Definitive Tyre Test

[bahnstormer vrs]

I've just got my copy of this month's Evo and I think their 10 page 'Tyre Test 2007' is a fairly definitive statement on tyre capabilities.

They used a Golf GTI on 225/45 17s and put it through extensive tests on track and road - so I think their conclusions will be a tad more comprehensive than any one of us briskodians giving our opinion based on just our subjective opinions.

For the record; the tyres tested and their final scores are;-

1st - Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric - 96.4
2nd - Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta - 95.3
3rd - Continental Contisport Contact 3 - 93.5
4th - Bridgestone Potenza RE050-A - 92.7
5th - Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 - 92.4
6th - Pirelli PZero Nero - 92.0
7th - Kumho Ecsta STP KU31 - 88.7
8th - Dunlop Sport MAXX - 86.0
9th - Yokohama S.Drive - 82.0

Of course the results do not tell the full story. Each tyre has its strengths and weaknesses and different tyres may well suit different cars and driver's requirements. Best to buy Evo and read the full report.

One interesting point given is (I quote);-

"Is bigger better? The (Golf) GTI has always felt pretty good on 18in wheels and slightly lower profile tyres (225/40 R 18s, so day one of the test provided a big surprise. For familiarisation laps of the wet circuit, Bovingdon used the GTI Anniversary on its standard 18in rims to which Bridgestone had fitted RE050-As. On the fractionally higher profiled 17in tyres, Bovingdon noted significantly more turn-in bite and the Golf was around 2.5 sec a lap faster ....."

Perhaps a case of the more flexible sidewall being able to provide more grip as it was in the wet - maybe a different story in the dry.

[anonymouse]

On the fractionally higher profiled 17in tyres, Bovingdon noted significantly more turn-in bite and the Golf was around 2.5 sec a lap faster ....."

Would think it was more a case of the tyres exerting more pressure per sq inch - as with snow.
I know years ago I fitted wider tyres to one of my cars and it was a lot worse for grip in the wet.
Also the old Citroen 2 CV used to go round corners like stink in the wet because of its very skinny tyres.

[Fezboy]

Did they test any Toyo tyres?

[anonymouse]

Best to buy Evo and read the full report.

OK - but briefly - over what duration i.e. was there any indication on projected tyre wear ?

[Mater]

Originally Posted by anonymouse

OK - but briefly - over what duration i.e. was there any indication on projected tyre wear ?

Are you bothered if they stop you when you stamp on that middle pedal in the wet or dry

[anonymouse]

Originally Posted by Mater

Are you bothered if they stop you when you stamp on that middle pedal in the wet or dry

I want it all ways - good grip and good wear - and cheep

Just asking was all - can get grippy tyres that last reasonably well too you know

[Mater]

put superglue on them

by fooooook you stick to the road then

[piv34uk]

F1`s What ive been saying for years

What no Toyos

Phil

[Crasher]

And as usual for these "definitive" tyre tests, they never bother to test a Uniroyal which I think are the best all rounder, especially the RS1.

[anonymouse]

Originally Posted by Crasher

And as usual for these "definitive" tyre tests, they never bother to test a Uniroyal which I think are the best all rounder, especially the RS1.

Uniroyal - traditionally brill in the wet.
Had them years ago - wore out like piffin - but By God they stopped you in anything (cept snow). Put Michelins on after (when they were built for longevity), scared myself witless in 1st 2 weeks.

[bahnstormer vrs]

Originally Posted by anonymouse

OK - but briefly - over what duration i.e. was there any indication on projected tyre wear ?

Not tested, just about the only failing of the test.

It would also be useful to know how each tyre faired with, say, 4mm - 5mm of tread instead of brand new (8mm) as tested.

[ScoobyChris]

Originally Posted by bahnstormer vrs

I've just got my copy of this month's Evo and I think their 10 page 'Tyre Test 2007' is a fairly definitive statement on tyre capabilities.

Which would be true, if we all drove FWD petrol engined Golfs with 225/45 17's on

Chris