Dry Handling | ▲ Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport: 5 Points | ▼ Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3: 3 Points | 2.0 Points (66.7%) |
| Wet (3 tests) | |||
| Wet Braking | ▲ Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72: 23.07 M | ▼ Vredestein Ultrac Pro: 26.82 M | 3.8 M (14.0%) |
| Subj. Wet Handling | ▲ Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72: 5 Points | ▼ Vredestein Ultrac Pro: 2 Points | 3.0 Points (150.0%) |
| Straight Aqua | ▲ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 78.2 Km/H | ▼ Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3: 76.4 Km/H | 1.8 Km/H (2.4%) |
| Comfort (2 tests) | |||
| Subj. Comfort | ▲ Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3: 5 Points | ▼ Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport: 3 Points | 2.0 Points (66.7%) |
| Subj. Noise | ▲ Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3: 5 Points | ▼ Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport: 3 Points | 2.0 Points (66.7%) |
| Value (1 tests) | |||
| Rolling Resistance | ▲ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.86 kg / t | ▼ Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport: 10.8 kg / t | 1.9 kg / t (18.0%) |
You can view the full test and video via the link above (in German.) It's worth noting that they do not publish lap times for dry and wet handling, only a subjective text value (Very good, good etc) which has been converted to a point rating out of five.
Dry
Dry Braking
Subj. Dry Handling
Wet
Wet Braking
Subj. Wet Handling
Straight Aqua
Comfort
Subj. Comfort
Subj. Noise
Value
Rolling Resistance
Results
1st: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Korean newcomer shocked the established brands by performing well across almost every discipline. It delivered good to very good results in wet and dry braking, handling and aquaplaning. This balance makes it the surprise star of the test and earns it a place among the winners, especially considering its competitive price. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2nd: Bridgestone Potenza Sport | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bridgestone earned its spot on the podium with best‑in‑test dry and wet braking scores. It also impressed in dry handling and provides comfortable, quiet running, but its rolling‑resistance figure is comparatively high. Overall it is a very balanced all‑rounder that can be warmly recommended. Read Reviews Buy from £229.99 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3rd: Continental SportContact 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Continental remains a benchmark for sporty cars. Its wet and dry handling is still excellent, and its low rolling resistance disproves the idea that high wet grip requires high energy consumption. The test team noted an unexpected weakness in wet braking and lateral aquaplaning, but overall the SportContact 7 is still considered “state of the art”. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4th: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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True to its name, the Goodyear is the most sporting tire in the field. It dominated dry handling and excelled in dry braking, while wet performance was close to the leaders. However, deficiencies in interior noise, ride comfort and high rolling resistance mean it misses out on the podium despite its dynamic appeal. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5th: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Michelin’s entrant leads the midfield. Outside the aquaplaning tests it rarely shines, but it provides a pleasant, touring‑like driving feel. The Pilot Sport 5 achieves the lowest rolling‑resistance figure in the test, yet it doesn’t display the dynamic sharpness expected of a sport tire. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6th: Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This tire is comfortable and quiet, and offers commendable wet braking and handling. The testers felt its dry handling lacked the sportiness of the leaders, but the Hankook’s low rolling resistance and high comfort make it a pleasant everyday option. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7th: Maxxis Victra Sport 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Maxxis impressed again with good dry handling and braking. On wet roads it achieved only satisfactory results, and its high rolling resistance suggests the tread compound isn’t fully developed. It does, however, excel in interior noise and ride comfort. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8th: Vredestein Ultrac Pro | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Dutch Ultrac Pro struggles to keep up with the other sport tires. It holds its own in dry handling but falls behind in nearly all other important disciplines. The testers felt it would need a major update to compete at the front again. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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