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2024 Classic Car Tyre Test

Jonathan Benson
Data analyzed and reviewed by Jonathan Benson
7 min read Updated
Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Dry
  3. Wet
  4. Value
  5. Results
  6. Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
  7. Dunlop Sport Classic
  8. Pirelli Cinturato P5
  9. Vredestein Sprint Classic
  10. Michelin XWX
  11. Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
  12. Radar Dimax Classic

Auto Bild Klassik magazine recently conducted a test of seven classic-style summer tyres in the 205/70 VR 15 size, aiming to improve safety and performance for vintage sports cars. The testers used a Jaguar E-Type Lightweight replica, an iconic 1960s sports car renowned for its powerful 270 PS engine and impressive 240 km/h top speed. I'm very sad this isn't a Tyre Reviews test!

As usual with Auto Bild tests, they've done a proper job. On wet surfaces, the tyres were evaluated for their resistance to aquaplaning, cornering stability, overall handling, and braking efficiency. Dry condition tests focused on handling, braking performance, rolling comfort, and noise levels. Additionally, the tyres' rolling resistance was measured to gauge their efficiency.

The test looked to find out what tyre could best enhance the driving dynamics and safety of a vintage vehicle while maintaining period-correct aesthetics. The test included offerings from major manufacturers like Pirelli, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, as well as lesser-known brands, providing a comprehensive view of the market for classic car enthusiasts seeking to upgrade their vehicles' performance without compromising their authentic look.

Test Publication:
Auto Bild
205/70 R15 7 tyres 4 categories
Read the original test at Auto Bild → Similar Tests
Test Publication:
Auto Bild
Read the original test at Auto Bild →
Test Size: 205/70 R15
Tyres Tested: 7 tyres
Test Categories:
4 categories (9 tests)
Similar Tests
Auto Bild is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, Tyre Reviews. This is independent editorial coverage of their published test.

Dry

In dry conditions, the test revealed small differences among the tyres. The Pirelli Cinturato P5 and Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 achieved the highest scores in handling tests, with both tyres allowing average speeds of 87.6 km/h and 87.5 km/h respectively. The Dunlop Sport Classic and Radar Dimax Classic followed closely, both reaching 86.8 km/h.

Braking performance from 100 km/h showed the Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 stopping in the shortest distance at 37.2 meters. The Pirelli Cinturato P5 required 38.0 meters, while the Dunlop Sport Classic needed 38.7 meters to come to a full stop.

The Michelin XWX recorded the lowest average speed in dry handling at 85.5 km/h, indicating less responsive steering and reduced lateral grip compared to its competitors. However, it compensated with a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, despite its wet-weather oriented name, managed a respectable 86.3 km/h in dry handling. However, it required the longest braking distance of 41.4 meters from 100 km/h.

Comfort factors varied among the tyres. The Vredestein Sprint Classic and Michelin XWX produced the least road noise, measuring 72.6 dB(A) and 72.5 dB(A) respectively at 80 km/h. In contrast, the Pirelli models generated slightly more noise, with the Cinturato P5 measuring 78.0 dB(A).

The test highlighted that while all tyres performed adequately in dry conditions, measurable differences emerged in specific performance areas.

Dry Braking

Spread: 4.20 M (11.3%)|Avg: 39.03 M
Dry braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h) (Lower is better)
  1. Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
    37.20 M
  2. Pirelli Cinturato P5
    38.00 M
  3. Dunlop Sport Classic
    38.70 M
  4. Radar Dimax Classic
    39.10 M
  5. Michelin XWX
    39.30 M
  6. Vredestein Sprint Classic
    39.50 M
  7. Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
    41.40 M

Dry Handling

Spread: 2.10 Km/H (2.4%)|Avg: 86.67 Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed (Higher is better)
  1. Pirelli Cinturato P5
    87.60 Km/H
  2. Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
    87.50 Km/H
  3. Dunlop Sport Classic
    86.80 Km/H
  4. Radar Dimax Classic
    86.80 Km/H
  5. Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
    86.30 Km/H
  6. Vredestein Sprint Classic
    86.20 Km/H
  7. Michelin XWX
    85.50 Km/H

Noise

Spread: 6.40 dB (8.9%)|Avg: 73.71 dB
External noise in dB (Lower is better)
  1. Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
    71.60 dB
  2. Radar Dimax Classic
    71.90 dB
  3. Michelin XWX
    72.50 dB
  4. Vredestein Sprint Classic
    72.60 dB
  5. Dunlop Sport Classic
    74.00 dB
  6. Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
    75.40 dB
  7. Pirelli Cinturato P5
    78.00 dB

Wet

Wet conditions revealed more significant differences between the tyres. The Pirelli models again stood out, with the Cinturato HS CN12 and Cinturato P5 achieving the highest scores in most wet tests.

Wet braking from 100 km/h saw the Pirelli Cinturato P5 stop in the shortest distance of 49.5 meters. The Dunlop Sport Classic and Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 followed closely at 50.3 and 50.5 meters. The Radar Dimax Classic required the longest distance at 71.9 meters.

Wet Braking

Spread: 22.40 M (45.3%)|Avg: 56.96 M
Wet braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h) (Lower is better)
  1. Pirelli Cinturato P5
    49.50 M
  2. Dunlop Sport Classic
    50.30 M
  3. Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
    50.50 M
  4. Vredestein Sprint Classic
    53.50 M
  5. Michelin XWX
    58.50 M
  6. Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
    64.50 M
  7. Radar Dimax Classic
    71.90 M

In wet handling, the Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 allowed the highest average speed of 78.8 km/h, closely followed by the Cinturato P5 at 78.4 km/h. The Dunlop Sport Classic and Vredestein Sprint Classic followed with 76.1 km/h and 75.2 km/h respectively. The Radar Dimax Classic struggled most in this test, managing only 66.2 km/h.

Wet Handling

Spread: 12.60 Km/H (16%)|Avg: 74.11 Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed (Higher is better)
  1. Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
    78.80 Km/H
  2. Pirelli Cinturato P5
    78.40 Km/H
  3. Dunlop Sport Classic
    76.10 Km/H
  4. Vredestein Sprint Classic
    75.20 Km/H
  5. Michelin XWX
    72.90 Km/H
  6. Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
    71.20 Km/H
  7. Radar Dimax Classic
    66.20 Km/H

In the wet circular track test, both Pirelli models completed the circuit in 11.4 seconds, with the Dunlop Sport Classic and Vredestein Sprint Classic following at 11.8 and 11.9 seconds. The Radar Dimax Classic took significantly longer at 13.2 seconds.

Wet Circle

Spread: 1.80 s (15.8%)|Avg: 12.17 s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds (Lower is better)
  1. Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
    11.40 s
  2. Pirelli Cinturato P5
    11.40 s
  3. Dunlop Sport Classic
    11.80 s
  4. Vredestein Sprint Classic
    11.90 s
  5. Michelin XWX
    12.60 s
  6. Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
    12.90 s
  7. Radar Dimax Classic
    13.20 s

Aquaplaning resistance tests showed the Pirelli Cinturato P5 maintaining traction up to 93.3 km/h, with the Vredestein Sprint Classic close behind at 91.5 km/h. The Michelin XWX and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet lost traction earliest, at 73.6 km/h and 73.8 km/h respectively.

Straight Aqua

Spread: 19.70 Km/H (21.1%)|Avg: 83.63 Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H (Higher is better)
  1. Pirelli Cinturato P5
    93.30 Km/H
  2. Vredestein Sprint Classic
    91.50 Km/H
  3. Dunlop Sport Classic
    87.10 Km/H
  4. Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
    86.10 Km/H
  5. Radar Dimax Classic
    80.00 Km/H
  6. Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
    73.80 Km/H
  7. Michelin XWX
    73.60 Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Spread: 1.79 m/sec2 (45.7%)|Avg: 3.03 m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration (Higher is better)
  1. Dunlop Sport Classic
    3.92 m/sec2
  2. Pirelli Cinturato P5
    3.53 m/sec2
  3. Vredestein Sprint Classic
    3.37 m/sec2
  4. Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
    3.21 m/sec2
  5. Radar Dimax Classic
    2.73 m/sec2
  6. Michelin XWX
    2.35 m/sec2
  7. Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
    2.13 m/sec2

Value

The Dunlop Sport Classic demonstrated the lowest rolling resistance at 9.01 kg/t, suggesting it would be the most energy-efficient option among the tested tyres.

Following closely was the Radar Dimax Classic with a rolling resistance of 9.53 kg/t, and the Michelin XWX at 9.99 kg/t.

In the middle of the pack, the Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 and Vredestein Sprint Classic showed similar results, with rolling resistances of 10.90 kg/t and 10.91 kg/t respectively.

The Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet had a higher rolling resistance at 11.54 kg/t, suggesting it may be less energy-efficient compared to most of its competitors in this test.

The Pirelli Cinturato P5 recorded the highest rolling resistance at 11.88 kg/t, indicating it might have the largest impact on fuel consumption among the tested tyres.

It's worth noting that while lower rolling resistance is generally beneficial for energy efficiency, it's just one factor in overall tyre performance. Tyres with higher rolling resistance often provide better grip, especially in wet conditions, as seen with the Pirelli models in this test.

Rolling Resistance

Spread: 2.87 kg / t (31.9%)|Avg: 10.54 kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t (Lower is better)
  1. Dunlop Sport Classic
    9.01 kg / t
  2. Radar Dimax Classic
    9.53 kg / t
  3. Michelin XWX
    9.99 kg / t
  4. Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
    10.90 kg / t
  5. Vredestein Sprint Classic
    10.91 kg / t
  6. Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
    11.54 kg / t
  7. Pirelli Cinturato P5
    11.88 kg / t
19,000 km
£1.45/L
--
Annual Difference
--
Lifetime Savings
--
Extra Fuel/Energy
--
Extra CO2

Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tyre age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

Results

1st

Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12

205/70 R15 96W
Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
  • Price: 1830.00
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 1st 37.2 M 100%
Dry Handling 2nd 87.5 Km/H 87.6 Km/H -0.1 Km/H 99.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 3rd 50.5 M 49.5 M +1 M 98.02%
Wet Handling 1st 78.8 Km/H 100%
Wet Circle 1st 11.4 s 100%
Straight Aqua 4th 86.1 Km/H 93.3 Km/H -7.2 Km/H 92.28%
Curved Aquaplaning 4th 3.21 m/sec2 3.92 m/sec2 -0.71 m/sec2 81.89%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Noise 6th 75.4 dB 71.6 dB +3.8 dB 94.96%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 4th 10.9 kg / t 9.01 kg / t +1.89 kg / t 82.66%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
2nd

Dunlop Sport Classic

205/70 R15 96W
Dunlop Sport Classic
  • Price: 1470.00
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 3rd 38.7 M 37.2 M +1.5 M 96.12%
Dry Handling 3rd 86.8 Km/H 87.6 Km/H -0.8 Km/H 99.09%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 2nd 50.3 M 49.5 M +0.8 M 98.41%
Wet Handling 3rd 76.1 Km/H 78.8 Km/H -2.7 Km/H 96.57%
Wet Circle 3rd 11.8 s 11.4 s +0.4 s 96.61%
Straight Aqua 3rd 87.1 Km/H 93.3 Km/H -6.2 Km/H 93.35%
Curved Aquaplaning 1st 3.92 m/sec2 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Noise 5th 74 dB 71.6 dB +2.4 dB 96.76%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 1st 9.01 kg / t 100%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
3rd

Pirelli Cinturato P5

205/70 R15 96W
Pirelli Cinturato P5
  • Price: 1615.00
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 2nd 38 M 37.2 M +0.8 M 97.89%
Dry Handling 1st 87.6 Km/H 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 1st 49.5 M 100%
Wet Handling 2nd 78.4 Km/H 78.8 Km/H -0.4 Km/H 99.49%
Wet Circle 1st 11.4 s 100%
Straight Aqua 1st 93.3 Km/H 100%
Curved Aquaplaning 2nd 3.53 m/sec2 3.92 m/sec2 -0.39 m/sec2 90.05%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Noise 7th 78 dB 71.6 dB +6.4 dB 91.79%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 7th 11.88 kg / t 9.01 kg / t +2.87 kg / t 75.84%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
4th

Vredestein Sprint Classic

205/70 R15 96W
Vredestein Sprint Classic
  • Price: 1185.00
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 6th 39.5 M 37.2 M +2.3 M 94.18%
Dry Handling 6th 86.2 Km/H 87.6 Km/H -1.4 Km/H 98.4%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 4th 53.5 M 49.5 M +4 M 92.52%
Wet Handling 4th 75.2 Km/H 78.8 Km/H -3.6 Km/H 95.43%
Wet Circle 4th 11.9 s 11.4 s +0.5 s 95.8%
Straight Aqua 2nd 91.5 Km/H 93.3 Km/H -1.8 Km/H 98.07%
Curved Aquaplaning 3rd 3.37 m/sec2 3.92 m/sec2 -0.55 m/sec2 85.97%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Noise 4th 72.6 dB 71.6 dB +1 dB 98.62%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 5th 10.91 kg / t 9.01 kg / t +1.9 kg / t 82.58%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
5th

Michelin XWX

205/70 R15 90W
Michelin XWX
  • Price: 1520.00
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 5th 39.3 M 37.2 M +2.1 M 94.66%
Dry Handling 7th 85.5 Km/H 87.6 Km/H -2.1 Km/H 97.6%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 5th 58.5 M 49.5 M +9 M 84.62%
Wet Handling 5th 72.9 Km/H 78.8 Km/H -5.9 Km/H 92.51%
Wet Circle 5th 12.6 s 11.4 s +1.2 s 90.48%
Straight Aqua 7th 73.6 Km/H 93.3 Km/H -19.7 Km/H 78.89%
Curved Aquaplaning 6th 2.35 m/sec2 3.92 m/sec2 -1.57 m/sec2 59.95%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Noise 3rd 72.5 dB 71.6 dB +0.9 dB 98.76%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 3rd 9.99 kg / t 9.01 kg / t +0.98 kg / t 90.19%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
6th

Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet

205/70 R15 93V
Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
  • Price: 2100.00
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 7th 41.4 M 37.2 M +4.2 M 89.86%
Dry Handling 5th 86.3 Km/H 87.6 Km/H -1.3 Km/H 98.52%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 6th 64.5 M 49.5 M +15 M 76.74%
Wet Handling 6th 71.2 Km/H 78.8 Km/H -7.6 Km/H 90.36%
Wet Circle 6th 12.9 s 11.4 s +1.5 s 88.37%
Straight Aqua 6th 73.8 Km/H 93.3 Km/H -19.5 Km/H 79.1%
Curved Aquaplaning 7th 2.13 m/sec2 3.92 m/sec2 -1.79 m/sec2 54.34%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Noise 1st 71.6 dB 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 6th 11.54 kg / t 9.01 kg / t +2.53 kg / t 78.08%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts
7th

Radar Dimax Classic

205/70 R15 96V
Radar Dimax Classic
  • Price: 315.00
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 4th 39.1 M 37.2 M +1.9 M 95.14%
Dry Handling 3rd 86.8 Km/H 87.6 Km/H -0.8 Km/H 99.09%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 7th 71.9 M 49.5 M +22.4 M 68.85%
Wet Handling 7th 66.2 Km/H 78.8 Km/H -12.6 Km/H 84.01%
Wet Circle 7th 13.2 s 11.4 s +1.8 s 86.36%
Straight Aqua 5th 80 Km/H 93.3 Km/H -13.3 Km/H 85.74%
Curved Aquaplaning 5th 2.73 m/sec2 3.92 m/sec2 -1.19 m/sec2 69.64%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Noise 2nd 71.9 dB 71.6 dB +0.3 dB 99.58%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 2nd 9.53 kg / t 9.01 kg / t +0.52 kg / t 94.54%
Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

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Discussion

11 comments
  1. 4cvg archived

    The Tire Rack has just done a "classic" tyre test. Compared to ABK thoroughness, it's a disappointingly limited effort but, given the paucity of "classic" tyre tests, it would be nice for you to give it a forum.

    #10437
    1. TyreReviews 4cvg archived

      I'll put it on the list.

      #10440
  2. 4cvg archived

    Jonathan, I don't know if you are in conversation with the good folk at ABK, but if so, perhaps you could suggest to them that a future test of interest would be in 155/80-15. I mention it because it is a size of interest as it is available in the FF compound formulation of the Xas. The regular compound Xas generally tests poorly in the wet but the FF should do better in merely slick conditions which don't make demands on the pattern's poor water clearance.
    Adding interest would be to also test some 145/80 (XZX for example) &, if it is available still, the TB15 in 170/65 against the 155/80 field.
    Vehicle? Superbeetle maybe (5" rims) or R8 Gordini or R8S (with 4.5" standard wheels)

    #9667
    1. 4cvg 4cvg archived

      Oh, and perhaps 175/70-15 as it allows the CN36 to feature.

      #9668
    2. TyreReviews 4cvg archived

      Sadly I have almost no contact with AB, other than our paths crossing sometimes when testing. Dirk is a great guy, maybe write in?

      #9674
      1. 4cvg TyreReviews archived

        Would it breach confidentiality to share his email (or whatnot) here?

        #9677
        1. TyreReviews 4cvg archived

          Unfortunately I don't have it!

          #9697
          1. 4cvg TyreReviews archived

            I've requested via the generic ABK contact email but no response yet.

            #9698
  3. 4cvg archived

    Thanks so much for this Jonathan. The ABK tests are otherwise very hard to access. (Spoken as someone whose youngest car is 45 years old & all of them take unfashionably small sizes.) I'll spread the word that it's up here.

    #9643
    1. TyreReviews 4cvg archived

      Sounds like you have quite the interesting garage!

      #9646