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Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 VS Asymmetric 3 VS Continental PremiumContact 6 - In depth test

Jonathan Benson
Tested and written by Jonathan Benson
3 min read Updated
Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Dry
  3. Wet
  4. Environment
  5. Results
  6. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
  7. Continental Premium Contact 6
  8. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
As the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 is now available for purchase, I've tested it against the much loved, previous generation Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, and a leading competitor, the Continental PremiumContact 6.
 

Overall, the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 was a good step forward when compared to the Asymmetric 3 in all key areas, and on par with the Continental PremiumContact 6. The gap between the Continental and the Goodyear is now so close, that in a different tyre size to this (225/40 R18), some of the test results might be flipped.

Dry

During dry braking, the Asymmetric 3 took a surprise win, beating the Asymmetric 5 and PremiumContact 6.

Dry Braking

Spread: 0.60 M (1.8%)|Avg: 33.90 M
Dry braking in meters (Lower is better)
Dry Braking: Safety Impact: Best vs Worst Tyre

During dry handling the Continental was the fastest tyre on test, with the Asymmetric 5 and PremiumContact 6 both having an excellent subjective balance.

Dry Handling

Spread: 2.30 s (2.4%)|Avg: 95.14 s
Dry handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
  1. Continental Premium Contact 6
    94.00 s
  2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
    95.12 s
  3. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
    96.30 s

Subj. Dry Handling

Spread: 2.00 Points (22.2%)|Avg: 8.33 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score (Higher is better)
  1. Continental Premium Contact 6
    9.00 Points
  2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
    9.00 Points
  3. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
    7.00 Points

Wet

The PremiumContact 6 had a small advantage during wet braking.

Wet Braking

Spread: 1.20 M (3.4%)|Avg: 35.73 M
Wet braking in meters (Lower is better)
Wet Braking: Safety Impact: Best vs Worst Tyre

The Asymmetric 5 and PremiumContact 6 posted exactly the same laptimes, with the Goodyear providing a slightly better balance.

Wet Handling

Spread: 0.85 s (1.3%)|Avg: 65.57 s
Wet handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
  1. Continental Premium Contact 6
    65.29 s
  2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
    65.29 s
  3. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
    66.14 s

Subj. Wet Handling

Spread: 1.00 Points (10%)|Avg: 9.33 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score (Higher is better)
  1. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
    10.00 Points
  2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
    9.00 Points
  3. Continental Premium Contact 6
    9.00 Points

The new Asymmetric 5 proved to be best in straight aquaplaning, with the PremiumContact 6 ahead in curved aquaplaning.

Straight Aqua

Spread: 1.10 Km/H (1.4%)|Avg: 76.10 Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H (Higher is better)
  1. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
    76.50 Km/H
  2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
    76.40 Km/H
  3. Continental Premium Contact 6
    75.40 Km/H

Environment

The Asymmetric 5 had both the lowest internal noise and highlest levels of comfort on test, though it was again very close between the Asymmetric 5 and PremiumContact 6.

Noise

Spread: 1.50 dB (2.2%)|Avg: 68.17 dB
External noise in dB (Lower is better)
  1. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
    67.60 dB
  2. Continental Premium Contact 6
    67.80 dB
  3. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
    69.10 dB

Subj. Comfort

Spread: 2.00 Points (20%)|Avg: 9.00 Points
Subjective Comfort Score (Higher is better)
  1. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
    10.00 Points
  2. Continental Premium Contact 6
    9.00 Points
  3. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
    8.00 Points

Results

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 2nd 33.9 M 33.6 M +0.3 M 99.12%
Dry Handling 2nd 95.12 s 94 s +1.12 s 98.82%
Subj. Dry Handling 1st 9 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 2nd 35.6 M 35.2 M +0.4 M 98.88%
Wet Handling 1st 65.29 s 100%
Subj. Wet Handling 1st 10 Points 100%
Straight Aqua 1st 76.5 Km/H 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Comfort 1st 10 Points 100%
Noise 1st 67.6 dB 100%
Continental Premium Contact 6
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 3rd 34.2 M 33.6 M +0.6 M 98.25%
Dry Handling 1st 94 s 100%
Subj. Dry Handling 1st 9 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 1st 35.2 M 100%
Wet Handling 1st 65.29 s 100%
Subj. Wet Handling 2nd 9 Points 10 Points -1 Points 90%
Straight Aqua 3rd 75.4 Km/H 76.5 Km/H -1.1 Km/H 98.56%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Comfort 2nd 9 Points 10 Points -1 Points 90%
Noise 2nd 67.8 dB 67.6 dB +0.2 dB 99.71%
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 1st 33.6 M 100%
Dry Handling 3rd 96.3 s 94 s +2.3 s 97.61%
Subj. Dry Handling 3rd 7 Points 9 Points -2 Points 77.78%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 3rd 36.4 M 35.2 M +1.2 M 96.7%
Wet Handling 3rd 66.14 s 65.29 s +0.85 s 98.71%
Subj. Wet Handling 2nd 9 Points 10 Points -1 Points 90%
Straight Aqua 2nd 76.4 Km/H 76.5 Km/H -0.1 Km/H 99.87%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Comfort 3rd 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80%
Noise 3rd 69.1 dB 67.6 dB +1.5 dB 97.83%

Discussion

64 comments
  1. Robert archived

    Great review, thanks.
    Did you test asymmetric 3 on runflats or non-runflats?
    For my Merc E220d AMG Line estate, I have to replace rear Asymmetric 3 275/35 R19 run flats. I have Pilot Sport 4 on front (non-runflats). Can't get asymmetric 5 or 6 for the back, maybe because of size. Would you recommend Asymmetric 3 runflats or non-runflats as my rear replacements?

    #8054
    1. TyreReviews Robert archived

      I've never tested a runflat tyre sadly! Your rear size is very common and it seems you can get the asym 5 and 6 or MPS4/5 in your size in non runflats

      https://www.tyrereviews.com...

      Whether you want to to to non-runflat is a decision for you. Obviously non-runflat are usually better!

      #8059
      1. Robert TyreReviews archived

        Thanks so much for your helpful and speedy reply. Merc seems to be fitting runflats to all e class for the last few years. They are surprised when I turn up for a service with standard tyres and make a point of it!
        I see that I can purchase asym 5 or 6 for delivery, but I have not found a tyre fitting shop that can order and fit them. Perhaps I wrongly assumed the shops will only fit what they supply?

        #8072
        1. TyreReviews Robert archived

          Most tyre shops will install loose tyres for a fee, usually around 15-20 a wheel, though if you can order them online any good tyre shop should have access to the same stock!

          #8073
  2. Bill Cooper archived

    Hi there,

    Great video thank you. I have a Jaguar F-Type 2016 with 245/45/R18W and 275/40/R18W Continental Sports Contact 2 tyres. They have 4-5 mm of tread left. I have noticed that now the weather has turned, the grip is not great.

    I am considering the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5. The issue is that they don't seem to produce the 5 in the larger size. Should I "downgrade" to 4 x Asymmetric 3s of have 5s on the front and 3s on the back.

    Alternatively, I watched another of your videos on OEM VS Aftermarket (also great - well done you!).

    Should I go for the Continental Sports Contact 6 (available in both sizes).

    And finally, what about any other brands. Which tyres should I consider from Michelin and Pirelli?

    Welcome your advice and any other comments.

    #6356
    1. TyreReviews Bill Cooper archived

      I'v'e tests of all those tyres, so check out the test videos for the best answer (the BMW M2 full test would be the most useful.)

      One word of warning, no summer tyre will be great when it's cold and damp with a lot of power

      #6357
      1. Bill Cooper TyreReviews archived

        Thanks for your prompt response. I will watch the videos.

        Warning noted.

        #6358
  3. callum hunter archived

    Looking for new front tyres 245/45 r18 on a Bmw 535d. Currently have cont sport 3s, so far the Goodyear asylum 5s are my fav choice to replace, any other suggestions? TIA

    #6020
    1. TyreReviews callum hunter archived

      So many of the BMW boys love the Asym 5, I'm not sure I would go anywhere else!

      #6021
  4. DT archived

    Is it ok to mix the asy3 on front with asy5 on rear of an Audi S5.

    #5849
    1. TyreReviews DT archived

      Sure, that's the right way to do it. Burn through the fronts and get the Asym 5 all round :)

      #5850
  5. TyreReviews archived

    It depends what you want from the tyre, this video and the latest on the youtube channel should tell you everything you need to know

    #5823
  6. Thomas archived

    Thanks for those in-depth tests! I drive a BMW M340i xDrive and would like to fit Asymmetric 5s on my wheels (225/40R19 front, 255/35R19 rear), but those are not available with (*) specification for BMW. I have read a lot about how important it is on xDrive's to only fit (*) tyres. Any thoughts on or experience with that? Thank you!

    #5439
    1. TyreReviews Thomas archived

      It's totally fine to fit non-* tyres, if you can do all 4 at the same time, all the better

      #5447
      1. Thomas TyreReviews archived

        Thanks for your answer. Sure, I always change all 4 tyres. Have just heard lots of stories about xDrive's transfer box being very sensitive about tyres and getting damaged easily.

        #5449
        1. Oba ma Thomas archived

          Yeah, it's true - transfer box could damage, if You fit wrong size of tyres.

          #5490
  7. acideraser archived

    Hi, I need to replace worn rear tyres, currently have Michelin Primacy 3 on all four.
    Would it be ok to run Asymmetric 5 at the rear and Primacy 3 on the front wheels, for several month before changing front to Goodyear as well ?

    The cars are Mercedes Benz E-Class, R18 245/45 and C class R18 245/40

    Also wanted to ask you if there is difference between generic GYF1A5 and GYF1A5 MO (Mercedes fitment) as the latter seem to be a bit more expensive

    #5116
    1. TyreReviews acideraser archived

      The mixed setup isn't ideal, but lots of people do it and you'll be find as long as you're mindful.

      As for the changes for MO, there probably is some but only goodyear would be able to say what, and that's near impossible information to get.

      #5117
      1. acideraser TyreReviews archived

        Thanks, with regards to the MO question what I mean is is it ok to fit non MO tyre on Mercedes ?

        #5118
  8. timothi79 archived

    Hi from Greece. I own an AUDI A3 Sportback 160 Ps and i want to replace my tyres with a new pare of Assymetric 5 or Pilot sport 4. Do you know if and when are you going to test these tyres.
    Is it going to be a test between them? I think these are the best in 225/45/17 tyre size.

    #5113
    1. TyreReviews timothi79 archived

      I don't be doing that this year, but EVO did recently. It's on the site, but a very strange test.

      #5114
  9. Marco Zanuttigh archived

    Hi, what what would be your tyre choice for a 2019 2.0 mazda mx-5 (205/45/17?)? On my volvo s60 (235/40 R18) i'm very happy with the continental premium contact 6, but the mx5 is a different car, maybe the sport contact 6 is a better choice. What do you think?

    #4948
  10. Patrick archived

    After watching this I was sold on the A5s but in Belgium my size (235/45/18) is not available yet (end of august is really too late and they can't guarantee that date either). But the 225/45/18 is available and allowed on my car as well (RCZ hdi). Would the difference in width and height make a big difference and therefor go for the Conti 6 in 235/45/18? A big thanks for your video's!

    #4907
    1. TyreReviews Patrick archived

      The Conti is still a great tyre, I can't see you being disappointed with it!

      #4911
  11. David Jackson archived

    I have a Mazda 6 2.2 Sport Nav with 225/45 R19 92W. Bridgestone Turanza. I think for the Mazda they are unacceptably noisy. I notice Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 are 225/45 R19 96W XL, I notice that the XL means extra load and stiffer walls, does this affect the noise rating? Is the best choice for comfort / noise?

    #4889
    1. TyreReviews David Jackson archived

      It likely won't make any different on comfort and should be a good all round choice.

      #4895
  12. Jan Schneider archived

    Thank you for the video, I was looking at new tyres for my miata and I am sold on the A5s after watching this. Will let you know how they feel, keep up the good work!

    #4818
  13. Harry Mntncs archived

    Very interesting test by all means, looks like Goodyear really got it right this time.
    Could you do a test featuring 195/45/16 tyres please, not forgetting to include the Bridgestone Turanza T005 and Toyo Proxes CF2? That's a dimension that's almost never been in a test - at least not to my knowledge.
    Thank you in advance,

    Harry

    #4786
    1. TyreReviews Harry Mntncs archived

      I'm afraid it's unlikely anyone will do that test as it's a very low volume size, sorry!

      #4788
      1. Harry Mntncs TyreReviews archived

        Thank you for the reply, I appreciate it. Keep up your great work ;)

        #4789
  14. Bobbybee archived

    I wish rolling resistance had a higher prevalence in these tests. Most drivers get nowhere near the limits of their tyres during day to day driving. If you're relying on superior tyres to get you out of a sticky situation, then you were probably driving too fast in the first place. If you're going to a track fair enough, but 95% of the driving I do is school runs, commutes and boring motorway runs. Rolling resistance is always present no matter what type of driving you do and the difference between a good and poor performing set of tyres might be the same as the cost of the tyres. At least on the label scores it would appear that the rolling resistance of the Asymmetric 5's is significantly higher than the 3's.

    #4734
    1. Petr Fiedler Bobbybee archived

      If fuel consumption (rolling resistance) is you priority then you should look for touring tyre not for UHP tyre in the first place.

      Moreover 225/40 R18 is not a typical tyre size for "eco-vehicles" therefore if your priority is a fuel consumption you are likely to shop for a car where you can use narrow tyres, or at least use the narrowest tires that fit that given vehicle, e.g. 205/50 R 17 is an alternative to the 225/40R18.

      It makes no sense to get rather powerful car with UHP tyres and only after taking these choices to suddenly start to care about rolling resistance.

      #4796
    2. samo Bobbybee archived

      If you have sportscar that can not get over 10mpg no matter how you drive you might as well get proper sticky tires right ? No point even considering rolling resistance differences in that case. Of course if you drive your shitbox golf diesel then of course get eco tyres.

      #5054
  15. Halil İbrahim Şencan archived

    Thank you for the review!
    There is something I quite don't understand about the noise values inside the cabin.
    Asymmetric 3 external noise value is 67 dB on the label for 225/40 R18 92Y, Asymmetric 5 is 72 dB external noise on the label for the same size.
    How come the cabin is quieter when Asymmetric 5 is equipped on the car?
    Can you provide info about how the measurement is done?

    Thanks.

    #4725
    1. TyreReviews Halil İbrahim Şencan archived

      The label scores are pass by scores and we measured internal cabin noise. They're often different

      #4727
      1. Tjarco van der Kloet TyreReviews archived

        Still doesnt make sense. If the value is higher, it means the tire generates moire noise, so if you test both sets of tires on the same car, you should get a higher rating with the Asymmetric 5. My guess is, that the test wasnt conducted on the same road surface.

        #5188
        1. TyreReviews Tjarco van der Kloet archived

          Surface does make a difference, but internal and external noise values can be different as tyre manufacturers can direct the sound from tyres either out of the car, or into the wheel well, producing different results

          #5191
  16. Erkin K. archived

    Great review! It's a pity that PS4 is excluded. Can you please share load and speed index of all tyres used in this test? Thank you!

    #4635
  17. TyreReviews archived

    If you've uprated shocks and springs I've be looking at the sportier segment of tyre, so the PS4, A5 etc!

    #4607
  18. killer85 archived

    And about fuel consumption what's the best? i'm undecided about Dunlop Sport MAXX RT2 and this new Eagle Asymmetric 5..in Italy the EF1A5 cost about 70€ plus and i'm not sure the difference between the two is worth the price..

    #4593
    1. TyreReviews killer85 archived

      All three tyres average C in EU rolling resistance label, so are all fairly close!

      #4594
      1. killer85 TyreReviews archived

        Great :)
        and about the tire wear what's the best of the 3?

        #4596
        1. TyreReviews killer85 archived

          That's at the end of the video

          #4600
    2. Alex 69 killer85 archived

      I had the GY F1 asimm 3 20” in a 540d touring. Excellent tyre on dry and wet. Then I replaced with the Dunlop sport maxx and it was a really bad experience: not special on dry, terrible on wet. I‘m just returned to the GY F1 asimm.3 and I’m happy again. Much better tyre, too much difference. You cannot compare them, they play in two complete different leagues.

      #4925
  19. Elio Golfieri archived

    Thanks for the vid!! It's a really great explanation about these 3 tyres. I've got some PS4 now, I'm thinking of changing them for the new Asymmetric 5. My PS4 got 3 years and about 30.000km..could I keep them for another year?

    #4592
    1. TyreReviews Elio Golfieri archived

      I guess it depends on the tread depth remaining...

      #4595
      1. Elio TyreReviews archived

        Thank you for the reply! Yeah, I definitely checked the tread depth and is above 4mm. But I don’t know, I feel that the rubber is more tough. Do you think it could be possible after three years? (I checked the manufacturing date on the shoulder).

        #4597
        1. TyreReviews Elio archived

          Rubber will start to harden up with age, it's not unusual for a bit of grip drop off after three years but they should sitll be better than a lot of tyres on the road!

          #4601
          1. Elio Golfieri TyreReviews archived

            Thank you, really ;) Maybe I'll keep them for another year, then I'll test these magnificent Asymmetric 5.

            #4603
      2. Minta TyreReviews archived

        When getting a new tyre, how old tyres (not fitted, just stored at the re-seller) would you consider old, and rather to avoid?

        #4598
        1. Elio Golfieri Minta archived

          Ummm..that's a cool question. I always ask to the reseller the age of the tyres, and I always fitted tyres produced in 4 or 5 months.

          #4604
  20. Dan archived

    Great test video! Really like you go into detail, and appreciate all the effort you have to put into it.

    Just an idea for an article/video - it might be "stupid" but would be great if you did explenation on what you might find on tyres (various indexes etc) - which is out there already, but again go into bit more detail, explaining how exactly it would translate into performance/behaviour - for example having WAY higher load index than you need, would that translate in better steering feel? Similarly with speed index, how will it influence the tyre behaviour. Basically something about that :)

    Thanks and again, love and appreciate what you do!

    #4589
    1. TyreReviews Dan archived

      Good idea, but the problem is you would have to test every combination of tyre and size to give a good overview, as sometimes a 91 and 97 XL tyre are exactly the same, and sometimes they aren't!

      #4590
      1. Dan TyreReviews archived

        true, but at least some "general" suggestion? what it can result in, not necessarily it will? (at least will people some idea, if they have option to chose from - what in theory could work for them the best, dependent on driving style/mileage or whatever they want to prefer)

        #4591
  21. Pedro Neves archived

    In which size were the tyres tested?

    #4586
    1. TyreReviews Pedro Neves archived

      225/40 R18. I'll add that to the article.

      #4587
  22. Roshan Shah archived

    how would you feel the PS4 compares here?

    #4585
    1. TyreReviews Roshan Shah archived

      As mentioned in the video, all three tyres are now extremely close, and looking at other testing it would be on a very similar level to the Goodyear and Conti.

      #4588
      1. Néocray TyreReviews archived

        They are around the same in performance, but is it the same about comfort and silence?
        The PS4 has often been rated 1st in 225/45R17, with the CPC6 quite away. So if the Asy5 is only marginally better than the CPC6 on comfort/silence, I would guess that it is still behind than the PS4. Or not?

        #4732