Autobild Sportcars: Summer Tire Test R19 2025

AUTO BILD SPORTSCARS tested eight summer tires in the 245/35 R19 size, a common fitment for sporty models like the Audi TT. The lineup included premium brands (Continental, Michelin, Goodyear) and budget options (Double Coin, Triangle), with prices ranging from 75€ to 275€ per tire.

Testing focused on three critical areas:

Dry Performance: Handling precision, braking from 100 km/h, and lap times.
Wet Safety: Braking on soaked roads, aquaplaning resistance, and cornering grip in heavy rain.
Efficiency: Rolling resistance for fuel savings and noise levels for comfort.

The trials aimed to uncover whether budget tires could match premium models in real-world scenarios—or if cutting costs risks safety.

Continental SportContact 7 - Winner Recommended

95 62

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Continental SportContact 7 (93Y) secured first place as the AUTO BILD-SPORTSCARS test winner, delivering exemplary sporty handling across all weather conditions. It impressed with precise steering response, strong aquaplaning resistance, and short dry braking distances, though slightly elevated rolling resistance tempered its efficiency.
Steering Response Dry Handling Dry Braking Wet Handling Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance

USA+ · Mexico · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East

Test Score:

1.2
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 Recommended

94 60

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 (93Y) earned second place with exemplary sporty handling, direct steering precision, and quiet operation. Its aquaplaning resistance provided strong safety margins, though mid-pack wet braking performance limited its final ranking.
Steering Response Dry Handling Subj. Steering Response Noise Aquaplaning Wet Braking

USA+ · Europe · Russia+ · Middle East · South Africa

Test Score:

1.3
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Recommended

81 63

· Summer · 2016 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 (93Y) claimed third place with balanced wet/dry performance, precise steering, and stable lateral grip. Short braking distances and consistent handling stood out, though its premium price positioned it as the costliest option in the comparison.
Steering Response Dry Lateral Stability Wet Performance Wet Braking Dry Braking Dry Performance Price

North America · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Oceania

Test Score:

1.4
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Recommended

87 72

· Summer · 2017 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (93Y) secured fourth place, delivering sporty dynamics, stable lateral grip on dry and wet surfaces, and precise steering with responsive feedback. Minor lateral aquaplaning issues in corners slightly limited its wet performance.
Steering Response Dry Lateral Stability Dry Handling Subj. Steering Response Wet Handling Wet Lateral Stability Lateral Aquaplaning

North America · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · South Korea · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Africa · Oceania

Test Score:

1.5
Vredestein Ultrac Pro

N/A 29

· Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Vredestein Ultrac Pro (93Y) ranked fifth, offering balanced all-round performance with strong aquaplaning resistance, short braking distances, and reliable wet/dry handling. Its quiet operation and comfort stood out, though mid-pack wet braking limited its competitive edge.
Straight Aquaplaning Dry Handling Comfort Wet Braking Dry Braking Lateral Aquaplaning Wet Handling Noise Aquaplaning Wet Braking

USA+ · Europe

Test Score:

2
Firestone Firehawk Sport

N/A 30

· Summer · 2023 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Firestone Firehawk Sport (93Y) ranked sixth, offering precise dry steering feedback, commendable comfort, and efficient rolling resistance. However, its moderate wet handling and braking performance limited competitiveness, despite a balanced dry performance and EU Label B/A/B70 efficiency.
Comfort Steering Response Subj. Steering Response Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Wet Braking

Europe

Test Score:

3.4
Triangle EffeXSport TH202

N/A 27

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Triangle Effexsport TH202 (93Y) ranked seventh, matching exemplary tires in wet aquaplaning and handling while offering efficient rolling resistance. However, its critical weakness—10-meter longer wet braking distances compared to the best performers—severely limited safety margins.
Lateral Aquaplaning Wet Handling Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance Wet Braking

Europe

Test Score:

4.4
Doublecoin DC-100

N/A 24

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - High Performance Summer

Verdict:
The Double Coin DC100 (93Y) ranked last due to critically unsafe wet performance, including dangerous oversteer, delayed steering response, and excessively long braking distances. Its sole redeeming quality—low noise—failed to offset catastrophic handling flaws on wet surfaces.
Noise Steering Response Wet Performance Wet Braking Wet Handling Driving Safety

Europe

Test Score:

5.4