Nokian Powerproof 2 vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
- TR Score
- 8.8/10
- Owners say
- 95% · 1
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 91% · 19
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 finished ahead 3 times and the Powerproof 2 not once. The Powerproof 2 had 4.6% lower rolling resistance; the Cinturato C3 stopped 3.1% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Pirelli Cinturato C3 if you want the most dependable wet and dry stopping performance and strong, confidence-inspiring wet handling (it consistently wins braking and ranks higher overall). Choose the Nokian Powerproof 2 if you prioritise lower rolling resistance/efficiency and are attracted by its deep-water aquaplaning strength shown in Auto Express-accepting that its wet braking and wet cornering consistency trail the Pirelli across the shared tests.
Where the Powerproof 2 is stronger
- Often better rolling resistance/efficiency (wins 2 shared tests: e.g., 8.06 vs 8.61 kg/t in Auto Express; 7.48 vs 7.7 kg/t in Autobild)
- Can be very strong in deep-water aquaplaning in some conditions (Auto Express: 83.1 vs 77.9 km/h straight aquaplaning; higher curved-aqua capability)
- Competitive dry performance with good subjective steering/handling scores in Autobild (8.0 vs 7.3 subjective dry handling; marginal objective dry handling win)
Where the Cinturato C3 is stronger
- Consistently shorter wet braking across all shared tests (e.g., 26.3 vs 27.8 m; 27.6 vs 28.1 m; 43 vs 44 m)
- Consistently edges dry braking across all shared tests (small but repeatable wins such as 34.3 vs 34.4 m)
- Stronger wet handling and lateral grip in the broader Autobild test (83.4 vs 81.7 km/h wet handling; 8.7 vs 7.3 subjective wet handling)
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Powerproof 2 vs Cinturato C3 at a glance
| Category | Powerproof 2 | Gap | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 0 | 3 | |
| Dry6 measurements | 2 | The Cinturato C3 stopped 0.9% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 3 |
| Wet12 measurements | 3 | The Cinturato C3 stopped 3.1% shorter in the wet (3 tests) | 9 |
| Comfort3 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Value4 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.8/10 | The Cinturato C3 by 0.6 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating1 and 19 reviews | 95% | The Powerproof 2 by 4 points | 91% |
| Pricein the 2 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Cinturato C3 was dearer in 2 of 2 | +24.3% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 77 | 23 sizes made in both | 35 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 3 tests in 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Powerproof 2 | Field | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test | P7 of 8 | P5 of 8 | |
| 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test | P11 of 20 | P4 of 20 | |
| 2026 Summer Braking Super Tyre Test - How do 52 Tyres Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? | P10 of 50 | P7 of 50 |
Performance profile
7 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Powerproof 2
Cinturato C3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. 9 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Powerproof 2
Cinturato C3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tyres posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Powerproof 2 | Gap | Cinturato C3 | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35.4 | 0.9% | 35.07 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 54.26 | = | 54.26 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 100.1 | 0.1% | 100 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 33.3 | 3.1% | 32.3 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 89.61 | 1.1% | 88.62 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 81.7 | 2.1% | 83.4 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 19.2% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 14.26 | 0.3% | 14.2 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 86.4 | 1.6% | 85.4 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 3.43 | 1.3% | 3.45 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 70.75 | 1.5 dB | 72.25 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 50,080 | 0.5% | 50,350 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 7.77 | 4.6% | 8.16 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 1,386 | 4.8% | 1,320 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tyres shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Powerproof 2 scores 8.8 and the Cinturato C3 9.4 out of 10.
| Powerproof 2 | Category | Cinturato C3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | Dry | 93 | ||
| 67 | Wet | 94 | ||
| 24 | Comfort | 28 | ||
| 55 | Value | 54 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Powerproof 2 | Category | Cinturato C3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Dry Grip | 9.6 | ||
| 10 | Wet Grip | 9.6 | ||
| 9 | Road Feedback | 9.3 | ||
| 9 | Handling | 9.3 | ||
| - | Wear | 9 | ||
| 9 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
Owners rate the Powerproof 2 95% from 1 reviews and the Cinturato C3 91% from 19. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Nokian Powerproof 2
- 95%from 1 reviews
- 1,500 milesdriven by reviewers
All 1 Powerproof 2 reviewsThe initial impression is excellent, both in wet and dry conditions. For me, it's the ideal combination of feedback, directness (despite the high cross-section! - thanks to aramid-reinforced sidewalls), strong grip, and high comfort.
I was already quite satisfied with the Powerproof SUV. In between, I briefly used the Wetproof 1: the grip was also very good, but in direct comparison, it had significantly less direct steering.
Pirelli Cinturato C3
- 91%from 19 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 76,500 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 19 reviews, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is described as a highly confidence-inspiring tyre with standout grip, strong wet and dry braking, and sharp, sporty steering that makes cars feel more responsive and secure. Many drivers also report good stability and a generally refined ride, with several praising low wear early on and solid durability impressions. The most repeated drawbacks are higher road noise for some users and a firmer/less plush ride over poor surfaces, with a smaller minority noting worsened fuel economy; one review also flags inconsistent manufacturing finish/quality control.
- Excellent dry and wet grip
- Strong braking and high safety/confidence
- Sharp steering response and sporty handling/turn-in
- Stable, predictable handling and good feedback
- Road noise can be higher than expected (especially on some roads/at low speeds)
- Ride can feel firmer/less forgiving over bumps and potholes
- Some reports of reduced fuel economy/rolling resistance increase
Summarised by AI from 19 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 19 Cinturato C3 reviewsI can say that these tires are the best I have ever had! My previous tires were Bridgestone T001 and Falken FK 510. I am extremely impressed with the comfort and stability of the new Pirelli tires. Their wear in 6000 miles is only 0.7mm! When new the tread is 7.3mm.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 77 sizes of the Powerproof 2 and 35 of the Cinturato C3, 23 of them made in both.
| Category | Powerproof 2 | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 77 sizes, 16 to 21 inch | 35 sizes, 16 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 23 sizes 205/55 R16205/55 R17215/55 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17225/60 R17225/65 R17235/65 R17215/50 R18225/45 R18225/55 R18and 11 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | B70%C30% | B40%A35%C25% |
| EU label noise | 69-73 dB B66%A34% | 66-72 dB B80%A20% |
| On the market since | 2025 | - |
| Replaced | - | Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 (2026) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Cinturato C3 was the dearer tyre in 2 of the 2 tests that listed prices, by 24.3% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
Nokian's Powerproof 2 and Pirelli's Cinturato C3 target slightly different summer-tyre buyers: the Nokian is positioned as an ultra-high-performance (UHP) option with a stated wet-weather emphasis, while the Pirelli is a premium-touring tyre aimed at secure, refined everyday performance. With three shared professional tests across two popular sizes (205/55 R16 and 245/45 R19), we can see how those intentions translate into measurable braking, handling and aquaplaning results.
Across the dataset, the pattern is clear: the Cinturato C3 repeatedly edges the Powerproof 2 where it most directly affects safety and test scores-wet and dry braking-while the Powerproof 2 often answers back with strong efficiency (rolling resistance) and, in one test, standout deep-water aquaplaning resistance. The interesting twist is that each tyre has at least one “outlier” result that doesn't perfectly match its broader profile, which makes the decision more about your priorities than simple branding.
Conclusion
If your buying priority is consistent, repeatable stopping performance-especially in the wet-the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is the safer bet on the evidence here. It won wet braking in all three shared tests (e.g., 26.3 m vs 27.8 m in Auto Express, 27.6 m vs 28.1 m in the large braking test) and also edged dry braking every time (albeit by small margins, such as 34.3 m vs 34.4 m in the 245/45 R19 tests). It also places substantially higher overall in the broader Autobild test (4th/20 vs 11th/20), suggesting a more complete performance envelope, even if its wet-circle performance in Auto Express was a notable anomaly.
The Nokian Powerproof 2's case is more nuanced: it shows real strengths in efficiency and, depending on the test, aquaplaning and subjective dry feel. Auto Express in particular highlighted excellent deep-water performance (83.1 km/h vs 77.9 km/h straight aquaplaning and higher curved-aqua capability), and across the shared data it beats the Pirelli on rolling resistance twice (8.06 vs 8.61 kg/t; 7.48 vs 7.7 kg/t), which can translate into slightly lower fuel/energy use over time. However, its weaker wet braking and mixed wet cornering results are hard to ignore because those are exactly the “headline” safety metrics most tests weight heavily.
The practical takeaway: the Cinturato C3 is the more consistently strong choice for mainstream drivers prioritising wet-road security and communicative handling, while the Powerproof 2 makes most sense if you value efficiency and (in certain conditions/tests) strong aquaplaning resistance-accepting that ultimate wet grip and stopping consistency aren't as strong as the Pirelli across the shared evidence.
Powerproof 2 vs Cinturato C3: your questions
Is the Nokian Powerproof 2 or the Pirelli Cinturato C3 the better tyre?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 finished ahead 3 times and the Powerproof 2 not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Powerproof 2 scores 8.8 and the Cinturato C3 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Powerproof 2 or the Cinturato C3?
The Cinturato C3 led 9 of the 12 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.1% shorter in the wet across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Cinturato C3 led 3 of the 6 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.9% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Powerproof 2 had 4.6% lower rolling resistance (2 tests).
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 9/10 for the Powerproof 2 and 8.3/10 for the Cinturato C3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Powerproof 2 95% from 1 reviews and the Cinturato C3 91% from 19.
Which is more expensive?
In the 2 tests that listed prices, the Cinturato C3 was the dearer tyre in 2 of them, by 24.3% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Powerproof 2 is made in 77 sizes (16 to 21 inch) and the Cinturato C3 in 35 (16 to 20 inch). 23 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Powerproof 2 is graded A for wet grip and B for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Cinturato C3 A and B.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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