2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tire Test

Test Size: 225/50 R17
Tires Tested: 20 tires
Test Categories:
4 categories (11 tests)
Similar Tests

Test Category Best Performer Worst Performer Difference
Dry (3 tests)
Dry Braking Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125: 35.1 M Vredestein Ultrac Satin: 38.3 M3.2 M (8.4%)
Dry Handling Maxxis Premitra HP5: 73.8 s Nankang Noble Sport NS20: 76.1 s2.3 s (3.0%)
Subj. Dry Handling Maxxis Premitra HP5: 30 Points Nankang Noble Sport NS20: 8 Points22.0 Points (275.0%)
Wet (4 tests)
Wet Braking Bridgestone Turanza T005: 57.3 M Nankang Noble Sport NS20: 69.4 M12.1 M (17.4%)
Wet Handling Continental Premium Contact 6: 88.8 s Achilles ATR Sport 2: 102.3 s13.5 s (13.2%)
Subj. Wet Handling Continental Premium Contact 6: 45 Points Achilles ATR Sport 2: 4 Points41.0 Points (1,025.0%)
Straight Aqua Vredestein Ultrac Satin: 102.4 Km/H Firestone RoadHawk: 87.2 Km/H15.2 Km/H (17.4%)
Comfort (2 tests)
Subj. Comfort Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue: 8 Points Star-Performer UHP 3: 6 Points2.0 Points (33.3%)
Noise Vredestein Ultrac Satin: 70 dB Firestone RoadHawk: 72 dB2.0 dB (2.8%)
Value (2 tests)
Price Goodride SA37: 230 Michelin Primacy 4: 540 310.0 (57.4%)
Rolling Resistance Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue: 6.33 kg / t Nankang Noble Sport NS20: 9.08 kg / t2.8 kg / t (30.3%)
The 2020 Auto Zeitung summer tire test has been published, and as usual they've tested a really interesting mix of twenty tires in the popular 225/50 R17 size.

As 225/50 R17 tires generally bias towards comfort rather than outright sporty performance, AZ tested with the new brand BMW 3 Series, and performed the usual array of  thirteen dry, wet, comfort and economy tests.

Proving that you get what you pay for, the top three tires in the test were also the most expensive! Continental took the top spot, with excellent wet handling, short braking distances and good levels of comfort, while Michelin and Bridgestone tied for second place, with the Michelin performing better in the wet, and the Bridgestone having a very good dry performance.

A number of tires performed very poorly in the wet, with the testers actually voicing safety concerns about one of the patterns tested! Read on for the full details below.

Dry

While Hankook could only manage fifth place overall, the Ventus Prime 3 had an unusually large advantage in dry braking. The top three tires overall placed second to fourth, with Falken, Maxxis and Linglong close behind.

The Maxxis HP5 was narrowly fastest during the dry handling testing, and combined the fastest lap time with the best subjective handling score. The similarly priced Giti should be proud of their new tires performance in the dry, also out performing the more expensive premium rivals.

Wet

Bridgestone and Michelin drew during wet braking, stopping the car a full meter shorter than the third placed Continental. This time Linglong was the stand out performer from the cheaper tires on test.

Continental improved on its braking result, finishing fastest by a good margin during wet handling testing. The top three tires from the wet handling lap were also the highest rated subjectively.

Vredestein had a significant advantage during the aquaplaning testing.

Environment

Pirelli won its first test by having the lowest rolling resistance on test.

All twenty tires were split by 3dB in the external noise test.

Pirelli, Vredestein and Dunlop proved to be the most comfortable tires.

While the Goodride, Achilles and Star Performer tires were the cheapest on test, when you look at the overall results below you'll understand why choosing a tire based on price might not be the safest idea.

Results

1st: Continental Premium Contact 6

Continental Premium Contact 6
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd35.8 M35.1 M+0.7 M98.04%
Dry Handling5th74.3 s73.8 s+0.5 s99.33%
Subj. Dry Handling4th26 Points30 Points-4 Points86.67%
Wet Braking3rd58.3 M57.3 M+1 M98.28%
Wet Handling1st88.8 s100%
Subj. Wet Handling1st45 Points100%
Straight Aqua8th90.7 Km/H102.4 Km/H-11.7 Km/H88.57%
Subj. Comfort4th7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise3rd71 dB70 dB+1 dB98.59%
Price19th470 230 +240 48.94%
Rolling Resistance8th7.93 kg / t6.33 kg / t+1.6 kg / t79.82%
Very short braking distance and balanced wet handling, good handling and high grip in the dry.
None mentioned.

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2nd: Bridgestone Turanza T005

Bridgestone Turanza T005
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking3rd35.9 M35.1 M+0.8 M97.77%
Dry Handling3rd74.2 s73.8 s+0.4 s99.46%
Subj. Dry Handling3rd27 Points30 Points-3 Points90%
Wet Braking1st57.3 M100%
Wet Handling4th92.3 s88.8 s+3.5 s96.21%
Subj. Wet Handling4th33 Points45 Points-12 Points73.33%
Straight Aqua13th88.8 Km/H102.4 Km/H-13.6 Km/H86.72%
Subj. Comfort4th7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise11th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price18th450 230 +220 51.11%
Rolling Resistance5th7.45 kg / t6.33 kg / t+1.12 kg / t84.97%
Good handling in the wet, short dry braking distances, good dry stability.
None mentioned.

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2nd: Michelin Primacy 4

Michelin Primacy 4
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th36.1 M35.1 M+1 M97.23%
Dry Handling12th75 s73.8 s+1.2 s98.4%
Subj. Dry Handling12th19 Points30 Points-11 Points63.33%
Wet Braking1st57.3 M100%
Wet Handling2nd90.8 s88.8 s+2 s97.8%
Subj. Wet Handling2nd42 Points45 Points-3 Points93.33%
Straight Aqua17th88.2 Km/H102.4 Km/H-14.2 Km/H86.13%
Subj. Comfort13th6 Points8 Points-2 Points75%
Noise11th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price20th540 230 +310 42.59%
Rolling Resistance4th7.29 kg / t6.33 kg / t+0.96 kg / t86.83%
Excellent handling, traction and wet braking performance, short braking distance on dry surfaces, low rolling resistance.
Average steering feel in the dry.

Read Reviews    Buy from £130.84

4th: Maxxis Premitra HP5

Maxxis Premitra HP5
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking6th36.4 M35.1 M+1.3 M96.43%
Dry Handling1st73.8 s100%
Subj. Dry Handling1st30 Points100%
Wet Braking9th63 M57.3 M+5.7 M90.95%
Wet Handling3rd91.1 s88.8 s+2.3 s97.48%
Subj. Wet Handling3rd40 Points45 Points-5 Points88.89%
Straight Aqua13th88.8 Km/H102.4 Km/H-13.6 Km/H86.72%
Subj. Comfort4th7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise3rd71 dB70 dB+1 dB98.59%
Price8th340 230 +110 67.65%
Rolling Resistance16th8.57 kg / t6.33 kg / t+2.24 kg / t73.86%
Predictable handling on dry surfaces, including during sharp maneuvers, good wet handling, well priced.
Long wet braking.

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5th: Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125

Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st35.1 M100%
Dry Handling5th74.3 s73.8 s+0.5 s99.33%
Subj. Dry Handling4th26 Points30 Points-4 Points86.67%
Wet Braking6th60.3 M57.3 M+3 M95.02%
Wet Handling5th92.7 s88.8 s+3.9 s95.79%
Subj. Wet Handling5th30 Points45 Points-15 Points66.67%
Straight Aqua6th91.1 Km/H102.4 Km/H-11.3 Km/H88.96%
Subj. Comfort4th7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise3rd71 dB70 dB+1 dB98.59%
Price12th390 230 +160 58.97%
Rolling Resistance6th7.82 kg / t6.33 kg / t+1.49 kg / t80.95%
Good wet traction, short dry braking, good dry handling.
Understeer in the wet.

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6th: Vredestein Ultrac Satin

Vredestein Ultrac Satin
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking20th38.3 M35.1 M+3.2 M91.64%
Dry Handling14th75.2 s73.8 s+1.4 s98.14%
Subj. Dry Handling14th17 Points30 Points-13 Points56.67%
Wet Braking8th61.4 M57.3 M+4.1 M93.32%
Wet Handling7th93.5 s88.8 s+4.7 s94.97%
Subj. Wet Handling7th26 Points45 Points-19 Points57.78%
Straight Aqua1st102.4 Km/H100%
Subj. Comfort1st8 Points100%
Noise1st70 dB100%
Price11th370 230 +140 62.16%
Rolling Resistance9th8 kg / t6.33 kg / t+1.67 kg / t79.13%
Very high aquaplaning resistance, good comfort, low noise.
Long wet braking, poor dry stability and long dry braking distances.

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7th: Dunlop Sport BluResponse

Dunlop Sport BluResponse
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking9th36.7 M35.1 M+1.6 M95.64%
Dry Handling5th74.3 s73.8 s+0.5 s99.33%
Subj. Dry Handling9th23 Points30 Points-7 Points76.67%
Wet Braking17th66.3 M57.3 M+9 M86.43%
Wet Handling8th94.2 s88.8 s+5.4 s94.27%
Subj. Wet Handling8th22 Points45 Points-23 Points48.89%
Straight Aqua9th90.3 Km/H102.4 Km/H-12.1 Km/H88.18%
Subj. Comfort1st8 Points100%
Noise11th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price15th410 230 +180 56.1%
Rolling Resistance2nd6.89 kg / t6.33 kg / t+0.56 kg / t91.87%
Low fuel use, short dry braking.
Poor wet grip.

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7th: Falken ZIEX ZE914 EcoRun

Falken ZIEX ZE914 EcoRun
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th36.3 M35.1 M+1.2 M96.69%
Dry Handling18th75.8 s73.8 s+2 s97.36%
Subj. Dry Handling18th14 Points30 Points-16 Points46.67%
Wet Braking5th59.5 M57.3 M+2.2 M96.3%
Wet Handling6th93 s88.8 s+4.2 s95.48%
Subj. Wet Handling6th28 Points45 Points-17 Points62.22%
Straight Aqua2nd94.2 Km/H102.4 Km/H-8.2 Km/H91.99%
Subj. Comfort4th7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise11th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price13th400 230 +170 57.5%
Rolling Resistance15th8.52 kg / t6.33 kg / t+2.19 kg / t74.3%
Good aquaplaning resistance, good wet handling, short dry braking.
Weak lateral stability and understeer in the dry.

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9th: Giti GitiPremium H1

Giti GitiPremium H1
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking10th37.1 M35.1 M+2 M94.61%
Dry Handling2nd74 s73.8 s+0.2 s99.73%
Subj. Dry Handling2nd28 Points30 Points-2 Points93.33%
Wet Braking11th64.4 M57.3 M+7.1 M88.98%
Wet Handling10th95.4 s88.8 s+6.6 s93.08%
Subj. Wet Handling10th19 Points45 Points-26 Points42.22%
Straight Aqua12th89 Km/H102.4 Km/H-13.4 Km/H86.91%
Subj. Comfort4th7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise3rd71 dB70 dB+1 dB98.59%
Price10th360 230 +130 63.89%
Rolling Resistance11th8.09 kg / t6.33 kg / t+1.76 kg / t78.24%
Good dry grip.
Long wet braking distances and average wet handling.

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10th: Apollo Aspire XP

Apollo Aspire XP
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking11th37.3 M35.1 M+2.2 M94.1%
Dry Handling14th75.2 s73.8 s+1.4 s98.14%
Subj. Dry Handling14th17 Points30 Points-13 Points56.67%
Wet Braking7th60.5 M57.3 M+3.2 M94.71%
Wet Handling9th94.3 s88.8 s+5.5 s94.17%
Subj. Wet Handling8th22 Points45 Points-23 Points48.89%
Straight Aqua7th90.9 Km/H102.4 Km/H-11.5 Km/H88.77%
Subj. Comfort4th7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise1st70 dB100%
Price9th350 230 +120 65.71%
Rolling Resistance12th8.1 kg / t6.33 kg / t+1.77 kg / t78.15%
Good dry traction, low noise.
Slow steering response in the dry, poor wet grip.

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11th: Yokohama BluEarth AE50

Yokohama BluEarth AE50
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking18th38.1 M35.1 M+3 M92.13%
Dry Handling5th74.3 s73.8 s+0.5 s99.33%
Subj. Dry Handling8th24 Points30 Points-6 Points80%
Wet Braking12th64.9 M57.3 M+7.6 M88.29%
Wet Handling14th97.1 s88.8 s+8.3 s91.45%
Subj. Wet Handling13th13 Points45 Points-32 Points28.89%
Straight Aqua16th88.3 Km/H102.4 Km/H-14.1 Km/H86.23%
Subj. Comfort4th7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise3rd71 dB70 dB+1 dB98.59%
Price16th420 230 +190 54.76%
Rolling Resistance3rd7.27 kg / t6.33 kg / t+0.94 kg / t87.07%
Precise steering in the wet, good slalom performance and good dry handling.
Long wet braking distances.

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12th: Firestone RoadHawk

Firestone RoadHawk
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th36.5 M35.1 M+1.4 M96.16%
Dry Handling5th74.3 s73.8 s+0.5 s99.33%
Subj. Dry Handling6th25 Points30 Points-5 Points83.33%
Wet Braking10th64 M57.3 M+6.7 M89.53%
Wet Handling16th97.7 s88.8 s+8.9 s90.89%
Subj. Wet Handling15th12 Points45 Points-33 Points26.67%
Straight Aqua20th87.2 Km/H102.4 Km/H-15.2 Km/H85.16%
Subj. Comfort4th7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise11th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price13th400 230 +170 57.5%
Rolling Resistance10th8.08 kg / t6.33 kg / t+1.75 kg / t78.34%
Good dry handling.
Understeer in the wet, average aquaplaning resistance.

Read Reviews    Buy from £139.99

13th: Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue

Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking15th37.8 M35.1 M+2.7 M92.86%
Dry Handling14th75.2 s73.8 s+1.4 s98.14%
Subj. Dry Handling14th17 Points30 Points-13 Points56.67%
Wet Braking16th65.5 M57.3 M+8.2 M87.48%
Wet Handling13th96.9 s88.8 s+8.1 s91.64%
Subj. Wet Handling13th13 Points45 Points-32 Points28.89%
Straight Aqua17th88.2 Km/H102.4 Km/H-14.2 Km/H86.13%
Subj. Comfort1st8 Points100%
Noise3rd71 dB70 dB+1 dB98.59%
Price17th440 230 +210 52.27%
Rolling Resistance1st6.33 kg / t100%
Very low rolling resistance, good ride comfort.
Long wet braking distances, poor lateral stability in the wet, low aquaplaning resistance, slow steering.

Read Reviews    Buy from £126.08

14th: Linglong Green Max

Linglong Green Max
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking6th36.4 M35.1 M+1.3 M96.43%
Dry Handling19th75.9 s73.8 s+2.1 s97.23%
Subj. Dry Handling19th9 Points30 Points-21 Points30%
Wet Braking4th58.9 M57.3 M+1.6 M97.28%
Wet Handling11th95.9 s88.8 s+7.1 s92.6%
Subj. Wet Handling11th17 Points45 Points-28 Points37.78%
Straight Aqua15th88.7 Km/H102.4 Km/H-13.7 Km/H86.62%
Subj. Comfort13th6 Points8 Points-2 Points75%
Noise3rd71 dB70 dB+1 dB98.59%
Price5th250 230 +20 92%
Rolling Resistance7th7.84 kg / t6.33 kg / t+1.51 kg / t80.74%
Short wet braking.
Weak traction and lateral stability in the wet, poor balance in the dry.

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15th: Westlake Sport SA37

Westlake Sport SA37
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking15th37.8 M35.1 M+2.7 M92.86%
Dry Handling11th74.8 s73.8 s+1 s98.66%
Subj. Dry Handling11th21 Points30 Points-9 Points70%
Wet Braking15th65.4 M57.3 M+8.1 M87.61%
Wet Handling11th95.9 s88.8 s+7.1 s92.6%
Subj. Wet Handling12th16 Points45 Points-29 Points35.56%
Straight Aqua11th89.1 Km/H102.4 Km/H-13.3 Km/H87.01%
Subj. Comfort13th6 Points8 Points-2 Points75%
Noise11th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price2nd240 230 +10 95.83%
Rolling Resistance17th8.61 kg / t6.33 kg / t+2.28 kg / t73.52%
Acceptable dry handling.
Nervous handling in the wet, high noise level.

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16th: Rotalla RU01 S Pace

Rotalla RU01 S Pace
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking13th37.6 M35.1 M+2.5 M93.35%
Dry Handling10th74.6 s73.8 s+0.8 s98.93%
Subj. Dry Handling10th22 Points30 Points-8 Points73.33%
Wet Braking13th65 M57.3 M+7.7 M88.15%
Wet Handling18th97.9 s88.8 s+9.1 s90.7%
Subj. Wet Handling17th11 Points45 Points-34 Points24.44%
Straight Aqua4th93.1 Km/H102.4 Km/H-9.3 Km/H90.92%
Subj. Comfort13th6 Points8 Points-2 Points75%
Noise11th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price6th280 230 +50 82.14%
Rolling Resistance18th8.65 kg / t6.33 kg / t+2.32 kg / t73.18%
Acceptable dry handling.
Long wet braking and generally poor wet grip.

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17th: Star Performer UHP 3

Star-Performer UHP 3
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking15th37.8 M35.1 M+2.7 M92.86%
Dry Handling3rd74.2 s73.8 s+0.4 s99.46%
Subj. Dry Handling6th25 Points30 Points-5 Points83.33%
Wet Braking19th68.8 M57.3 M+11.5 M83.28%
Wet Handling19th98.4 s88.8 s+9.6 s90.24%
Subj. Wet Handling19th9 Points45 Points-36 Points20%
Straight Aqua3rd93.8 Km/H102.4 Km/H-8.6 Km/H91.6%
Subj. Comfort13th6 Points8 Points-2 Points75%
Noise11th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price2nd240 230 +10 95.83%
Rolling Resistance13th8.34 kg / t6.33 kg / t+2.01 kg / t75.9%
Good dry handling.
Long wet braking and generally poor wet grip.

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18th: Goodride SA37

Goodride SA37
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking14th37.7 M35.1 M+2.6 M93.1%
Dry Handling13th75.1 s73.8 s+1.3 s98.27%
Subj. Dry Handling13th18 Points30 Points-12 Points60%
Wet Braking13th65 M57.3 M+7.7 M88.15%
Wet Handling17th97.8 s88.8 s+9 s90.8%
Subj. Wet Handling17th11 Points45 Points-34 Points24.44%
Straight Aqua10th89.7 Km/H102.4 Km/H-12.7 Km/H87.6%
Subj. Comfort13th6 Points8 Points-2 Points75%
Noise11th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price1st230 100%
Rolling Resistance19th8.97 kg / t6.33 kg / t+2.64 kg / t70.57%
None mentioned.
Long wet braking, slow steering, low wet safety. Understeer in the dry.

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19th: Nankang Noble Sport NS20

Nankang Noble Sport NS20
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking12th37.4 M35.1 M+2.3 M93.85%
Dry Handling20th76.1 s73.8 s+2.3 s96.98%
Subj. Dry Handling20th8 Points30 Points-22 Points26.67%
Wet Braking20th69.4 M57.3 M+12.1 M82.56%
Wet Handling15th97.6 s88.8 s+8.8 s90.98%
Subj. Wet Handling15th12 Points45 Points-33 Points26.67%
Straight Aqua5th91.5 Km/H102.4 Km/H-10.9 Km/H89.36%
Subj. Comfort13th6 Points8 Points-2 Points75%
Noise11th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price6th280 230 +50 82.14%
Rolling Resistance20th9.08 kg / t6.33 kg / t+2.75 kg / t69.71%
None mentioned.
Very long braking, poor traction, and slow steering in the wet. Very high rolling resistance. Oversteer in the dry.

Read Reviews    Buy from £87.67

20th: Achilles ATR Sport 2

Achilles ATR Sport 2
  • 225/50 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking18th38.1 M35.1 M+3 M92.13%
Dry Handling17th75.5 s73.8 s+1.7 s97.75%
Subj. Dry Handling17th15 Points30 Points-15 Points50%
Wet Braking18th68.1 M57.3 M+10.8 M84.14%
Wet Handling20th102.3 s88.8 s+13.5 s86.8%
Subj. Wet Handling20th4 Points45 Points-41 Points8.89%
Straight Aqua19th88 Km/H102.4 Km/H-14.4 Km/H85.94%
Subj. Comfort13th6 Points8 Points-2 Points75%
Noise3rd71 dB70 dB+1 dB98.59%
Price2nd240 230 +10 95.83%
Rolling Resistance14th8.37 kg / t6.33 kg / t+2.04 kg / t75.63%
None mentioned.
Long braking distances and poor lateral stability in the wet (safety issue), long dry braking, unstable rear during dry handling.

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