Given
68%
while driving a
Chevrolet 2012 Cruze
(225/50 R17) on
a combination of roads
for 500
spirited miles
I like to push the tires to the limit on different roads. I never go "Full Nukage" mode on them though. I got 225/50/R17 94W DOT 3820 ones, Goodyear Efficientgrip performance 2, made in Poland.
My 1st impression was that, when I go a bit more aggressive into a 90 degree corner - it gives a feeling like side wall of the tire is made from foam/sponge material. Too soft for my type of driving. Same is with high speed corners on a high way. It doesn't give me much confidence( racing line entered and left the corner, just for fun since no one was around ). Even though I knew I will exit the corner (with these new tires ) with no problems, at that speed - I felt insecure. I am well aware this is not racing, high performance, ultra ect tire...But it felt like I'm driving like Viking budget tire or something ( Yes, I drove on those, also on several premium ones). :)
I was at my friends place the other day. At that point I had only front ones EffiGrip performance 2, and I left 2 older ones ( effigrip 1) on the rear wheels. We looked at the tires and compared side walls at exactly the same tire pressure - effigrip performance 2 looked like they are deflated. Side wall was round, and on my older ones side wall was almost straight ( Yes, I know the car is heavier at the front, ofc, but difference was huge anyways). In my opinion - this is a tire for smoother ride, safer ride. Compare to effigrip performance 1 - older one was more sporty, more direct when you get pedal to the floor. You get that secure feeling, like the tire is telling you: " We're at the limit, but don't worry, I got you..." . Then you correct the throttle and exit from the corner with the smile on your face. With effigrip 2 is more like - aight, that went better than I felt it will through middle of the corner.
Braking was very good, and judging by my computers data - car loves these tires when it comes to fuel economy.
Tires that I had before these were Efficientgrip performance 1 ( or original, or w/e you wanna call it). It just gives the feeling these new ones are just too soft on the side wall when entering corner. There is no that "snappy feeling" you get from Performance 1 when you're entering the corner. That almost instant change of direction.
Comfort - hands down, more confortable than EffGrip Performance 1 ( probably due to different design and softer side wall.
Buy again - Nope. Not the tire for my type of driving. Will probably keep therm until next summer. EffGrip performance 1 was just better for me.
EfficientGrip Performance 1 - good and comfortable tire that can surprise you how good it can be when sometimes you want to have some fun in the corners at higher speeds.
EfficientGrip Performance 2 - good and comfotable. It is good in cornering. Not a confidence booster, doesn't provide lots of feedback = No fun when you want to have some.
I hope I helped with this observation since I had an opportunity to compare effigrip 1 and 2 on my car, and give my thoughts about it.
Anyways, I'll be changing these for some other. Maybe Eagle f1 or maybe other manufacturer.
Cheers and thank you,
Filip.