Performance Overview
This radar chart shows relative performance across all test categories, with 100% representing the best performance in each category. Reference tires may have gaps where data is not available.
Dry Performance Overview
Dry Braking (M)
Dry braking in meters (Lower is better)
Dry Handling (s)
Dry handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
Subj. Dry Handling ( Points)
Subjective Dry Handling Score (Higher is better)
Wet Performance Overview
Wet Braking (M)
Wet braking in meters (Lower is better)
Wet Handling (s)
Wet handling time in seconds (Lower is better)
Subj. Wet Handling ( Points)
Subjective Wet Handling Score (Higher is better)
Straight Aqua (Km/H)
Float Speed in Km/H (Higher is better)
Curved Aquaplaning (m/sec2)
Remaining lateral acceleration (Higher is better)
Comfort Performance Overview
Subj. Comfort ( Points)
Subjective Comfort Score (Higher is better)
Noise (dB)
External noise in dB (Lower is better)
Value Performance Overview
Rolling Resistance (kg / t)
Rolling resistance in kg t (Lower is better)
Overall Findings
Based on the weighted scoring from all tests, here are the overall results:
| Position | Tyre | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Cinturato C3 | 98.3% | |
| 2 | Continental PremiumContact 7 | 98.1% |
| 3 | Falken ZIEX ZE320 | 97.8% |
| 4 | Vredestein Ultrac | 97.3% |
| 5 | Michelin Primacy 4 Plus | 95.7% |
| 6 | Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | 95.4% |
| 7 | Goodtrip GR 66 | 86.4% |
Test Winner
Goodtrip GR 66
86.4%
Hey Jon,
For someone who drives mostly on empty b-roads and lives for cornering but does not care for speed as such but being close to the limit (with margin for unexpected etc.). Would C3 225/45/17 XL be a good pairing to Civic 1.6diesel 10th gen (OEM is 215/50/17)? I am also considering PS5 215/50/17 and F1 Asy6 225/45/17 from UHP segment but I am afraid that extra grip will make the chassis hit the limit first, which makes for boring ride. Also I am looking for great communication and liveliness from tire which I do not think PS5 gives, nor Asy6 even if better at it (I owned gen 2 of Goodyear F1).
Best tire I used was Pzero Nero back in the day on my MX-5. With very stiff wall, limited and snappy grip but with progressive sand paper like feeling to slide recovery :). Real joy to drive. Driver's tire. I believe that is what Pirelli still do, driver's tires? Can C3 be considered as such? And the main question is it better in this particular function than PS5 / Asy6?
Sadly I cannot get PZ5 in the size I need as it probably would be my tire of choice.
Thank you
I am finding it hard to locate the C3 in Golf format, ie 205/55 R16 91V....reinforced or 94 are there.
Is it made in this format? Thank you.
If you can find it in 94v you're fine to fit it, often the 91 and 94 versions of the tyres are the same as it's cheaper to product one instead of two lines for very similar products.
Dear Tyre Reviews Team,
I’d like to propose that you consider adding RIM PROTECTION as a highlighted feature in your tire reviews. While it doesn’t necessarily need to be tested exhaustively, it’s a feature that I, along with many other customers, truly value. Not all tire manufacturers provide rim protection, but it makes a significant difference to those of us who care about preserving our rims from damage caused by curbs.
Personally, I would not consider purchasing a tire that doesn’t offer rim protection, and I believe many others share this sentiment. Including it in your reviews could help guide us in making more informed decisions.
Thank you for considering this suggestion, and I look forward to seeing this feature in future reviews!
Best regards,
Mauro van Leijden
Hey Jon, What would be the more comfortable tyre on a Honda Civic 1.8 140ps . The cinturato C3 with a load index 94 or the Pilot sport 5 with a load index of 91? The reccommended load index is 91
is that because you can't get the C3 in 91??
Yes exactly. I actually got the c3 in 94. It is soft and forgiving on potholes, but not as sporty as I would like it.
It should be C3 due to much softer construction in general. Good indication how soft the carcass of the tire will be is rolling resistance - the lower the softer.
That is why tires like outgoing Potenza Sport are dying breed. ECO bureaucracy is changing the landscape, and of course not for better for car enthusiasts.
Agreed
Read this review a few times and you're right, I've just had 4 new Ultrac+ (225/60/18) put on my Outback, impressively quiet, very comfortable and a decent wedge less than 'premium" options. If they handle as well in the wet as the test suggests, I'll be even happier.
Yay
Hey Jon we got pirelli pz5, hankook s1evo4 and kumho ps72 out, any updates for this years UHP test? Also would be amazing to finally see Falken fk520 in a UHP test from you.
My test should be out next week with the PZ5 and FK520 in.
Super! Would these tests translate to a 16 inch fwd car?! Interesting to see C3 coming through well. As yet it isn't made in a 91V rating for a 16 inch wheel, so considering getting it in 94 load setting, or the PremContact 7 in 91. Also be good to compare the Primacy 5.
Generally there is good crossover between drivetrains.
Interesting that, despite being poorest in curved aquaplaning, the ZE 320 had 'no issue with the deeper water on the track'. Care to comment on the bit of tension here?
Perhaps the aquaplaning test water depth is deeper again (why not list it?).
The best answer I can give is sometimes tyres testing does not make sense. Generally wet handling is 1mm and straight / curved aqua between 7 and 10mm.
The deeper water parts on the track were puddles in places so deeper again, which might indicate the falken had a narrower profile. I didn't measure it this time.
I suspect that the best explanatory hypothesis is that even the puddley bits of the wet track were not 7-10 mm.
If they were, then my next hypothesis would be that, as it's a puddle & not an extended bit of deep water (as in an aquaplaning test), the tyre would be in & out of it very quickly & the capacity of the tread voids to briefly store water rather than move it out might be explanatorily significant.
There's always sense to be made even if one can't make it!
Nice test! Always looking forward to your tests.
Too bad you didn’t get a hold of the new Ultrac+.
I’m currently deciding between ultrac+ and ze320 so nice to see the falken is a good tire and it seems comfortable.