Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
Pirelli repeatedly tops the tables with sharp steering precision, short stopping distances and confident wet control, while Firestone leans into efficiency and predictable behaviour. The headline contrast: Pirelli won all three shared tests, but Firestone consistently posted the best rolling resistance figures.
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 three tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Cinturato C3 | three |
While it might look like the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is better than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN 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
- Best-in-test rolling resistance in multiple tests (up to ~8% advantage)
- Predictable, benign handling that builds driver confidence
- Occasional edge in straight-line aquaplaning
- Stable and safe in everyday driving
- Consistently shorter dry and wet braking (up to ~9% in wet)
- Precise steering and balanced handling with strong grip
- Superior aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved) in most tests
- Comfortable and quiet for the category with minimal trade-offs
Dry Braking
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stopped the vehicle in 2.32% less distance than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Dry Braking: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was 0.71% faster around a lap than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two subj. dry handling tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 scored 2.84% more points than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stopped the vehicle in 3.71% less distance than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Wet Braking: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was 1.41% faster around a wet lap than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 scored 4.92% more points than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 floated at a 1.2% higher speed than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Straight Aqua: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 slipped out at a 2.65% higher speed than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two subj. comfort tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 scored 5% more points than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 scored 4.88% more points than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Subj. Noise: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two noise tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 measured 1.17% quieter than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.
Best In Noise: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN had a 6.49% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN Driver Reviews
Drivers overwhelmingly praise the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN for its confident wet and dry grip, high-speed stability, and standout comfort and low noise for a touring tyre. Many note premium-like refinement, strong safety in heavy rain and emergency braking, and promising wear/longevity, with excellent rim protection. A minority mention average-to-surface-dependent noise and reduced sportiness/road feedback versus performance tyres. Overall, it's regarded as a safe, quiet, and comfortable touring choice with good value.
Based on 9 reviews with an average rating of 88%
Pirelli Cinturato C3 Driver Reviews
Drivers overwhelmingly praise the Pirelli Cinturato C3 for exceptional safety and control, with standout wet and dry grip, confident braking, and precise handling. Many highlight very low noise and high comfort, with some noting good rolling efficiency and promising durability after initial use. A few mention that steering precision isn't as sharp as top sport-focused rivals, but without calling it a weakness. Overall sentiment is strongly positive for everyday and spirited driving.
Based on 10 reviews with an average rating of 94%
Conclusion
The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is safe, stable and notably efficient, often leading rolling resistance. However, it trails in critical safety metrics-especially wet braking and aquaplaning-and is a touch louder with less engaging steering. If you value fuel economy and calm, predictable behavior, it's viable; if you prioritize all-round safety and composure, the Pirelli is the clear choice.
Key Differences
- Overall results: Pirelli won all 3 shared tests; Firestone had no wins
- Braking: Pirelli led all dry and wet braking trials (up to ~3% dry, ~9% wet)
- Handling: Pirelli generally faster and more precise; Firestone one subjective wet nod
- Aquaplaning: Pirelli usually stronger in both straight and curved; Firestone had one straight-line win
- Efficiency: Firestone clearly lower rolling resistance in two tests (~5-8%)
- Refinement: Pirelli typically quieter and more comfortable; Firestone slightly louder with less engaging steering
Overall Winner: Pirelli Cinturato C3
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 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.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:
Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN Top Comparisons
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.