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Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

This head-to-head pits the value-focused Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 against the premium-touring Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3. Across five shared tests spanning compact to SUV fitments, Pirelli consistently posts shorter dry and wet stopping distances, sharper handling, and stronger aquaplaning resistance-key safety metrics for year-round use.

Nexen answers with credible winter security and cabin comfort. It frequently edges Pirelli on ice braking and sometimes snow braking, while tending to be a touch quieter and more economical to buy and run. The question is whether Nexen's winter strengths and value offset Pirelli's broad advantage in dry/wet control and safety margins.
N-Blue-4Season-2 VS Cinturato-All-Season-SF3

Test Results

Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been five tests which compare both tyres directly!

Summary of five total tests comparing both tyres directly
TyreTest WinsPerformance
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3five
five wins

While it might look like the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 is better than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.

Key Strengths

  • Excellent ice braking and strong snow traction/Braking in several tests
  • Lower purchase price and favorable value metrics
  • Generally quieter cabin noise versus Pirelli in multiple tests
  • Low fuel consumption in ADAC and stable all-weather behavior
  • Class-leading dry and wet braking across all shared tests
  • Superior aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved)
  • Precise steering and dynamic handling in dry and wet
  • High mileage with low abrasion and competitive rolling resistance

Dry Braking

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during five dry braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 stopped the vehicle in 5.26% less distance than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
39.58M
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
37.5M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
37.9M (+1M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
36.9M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
39.4M (+2.5M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
36.9M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
39.8M (+2.1M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
37.7M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
40.6M (+2.6M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
38M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
40.2M (+2.2M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
38M

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was 2.72% faster around a lap than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
100.05Km/H
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
102.85Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
90.1Km/H (-1.9Km/H)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
92Km/H
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
110Km/H (-3.7Km/H)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
113.7Km/H

Wet Braking

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during five wet braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 stopped the vehicle in 8.66% less distance than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
50.1M
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
45.76M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
45.7M (+1.8M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
43.9M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
61.4M (+7.9M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
53.5M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
56.9M (+4.3M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
52.6M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
33.6M (+1.1M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
32.5M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
52.9M (+6.6M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
46.3M

Wet Braking - Concrete

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 stopped the vehicle in 5.37% less distance than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
41M
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
38.8M
Wet braking on Concrete in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
41M (+2.2M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
38.8M

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was 3.42% faster around a wet lap than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
76.2Km/H
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
78.9Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
72Km/H (-3.4Km/H)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
75.4Km/H
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
80.4Km/H (-2Km/H)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
82.4Km/H

Wet Circle

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was 3.8% faster around a wet circle than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
15.52s
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
14.93s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
14.6s (+0.6s)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
14s
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
16.43s (+0.57s)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
15.86s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 floated at a 12.91% higher speed than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
68.8Km/H
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
79Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
67.8Km/H (-15.5Km/H)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
83.3Km/H
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
66.9Km/H (-8.5Km/H)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
75.4Km/H
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
71.7Km/H (-6.6Km/H)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
78.3Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 slipped out at a 23.7% higher speed than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
2.06m/sec2
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
2.7m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
2.13m/sec2 (-0.43m/sec2)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
2.56m/sec2
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
2.16m/sec2 (-0.59m/sec2)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
2.75m/sec2
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
1.9m/sec2 (-0.9m/sec2)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
2.8m/sec2

Snow Braking

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 was better during two snow braking tests. On average the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 stopped the vehicle in 1.92% less distance than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
18.93M
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
19.3M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Nexen N Blue 4Season 2

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
24.8M (+0.4M)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
24.4M
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
23M
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
23.7M (+0.7M)
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
9M
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
9.8M (+0.8M)

Snow Traction

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during two snow traction tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 had 6.49% better snow traction than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
2234.33N
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
2389.33N
Pulling Force in Newtons, higher is better

Best In Snow Traction: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
2534N (-263N)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
2797N
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
3920N (-206N)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
4126N
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
249N
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
245N (-4N)

Snow Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during two snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was 1.99% faster around a lap than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
54.15Km/H
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
55.25Km/H
Snow handling average speed, higher is better

Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
55.4Km/H (-1.6Km/H)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
57Km/H
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
52.9Km/H (-0.6Km/H)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
53.5Km/H

Snow Circle

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 provided 4.38% more lateral grip than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
3.88ms/2
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
3.71ms/2
Lateral snow grip in m/s squared, higher is better

Best In Snow Circle: Nexen N Blue 4Season 2

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
3.88ms/2
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
3.71ms/2 (-0.17ms/2)

Snow Slalom

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during one snow slalom tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was 5.73% faster through a slalom than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
4.11m/sec2
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
4.36m/sec2
Lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Snow Slalom: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
4.11m/sec2 (-0.25m/sec2)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
4.36m/sec2

Ice Braking

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 was better during one ice braking tests. On average the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 stopped the vehicle 7.79% shorter than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
14.2M
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
15.4M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Nexen N Blue 4Season 2

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
14.2M
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
15.4M (+1.2M)

Noise

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 was better during two noise tests. On average the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 measured 0.92% quieter than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
72.33dB
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
73dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Nexen N Blue 4Season 2

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
73.5dB (+0.7dB)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
72.8dB
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
72.4dB
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
73.6dB (+1.2dB)
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
71.1dB
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
72.6dB (+1.5dB)

Wear

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during one wear tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 is predicted to cover 12.66% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
41400KM
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
47400KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
41400KM (-6000KM)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
47400KM

Value

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 was better during one value tests. On average the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 proved to have a 6.34% better value based on price/1000km than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
2.51Price/1000
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
2.68Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Nexen N Blue 4Season 2

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
2.51Price/1000
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
2.68Price/1000 (+0.17Price/1000)

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 had a 11.15% lower rolling resistance than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
8.34kg / t
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
7.41kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
9.23kg / t (+1.39kg / t)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
7.84kg / t
Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
7.44kg / t (+0.46kg / t)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
6.98kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 used 1.75% less fuel than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
5.6l/100km
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
5.7l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Nexen N Blue 4Season 2

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
5.6l/100km
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
5.7l/100km (+0.1l/100km)

Abrasion

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 emitted 22.08% less particle wear matter than the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2.

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
77mg/km/t
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
60mg/km/t
Weight of Tyre Wear Particles Lost (mg/km/t), lower is better

Best In Abrasion: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
77mg/km/t (+17mg/km/t)
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
60mg/km/t

Real World Driver Reviews

Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 Driver Reviews

Drivers of the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 report a strong all-rounder with standout snow and ice traction, a very quiet and comfortable ride, and solid performance in typical dry and wet conditions. Many highlight excellent value and even improved fuel economy. A minority note that dry/wet grip can feel merely average at times and that traction in heavy standing water isn't class-leading, but overall satisfaction is high.

Based on 7 reviews with an average rating of 87%

Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 Driver Reviews

Across 42 reviews, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 is praised for excellent wet braking, strong dry handling that feels close to a summer tyre, and surprisingly capable snow traction for an all-season. Many drivers highlight low noise, good ride comfort, high-speed stability, and promising wear for year-round use. A minority reported quality-control issues (out-of-round/vibrations), and several enthusiasts noted softer sidewalls with reduced steering precision in warmer temperatures. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with minor caveats around manufacturing consistency and warm-weather steering feel.

Based on 42 reviews with an average rating of 83%

Best Review for the Nexen N Blue 4Season 2
Given 99% 205/60 R16 on for 15,000 miles
Perfect tire for all conditions....
Helpful 876 - tyre reviewed on December 15, 2023
View all Nexen N Blue 4Season 2 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
Given 80% 255/35 R19 on a combination of roads for 3,000 spirited miles
Genuinely seriously impressive tyre. I decided to use these as a winter tyre as I live in Scotland.

In dry conditions manages to have acceptable levels of grip in a straight line, slight wheel spin sometimes but cannot complain since the M2 is RWD 365bhp.

Very strong tyre in the dry and super progressive, really lets you know when it does begin to slip when doing spirited driving. A big strong point as these tyres still allow the vehicle to be driven in a sporting manner.

In the wet they are okay for wet straight line grip, it spins up pretty... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 1395 - tyre reviewed on December 23, 2024
View all Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

Pirelli dominates core safety categories: it wins every dry and wet braking duel (typically by 3-13%), leads handling, and shows markedly better aquaplaning resistance (often 20-48% stronger in curved tests). It also brings low rolling resistance and outstanding wear/abrasion results, reinforcing its premium brief with long-term value.

Nexen's case rests on winter confidence and cost efficiency. It delivers excellent ice braking, competitive snow performance, lower fuel use in one ADAC cycle, and slightly lower noise-making it appealing for budget-minded drivers who prioritize winter-specific grip without extreme speed demands. For most drivers, especially those facing frequent rain and mixed temperatures, the Pirelli is the safer, more rounded choice; the Nexen suits value seekers in colder regions who can accept weaker aquaplaning reserves.
Key Differences
  • Braking safety: Pirelli stops shorter on dry (≈2-6%) and wet (≈4-13%) in every test
  • Aquaplaning: Pirelli offers significantly higher margins (often +20-48% curved)
  • Handling: Pirelli is consistently quicker and more precise in dry/wet circuits
  • Winter bias: Nexen often wins ice braking and occasionally snow braking/circle
  • Noise and comfort: Nexen tends to be slightly quieter; Pirelli is firmer but more controlled
  • Durability and efficiency: Pirelli shows better wear/abrasion; rolling resistance often lower, while Nexen can edge fuel use in some cycles
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Overall Winner: Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.

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Footnote

This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.

Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.