2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tire Test

Test Size: 245/35 R19
Tires Tested: 10 tires
Test Categories:
4 categories (12 tests)
Similar Tests

Test Category Best Performer Worst Performer Difference
Dry (3 tests)
Dry Braking Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2: 32.7 M Giti GitiSport GTR3: 35.9 M3.2 M (8.9%)
Dry Handling Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2: 135.9 Km/H Nokian PowerProof: 130.5 Km/H5.4 Km/H (4.1%)
Subj. Dry Handling Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2: 12 Points Nokian PowerProof: 8 Points4.0 Points (50.0%)
Wet (5 tests)
Wet Braking Continental Sport Contact 6: 26.6 M Giti GitiSport GTR3: 37 M10.4 M (28.1%)
Wet Handling Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5: 83.7 Km/H Giti GitiSport GTR3: 74.9 Km/H8.8 Km/H (11.7%)
Subj. Wet Handling Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5: 10 Points Toyo Proxes Sport: 5 Points5.0 Points (100.0%)
Wet Circle Continental Sport Contact 6: 7.33 m/s Giti GitiSport GTR3: 6.27 m/s1.1 m/s (16.9%)
Straight Aqua Continental Sport Contact 6: 83.4 Km/H Bridgestone Potenza S007 RS: 70.4 Km/H13.0 Km/H (18.5%)
Comfort (3 tests)
Subj. Comfort Vredestein Ultrac Vorti: 10 Points Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2: 6 Points4.0 Points (66.7%)
Noise Bridgestone Potenza S007 RS: 70.8 dB Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport: 72.9 dB2.1 dB (2.9%)
Tire Weight Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5: 9.84 Kg Vredestein Ultrac Vorti: 11.78 Kg1.9 Kg (16.5%)
Value (1 tests)
Rolling Resistance Nokian PowerProof: 8.7 kg / t Bridgestone Potenza S007 RS: 10.5 kg / t1.8 kg / t (17.1%)
If you like detailed and confusing tire tests, you're in for a treat! The 2020 Sport Auto tire test has tested ten 245/35 R19 tires, using a Mercedes AMG A45 S, and is confusingly amazing!

Why is this confusing? They've managed to test three different types of tires in the single test! The first group is the more "regular" ultra high performance tires, which includes the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5, Nokian PowerProof, Vredestein Ultrac Vorti, Toyo Proxes Sport, and strangely, the Continental SportContact 6. They've also tested two "UUHP" tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and the new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport (which is the group we believe the Continental SportContact 6 should be included in, as the PremiumContact 6 is the more natural rival to the Asymmetric 5), and three track day tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, the unreleased Bridgestone Potenza S007 RS, and the Giti GitiSport GTR3.

So we have ten tires across three different categories, with one of them in the wrong category, and one of them unreleased, all in the same test! Fortunately, the data is really interesting, and is a fascinating insight into the differences between the three types of tire.

Before we start, if you're able to read German, we highly recommend finding a copy of the original test on SportAuto.de as their print layout is way more effective at displaying the differences of all the tires included.

The differences between tire types

In theory, as each group of tires gets more sporty (UHP -> UUHP -> track day tires), their dry performance and subjective handling scores should increase, while their wet performance and comfort levels should decrease, and this is roughly the case!

In the dry handling testing, the results were perfectly as expected, with the track day tires best, the two UUHPs next in line, and the five UHP tires at the bottom of the table. Dry braking wasn't quite as expected, but apart from the Giti, it was roughly correct (see below.)

In the wet, the rule also played out almost perfectly. The track day tires were always at the bottom of the pack, and while the UUHP tires were mixing it with the UHP tires, they never appeared in the top two places. It's nice when logic wins.
 
That said, the gap between the worst wet handling UHP tire and the best track day tire wasn't huge, and the wet circle, where the water depth is very shallow, was even closer!
 
The full data can be poured over below, and as always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to ask.

Dry

Michelin will be happy with the dry braking results, as both their tires lead the group. The track bias Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 had the shortest stopping distance, with the Pilot Sport 4S just 0.4 meters behind. Interestingly, the other two track day tires only managed to finish seventh and tenth overall. Without knowing how the test procedure was run it's impossible to say why, but it might have something to do with a lack of temperature in the Bridgestone and Giti products.

The dry handling results are much closer to what we expect, with the three trackdays tires reaching temperature, and being significantly faster than even the fastest UUHP tire. The two UUHP tires were also a step above the UHP tires, both in lap time and subjective handling.

Wet

As you would expect in wet braking, the track day tires finished at the other end of the table, with even the "best in the dry" Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 nearly 4 meters behind the worst road tire.

Wet handling gave the first win to the UHP segment, with the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 proving to be the fastest, and best subjectively around the wet handling circuit, with the Continental SportContact 6 a close second.

The wet circle test swapped the top two tires from wet handling, while the track day tires continued to struggle.

The Continental SportContact 6 again proved its dominance in the wet, acing the straight aquaplaning test.

Environment

Interestingly there was no real order between the three groups of tires on the subjective comfort or noise tests.

Tire weight was again fairly evenly distributed between the three groups of tires.

Whereas the rolling resistance testing definitely showed an advantage for the UHP category of tires.

Results

The below results will look a little confusing as there's three winners (one from each category) so keep this in mind when reading through.

1st: Continental Sport Contact 6

Continental Sport Contact 6
  • 245/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking3rd33.5 M32.7 M+0.8 M97.61%
Dry Handling6th132 Km/H135.9 Km/H-3.9 Km/H97.13%
Subj. Dry Handling3rd9 Points12 Points-3 Points75%
Wet Braking1st26.6 M100%
Wet Handling2nd83.2 Km/H83.7 Km/H-0.5 Km/H99.4%
Subj. Wet Handling2nd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Wet Circle1st7.33 m/s100%
Straight Aqua1st83.4 Km/H100%
Subj. Comfort3rd8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Noise5th72 dB70.8 dB+1.2 dB98.33%
Tire Weight3rd9.99 Kg9.84 Kg+0.15 Kg98.5%
Rolling Resistance4th9.5 kg / t8.7 kg / t+0.8 kg / t91.58%
Outstanding wet grip with a very neutral balance and excellent feedback. Very short braking distances in the dry with excellent steering precision and speed in the dry.
Slight oversteer in the high speed wet, average rolling resistance.
Proven wet grip, now with new convincing mix of abilities.

Read Reviews    Buy from £174.47

1st: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
  • 245/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st32.7 M100%
Dry Handling1st135.9 Km/H100%
Subj. Dry Handling1st12 Points100%
Wet Braking8th34 M26.6 M+7.4 M78.24%
Wet Handling8th76.8 Km/H83.7 Km/H-6.9 Km/H91.76%
Subj. Wet Handling5th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Wet Circle9th6.46 m/s7.33 m/s-0.87 m/s88.13%
Straight Aqua8th75.9 Km/H83.4 Km/H-7.5 Km/H91.01%
Subj. Comfort10th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Noise9th72.8 dB70.8 dB+2 dB97.25%
Tire Weight7th10.76 Kg9.84 Kg+0.92 Kg91.45%
Rolling Resistance8th9.8 kg / t8.7 kg / t+1.1 kg / t88.78%
Outstanding grip and precision in the dry, very good feedback, very easy to control at the limit. Pressure change to 2.4f 2.1r (from 2.2f 2.2r) when hot recommended.
As typical for a semi slick limited wet performance and high rolling resistance.
Best dry grip of all the tires.

Read Reviews    Buy from £252.86

1st: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
  • 245/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd33.1 M32.7 M+0.4 M98.79%
Dry Handling4th133 Km/H135.9 Km/H-2.9 Km/H97.87%
Subj. Dry Handling3rd9 Points12 Points-3 Points75%
Wet Braking2nd28.1 M26.6 M+1.5 M94.66%
Wet Handling4th82.6 Km/H83.7 Km/H-1.1 Km/H98.69%
Subj. Wet Handling3rd8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Circle5th6.94 m/s7.33 m/s-0.39 m/s94.68%
Straight Aqua3rd80.1 Km/H83.4 Km/H-3.3 Km/H96.04%
Subj. Comfort3rd8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Noise4th71.7 dB70.8 dB+0.9 dB98.74%
Tire Weight2nd9.94 Kg9.84 Kg+0.1 Kg98.99%
Rolling Resistance4th9.5 kg / t8.7 kg / t+0.8 kg / t91.58%
Very short braking in the dry, very stable, good feedback and steering precision with high dry grip. Balanced and reliable in the wet.
Average aquaplaning, average wet circle grip.
Ultimate sportiness on dry roads, amazing safety in the wet.

Read Reviews    Buy from £204.00

2nd: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport

Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
  • 245/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th34 M32.7 M+1.3 M96.18%
Dry Handling5th132.9 Km/H135.9 Km/H-3 Km/H97.79%
Subj. Dry Handling2nd10 Points12 Points-2 Points83.33%
Wet Braking4th28.9 M26.6 M+2.3 M92.04%
Wet Handling6th80.5 Km/H83.7 Km/H-3.2 Km/H96.18%
Subj. Wet Handling5th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Wet Circle3rd7.03 m/s7.33 m/s-0.3 m/s95.91%
Straight Aqua6th77.9 Km/H83.4 Km/H-5.5 Km/H93.41%
Subj. Comfort3rd8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Noise10th72.9 dB70.8 dB+2.1 dB97.12%
Tire Weight5th10.51 Kg9.84 Kg+0.67 Kg93.63%
Rolling Resistance3rd9.3 kg / t8.7 kg / t+0.6 kg / t93.55%
Short braking and good dynamics with high steering precision in the dry. The high driving stability and excellent behaviour creates trust for fast times. Acceptable performance in the wet.
Average aquaplaning, reduced comfort.
The brand new Eagle F1 SuperSport is still missing some bite.

Read Reviews    Buy from £164.99

2nd: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
  • 245/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th33.9 M32.7 M+1.2 M96.46%
Dry Handling8th131.8 Km/H135.9 Km/H-4.1 Km/H96.98%
Subj. Dry Handling3rd9 Points12 Points-3 Points75%
Wet Braking2nd28.1 M26.6 M+1.5 M94.66%
Wet Handling1st83.7 Km/H100%
Subj. Wet Handling1st10 Points100%
Wet Circle2nd7.04 m/s7.33 m/s-0.29 m/s96.04%
Straight Aqua2nd80.4 Km/H83.4 Km/H-3 Km/H96.4%
Subj. Comfort1st10 Points100%
Noise3rd71.3 dB70.8 dB+0.5 dB99.3%
Tire Weight1st9.84 Kg100%
Rolling Resistance1st8.7 kg / t100%
Good natured and easy to control in the wet, with high aquaplaning safety. Good handling in the dry, very low rolling resistance, good comfort levels and very quiet.
Slightly slower to steer.
Top performer with top liability and low rolling resistance.

Read Reviews    Buy from £188.18

2nd: Bridgestone Potenza S007 RS

Bridgestone Potenza S007 RS
  • 245/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking6th34.3 M32.7 M+1.6 M95.34%
Dry Handling2nd134.5 Km/H135.9 Km/H-1.4 Km/H98.97%
Subj. Dry Handling3rd9 Points12 Points-3 Points75%
Wet Braking9th34.7 M26.6 M+8.1 M76.66%
Wet Handling9th74.9 Km/H83.7 Km/H-8.8 Km/H89.49%
Subj. Wet Handling8th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Wet Circle7th6.79 m/s7.33 m/s-0.54 m/s92.63%
Straight Aqua10th70.4 Km/H83.4 Km/H-13 Km/H84.41%
Subj. Comfort3rd8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Noise1st70.8 dB100%
Tire Weight6th10.71 Kg9.84 Kg+0.87 Kg91.88%
Rolling Resistance10th10.5 kg / t8.7 kg / t+1.8 kg / t82.86%
Very precise steering and high cornering grip in the dry. Very quiet. Pressure change to 2.4f 2.1r (from 2.2f 2.2r) when hot recommended.
Limited wet grip, especially when cold compared to the Michelin Cup 2. High rolling resistance, low aquaplaning resistance.
The sportier version of the S007, active, precise and fast.

Read Reviews

3rd: Nokian PowerProof

Nokian PowerProof
  • 245/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th35 M32.7 M+2.3 M93.43%
Dry Handling10th130.5 Km/H135.9 Km/H-5.4 Km/H96.03%
Subj. Dry Handling7th8 Points12 Points-4 Points66.67%
Wet Braking4th28.9 M26.6 M+2.3 M92.04%
Wet Handling3rd83 Km/H83.7 Km/H-0.7 Km/H99.16%
Subj. Wet Handling3rd8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Circle6th6.93 m/s7.33 m/s-0.4 m/s94.54%
Straight Aqua5th78.9 Km/H83.4 Km/H-4.5 Km/H94.6%
Subj. Comfort9th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Noise6th72.2 dB70.8 dB+1.4 dB98.06%
Tire Weight9th11.05 Kg9.84 Kg+1.21 Kg89.05%
Rolling Resistance1st8.7 kg / t100%
Good braking performance, well rounded balance in the dry and wet, very low rolling resistance.
Reduced wet grip and aquaplaning resistance, average comfort.
A good mid-range summer tire with slight weakness in the wet.

Read Reviews

3rd: Giti GitiSport GTR3

Giti GitiSport GTR3
  • 245/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking10th35.9 M32.7 M+3.2 M91.09%
Dry Handling3rd134.1 Km/H135.9 Km/H-1.8 Km/H98.68%
Subj. Dry Handling7th8 Points12 Points-4 Points66.67%
Wet Braking10th37 M26.6 M+10.4 M71.89%
Wet Handling9th74.9 Km/H83.7 Km/H-8.8 Km/H89.49%
Subj. Wet Handling9th5 Points10 Points-5 Points50%
Wet Circle10th6.27 m/s7.33 m/s-1.06 m/s85.54%
Straight Aqua9th73.8 Km/H83.4 Km/H-9.6 Km/H88.49%
Subj. Comfort3rd8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Noise7th72.3 dB70.8 dB+1.5 dB97.93%
Tire Weight8th10.86 Kg9.84 Kg+1.02 Kg90.61%
Rolling Resistance6th9.7 kg / t8.7 kg / t+1 kg / t89.69%
Excellent direct steering with high levels of feedback, great dry balance with exploitable grip. Pressure change to 2.4f 2.1r (from 2.2f 2.2r) when hot recommended.
Typically restricted semi slick wet performance with long wet braking and high rolling resistance.
Fast and active track day tires for beginners.

Read Reviews

4th: Vredestein Ultrac Vorti

Vredestein Ultrac Vorti
  • 245/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking7th34.4 M32.7 M+1.7 M95.06%
Dry Handling9th131.6 Km/H135.9 Km/H-4.3 Km/H96.84%
Subj. Dry Handling7th8 Points12 Points-4 Points66.67%
Wet Braking6th30 M26.6 M+3.4 M88.67%
Wet Handling5th80.9 Km/H83.7 Km/H-2.8 Km/H96.65%
Subj. Wet Handling5th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Wet Circle4th6.99 m/s7.33 m/s-0.34 m/s95.36%
Straight Aqua7th77.7 Km/H83.4 Km/H-5.7 Km/H93.17%
Subj. Comfort1st10 Points100%
Noise2nd71.2 dB70.8 dB+0.4 dB99.44%
Tire Weight10th11.78 Kg9.84 Kg+1.94 Kg83.53%
Rolling Resistance6th9.7 kg / t8.7 kg / t+1 kg / t89.69%
High dry driving stability, very quiet and comfortable.
Understeer and lower grip levels in the wet, only average aquaplaning resistance, high rolling resistance.
The updated Vorti stands for comfort over dynamics.

Read Reviews

5th: Toyo Proxes Sport

Toyo Proxes Sport
  • 245/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking9th35.4 M32.7 M+2.7 M92.37%
Dry Handling6th132 Km/H135.9 Km/H-3.9 Km/H97.13%
Subj. Dry Handling7th8 Points12 Points-4 Points66.67%
Wet Braking7th30.2 M26.6 M+3.6 M88.08%
Wet Handling7th79 Km/H83.7 Km/H-4.7 Km/H94.38%
Subj. Wet Handling9th5 Points10 Points-5 Points50%
Wet Circle8th6.62 m/s7.33 m/s-0.71 m/s90.31%
Straight Aqua4th79.7 Km/H83.4 Km/H-3.7 Km/H95.56%
Subj. Comfort3rd8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Noise8th72.6 dB70.8 dB+1.8 dB97.52%
Tire Weight4th10.4 Kg9.84 Kg+0.56 Kg94.62%
Rolling Resistance9th9.9 kg / t8.7 kg / t+1.2 kg / t87.88%
Progressive steering and dynamic handling in the dry, good protection against curved aquaplaning, quiet and comfortable.
Poor wet braking and handling, with strong understeer. High rolling resistance.
In spite of sporty driving, the steering feel is missing, especially in wet.

Read Reviews

comments powered by Disqus