2020 AMS 18 Inch Summer Tire Test

Test Size: 225/45 R18
Tires Tested: 11 tires
Test Categories:
4 categories (11 tests)
Similar Tests

Test Category Best Performer Worst Performer Difference
Dry (3 tests)
Dry Braking Michelin Pilot Sport 4: 34 M Toyo Proxes Sport: 36.4 M2.4 M (6.6%)
Dry Handling Continental Premium Contact 6: 126.9 Km/H Toyo Proxes Sport: 124.6 Km/H2.3 Km/H (1.8%)
Subj. Dry Handling Continental Premium Contact 6: 9 Points Nokian PowerProof: 7 Points2.0 Points (28.6%)
Wet (4 tests)
Wet Braking Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5: 30.6 M GiTi GitiSport S1: 33.8 M3.2 M (9.5%)
Wet Handling Michelin Pilot Sport 4: 83.6 Km/H GiTi GitiSport S1: 78.9 Km/H4.7 Km/H (6.0%)
Subj. Wet Handling Michelin Pilot Sport 4: 10 Points Nexen N Fera Sport SU2: 6 Points4.0 Points (66.7%)
Straight Aqua Michelin Pilot Sport 4: 88.7 Km/H Nokian PowerProof: 82.2 Km/H6.5 Km/H (7.9%)
Comfort (2 tests)
Subj. Comfort Nexen N Fera Sport SU2: 10 Points Nokian PowerProof: 6 Points4.0 Points (66.7%)
Noise Nexen N Fera Sport SU2: 69.3 dB Bridgestone Turanza T005: 72.4 dB3.1 dB (4.3%)
Value (2 tests)
Price Maxxis Victra Sport 5: 396 Michelin Pilot Sport 4: 704 308.0 (43.8%)
Rolling Resistance Bridgestone Turanza T005: 7.1 kg / t Toyo Proxes Sport: 9.4 kg / t2.3 kg / t (24.5%)
The 2020 Auto Motor und Sport summer tire test tested eleven 225/45 R18 ultra high performance tires using a BMW 3 Series.

While the group overall was extremely close, the winning Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 and second placed Michelin Pilot Sport 4 were almost inseparable overall, with the Goodyear narrowly taking the overall win.

The third and fourth placed Continental PremiumContact 6 and Pirelli P Zero PZ4 also finished with nearly the same overall score. This should be reassuring for Pirelli, whose PZ4 P Zero has seemed to be rather inconsistent since launch.

It was another good result for fifth placed Maxxis, with the Victra Sport 5 having a great all round performance, and the updated Bridgestone Turanza T005 performing well, but struggling a little in the wet.

The seventh placed Nokian PowerProof scored well in the dry, but struggled a little in the wet, while the Falken FK510 had its worth test result in a while thanks to poor wet grip.

The final three tires in test were all from the cheaper end of the market, with Nexen proving to have a good dry performance and the lowest price on test, while Toyo and Giti struggled a little more in the wet.

Dry

 As usual, Michelin had a dry braking advantage, stopping the BMW 3 Series 0.4m shorter than the next nearest rival.

The Continental PremiumContact 6 is often one of the best tires in dry handling, largely thanks to its excellent subjective feel. In this test, it wins both the dry handling test by a significant margin, and is subjectively one of the best tires on test.

Wet

The test winning Goodyear has a small advantage during wet braking, with Michelin a close second place.

The top two results from wet braking swap places during wet handling, with the Michelin narrowly beating Goodyear.

Subjectively the Michelin has an advantage during wet handling, with the Goodyear and Continental close behind.

Michelin manages to keep this advantage during the aquaplaning testing.

Environment

The Goodyear scored the best result during the subjective comfort grading. This score assesses how the tire feels and sounds inside the cabin.

The noise testing is the external drive by noise.

The Bridgestone Turanza T005 had a significant advantage in rolling resistance, meaning it will use the least fuel at the pumps.

As always, the Michelin was the most expensive tire per set, with Goodyear looking to offer the best price / performance ratio.

Results

1st: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
  • 225/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd34.4 M34 M+0.4 M98.84%
Dry Handling6th125.3 Km/H126.9 Km/H-1.6 Km/H98.74%
Subj. Dry Handling4th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Wet Braking1st30.6 M100%
Wet Handling2nd83.1 Km/H83.6 Km/H-0.5 Km/H99.4%
Subj. Wet Handling2nd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Straight Aqua2nd88.3 Km/H88.7 Km/H-0.4 Km/H99.55%
Subj. Comfort1st10 Points100%
Noise2nd69.5 dB69.3 dB+0.2 dB99.71%
Price5th468 396 +72 84.62%
Rolling Resistance7th8.9 kg / t7.1 kg / t+1.8 kg / t79.78%
Good balance and easy to control with high levels of grip in the wet. Good aquaplaning resistance. Short dry braking distances, low noise and good comfort.
Slightly reduced dry traction, slightly reduced dry handling.
Very good - Top-performances on all surfaces.

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2nd: Michelin Pilot Sport 4

Michelin Pilot Sport 4
  • 225/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st34 M100%
Dry Handling2nd126.2 Km/H126.9 Km/H-0.7 Km/H99.45%
Subj. Dry Handling1st9 Points100%
Wet Braking2nd30.8 M30.6 M+0.2 M99.35%
Wet Handling1st83.6 Km/H100%
Subj. Wet Handling1st10 Points100%
Straight Aqua1st88.7 Km/H100%
Subj. Comfort3rd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Noise5th70.1 dB69.3 dB+0.8 dB98.86%
Price11th704 396 +308 56.25%
Rolling Resistance4th8.4 kg / t7.1 kg / t+1.3 kg / t84.52%
Very high grip and good handling in the wet, good aquaplaning resistance, confident and sharp handling in the dry, quiet.
Only slightly high rolling resistance.
Very good - Strong braking in the dry and wet.

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3rd: Continental Premium Contact 6

Continental Premium Contact 6
  • 225/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th35 M34 M+1 M97.14%
Dry Handling1st126.9 Km/H100%
Subj. Dry Handling1st9 Points100%
Wet Braking4th31.3 M30.6 M+0.7 M97.76%
Wet Handling4th83 Km/H83.6 Km/H-0.6 Km/H99.28%
Subj. Wet Handling2nd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Straight Aqua4th86 Km/H88.7 Km/H-2.7 Km/H96.96%
Subj. Comfort8th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Noise10th72.3 dB69.3 dB+3 dB95.85%
Price10th612 396 +216 64.71%
Rolling Resistance3rd8.2 kg / t7.1 kg / t+1.1 kg / t86.59%
Very balanced summer tire with no significant deficits in dynamics or safety. Very direct steering and good handling suit the test BMW well.
Slightly weak aquaplaning resistance, slightly increased rolling resistance and external noise.
Very good - Sporty premium summer all-rounder.

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4th: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

Pirelli P Zero PZ4
  • 225/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking3rd34.6 M34 M+0.6 M98.27%
Dry Handling2nd126.2 Km/H126.9 Km/H-0.7 Km/H99.45%
Subj. Dry Handling4th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Wet Braking3rd31.2 M30.6 M+0.6 M98.08%
Wet Handling5th82.9 Km/H83.6 Km/H-0.7 Km/H99.16%
Subj. Wet Handling4th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Straight Aqua8th83.6 Km/H88.7 Km/H-5.1 Km/H94.25%
Subj. Comfort3rd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Noise4th70 dB69.3 dB+0.7 dB99%
Price9th560 396 +164 70.71%
Rolling Resistance7th8.9 kg / t7.1 kg / t+1.8 kg / t79.78%
Good grip on wet roads at lower speeds. Very neutral balance with excellent cornering and traction in the dry. Comfortable and quiet.
Average aquaplaning resistance, direct steering can result in oversteer, high rolling resistance.
Very good - Confident summer tires with strengths on dry roads.

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5th: Maxxis Victra Sport 5

Maxxis Victra Sport 5
  • 225/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th34.7 M34 M+0.7 M97.98%
Dry Handling5th125.8 Km/H126.9 Km/H-1.1 Km/H99.13%
Subj. Dry Handling4th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Wet Braking6th31.9 M30.6 M+1.3 M95.92%
Wet Handling2nd83.1 Km/H83.6 Km/H-0.5 Km/H99.4%
Subj. Wet Handling4th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Straight Aqua5th85.9 Km/H88.7 Km/H-2.8 Km/H96.84%
Subj. Comfort5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Noise5th70.1 dB69.3 dB+0.8 dB98.86%
Price1st396 100%
Rolling Resistance10th9.1 kg / t7.1 kg / t+2 kg / t78.02%
Well balanced in the dry and wet. Well priced.
Compared to the best on test, a little weak in wet braking and higher rolling resistance.
Good - Excellent new tire with good level of performance.

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6th: Bridgestone Turanza T005

Bridgestone Turanza T005
  • 225/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking7th34.9 M34 M+0.9 M97.42%
Dry Handling8th125 Km/H126.9 Km/H-1.9 Km/H98.5%
Subj. Dry Handling4th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Wet Braking10th32.6 M30.6 M+2 M93.87%
Wet Handling6th82.8 Km/H83.6 Km/H-0.8 Km/H99.04%
Subj. Wet Handling4th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Straight Aqua7th83.9 Km/H88.7 Km/H-4.8 Km/H94.59%
Subj. Comfort5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Noise11th72.4 dB69.3 dB+3.1 dB95.72%
Price8th536 396 +140 73.88%
Rolling Resistance1st7.1 kg / t100%
Confident wet handling and safe, easily controllable dynamics in the dry. Highest fuel saving potential, quiet and relatively comfortable.
Average wet braking, highest external noise.
Good - Comfortable all-rounder with a very low rolling resistance.

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7th: Nokian PowerProof

Nokian PowerProof
  • 225/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th34.8 M34 M+0.8 M97.7%
Dry Handling7th125.2 Km/H126.9 Km/H-1.7 Km/H98.66%
Subj. Dry Handling9th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Wet Braking5th31.5 M30.6 M+0.9 M97.14%
Wet Handling7th82.4 Km/H83.6 Km/H-1.2 Km/H98.56%
Subj. Wet Handling8th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Straight Aqua11th82.2 Km/H88.7 Km/H-6.5 Km/H92.67%
Subj. Comfort10th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Noise9th71.3 dB69.3 dB+2 dB97.19%
Price7th496 396 +100 79.84%
Rolling Resistance2nd7.9 kg / t7.1 kg / t+0.8 kg / t89.87%
Good dry handling, short dry braking, low rolling resistance.
Not very precise handling in the wet, average wet braking, weak aquaplaning resistance, high noise.
Good - A mid-range summer tire with only slight weaknesses.

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8th: Falken Azenis FK510

Falken Azenis FK510
  • 225/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking9th36.2 M34 M+2.2 M93.92%
Dry Handling10th124.6 Km/H126.9 Km/H-2.3 Km/H98.19%
Subj. Dry Handling9th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Wet Braking7th32.1 M30.6 M+1.5 M95.33%
Wet Handling8th81.3 Km/H83.6 Km/H-2.3 Km/H97.25%
Subj. Wet Handling8th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Straight Aqua6th84.6 Km/H88.7 Km/H-4.1 Km/H95.38%
Subj. Comfort8th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Noise7th71 dB69.3 dB+1.7 dB97.61%
Price6th494 396 +98 80.16%
Rolling Resistance5th8.5 kg / t7.1 kg / t+1.4 kg / t83.53%
Decent braking performance in the dry, balance handling.
Weak cornering and traction in the wet, average aquaplaning resistance, poor traction and poor stability in fast corners, slightly noisy.
Good - Affordable product at a reduced level of performance, but without serious defects.

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9th: Nexen N Fera Sport SU2

Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
  • 225/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th34.8 M34 M+0.8 M97.7%
Dry Handling9th124.9 Km/H126.9 Km/H-2 Km/H98.42%
Subj. Dry Handling9th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Wet Braking8th32.3 M30.6 M+1.7 M94.74%
Wet Handling10th79.9 Km/H83.6 Km/H-3.7 Km/H95.57%
Subj. Wet Handling10th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Straight Aqua10th82.4 Km/H88.7 Km/H-6.3 Km/H92.9%
Subj. Comfort1st10 Points100%
Noise1st69.3 dB100%
Price1st396 100%
Rolling Resistance9th9 kg / t7.1 kg / t+1.9 kg / t78.89%
Good dry braking, comfortable with good internal damping, low external noise.
Poor handling with understeer and oversteer, long wet braking distances, slow steering in fast corners, high rolling resistance.
Ok - Very quiet and comfortable with weaknesses in the wet.

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10th: Toyo Proxes Sport

Toyo Proxes Sport
  • 225/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking10th36.4 M34 M+2.4 M93.41%
Dry Handling10th124.6 Km/H126.9 Km/H-2.3 Km/H98.19%
Subj. Dry Handling4th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Wet Braking9th32.4 M30.6 M+1.8 M94.44%
Wet Handling9th80.9 Km/H83.6 Km/H-2.7 Km/H96.77%
Subj. Wet Handling4th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Straight Aqua3rd87.6 Km/H88.7 Km/H-1.1 Km/H98.76%
Subj. Comfort10th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Noise8th71.1 dB69.3 dB+1.8 dB97.47%
Price4th432 396 +36 91.67%
Rolling Resistance11th9.4 kg / t7.1 kg / t+2.3 kg / t75.53%
Balanced wet handling, good steering feel in the dry.
Reduced wet grip, high noise, high rolling resistance.
Ok - Despite the sporty feel, the Toyo lacks performance.

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11th: Giti GitiSport S1

GiTi GitiSport S1
  • 225/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking10th36.4 M34 M+2.4 M93.41%
Dry Handling4th126.1 Km/H126.9 Km/H-0.8 Km/H99.37%
Subj. Dry Handling1st9 Points100%
Wet Braking11th33.8 M30.6 M+3.2 M90.53%
Wet Handling11th78.9 Km/H83.6 Km/H-4.7 Km/H94.38%
Subj. Wet Handling10th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Straight Aqua9th83.4 Km/H88.7 Km/H-5.3 Km/H94.02%
Subj. Comfort5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Noise3rd69.6 dB69.3 dB+0.3 dB99.57%
Price3rd404 396 +8 98.02%
Rolling Resistance5th8.5 kg / t7.1 kg / t+1.4 kg / t83.53%
Sporty, direct tires in the dry with good steering feel.
Long wet braking distances, understeer in wet handling.
Sufficient - Strong in the dry but too little wet performance.

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