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2021 Auto Zeitung Summer UHP Tyre Test

Jonathan Benson
Data analyzed and reviewed by Jonathan Benson
6 min read Updated

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The overall scores below are calculated using our weighting system. Since the original publication may use a different scoring methodology that wasn't shared, these results may differ from their published rankings. You can adjust the weightings below to explore how different priorities affect the results.
Dry 35%
Wet 50%
Comfort 5%
Value 10%
Dry 35% · Wet 50% · Comfort 5% · Value 10%
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Wet
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Test Results Data

BEST Good Average Below Average
# Tyre Total Score Dry Wet Comfort Value
Braking M Handling s Subj. Dry Handling Points % Braking M Handling s Subj. Wet Handling Points Straight Aqua Km/H % Subj. Comfort Points Noise dB % Price Rolling Resistance kg / t %
1 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 96.6% 35.1 69.1 9 2 97.9% 41.9 63.4 8 3 71.5 3 97% 8 2 71 93.1% 390 8.6 3 90.7%
2 ▲1 Pirelli P Zero PZ4 95.3% 35.2 69.2 9 2 97.7% 45.1 62.6 10 68.2 96.3% 7 69.8 2 88.4% 360 9.99 83.7%
3 ▲3 Nokian PowerProof 95.1% 35.4 69.2 8 96.5% 46.6 62.9 2 9 2 69.9 94.3% 7 71.9 86.9% 310 2 8.66 96.8%
4 ▼2 Continental Premium Contact 6 95% 34.7 2 68.8 10 99.5% 42.1 2 63.7 5 71.7 2 93.4% 8 2 71.4 92.8% 410 8.88 87.4%
5 ▼1 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 94.1% 34.3 69 2 9 2 99% 44.8 63.1 3 6 70.4 92.4% 7 71.1 87.5% 440 8.64 87.5%
6 ▼1 Falken Azenis FK510 93.7% 35.4 69.6 5 93.5% 42.8 3 63.5 7 70.6 94.9% 7 70.4 88% 340 3 9.23 89.9%
7 Maxxis Victra Sport 5 93.4% 34.8 3 69 2 9 2 98.3% 49.7 63.2 8 3 69.5 90.9% 7 71 87.6% 370 8.78 90.7%
8 ▲1 Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 91.2% 35.5 69.1 7 95.5% 50.6 63.3 6 69.8 88.2% 6 71.2 81.9% 350 8.5 2 94.3%
9 ▼1 Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 91.1% 36.2 69.7 4 91.6% 48.7 63.3 6 73.3 90.1% 8 2 69.8 2 93.9% 400 8.38 91.8%
10 Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 89.7% 35.5 69.4 6 94.4% 50.1 64.9 3 69.7 84.3% 9 69.1 100% 300 9.27 93.6%
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Dry 98% Wet 97% Comfort 93% Value 91%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 35.1 M
Dry Handling 69.1 s
Subj. Dry Handling 9 Points 2
Wet
Wet Braking 41.9 M
Wet Handling 63.4 s
Subj. Wet Handling 8 Points 3
Straight Aqua 71.5 Km/H 3
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 8 Points 2
Noise 71 dB
Value
Price 390
Rolling Resistance 8.6 kg / t 3
2
95.3%
Dry 98% Wet 96% Comfort 88% Value 84%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 35.2 M
Dry Handling 69.2 s
Subj. Dry Handling 9 Points 2
Wet
Wet Braking 45.1 M
Wet Handling 62.6 s
Subj. Wet Handling 10 Points
Straight Aqua 68.2 Km/H
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 7 Points
Noise 69.8 dB 2
Value
Price 360
Rolling Resistance 9.99 kg / t
3
95.1%
Dry 97% Wet 94% Comfort 87% Value 97%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 35.4 M
Dry Handling 69.2 s
Subj. Dry Handling 8 Points
Wet
Wet Braking 46.6 M
Wet Handling 62.9 s 2
Subj. Wet Handling 9 Points 2
Straight Aqua 69.9 Km/H
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 7 Points
Noise 71.9 dB
Value
Price 310 2
Rolling Resistance 8.66 kg / t
Dry 100% Wet 93% Comfort 93% Value 87%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 34.7 M 2
Dry Handling 68.8 s
Subj. Dry Handling 10 Points
Wet
Wet Braking 42.1 M 2
Wet Handling 63.7 s
Subj. Wet Handling 5 Points
Straight Aqua 71.7 Km/H 2
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 8 Points 2
Noise 71.4 dB
Value
Price 410
Rolling Resistance 8.88 kg / t
5
94.1%
Dry 99% Wet 92% Comfort 88% Value 88%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 34.3 M
Dry Handling 69 s 2
Subj. Dry Handling 9 Points 2
Wet
Wet Braking 44.8 M
Wet Handling 63.1 s 3
Subj. Wet Handling 6 Points
Straight Aqua 70.4 Km/H
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 7 Points
Noise 71.1 dB
Value
Price 440
Rolling Resistance 8.64 kg / t
6
93.7%
Dry 94% Wet 95% Comfort 88% Value 90%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 35.4 M
Dry Handling 69.6 s
Subj. Dry Handling 5 Points
Wet
Wet Braking 42.8 M 3
Wet Handling 63.5 s
Subj. Wet Handling 7 Points
Straight Aqua 70.6 Km/H
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 7 Points
Noise 70.4 dB
Value
Price 340 3
Rolling Resistance 9.23 kg / t
Dry 98% Wet 91% Comfort 88% Value 91%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 34.8 M 3
Dry Handling 69 s 2
Subj. Dry Handling 9 Points 2
Wet
Wet Braking 49.7 M
Wet Handling 63.2 s
Subj. Wet Handling 8 Points 3
Straight Aqua 69.5 Km/H
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 7 Points
Noise 71 dB
Value
Price 370
Rolling Resistance 8.78 kg / t
Dry 96% Wet 88% Comfort 82% Value 94%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 35.5 M
Dry Handling 69.1 s
Subj. Dry Handling 7 Points
Wet
Wet Braking 50.6 M
Wet Handling 63.3 s
Subj. Wet Handling 6 Points
Straight Aqua 69.8 Km/H
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 6 Points
Noise 71.2 dB
Value
Price 350
Rolling Resistance 8.5 kg / t 2
9
91.1%
Dry 92% Wet 90% Comfort 94% Value 92%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 36.2 M
Dry Handling 69.7 s
Subj. Dry Handling 4 Points
Wet
Wet Braking 48.7 M
Wet Handling 63.3 s
Subj. Wet Handling 6 Points
Straight Aqua 73.3 Km/H
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 8 Points 2
Noise 69.8 dB 2
Value
Price 400
Rolling Resistance 8.38 kg / t
Dry 94% Wet 84% Comfort 100% Value 94%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 35.5 M
Dry Handling 69.4 s
Subj. Dry Handling 6 Points
Wet
Wet Braking 50.1 M
Wet Handling 64.9 s
Subj. Wet Handling 3 Points
Straight Aqua 69.7 Km/H
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 9 Points
Noise 69.1 dB
Value
Price 300
Rolling Resistance 9.27 kg / t
Not every driver has the same priorities. Adjust the category weightings above to re-rank the tyres based on what matters most to your driving style.
Scores are colour-coded from red (weakest) through yellow to green (strongest) to help you quickly spot each tyre's strengths and weaknesses.
The original test ranking is shown in the # column. Arrows indicate how each tyre moves when your custom weighting is applied.

Discussion

30 comments
  1. Andrew archived

    Did Auto Zeitung provide any insight into what makes some tires subjectively better than others? I was very surprised to see the Dunlop score so badly, when other reviewers have been more positive and EVO, in particularly, quite liked it subjectively in Fall 2021. One guess is perhaps Auto Zeitung (Austrian, no), may, like most/all the German magazines, not like the grip to shift from one side or axle to another as weight shifts (at least that's how I understand the "Lastwechselreaktion" criteria), But I do like the grip to shift, since I know how to drive and want to exploit that. And EVO apparently likes this too, praising how the Dunlop and another subjectively top rated tyre enable the car to rotate when lifting off. (And even for people who don't know how to use weight change to their advantage, I can't see much of a safety issue except for now quite old cars with no stability control systems,)

    My question is in part practical. My astonishingly dull BMW needs something to replace it's dull PS4s (why do all the German magazines continue to praise these for steering?), and the Dunlops are on my shortlist of tyres (quite short, with 18" wheels) to make it feel at least a little a tiny bit like all the "ultimate driving machines" from BMW which I've owned before.

    #7909
    1. TyreReviews Andrew archived

      I've not got anymore understanding than you, but I agree it seems likely they they rate a more safe balance.

      If you want to liven up your BMW, Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSports are the way to go, should be a similar price to the Dunlop too.

      #7910
      1. Andrew TyreReviews archived

        Thanks for your suggestion! However, based on your last two Summer UHP tests, I figured the SuperSports would not be a great choice for anyplace where it rains. No?

        Also, the SuperSports in my size are only available as XL's, which I'm not sure are even included in the tyre recommendations for my car (need to check, as this is also an issue with the new P Zeros), and which would probably require higher tyre pressures, which is not really desirable with local road quality.

        So if not SuperSports, would you have a second choice for this purpose?

        #7919
        1. TyreReviews Andrew archived

          They're not that bad in the wet, and they do have an endurance advantage on track. You can run XL tyres at your stock pressures. The SC7 will be great, but it's just unproven in wear. You should fit them then let me know how they are :D

          #7922
          1. Andrew TyreReviews archived

            Alas, the SC7 isn't available in my size. And while the Eagle F1 SuperSports (only XLs in my size) do OK in some wet tests, it's hard to ignore your last test where the rear apparently did it's own thing in the wet with no apparent rhyme or reason. (Though 275 is pretty wide, and the Supra is not too heavy in the back nor too averse to oversteer ... .)

            I finally checked my car's recommended tire specs and pressures. BMW does recommend higher pressures with XL tires: Instead of 2.6 and 3.0 bar (front and rear), they recommend 3.0 and 3.5. Not ideal :-(

            I can see only a few interesting non-XL options: Sport Maxx RT 2, Turanza T005, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, and maybe Pilot Super Sport (I remember it's also not great in the wet. Perhaps I should look at some older reviews to remember just how not great it is.)

            (Whereas if these are all horrible, the best XLs that fit seem to be the new P Zero and maybe the not-yet-tested PS5.)

            By the way, this car is not used on track. But on the road, at less than 10/10ths, it desperately needs more steering precision and feedback, agility, throttle adjustability, and ideally, a bit less understeer.

            Any suggestions would be appreciated!

            #7939
            1. Andrew Andrew archived

              Just saw TyreReviews's excellent new group test video with the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, PS5, and others. And the Goodyear looks like a great tyre, so I ordered a set. Shame the Dunlops weren't included though. Various tests suggest they are both sporty and comfortable (such as the 2021 EVO test, though this test and the 2020 EVO test suggest they are not the sportiest), and most tests suggest they are better in aquaplaning situations than almost anything (whereas the Goodyear's are surely better at braking).

              #7971
              1. TyreReviews Andrew archived

                One thing to remember with the RT2 is that it is essentially the same tyre as the Asymmetric 3. THings have moved on since!

                #7980
  2. xtreme archived

    i wonder what hankook messed up with s1evo3.
    not first test this tire is on back of the pack

    #6560
    1. TyreReviews xtreme archived

      It seemed to lose out heavily in wet braking, which is interesting as all the tyres are rated A.

      #6561
      1. TyreReviews Kolemjdouci archived

        It could be a feature of the size, or even not that Hankook have dropped back but the competitors updated.

        #6569
  3. Klenk Róbert archived

    Hi!

    First! I'm very grateful that this site exist, thank you!

    I'm looking for the next tyre for my facelift mk2 Focus ST (nose heavy 5pot torque-beast)
    I'M using S1EVO2's since 2015, like them really, good alrrounders. But now its time to buy better tyres.
    My top needs in order: 1. Dry grip for B road joydrive, 2. low noise and 3. low rolling resistance for Highway travels.
    I'm totally lost.... :D In some tests S1EVO2-s are in par with the top tyres, maybe its fine to stick with them, they are cheap and maybe its worth more to replace them yearly, bi-yearly rather then stick with premiums for years
    But what would you buy? PS4? CPC6? Assym5?

    #6512
    1. TyreReviews Klenk Róbert archived

      Assuming 18" size, I'd head for the F1 SuperSports or Asymmetric 5s if not in your size :)

      #6513
      1. Klenk Róbert TyreReviews archived

        Thank you!
        Yes 18" size, 225/40.
        Uhum, just checked the supersport. It seems not much better handling, but noise as hell, and lower comfort level. https://www.tyrereviews.com...
        (Here in Hungary roads are horrible, comfort can be good...always :) )

        So Assym5 seems the best choice for me. (Or maybe a good old ps4 :D )

        #6514
        1. Kolemjdouci Klenk Róbert archived

          Both would be great. Assym5 will have lower consumption (rolling resistance) and price, PS4 slightly more sportive sticking but higher rolling resistance/consumption and probably less km lasting.
          You can also try some Hankook, ideally from the new HU factory.

          #6515
          1. Klenk Róbert Kolemjdouci archived

            ACtaully using an S1EVO2, which is in pair in some tests with the best. I think EVO3 is not as good.

            #6516
  4. Igor Sarić archived

    Really sorry not to see new POTENZA SPORT in any "car media" tests yet. After more than 15 years, when I last had Bridgestone on my cars (RE 050A) and driving on Pilot sports, PZeros, Sportcontacts...all of various generations thru the years I am really interested if Ill go back to Japanese brand :) Anyway German TuV did test them and some competitors in 245/40 18 size: http://bridgestone-daten.eu...
    But I do wonder how would they stack up against UUHP tires like PS4S and Sportcontact6 - I hope you include them in your test against Potenza Sport, becuase I will buy a set of the winning tires :)

    #6499
    1. TyreReviews Igor Sarić archived

      They are in my 18" test this year :) Should be testing next month, travel allowing!

      #6503
      1. Igor Sarić TyreReviews archived

        Awesome man - can't wait to see that ?

        #6508
  5. Damocell archived

    Do we know if the PZ4 was the SC or LS version?

    #6468
    1. TyreReviews Damocell archived

      I don't believe it was specified, but we always assume SC for testing.

      #6470
  6. Maauru archived

    I was hoping to see new Bridgestone Potenza Sport in 2021 UHP tyre test to see how it compare with others.
    Guess will need to wait for some other test that will include it :)

    #6464
    1. TyreReviews Maauru archived

      I'll have it in this years test :)

      #6469
  7. TyreReviews archived

    Lots of questions!

    NS2R - you're right about this. Might struggle in the cold too.
    PC6 way better than PS4 from dry handling perspective.
    I'm testing the vorti next month so cana tell you more then.

    I'd avoid the PZ4, every time I've driven any P Zero I felt disappointed in the handling.

    The other tyre you missed, maybe due to sizing, is the Giti GTR3 - you might have better luck finding it in Germany than we do in the UK. It should do everything you want!

    #6460
    1. Luijazzpiano TyreReviews archived

      Thanks for the speedy reply. Appreciate it a lot!

      NS2R- cold is not a big problem, I have winter tyres anyway. More like heavy rain. So still sketchy.
      Pirelli- yeah I also hear sometimes that their quality is quite unstable.
      Giti GTR3- nope, also non-existent here.

      I think I'd narrow it down to PC6 and Vorti. Maybe even a bit more towards Vorti. It seems like its winning if not more than, at least same so much dry handling tests like PC6. And I have a taste for stuffs that are underappreciated!!

      #6461
      1. TyreReviews Luijazzpiano archived

        If you swap, let me know how you find them. ANd if you can delay, covid allowing I should be testing PC6, PS4, PS4S, Asym 5, PZ4, Vorti etc in 18" next month

        #6462
        1. Luijazzpiano TyreReviews archived

          Actually I don't have to swap now but soon. I'm really just planning now. So I'm looking forward to your new tests! Btw it would be nice to include the new Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

          #6463
          1. TyreReviews Luijazzpiano archived

            I have the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and F1 SuperSport in the test too :)

            #6466
        2. Pedro Neves TyreReviews archived

          Please, don't forget about the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport!
          It´s good to see the PS4S in some 18" sizes. Maybe is due to the Toyota GR Yaris:
          https://www.youtube.com/wat... (at 00:10)
          Unfortunately, it's not the same story for the Conti SC6.

          #6465
          1. TyreReviews Pedro Neves archived

            You are correct, we have it because of the Yaris.

            #6467