2011 Tirerack Max Performance Summer Tyre Test

The amazing American tyre retailer tirerack.com has just published it's latest tyre test, "Clash of the Titans: Testing Two New Max Performance Summer Heavy Hitters".

On test are 4 of the leading brands. Bridgestone is represented by the brand new S04 Pole Position, Continental has the ExtremeContact DW, Michelin brings the new Pilot Super Sport and Pirelli puts the P Zero to test.

As always, tirerack do an extremely thorough job of testing the tyres. Not only do the tyres get a hard workout on their test track, the tyres cover over 500 miles on a real world road route consisting of A roads, motorways and county roads to enable tirerack to accurately judge the fuel consumption, comfort and noise levels.

Predictably the results are extremely close, such is the level of engineering across the top brands.

Results

1st: Michelin Pilot Super Sport

Michelin Pilot Super Sport
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 37.9
  2. Dry: 8.6
  3. Wet: 7.7
  4. Subjective: 7.9
  5. Comfort: 6.8
  6. Noise: 6.9
"Wow" handling and ultimate traction
We'd soften the ride just a little on big bumps to make everyday commuting more civilized
This is the new super star in the Max Performance Summer category

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2nd: Bridgestone Potenza S04 Pole Position

Bridgestone Potenza S04 Pole Position
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 37.2
  2. Dry: 8.5
  3. Wet: 7.4
  4. Subjective: 7.7
  5. Comfort: 6.8
  6. Noise: 6.8
Responsive steering and confidence-inspiring handling
We'd like a little more ultimate grip in the dry and wet
A capable tire that feels great from behind the wheel

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3rd: Continental ExtremeContact DW

Continental ExtremeContact DW
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 36.8
  2. Dry: 7.9
  3. Wet: 7.6
  4. Subjective: 7.3
  5. Comfort: 7
  6. Noise: 7
Comfortable road manners
We'd sharpen steering response and handling precision
Plenty of ultimate grip with very good ride quality

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4th: Pirelli P Zero

Pirelli P Zero
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 36.7
  2. Dry: 8.4
  3. Wet: 7.4
  4. Subjective: 7.6
  5. Comfort: 6.7
  6. Noise: 6.6
Composed road manners and handling
We'd reduce the tread noise somewhat
An older but still capable tire that can't quite match the capability of newer tires

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Be sure to visit tirerack for the full writeup!


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