2010 EVO FWD Tire Test
For the second time in 2010 EVO have published an excellent summer tire test. The first test, published in July concentrated on a RWD MX5 running 205/45 17 tires and was won by Continental with the ContiSportContact 3. In this tire test EVO have used a Renaultsport Megane 250 Cup wearing massive 235/35 r19 tires to test 9 ultra high performance / max performance tires.
Unlike a number of the German tire tests, EVO score by how the tire feel almost as much as the actual data results, with 40% of the scoring based on the subjective feel scoring. The most important of these subjective tests is steering feel, and this punishes tires like the new Bridgestone S001 which offered an excellent raw performance, but provided a somewhat numb driving experience.
The difference between the best and the worst tire was just 1.1 seconds in the dry, showing just how close the competition is. In the wet this gap extended to 8.5 seconds with the Continental winning (81.3 seconds) and the Kumho posting the slowest time (89.8).
The Results
Continental haven taken another win proving they're the brand to beat in 2010. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric had a surprisingly strong 2nd place thanks to its excellent wet grip and positive feedback while the Pirelli P Zero K1 rounded out the top 3 thanks to an excellent performance, just let down by a poor aquaplaning score.
- 3PMSF: no
A strong all round performance, setting the standard in many tests. Strongest tire in the dry and performed very well in the wet. Excellent subjective steering feel.
Slightly noisy ride
Total: 1284.2
Dry
299.4
Wet
497.5
Subjective
198.3
Comfort
100
Rolling Resistance
91.2
Overall
97.8
- 3PMSF: no
An impressive all rounder scoring extremely well in the wet grip and subjective handling tests
High rolling resistance
Total: 1214.7
Dry
288.5
Wet
460.9
Subjective
192
Comfort
98.6
Rolling Resistance
79.2
Overall
95.5
- 3PMSF: no
Shadowing the 2nd place Goodyear in most of the test, the Pirelli has excellent handling in both the dry and wet and gives a surprisingly quiet and comfortable ride
Poor result in the aquaplaning test
Total: 1235.2
Dry
292
Wet
460.9
Subjective
190.6
Comfort
100
Rolling Resistance
96.3
Overall
95.4
- 3PMSF: no
Giving the fastest time in the dry handling test the Michelin is the sportiest tire of the group. Excellent steering feel makes this a tire for drivers
Slightly weak aquaplaning results and the sporty nature of the tire gives a slightly harsh ride
Total: 1221.7
Dry
294.2
Wet
466
Subjective
177.7
Comfort
97.1
Rolling Resistance
93.8
Overall
92.9
- 3PMSF: no
The Toyo proved to be a strong tire in the dry
Worst curved aquaplaning results and poor scores in the wet handling tests.
Total: 1181
Dry
288
Wet
443.2
Subjective
175.7
Comfort
95.7
Rolling Resistance
87.1
Overall
91.3
- 3PMSF: no
A great tire in the dry and pretty decent in the wet too. Scored well on the road and the dry track for feel
High road noise and choppy ride
Total: 1197
Dry
292.7
Wet
463.9
Subjective
169.3
Comfort
90
Rolling Resistance
90.3
Overall
90.8
- 3PMSF: no
A good performer in both the wet and dry
A lack of steering feel leaves the tire feeling average
Total: 1206.6
Dry
290.1
Wet
482.9
Subjective
164
Comfort
91.4
Rolling Resistance
87.6
Overall
90.6
- 3PMSF: no
Lowest rolling resistance and competitve results in the objective dry tests
Woolly feeling in the wet. Safe rather than fun.
Total: 1179
Dry
292.3
Wet
451.5
Subjective
150.6
Comfort
95.7
Rolling Resistance
100
Overall
88.9
- 3PMSF: no
Good dry pace
Poor wet performance, lowest subjective score.
Total: 1145.5
Dry
284.7
Wet
439
Subjective
148
Comfort
92.9
Rolling Resistance
93.4
Overall
87.5
Pick up a copy of EVO issue 150 for the full results.