The German car magazine Gute Fahrt has tested 10 summer tyres in the size 225/40 R18 with 2 other tyres compared for 17 and 19 inch wheels.
A test like no other
12 summer tyres tested on a Volkswagen Golf. The latest Gute Fahrt comparison test looks like a standard tyre test. But for this 2019 test, the German magazine has tried something different. If 10 tyres are in the size 225/40 R18, 2 other Pirelli P Zero tyres, are those in the sizes 225/45 R17 and 225/35 35 R19. The new idea from the magazine is to assess the performance of tyres with different diameters, in the same conditions.
- Apollo Aspire XP
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Continental PremiumContact 6
- Dunlop SportMaxx RT2
- Falken Azenis FK510
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
- Hankook Ventus S1 evo2
- Nokian PowerProof
- Pirelli P Zero PZ4
- Pirelli P Zero (R17)
- Pirelli P Zero (R19)
- Vredestein Ultrac Vorti
If the Gute Fahrt tests focus on short braking distances and wet performance, the German magazine has chosen not to compare the track speed of the different tyres but instead highlights their subjective comfort.
No mishaps
Despite the large number of tyres tested by Gute Fahrt, none of them showed any crucial weaknesses.
The Pirelli P Zero tested in 19 inches provides the most efficient dry handling performance and the fastest steering response when cornering.However, with the lowest comfort, its low aquaplaning resistance and its high price, this tyre obtains the lowest score of this comparison test. Nevertheless, it still obtains a “good” rating from the German magazine.
Likewise for the Vredestein Ultrac Vorti and Falken Azenis FK510 tyres which cannot be separated. The first delivers efficient handling in both dry and wet conditions. But its high rolling resistance, low comfort and long wet braking distances prevent it from ranking higher. Weaknesses partially shared with the Falken tyre which tends to understeer in the wet but still offers short wet braking distances.
The Apollo Aspire XP has a good level of comfort and a low rolling resistance. Its good handling performances are counterbalanced by long braking distances on the different test surfaces.
The Bridgestone Turanza T005 and Pirelli P Zero PZ4 (225/40 R18) tyres tie for 7th place in the ranking. With its high level of comfort and low rolling resistance, the Bridgestone tyre delivers good results. However, it pays for its braking distances which are slightly longer than the best tyres, just the opposite of the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 which delivers the shortest dry braking distances and finishes 2nd on wet surfaces. Despite good handling performances on this surface, it has a low resistance to aquaplaning, particularly when cornering.
6 tyres highly recommended
The all new Nokian PowerProof, which we tested in Portugal last year, is particularly at ease in wet conditions. Its short braking distances and high resistance to aquaplaning allows it to maintain a high level of performance when driving, at the expense of a certain level of comfort according to the German magazine. Characteristics echoed by the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 which also has the advantage of a very competitive price.
The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 has the best resistance to aquaplaning. Its high comfort and short braking distances won over Gute Fahrt who found no weaknesses with this tyre which offers a good price / performance ratio.
The Pirelli P Zero, in the size 225/45 R17, steps onto the podium of this comparison test thanks to its overall handling performance in wet conditions. Whether in wet or dry conditions, it delivers very short braking distances and a high level of comfort. Its relatively high rolling resistance and average dry handling prevents it from ranking higher.
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric confirms its good results in recent tests. It is the most efficient tyre in wet braking tests and has a high resistance to aquaplaning. Its good handling on all surfaces is tainted by a slight tendency to oversteer in wet conditions.
For Gute Fahrt, the best summer tyre 2019 is the Continental PremiumContact 6. According to the German magazine, it is the tyre offering the best balance of performance with excellent handling and very short braking distances on dry and wet surfaces. Only drawback: its rolling resistance which is slightly higher than average but does not prevent it from taking first place in this ranking.
| Tyre | Ranking | Remarks |
| Continental PremiumContact 6 | 1 | Well balanced performance. |
| Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 | 2 | Short wet braking distance, tends to oversteer |
| Pirelli P Zero (17”) | 3 | HIghest level of comfort |
| Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 | 4 | Good aquaplaning resistance |
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo 2 | 5= | Well-balanced tyre |
| Nokian Powerproof | 5= | Very good wet handling, average comfort |
| Pirelli P Zero PZ4 | 7= | Very good dry performance, low aquaplaning resistance |
| Bridgestone Turanza T005 | 7= | Slightly longer braking distance, good handling |
| Apollo Aspire XP | 9 | Relatively long braking distance, low rolling resistance |
| Falken Azenis FK510 | 10= | Short wet braking distance, understeers in wet conditions |
| Vredestein Ultrac Vorti | 10= | Long wet braking distances, good handling |
| Pirelli P Zero (19”) | 12 | Low comfort, fast steering response |
