Car & Driver Tests 11 Performance Tires December 2005
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Chicago
2006 SLK55 AMG/// 2006 Porsche CaymanS 2010 135i
Car & Driver Tests 11 Performance Tires December 2005
To all:
In the Car and Driver December 2005 issue 11 high-performance street tires, labeled "max performance" were tested along with help and support of the Tire Rack. All season tires were not included however all tires were tested in 3 dry and 3 wet tests.
The tests were conducted on-site at the Tire Racks facility and included Braking tests in the dry and wet, Autocross in the dry and wet and Skidpad in the dry and wet.
This is not intended to start any arguments or flame wars it's just here for anyone who is interested in the results.
The Yokohama tested best in the dry, and the Goodyear in the wet with the overall combined results of as follows from first (best) to last.
1. Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
2. Continental ContiSpotContact 2
3. Yokohama Adfvan Neova AD07
4. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
5. Hankook Ventus R-S2 Z212
6. Dunlop Sport SP Sport Maxx
7. Pirelli P Zero Rossa Asimmetrico
8. Toyo Proxes T1R
9. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
10. BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD
11. Kumho Ecsta MX
The tires were all tested on a BMW 325i. I would consider many of the characteristics of the car similar to the C-Class.
I found the entire article to be very informative, evidently this is the first tire test conducted by C&D since 1989.
In the Car and Driver December 2005 issue 11 high-performance street tires, labeled "max performance" were tested along with help and support of the Tire Rack. All season tires were not included however all tires were tested in 3 dry and 3 wet tests.
The tests were conducted on-site at the Tire Racks facility and included Braking tests in the dry and wet, Autocross in the dry and wet and Skidpad in the dry and wet.
This is not intended to start any arguments or flame wars it's just here for anyone who is interested in the results.
The Yokohama tested best in the dry, and the Goodyear in the wet with the overall combined results of as follows from first (best) to last.
1. Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
2. Continental ContiSpotContact 2
3. Yokohama Adfvan Neova AD07
4. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
5. Hankook Ventus R-S2 Z212
6. Dunlop Sport SP Sport Maxx
7. Pirelli P Zero Rossa Asimmetrico
8. Toyo Proxes T1R
9. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
10. BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD
11. Kumho Ecsta MX
The tires were all tested on a BMW 325i. I would consider many of the characteristics of the car similar to the C-Class.
I found the entire article to be very informative, evidently this is the first tire test conducted by C&D since 1989.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by Marktini
To all:
In the Car and Driver December 2005 issue 11 high-performance street tires, labeled "max performance" were tested along with help and support of the Tire Rack. All season tires were not included however all tires were tested in 3 dry and 3 wet tests.
The tests were conducted on-site at the Tire Racks facility and included Braking tests in the dry and wet, Autocross in the dry and wet and Skidpad in the dry and wet.
This is not intended to start any arguments or flame wars it's just here for anyone who is interested in the results.
The Yokohama tested best in the dry, and the Goodyear in the wet with the overall combined results of as follows from first (best) to last.
1. Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
2. Continental ContiSpotContact 2
3. Yokohama Adfvan Neova AD07
4. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
5. Hankook Ventus R-S2 Z212
6. Dunlop Sport SP Sport Maxx
7. Pirelli P Zero Rossa Asimmetrico
8. Toyo Proxes T1R
9. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
10. BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD
11. Kumho Ecsta MX
The tires were all tested on a BMW 325i. I would consider many of the characteristics of the car similar to the C-Class.
I found the entire article to be very informative, evidently this is the first tire test conducted by C&D since 1989.
In the Car and Driver December 2005 issue 11 high-performance street tires, labeled "max performance" were tested along with help and support of the Tire Rack. All season tires were not included however all tires were tested in 3 dry and 3 wet tests.
The tests were conducted on-site at the Tire Racks facility and included Braking tests in the dry and wet, Autocross in the dry and wet and Skidpad in the dry and wet.
This is not intended to start any arguments or flame wars it's just here for anyone who is interested in the results.
The Yokohama tested best in the dry, and the Goodyear in the wet with the overall combined results of as follows from first (best) to last.
1. Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
2. Continental ContiSpotContact 2
3. Yokohama Adfvan Neova AD07
4. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
5. Hankook Ventus R-S2 Z212
6. Dunlop Sport SP Sport Maxx
7. Pirelli P Zero Rossa Asimmetrico
8. Toyo Proxes T1R
9. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
10. BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD
11. Kumho Ecsta MX
The tires were all tested on a BMW 325i. I would consider many of the characteristics of the car similar to the C-Class.
I found the entire article to be very informative, evidently this is the first tire test conducted by C&D since 1989.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 0
From: NYC / Miami
2020 BMW X3M Comp
Originally Posted by Marktini
To all:
In the Car and Driver December 2005 issue 11 high-performance street tires, labeled "max performance" were tested along with help and support of the Tire Rack. All season tires were not included however all tires were tested in 3 dry and 3 wet tests.
The tests were conducted on-site at the Tire Racks facility and included Braking tests in the dry and wet, Autocross in the dry and wet and Skidpad in the dry and wet.
This is not intended to start any arguments or flame wars it's just here for anyone who is interested in the results.
The Yokohama tested best in the dry, and the Goodyear in the wet with the overall combined results of as follows from first (best) to last.
1. Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
2. Continental ContiSpotContact 2
3. Yokohama Adfvan Neova AD07
4. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
5. Hankook Ventus R-S2 Z212
6. Dunlop Sport SP Sport Maxx
7. Pirelli P Zero Rossa Asimmetrico
8. Toyo Proxes T1R
9. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
10. BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD
11. Kumho Ecsta MX
The tires were all tested on a BMW 325i. I would consider many of the characteristics of the car similar to the C-Class.
I found the entire article to be very informative, evidently this is the first tire test conducted by C&D since 1989.
In the Car and Driver December 2005 issue 11 high-performance street tires, labeled "max performance" were tested along with help and support of the Tire Rack. All season tires were not included however all tires were tested in 3 dry and 3 wet tests.
The tests were conducted on-site at the Tire Racks facility and included Braking tests in the dry and wet, Autocross in the dry and wet and Skidpad in the dry and wet.
This is not intended to start any arguments or flame wars it's just here for anyone who is interested in the results.
The Yokohama tested best in the dry, and the Goodyear in the wet with the overall combined results of as follows from first (best) to last.
1. Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
2. Continental ContiSpotContact 2
3. Yokohama Adfvan Neova AD07
4. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
5. Hankook Ventus R-S2 Z212
6. Dunlop Sport SP Sport Maxx
7. Pirelli P Zero Rossa Asimmetrico
8. Toyo Proxes T1R
9. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
10. BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD
11. Kumho Ecsta MX
The tires were all tested on a BMW 325i. I would consider many of the characteristics of the car similar to the C-Class.
I found the entire article to be very informative, evidently this is the first tire test conducted by C&D since 1989.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by NY C32
I have the Goodyears and love the overall performance as well as the cool-as-hell looking tread pattern
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 367
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From: Chicago
2006 SLK55 AMG/// 2006 Porsche CaymanS 2010 135i
Originally Posted by NY C32
I have the Goodyears and love the overall performance as well as the cool-as-hell looking tread pattern
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Originally Posted by jlee-
Continental ContiSpotContact 2 SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my front right one just popped on me. Ive gone into a slide at 45mph on them as well. ****ty ****ty tires.
having had the Michelin PS on my car and then driving the loaners with the Conti's, the Conti's suck ***!
and I'm really liking my Toyo T-1S. Plus, no way the Hankook's can be ranked that "high"...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Continental ContiSpotContact 2 are my next tires.. I've driven on them, and I'm not sure what others don't like, but I find them over all quiet, and perform well.
Pics from tire rack.
Pics from tire rack.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
the contisport 2 has a soft side wall like they stated, but they grip very well in dry. Don't forget the ranking is overall, not on dry condition along. Some of these tires don't do well in dry vise versa.
if you go into a 70-90degree corner at 45mph you either A) kiss goodbye under-steer into the curb or B) rear's gonna get lose depending on how fast you take the turn and how fast you turn the steering wheel. Law's of physics or driver error cannot be blamed on the tires.
I run on GS-D3 btw. I have used pilotsport, contisport1 and 2 and the rosso.
if you go into a 70-90degree corner at 45mph you either A) kiss goodbye under-steer into the curb or B) rear's gonna get lose depending on how fast you take the turn and how fast you turn the steering wheel. Law's of physics or driver error cannot be blamed on the tires.
I run on GS-D3 btw. I have used pilotsport, contisport1 and 2 and the rosso.
Last edited by FrankW; Nov 9, 2005 at 05:43 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 25,523
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From: Scripps Ranch, San Diego, CA
'05 C55 AMG '15 Jeep SRT '11 G37S
Wow. I was always under the impression the PS2's were hands-down the best performing tire around. Guess I need to look into the Goodyears......
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 828
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From: Atlanta, GA
SLK32
In my experience with the Conti's they don't do any very well but they don't do anything very poorly either. If you are happy with average they are probably a good tire for you. Me? Average just does not cut it. The Advan's simply blow the Conti's away in every measure. Much better dry grip, much quieter, etc. The only place the Conti's may beat the Advans is in tread life, only time will tell.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 352
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From: SFV, CA
06 SLK55
Tirerack owner surveys rank them as such(Michelin/Goodyear):
Dry Traction 9.5/9.2, Wet Traction 8.7/9.1, Hydro Resistance 8.5/9.0, Conrering Stability 9.2/8.9, Steering Response 9.1/8.8, Ride Comfort 8.5/8.6, Noise Comfort 8.5/8.5 and Tread Wear 7.4/8.0.
AND
Tiretracks tests gave the following rankings(Michelin/Goodyear):
(STREET)Ride Comfort 6.39/6.48, Noise Comfort 6.35/6.41, Handling 7.48/7.45, OVerall Road 6.74/6.78
(TRACK-DRY) Cornering Stability 8.55/8.38, Steering Response 8.56/8.26, Braking Modulation 8.26/8.11, Handling Predictability 8.35/8.17, Overall Track 8.43/8.23
(TRACK-Wet) Cornering Stability 8.12/8.19, Steering Response 8.25/7.96, Braking Modulation 8.18/8.03, Handling Predictability 8.08/8.18, Overall Track 8.16/8.09
Slalom: Dry 4.13/4.20 Wet 4.42/4.39
Lap Time: Dry 29.75/29.98 Wet 30.78/30.69
Braking 50-0: 84.6/84.7
Cornering G's: Dry .95/.94 Wet .91/.92
So, what does all this indicate? Both the owners reviews and the tests indicate for a pure extreme performance dry tire the Michelin is better...for an all around performer or if you live in a rainy are, the goodyears are the bestg bet!!!
Given that i live in SoCal i will be getting the Michelins when the OE are worn out(i give them <7K miles since i have a problem not laying rubber stips 40ft long every chance i get!!).
Dry Traction 9.5/9.2, Wet Traction 8.7/9.1, Hydro Resistance 8.5/9.0, Conrering Stability 9.2/8.9, Steering Response 9.1/8.8, Ride Comfort 8.5/8.6, Noise Comfort 8.5/8.5 and Tread Wear 7.4/8.0.
AND
Tiretracks tests gave the following rankings(Michelin/Goodyear):
(STREET)Ride Comfort 6.39/6.48, Noise Comfort 6.35/6.41, Handling 7.48/7.45, OVerall Road 6.74/6.78
(TRACK-DRY) Cornering Stability 8.55/8.38, Steering Response 8.56/8.26, Braking Modulation 8.26/8.11, Handling Predictability 8.35/8.17, Overall Track 8.43/8.23
(TRACK-Wet) Cornering Stability 8.12/8.19, Steering Response 8.25/7.96, Braking Modulation 8.18/8.03, Handling Predictability 8.08/8.18, Overall Track 8.16/8.09
Slalom: Dry 4.13/4.20 Wet 4.42/4.39
Lap Time: Dry 29.75/29.98 Wet 30.78/30.69
Braking 50-0: 84.6/84.7
Cornering G's: Dry .95/.94 Wet .91/.92
So, what does all this indicate? Both the owners reviews and the tests indicate for a pure extreme performance dry tire the Michelin is better...for an all around performer or if you live in a rainy are, the goodyears are the bestg bet!!!
Given that i live in SoCal i will be getting the Michelins when the OE are worn out(i give them <7K miles since i have a problem not laying rubber stips 40ft long every chance i get!!).
Last edited by Falco; Nov 9, 2005 at 09:39 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,469
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From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
I replaced stock Rosso with F225 , R255 18" PS/2 , and felt much better in sterring sharpness and responsive after ~3000km. ; surely like the PS/2 's significant reduced road noise and the 255's increased grip. Another thing is PS/2 seems to work well with C55's very stiff suspension, which there is a slight improvement in ride quality particularly there is more tire pressure.
Last edited by cntlaw; Nov 9, 2005 at 10:06 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 295
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From: OC, CA
2005 Obsidian Black C230 Komp Sports Sedan, 2006 Iridium Silver ML350 SUV
im pretty sure all theses tire handle pretty much the same the differnece should be minimal for everyday driving... im comming to a time that i need new rear tires...
a couple tires came up in my mind,
conti sport 2, yokohama AVS sport, michelin PS2, good year eagle F1.. and after reading this maybe thinking of yokohama AD07, and BFgoodrich Gforce AT/KD
so basically im just pick form either "1,outstanding dry traction, or 2,better looking patterns, or maybe 3 treadlife" noise doesnt really bother me...
a couple tires came up in my mind,
conti sport 2, yokohama AVS sport, michelin PS2, good year eagle F1.. and after reading this maybe thinking of yokohama AD07, and BFgoodrich Gforce AT/KD
so basically im just pick form either "1,outstanding dry traction, or 2,better looking patterns, or maybe 3 treadlife" noise doesnt really bother me...
Last edited by blkc230k; Nov 10, 2005 at 05:56 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 227
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From: Brooklyn, NY
Mine 2005 C230 Kompressor, Dad's 2005 ML350
The article also stated that the % difference in results within the top half of the entrys is very small...meaning...unless you drive like them it wont make that big of a difference at all...i wish they included a test of winter tires...anyone have experience with those...i was looking at Dunlops....and in regards to the OE michelins...the Primacy that they put on the c230 are way too noisy 
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 25,523
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From: Scripps Ranch, San Diego, CA
'05 C55 AMG '15 Jeep SRT '11 G37S
Originally Posted by Falco
Tirerack owner surveys rank them as such(Michelin/Goodyear):
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally Posted by Scoop55
Thanks for the info, Falco. Wow, almost a push. Assuming cost is all that big of a factor, and it rains down here like 10 times/yr, guess I'm leaning back towards the PS2's.
