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Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 VS Asymmetric 3 VS Continental PremiumContact 6 - In depth test

Joint test winnersContinental Premium Contact 6 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5

As the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 is now available for purchase, I've tested it against the much loved, previous generation Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, and a leading competitor, the Continental PremiumContact 6.

Tires tested
3
Tested size
225/40 R18
Disciplines
9

At a glance

Tire shortlist

3 Tires tested

Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.

How the results are weighted

Joint1st

Continental Premium Contact 6

+Fastest dry lap time, quick precise steering in the dry, excellent curved aquaplaning.

−Slightly nervous in the wet, higher levels of wear during dry handling.

Joint1st

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5

+Best comfort, high levels of wet grip with an excellent balance in the dry and wet.

−Slight loss of steering feedback in really high speed cornering.

3rd

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3

+Shortest dry braking.

−The replacement Asymmetric 5 improves this tire in nearly all areas.

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Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 VS Asymmetric 3 VS Continental PremiumContact 6 - In depth test · 225/40 R18

TireContinental Premium Contact 6Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
PositionJoint 1stJoint 1st3rd
Category scores (% of best)
Dry 39% of overall score99.2%99.1%96.9%
Wet 56% of overall score98.8%99.6%97.3%
Comfort 5% of overall score94.9%100%88.9%
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Explore the complete results →

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

As the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 is now available for purchase, I've tested it against the much loved, previous generation Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, and a leading competitor, the Continental PremiumContact 6.
 

Overall, the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 was a good step forward when compared to the Asymmetric 3 in all key areas, and on par with the Continental PremiumContact 6. The gap between the Continental and the Goodyear is now so close, that in a different tire size to this (225/40 R18), some of the test results might be flipped.

Dry

During dry braking, the Asymmetric 3 took a surprise win, beating the Asymmetric 5 and PremiumContact 6.

Dry Braking

Dry braking in feet

Lower is better ↓
Dry Braking
Position / TireResultGap to best
110 ft Best
111 ft +1 ft
112 ft +2 ft

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

During dry handling the Continental was the fastest tire on test, with the Asymmetric 5 and PremiumContact 6 both having an excellent subjective balance.

Dry Handling

Dry handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓
Dry Handling
Position / TireResultGap to best
94 s Best
95.12 s +1.12 s
96.3 s +2.30 s

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

Subj. Dry Handling

Subjective Dry Handling Score

Higher is better ↑
Subj. Dry Handling
Position / TireResultGap to best
9 Points Best
9 Points Best
7 Points -2.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 22.2% (2 Points).

Wet

The PremiumContact 6 had a small advantage during wet braking.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in feet

Lower is better ↓
Wet Braking
Position / TireResultGap to best
115 ft Best
117 ft +2 ft
119 ft +4 ft

The difference between best and worst was 3.4% (4 ft).

The Asymmetric 5 and PremiumContact 6 posted exactly the same laptimes, with the Goodyear providing a slightly better balance.

Wet Handling

Wet handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓
Wet Handling
Position / TireResultGap to best
65.29 s Best
65.29 s Best
66.14 s +0.85 s

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

Subj. Wet Handling

Subjective Wet Handling Score

Higher is better ↑
Subj. Wet Handling
Position / TireResultGap to best
10 Points Best
9 Points -1.00 Points
9 Points -1.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 10% (1 Points).

The new Asymmetric 5 proved to be best in straight aquaplaning, with the PremiumContact 6 ahead in curved aquaplaning.

Straight Aqua

Float Speed in mph

Higher is better ↑
Straight Aqua
Position / TireResultGap to best
47.5 mph Best
47.5 mph 0.0 mph
46.9 mph -0.6 mph

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

Environment

The Asymmetric 5 had both the lowest internal noise and highlest levels of comfort on test, though it was again very close between the Asymmetric 5 and PremiumContact 6.

Noise

External noise in dB

Lower is better ↓
Noise
Position / TireResultGap to best
67.6 dB Best
67.8 dB +0.20 dB
69.1 dB +1.50 dB

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

Subj. Comfort

Subjective Comfort Score

Higher is better ↑
Subj. Comfort
Position / TireResultGap to best
10 Points Best
9 Points -1.00 Points
8 Points -2.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 20% (2 Points).

Results

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 VS Asymmetric 3 VS Continental PremiumContact 6 - In depth testWatch the full video of this test on YouTube Watch on YouTube

Joint 1st

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5

225/40 R18
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
An excellent balanced tire and a good step over the previous Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3.
Dry99.1%
Wet99.6%
Comfort100%

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.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better2nd / 3111 ft+1 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better2nd / 395.12 s+1.12 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better1st / 39 PointsBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better2nd / 3117 ft+2 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better1st / 365.29 sBest in this discipline
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better1st / 310 PointsBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better1st / 347.5 mphBest in this discipline
Subj. ComfortHigher is better1st / 310 PointsBest in this discipline
NoiseLower is better1st / 367.6 dBBest in this discipline
Joint 1st

Continental Premium Contact 6

225/40 R18
Continental Premium Contact 6
High levels of grip in all conditions, with precise steering and good levels of comfort.
Dry99.2%
Wet98.8%
Comfort94.9%

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.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better3rd / 3112 ft+2 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better1st / 394 sBest in this discipline
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better1st / 39 PointsBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better1st / 3115 ftBest in this discipline
Wet HandlingLower is better1st / 365.29 sBest in this discipline
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better2nd / 39 Points-1.00 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better3rd / 346.9 mph-0.6 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better2nd / 39 Points-1.00 Points
NoiseLower is better2nd / 367.8 dB+0.20 dB
3rd

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3

225/40 R18
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
Dry96.9%
Wet97.3%
Comfort88.9%

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.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better1st / 3110 ftBest in this discipline
Dry HandlingLower is better3rd / 396.3 s+2.30 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better3rd / 37 Points-2.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better3rd / 3119 ft+4 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better3rd / 366.14 s+0.85 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better2nd / 39 Points-1.00 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better2nd / 347.5 mph0.0 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better3rd / 38 Points-2.00 Points
NoiseLower is better3rd / 369.1 dB+1.50 dB

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Discussion

64 comments
  1. Robert archived

    Great review, thanks.
    Did you test asymmetric 3 on runflats or non-runflats?
    For my Merc E220d AMG Line estate, I have to replace rear Asymmetric 3 275/35 R19 run flats. I have Pilot Sport 4 on front (non-runflats). Can't get asymmetric 5 or 6 for the back, maybe because of size. Would you recommend Asymmetric 3 runflats or non-runflats as my rear replacements?

    #8054
    1. TireReviews Robert archived

      I've never tested a runflat tire sadly! Your rear size is very common and it seems you can get the asym 5 and 6 or MPS4/5 in your size in non runflats

      https://www.tyrereviews.com...

      Whether you want to to to non-runflat is a decision for you. Obviously non-runflat are usually better!

      #8059
      1. Robert TireReviews archived

        Thanks so much for your helpful and speedy reply. Merc seems to be fitting runflats to all e class for the last few years. They are surprised when I turn up for a service with standard tires and make a point of it!
        I see that I can purchase asym 5 or 6 for delivery, but I have not found a tire fitting shop that can order and fit them. Perhaps I wrongly assumed the shops will only fit what they supply?

        #8072
        1. TireReviews Robert archived

          Most tire shops will install loose tires for a fee, usually around 15-20 a wheel, though if you can order them online any good tire shop should have access to the same stock!

          #8073
  2. Bill Cooper archived

    Hi there,

    Great video thank you. I have a Jaguar F-Type 2016 with 245/45/R18W and 275/40/R18W Continental Sports Contact 2 tires. They have 4-5 mm of tread left. I have noticed that now the weather has turned, the grip is not great.

    I am considering the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5. The issue is that they don't seem to produce the 5 in the larger size. Should I "downgrade" to 4 x Asymmetric 3s of have 5s on the front and 3s on the back.

    Alternatively, I watched another of your videos on OEM VS Aftermarket (also great - well done you!).

    Should I go for the Continental Sports Contact 6 (available in both sizes).

    And finally, what about any other brands. Which tires should I consider from Michelin and Pirelli?

    Welcome your advice and any other comments.

    #6356
    1. TireReviews Bill Cooper archived

      I'v'e tests of all those tires, so check out the test videos for the best answer (the BMW M2 full test would be the most useful.)

      One word of warning, no summer tire will be great when it's cold and damp with a lot of power

      #6357
      1. Bill Cooper TireReviews archived

        Thanks for your prompt response. I will watch the videos.

        Warning noted.

        #6358
  3. callum hunter archived

    Looking for new front tires 245/45 r18 on a Bmw 535d. Currently have cont sport 3s, so far the Goodyear asylum 5s are my fav choice to replace, any other suggestions? TIA

    #6020
    1. TireReviews callum hunter archived

      So many of the BMW boys love the Asym 5, I'm not sure I would go anywhere else!

      #6021
  4. DT archived

    Is it ok to mix the asy3 on front with asy5 on rear of an Audi S5.

    #5849
    1. TireReviews DT archived

      Sure, that's the right way to do it. Burn through the fronts and get the Asym 5 all round :)

      #5850
  5. TireReviews archived

    It depends what you want from the tire, this video and the latest on the youtube channel should tell you everything you need to know

    #5823
  6. Thomas archived

    Thanks for those in-depth tests! I drive a BMW M340i xDrive and would like to fit Asymmetric 5s on my wheels (225/40R19 front, 255/35R19 rear), but those are not available with (*) specification for BMW. I have read a lot about how important it is on xDrive's to only fit (*) tires. Any thoughts on or experience with that? Thank you!

    #5439
    1. TireReviews Thomas archived

      It's totally fine to fit non-* tires, if you can do all 4 at the same time, all the better

      #5447
      1. Thomas TireReviews archived

        Thanks for your answer. Sure, I always change all 4 tires. Have just heard lots of stories about xDrive's transfer box being very sensitive about tires and getting damaged easily.

        #5449
        1. Oba ma Thomas archived

          Yeah, it's true - transfer box could damage, if You fit wrong size of tires.

          #5490
  7. acideraser archived

    Hi, I need to replace worn rear tires, currently have Michelin Primacy 3 on all four.
    Would it be ok to run Asymmetric 5 at the rear and Primacy 3 on the front wheels, for several month before changing front to Goodyear as well ?

    The cars are Mercedes Benz E-Class, R18 245/45 and C class R18 245/40

    Also wanted to ask you if there is difference between generic GYF1A5 and GYF1A5 MO (Mercedes fitment) as the latter seem to be a bit more expensive

    #5116
    1. TireReviews acideraser archived

      The mixed setup isn't ideal, but lots of people do it and you'll be find as long as you're mindful.

      As for the changes for MO, there probably is some but only goodyear would be able to say what, and that's near impossible information to get.

      #5117
      1. acideraser TireReviews archived

        Thanks, with regards to the MO question what I mean is is it ok to fit non MO tire on Mercedes ?

        #5118
  8. timothi79 archived

    Hi from Greece. I own an AUDI A3 Sportback 160 Ps and i want to replace my tires with a new pare of Assymetric 5 or Pilot sport 4. Do you know if and when are you going to test these tires.
    Is it going to be a test between them? I think these are the best in 225/45/17 tire size.

    #5113
    1. TireReviews timothi79 archived

      I don't be doing that this year, but EVO did recently. It's on the site, but a very strange test.

      #5114
  9. Marco Zanuttigh archived

    Hi, what what would be your tire choice for a 2019 2.0 mazda mx-5 (205/45/17?)? On my volvo s60 (235/40 R18) i'm very happy with the continental premium contact 6, but the mx5 is a different car, maybe the sport contact 6 is a better choice. What do you think?

    #4948
  10. Patrick archived

    After watching this I was sold on the A5s but in Belgium my size (235/45/18) is not available yet (end of august is really too late and they can't guarantee that date either). But the 225/45/18 is available and allowed on my car as well (RCZ hdi). Would the difference in width and height make a big difference and therefor go for the Conti 6 in 235/45/18? A big thanks for your video's!

    #4907
    1. TireReviews Patrick archived

      The Conti is still a great tire, I can't see you being disappointed with it!

      #4911
  11. David Jackson archived

    I have a Mazda 6 2.2 Sport Nav with 225/45 R19 92W. Bridgestone Turanza. I think for the Mazda they are unacceptably noisy. I notice Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 are 225/45 R19 96W XL, I notice that the XL means extra load and stiffer walls, does this affect the noise rating? Is the best choice for comfort / noise?

    #4889
    1. TireReviews David Jackson archived

      It likely won't make any different on comfort and should be a good all round choice.

      #4895
  12. Jan Schneider archived

    Thank you for the video, I was looking at new tires for my miata and I am sold on the A5s after watching this. Will let you know how they feel, keep up the good work!

    #4818
  13. Harry Mntncs archived

    Very interesting test by all means, looks like Goodyear really got it right this time.
    Could you do a test featuring 195/45/16 tires please, not forgetting to include the Bridgestone Turanza T005 and Toyo Proxes CF2? That's a dimension that's almost never been in a test - at least not to my knowledge.
    Thank you in advance,

    Harry

    #4786
    1. TireReviews Harry Mntncs archived

      I'm afraid it's unlikely anyone will do that test as it's a very low volume size, sorry!

      #4788
      1. Harry Mntncs TireReviews archived

        Thank you for the reply, I appreciate it. Keep up your great work ;)

        #4789
  14. Bobbybee archived

    I wish rolling resistance had a higher prevalence in these tests. Most drivers get nowhere near the limits of their tires during day to day driving. If you're relying on superior tires to get you out of a sticky situation, then you were probably driving too fast in the first place. If you're going to a track fair enough, but 95% of the driving I do is school runs, commutes and boring motorway runs. Rolling resistance is always present no matter what type of driving you do and the difference between a good and poor performing set of tires might be the same as the cost of the tires. At least on the label scores it would appear that the rolling resistance of the Asymmetric 5's is significantly higher than the 3's.

    #4734
    1. Petr Fiedler Bobbybee archived

      If fuel consumption (rolling resistance) is you priority then you should look for touring tire not for UHP tire in the first place.

      Moreover 225/40 R18 is not a typical tire size for "eco-vehicles" therefore if your priority is a fuel consumption you are likely to shop for a car where you can use narrow tires, or at least use the narrowest tires that fit that given vehicle, e.g. 205/50 R 17 is an alternative to the 225/40R18.

      It makes no sense to get rather powerful car with UHP tires and only after taking these choices to suddenly start to care about rolling resistance.

      #4796
    2. samo Bobbybee archived

      If you have sportscar that can not get over 10mpg no matter how you drive you might as well get proper sticky tires right ? No point even considering rolling resistance differences in that case. Of course if you drive your shitbox golf diesel then of course get eco tires.

      #5054
  15. Halil İbrahim Şencan archived

    Thank you for the review!
    There is something I quite don't understand about the noise values inside the cabin.
    Asymmetric 3 external noise value is 67 dB on the label for 225/40 R18 92Y, Asymmetric 5 is 72 dB external noise on the label for the same size.
    How come the cabin is quieter when Asymmetric 5 is equipped on the car?
    Can you provide info about how the measurement is done?

    Thanks.

    #4725
    1. TireReviews Halil İbrahim Şencan archived

      The label scores are pass by scores and we measured internal cabin noise. They're often different

      #4727
      1. Tjarco van der Kloet TireReviews archived

        Still doesnt make sense. If the value is higher, it means the tire generates moire noise, so if you test both sets of tires on the same car, you should get a higher rating with the Asymmetric 5. My guess is, that the test wasnt conducted on the same road surface.

        #5188
        1. TireReviews Tjarco van der Kloet archived

          Surface does make a difference, but internal and external noise values can be different as tire manufacturers can direct the sound from tires either out of the car, or into the wheel well, producing different results

          #5191
  16. Erkin K. archived

    Great review! It's a pity that PS4 is excluded. Can you please share load and speed index of all tires used in this test? Thank you!

    #4635
  17. TireReviews archived

    If you've uprated shocks and springs I've be looking at the sportier segment of tire, so the PS4, A5 etc!

    #4607
  18. killer85 archived

    And about fuel consumption what's the best? i'm undecided about Dunlop Sport MAXX RT2 and this new Eagle Asymmetric 5..in Italy the EF1A5 cost about 70€ plus and i'm not sure the difference between the two is worth the price..

    #4593
    1. TireReviews killer85 archived

      All three tires average C in EU rolling resistance label, so are all fairly close!

      #4594
      1. killer85 TireReviews archived

        Great :)
        and about the tire wear what's the best of the 3?

        #4596
        1. TireReviews killer85 archived

          That's at the end of the video

          #4600
    2. Alex 69 killer85 archived

      I had the GY F1 asimm 3 20” in a 540d touring. Excellent tire on dry and wet. Then I replaced with the Dunlop sport maxx and it was a really bad experience: not special on dry, terrible on wet. I‘m just returned to the GY F1 asimm.3 and I’m happy again. Much better tire, too much difference. You cannot compare them, they play in two complete different leagues.

      #4925
  19. Elio Golfieri archived

    Thanks for the vid!! It's a really great explanation about these 3 tires. I've got some PS4 now, I'm thinking of changing them for the new Asymmetric 5. My PS4 got 3 years and about 30.000km..could I keep them for another year?

    #4592
    1. TireReviews Elio Golfieri archived

      I guess it depends on the tread depth remaining...

      #4595
      1. Elio TireReviews archived

        Thank you for the reply! Yeah, I definitely checked the tread depth and is above 4mm. But I don’t know, I feel that the rubber is more tough. Do you think it could be possible after three years? (I checked the manufacturing date on the shoulder).

        #4597
        1. TireReviews Elio archived

          Rubber will start to harden up with age, it's not unusual for a bit of grip drop off after three years but they should sitll be better than a lot of tires on the road!

          #4601
          1. Elio Golfieri TireReviews archived

            Thank you, really ;) Maybe I'll keep them for another year, then I'll test these magnificent Asymmetric 5.

            #4603
      2. Minta TireReviews archived

        When getting a new tire, how old tires (not fitted, just stored at the re-seller) would you consider old, and rather to avoid?

        #4598
        1. Elio Golfieri Minta archived

          Ummm..that's a cool question. I always ask to the reseller the age of the tires, and I always fitted tires produced in 4 or 5 months.

          #4604
  20. Dan archived

    Great test video! Really like you go into detail, and appreciate all the effort you have to put into it.

    Just an idea for an article/video - it might be "stupid" but would be great if you did explenation on what you might find on tires (various indexes etc) - which is out there already, but again go into bit more detail, explaining how exactly it would translate into performance/behavior - for example having WAY higher load index than you need, would that translate in better steering feel? Similarly with speed index, how will it influence the tire behavior. Basically something about that :)

    Thanks and again, love and appreciate what you do!

    #4589
    1. TireReviews Dan archived

      Good idea, but the problem is you would have to test every combination of tire and size to give a good overview, as sometimes a 91 and 97 XL tire are exactly the same, and sometimes they aren't!

      #4590
      1. Dan TireReviews archived

        true, but at least some "general" suggestion? what it can result in, not necessarily it will? (at least will people some idea, if they have option to chose from - what in theory could work for them the best, dependent on driving style/mileage or whatever they want to prefer)

        #4591
  21. Pedro Neves archived

    In which size were the tires tested?

    #4586
    1. TireReviews Pedro Neves archived

      225/40 R18. I'll add that to the article.

      #4587
  22. Roshan Shah archived

    how would you feel the PS4 compares here?

    #4585
    1. TireReviews Roshan Shah archived

      As mentioned in the video, all three tires are now extremely close, and looking at other testing it would be on a very similar level to the Goodyear and Conti.

      #4588
      1. Néocray TireReviews archived

        They are around the same in performance, but is it the same about comfort and silence?
        The PS4 has often been rated 1st in 225/45R17, with the CPC6 quite away. So if the Asy5 is only marginally better than the CPC6 on comfort/silence, I would guess that it is still behind than the PS4. Or not?

        #4732
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