Autobild Sports Cars tests are usually nice and simple. Fast car, the best of the UUHP tires, put them together and see what's best.

Thankfully, in the strange year of 2025 testing, Autobild have kept that formula and tested eight performance summer tires in 245/35 R19 using an Audi TTS.

As this is a nice and simple test, we'll let the data do the talking.

Dry

The Continental SportContact 7 leads the field with the shortest dry braking distance of 116 feet from 62 mph. The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 follows closely at 118 feet, showing strong performance in this critical safety test. There's a significant gap of nearly 20 feet between the best and worst performers, with the Triangle EffeXSport requiring 135 feet to stop.

Dry Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Continental SportContact 7	116 ft	Best
2Pirelli P Zero PZ4	118 ft	+2 ft
3Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	122 ft	+6 ft
4Firestone Firehawk Sport	124 ft	+8 ft
5Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	125 ft	+9 ft
6Vredestein Ultrac Pro	127 ft	+11 ft
7Double Coin DC 100	133 ft	+17 ft
8Triangle EffeXSport	135 ft	+19 ft

The difference between best and worst was 16.3% (19 ft ≈ 1.3 Car Lengths).

Continental, Michelin, Goodyear, Pirelli and Vredestein delivered the fastest lap times and received the best subjective ratings. The testers say they perform at similar levels with the Continental slightly edging out the competition at 68 mph, followed by Michelin at 68 mph.

The subjective notes highlight "quick lap times and best subjective ratings" for these premium brands, indicating responsive steering feel and excellent balance during cornering.

Triangle and Double Coin show significantly reduced performance in dry conditions. The subjective assessment describes their handling as "noticeably less crisp" around corners. This aligns with their objectively lower speeds of 65.4 mph and 64.9 mph respectively.

The gap in dry handling performance between best and worst (3.5 mph) is less dramatic than in wet conditions (11.6 mph), indicating that while budget tires struggle in all conditions, their deficiencies become much more pronounced and potentially dangerous in the wet.

Dry Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Continental SportContact 7	68.4 mph	Best
2Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	67.7 mph	-0.7 mph
3Pirelli P Zero PZ4	67.7 mph	-0.7 mph
3Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	67.7 mph	-0.7 mph
5Vredestein Ultrac Pro	67.1 mph	-1.3 mph
6Firestone Firehawk Sport	66.9 mph	-1.5 mph
7Triangle EffeXSport	65.4 mph	-3.0 mph
8Double Coin DC 100	64.9 mph	-3.5 mph

The difference between best and worst was 5.1% (3.5 mph).

Wet

Continental continues its dominance in wet braking, stopping from 62 mph in just 132 feet. Pirelli maintains its strong braking performance with a second-place result of 139 feet. The most alarming finding is the massive 29.6-meter gap between Continental and the Double Coin DC100, which needed a dangerous 229 feet to stop – nearly 70% more distance than the best performer. This test clearly demonstrates the crucial safety differences between premium and budget tires, especially in wet conditions where grip is already compromised.

Wet Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Continental SportContact 7	132 ft	Best
2Pirelli P Zero PZ4	139 ft	+7 ft
3Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	143 ft	+11 ft
4Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	145 ft	+13 ft
5Vredestein Ultrac Pro	147 ft	+15 ft
6Firestone Firehawk Sport	162 ft	+30 ft
7Triangle EffeXSport	166 ft	+34 ft
8Double Coin DC 100	229 ft	+97 ft

The difference between best and worst was 73.8% (97 ft ≈ 6.6 Car Lengths).

Continental SportContact 7 and Pirelli P Zero PZ4 demonstrate exceptional wet handling qualities. The testers note "unbelievably secure" performance on wet surfaces with both tires. They maintain stable front-end grip while the TT's rear end remains predictable and controllable. The Continental achieved the highest average speed of 52.5 mph, with Pirelli following at 51.4 mph.

Goodyear, Vredestein and Michelin form the mid-pack with solid performance but noticeable step down from the leaders. They achieved average speeds between 79.7-50.0 mph, maintaining good balance but without the exceptional grip of the top performers.

The Firestone and Triangle tires show concerning performance deficiencies. The testers specifically mentions that these tires provide "frighteningly little grip" on wet surfaces, with the subjective assessment stating they "slide over the watered handling course like on soap." This correlates with their significantly lower average speeds (74.5-46.5 mph).

The Double Coin DC100 delivers dangerously poor wet handling at 40.9 mph, almost 12 mph slower than the Continental, confirming the subjective assessment of extremely limited grip and control.

Wet Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Continental SportContact 7	52.5 mph	Best
2Pirelli P Zero PZ4	51.4 mph	-1.1 mph
3Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	50.0 mph	-2.5 mph
4Vredestein Ultrac Pro	49.8 mph	-2.7 mph
5Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	49.5 mph	-3.0 mph
6Firestone Firehawk Sport	46.5 mph	-6.0 mph
7Triangle EffeXSport	46.3 mph	-6.2 mph
8Double Coin DC 100	40.9 mph	-11.6 mph

The difference between best and worst was 22% (11.6 mph).

In a surprising twist, the budget Triangle EffeXSport outperforms all premium brands in aquaplaning resistance, maintaining traction until 49.4 mph.

Straight Aqua
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Triangle EffeXSport	49.4 mph	Best
2Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	46.6 mph	-2.8 mph
2Firestone Firehawk Sport	46.6 mph	-2.8 mph
4Vredestein Ultrac Pro	46.4 mph	-3.0 mph
5Continental SportContact 7	46.2 mph	-3.2 mph
6Pirelli P Zero PZ4	45.9 mph	-3.5 mph
7Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	45.6 mph	-3.8 mph
8Double Coin DC 100	39.1 mph	-10.3 mph

The difference between best and worst was 20.9% (10.3 mph).

Triangle maintains its impressive aquaplaning resistance in curved conditions, achieving the highest lateral acceleration of 3.44 m/s².

Curved Aquaplaning
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Triangle EffeXSport	11.3 ft/s²	Best
2Vredestein Ultrac Pro	11.1 ft/s²	-0.2 ft/s²
3Continental SportContact 7	10.3 ft/s²	-1.0 ft/s²
4Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	10.2 ft/s²	-1.1 ft/s²
5Firestone Firehawk Sport	9.8 ft/s²	-1.5 ft/s²
6Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	9.5 ft/s²	-1.8 ft/s²
7Pirelli P Zero PZ4	9.4 ft/s²	-1.9 ft/s²
8Double Coin DC 100	8.0 ft/s²	-3.3 ft/s²

The difference between best and worst was 29.4% (3.3 ft/s²).

Comfort

The test shows an interesting inversion of performance when it comes to comfort. The comfort test reveals that subjective noise levels inside the vehicle had minimal to no noticeable differences among the tires tested.

Vredestein, Triangle, and Double Coin all received the highest comfort scores of 8 points, despite their varying performance in handling and braking tests. This suggests their compounds and construction prioritize ride comfort and noise suppression. The PDF notes that "in the interior, subjectively no to few differences were audible," indicating that even with measured external noise differences, the cabin experience was relatively consistent.

Michelin, Pirelli, Goodyear, and Firestone all scored 7 points for comfort, placing them in the middle range. These tires balance performance characteristics with reasonable comfort levels.

Continental, which dominated nearly all performance categories, received the lowest comfort score of 6 points. This aligns with a common trade-off in tire design where maximum grip and performance often come at the expense of ride comfort.

Subj. Comfort
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Vredestein Ultrac Pro	8 Points	Best
1Triangle EffeXSport	8 Points	Best
1Double Coin DC 100	8 Points	Best
4Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	7 Points	-1.00 Points
4Pirelli P Zero PZ4	7 Points	-1.00 Points
4Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	7 Points	-1.00 Points
4Firestone Firehawk Sport	7 Points	-1.00 Points
8Continental SportContact 7	6 Points	-2.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 25% (2 Points).

The Double Coin DC100 produces the lowest external noise at 73.3 dB, followed closely by Goodyear at 73.4 dB. The results in this test are tightly clustered, with all tires within a 1.7 dB range. Continental and Michelin generate the most noise at 75.0 dB, again demonstrating that performance-focused tires often compromise somewhat on refinement characteristics.

Noise
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Double Coin DC 100	73.3 dB	Best
2Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	73.4 dB	+0.10 dB
3Firestone Firehawk Sport	73.9 dB	+0.60 dB
4Vredestein Ultrac Pro	74 dB	+0.70 dB
5Triangle EffeXSport	74.5 dB	+1.20 dB
6Pirelli P Zero PZ4	74.9 dB	+1.60 dB
7Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	75 dB	+1.70 dB
7Continental SportContact 7	75 dB	+1.70 dB

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

Value

Firestone Firehawk Sport leads in fuel efficiency with the lowest rolling resistance of 7.2 kg/t, followed by Michelin at 7.8 kg/t and Double Coin at 8.1 kg/t. Pirelli has the highest resistance at 10.6 kg/t, while Continental places sixth at 9.5 kg/t.

Rolling Resistance
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Extra fuel / year
1Firestone Firehawk Sport	7.2 kg/t	Best	$0
2Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S	7.8 kg/t	+0.60 kg/t	$24
3Double Coin DC 100	8.1 kg/t	+0.90 kg/t	$37
4Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	8.6 kg/t	+1.40 kg/t	$57
5Vredestein Ultrac Pro	8.8 kg/t	+1.60 kg/t	$65
6Continental SportContact 7	9.5 kg/t	+2.30 kg/t	$94
7Triangle EffeXSport	10 kg/t	+2.80 kg/t	$114
8Pirelli P Zero PZ4	10.6 kg/t	+3.40 kg/t	$139

The difference between best and worst was 47.2% (3.4 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 uses about 39 gal ($139) more fuel than the Firestone Firehawk Sport.

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

The test winner delivered excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions. It showed outstanding handling qualities with precise steering response and short braking distances in all conditions. The SportContact 7 performed particularly well in wet handling tests, maintaining stability and control. Its only minor drawback was a slightly higher rolling resistance. The tire showed some wear after 5-6 fast laps, likely due to its softer compound that helps deliver maximum grip.

Dry100%

Wet97.7%

Comfort86.4%

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	1^st / 8	116 ft	Best in this discipline
Dry HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 8	68.4 mph	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 8	132 ft	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 8	52.5 mph	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	5^th / 8	46.2 mph	-3.2 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	3^rd / 8	10.3 ft/s²	-1.0 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	8^th / 8	6 Points	-2.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	7^th / 8	75 dB	+1.70 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	6^th / 8	9.5 kg/t	+2.30 kg/t

EU Label: D/A/72
Price: 840.00

This tire showed strong all-round performance with direct, progressive steering response and good safety reserves during aquaplaning. It recorded very quiet external noise levels and solid handling in dry conditions. Its wet braking performance was mid-range compared to the top performers. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 provides balanced performance across all testing categories.

Dry96.2%

Wet92.8%

Comfort93.7%

Rolling Resistance83.7%

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	5^th / 8	125 ft	+9 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 8	67.7 mph	-0.7 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	4^th / 8	145 ft	+13 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 8	50.0 mph	-2.5 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	2^nd / 8	46.6 mph	-2.8 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	4^th / 8	10.2 ft/s²	-1.1 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4^th / 8	7 Points	-1.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	2^nd / 8	73.4 dB	+0.10 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	4^th / 8	8.6 kg/t	+1.40 kg/t

EU Label: C/A/70
Price: 800.00

The Pirelli impressed with balanced handling in both wet and dry conditions. It features precise turn-in behavior, stable lateral grip, and short braking distances. The tire achieved nearly the same wet braking performance as the Continental. The P Zero PZ4 showed minor weakness in the curved aquaplaning test but otherwise performed at the highest level. It was the most expensive tire in the test at approximately €1,080 per set.

Dry98.8%

Wet93.8%

Comfort92.7%

Rolling Resistance67.9%

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 / 8	118 ft	+2 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 8	67.7 mph	-0.7 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 8	139 ft	+7 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	2^nd / 8	51.4 mph	-1.1 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	6^th / 8	45.9 mph	-3.5 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	7^th / 8	9.4 ft/s²	-1.9 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4^th / 8	7 Points	-1.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	6^th / 8	74.9 dB	+1.60 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	8^th / 8	10.6 kg/t	+3.40 kg/t

EU Label: D/A/72
Price: 1080.00

This tire demonstrated sporty, dynamic handling with stable lateral grip on both wet and dry surfaces. It offers direct steering response and good feedback to the driver. The Pilot Sport 4S needed about two meters more stopping distance than the Continental in wet braking tests and showed some limitations in the curved aquaplaning test.

Dry97.1%

Wet91.6%

Comfort92.6%

Rolling Resistance92.3%

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 / 8	122 ft	+6 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	2^nd / 8	67.7 mph	-0.7 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	3^rd / 8	143 ft	+11 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 8	49.5 mph	-3.0 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	7^th / 8	45.6 mph	-3.8 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	6^th / 8	9.5 ft/s²	-1.8 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4^th / 8	7 Points	-1.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	7^th / 8	75 dB	+1.70 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	2^nd / 8	7.8 kg/t	+0.60 kg/t

EU Label: D/A/71
Price: 1000.00

A well-balanced all-rounder with excellent aquaplaning resistance, good braking distances, and secure handling on both wet and dry surfaces. The Ultrac Pro offered good comfort and quiet rolling noise. Its only comparative weakness was mid-range performance in wet braking tests. Priced at approximately €760 per set, it provides good value among the premium brands.

Dry95%

Wet93.3%

Comfort99.5%

Rolling Resistance81.8%

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	6^th / 8	127 ft	+11 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 8	67.1 mph	-1.3 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	5^th / 8	147 ft	+15 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	4^th / 8	49.8 mph	-2.7 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	4^th / 8	46.4 mph	-3.0 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	2^nd / 8	11.1 ft/s²	-0.2 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	1^st / 8	8 Points	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	4^th / 8	74 dB	+0.70 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	5^th / 8	8.8 kg/t	+1.60 kg/t

EU Label: D/A/72
Price: 760.00

This tire showed precise steering response with good feedback on dry surfaces. It offers good comfort and low rolling resistance, which helps with fuel economy. However, it demonstrated limited performance in wet handling and wet braking, with significantly longer stopping distances in the wet compared to the top performers.

Dry96%

Wet86.6%

Comfort93.3%

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	4^th / 8	124 ft	+8 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 8	66.9 mph	-1.5 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	6^th / 8	162 ft	+30 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 8	46.5 mph	-6.0 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	2^nd / 8	46.6 mph	-2.8 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	5^th / 8	9.8 ft/s²	-1.5 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4^th / 8	7 Points	-1.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	3^rd / 8	73.9 dB	+0.60 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	1^st / 8	7.2 kg/t	Best in this discipline

EU Label: B/A/70
Price: 640.00

This budget tire performed surprisingly well in aquaplaning tests, matching or exceeding some premium brands. It also delivered decent wet handling at the level of premium tires and featured good rolling resistance. Its major weakness was in wet braking, where it needed about 33 feet more stopping distance than the best tire in the test. Manufactured in China.

Dry90.8%

Wet88.6%

Comfort99.2%

Rolling Resistance72%

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	8^th / 8	135 ft	+19 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	7^th / 8	65.4 mph	-3.0 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	7^th / 8	166 ft	+34 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	7^th / 8	46.3 mph	-6.2 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	1^st / 8	49.4 mph	Best in this discipline
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	1^st / 8	11.3 ft/s²	Best in this discipline
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	1^st / 8	8 Points	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	5^th / 8	74.5 dB	+1.20 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	7^th / 8	10 kg/t	+2.80 kg/t

EU Label: D/A/72
Price: 300.00

The poorest performer in the test, this budget tire only excelled in rolling noise. It showed dangerous handling characteristics including delayed turn-in with poor balance and unpredictable oversteer on wet surfaces. Braking distances were alarmingly long - nearly 98 feet more than the Continental in wet conditions. The Double Coin also failed the high-speed durability test. Despite its low price the testers deemed it not recommended due to safety concerns.

Dry91.2%

Wet69.9%

Comfort100%

Rolling Resistance88.9%

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 / 8	133 ft	+17 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	8^th / 8	64.9 mph	-3.5 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	8^th / 8	229 ft	+97 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	8^th / 8	40.9 mph	-11.6 mph
Straight AquaHigher is better	8^th / 8	39.1 mph	-10.3 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	8^th / 8	8.0 ft/s²	-3.3 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	1^st / 8	8 Points	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	1^st / 8	73.3 dB	Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	3^rd / 8	8.1 kg/t	+0.90 kg/t

EU Label: C/C/70
Price: 300.00

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The evidence behind the verdict

Dry

Wet

Comfort

Value

Results

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