Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
The biggest separation comes in the safety-critical areas: braking-especially in the wet-and overall balance at the limit. The Firestone counters with strong rolling resistance results (and therefore a real-world efficiency angle), plus occasional standout aquaplaning scores and a better value proposition. If you're choosing between these two, it largely comes down to whether you want the most complete, confidence-inspiring tyre (Pirelli) or a more budget-savvy, low-energy alternative that remains generally safe but has clearer weaknesses (Firestone).
Test Results
Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been five tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Cinturato C3 | five |
While it might look like the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is better than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.
Key Strengths
- Class-leading rolling resistance/efficiency focus in multiple tests (wins 3/3 reported RR comparisons)
- Strong value proposition versus the Pirelli (e.g., Auto Zeitung value metric 14.13 vs 16.09)
- Often very good straight-line aquaplaning performance (wins in Auto Zeitung and Die ReifenTester; described as best aquaplaning resistance in Auto Zeitung)
- Predictable, benign handling character that testers describe as safe and easy to control in normal driving
- Best overall performer across shared tests (overall winner in every shared comparison; 5/5 overall)
- Consistently shorter braking distances, especially in the wet (e.g., ADAC wet braking 31.8 m vs 34.9 m; Auto Zeitung 56.4 m vs 60.9 m)
- Stronger longevity and lower wear/abrasion indicators (e.g., ADAC predicted mileage 48,600 km vs 36,700 km; lower abrasion 79 vs 95 mg/km/t)
- Very balanced dynamic behaviour: secure, progressive limit handling with strong wet grip and generally high subjective scores
Dry Braking
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during five dry braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stopped the vehicle in 2.42% less distance than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Dry Braking: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two dry handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was 0.47% faster around a lap than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during three subj. dry handling tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 scored 3.91% more points than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during five wet braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stopped the vehicle in 5.98% less distance than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Wet Braking: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stopped the vehicle in 6.98% less distance than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was 1.1% faster around a wet lap than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 scored 4.91% more points than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was 1.42% faster around a wet circle than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 floated at a 0.88% higher speed than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Straight Aqua: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 slipped out at a 2.56% higher speed than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during three subj. comfort tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 scored 8.58% more points than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 scored 4.88% more points than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Subj. Noise: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two noise tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 measured 0.32% quieter than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Noise: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two wear tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is predicted to cover 17.84% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Wear: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during one value tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN proved to have a 12.18% better value based on price/1000km than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Value: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN had a 6.58% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and Pirelli Cinturato C3 performed equally well in fuel consumption tests.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Both tyres performed equally well
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 emitted 16.84% less particle wear matter than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Abrasion: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN Driver Reviews
Drivers rate the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN very highly overall, describing it as a premium-feeling touring tyre at a mid-range price with strong safety and predictability. The most consistent praise is for confident wet-weather grip (including heavy rain/highway use), stable dry handling, and a comfortable ride, with many also highlighting excellent rim protection. Noise is the main recurring drawback, often described as surface-dependent and sometimes more noticeable around 50-60 km/h, though several users still find it quiet.
Based on 10 reviews with an average rating of 88%
Pirelli Cinturato C3 Driver Reviews
Across 12 reviews, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is described as an extremely confidence-inspiring tyre with standout wet and dry grip, strong braking and very secure, responsive handling that makes the car feel easy to place and control. Most drivers also find it quiet and comfortable for a touring-focused tyre, with several calling it excellent or “perfect” in mixed conditions. A smaller subset note notable road noise on certain surfaces and one user reports a significant fuel economy drop after fitting, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Based on 13 reviews with an average rating of 93%
Conclusion
The Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN's case is more specific: it's frequently praised as predictable and benign, it repeatedly posts class-leading rolling resistance (e.g., wins in 3/3 reported rolling-resistance comparisons here), and it can shine in straight-line aquaplaning in some tests (Auto Zeitung and Die ReifenTester). It also offers a clearer price-per-performance advantage (Auto Zeitung value metric: 14.13 vs 16.09). The trade-off is that multiple test narratives and numbers converge on the same caution: wet braking is a recurring weak point (e.g., 60.9 m vs 56.4 m in Auto Zeitung), and ADAC also flags only “satisfactory” wear/abrasion and reduced dry precision.
Practical takeaway: if your priority is maximum safety margin in the wet plus strong, proven all-round capability (and you're willing to pay more and potentially tolerate a bit more noise), the Cinturato C3 is the clear pick. If you do high mileage where energy efficiency and purchase price matter most, drive calmly, and can accept giving up braking performance-especially on wet roads-the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN remains a rational value/efficiency alternative, but it's not the class benchmark.
Key Differences
- Wet braking is the decisive safety gap: Pirelli leads in all 5 wet-braking results, sometimes by meaningful margins (up to ~9% in ADAC and ~7% in Auto Zeitung).
- Dry braking is consistently in Pirelli's favour (5/5 wins), though the margin is usually small-to-moderate (~1-4%).
- Efficiency/rolling resistance trends the other way: Firestone wins all reported rolling-resistance comparisons (3/3), supporting lower energy use.
- Longevity and environmental wear metrics favour Pirelli: higher predicted mileage (ADAC 48,600 vs 36,700 km) and lower abrasion in both ADAC and Auto Zeitung.
- Aquaplaning is mixed: Firestone can be excellent in straight aquaplaning (notably Auto Zeitung), but Pirelli is more consistently strong overall and often better in curved/overall wet security metrics.
- Refinement differs by test: Pirelli is flagged as relatively noisy in some reporting (e.g., Auto Zeitung 72 dB highest in test), while Firestone is often marked down on comfort; real-world “quietness” can depend on which measure (subjective vs pass-by) you prioritize.
Overall Winner: Pirelli Cinturato C3
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:
Footnote
This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.
Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.
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