Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 88% · 11
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 91% · 19
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 finished ahead 5 times and the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN once. The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN had 7.1% lower rolling resistance; the Cinturato C3 lasted 22.2% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Pirelli Cinturato C3 if your top priorities are shortest wet/dry stopping distances, confident steering feel, and long tread life-it's the more complete touring tyre in these shared tests. Choose the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN if you prioritise efficiency (fuel/EV range), strong standing-water aquaplaning security, lower purchase cost, and generally quiet cruising, and you're willing to give up some braking performance and some longevity.
Where the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is stronger
- Efficiency focus: consistently lower rolling resistance (wins 4/4), supporting better fuel economy/EV range
- Deep-water confidence in the right tests: standout aquaplaning performance in Auto Express (won straight and curved aquaplaning) and competitive in several other aquaplaning measures
- Often quieter in measured noise (e.g., 68 dB vs 69.3 dB in Auto Express; 71 dB vs 72 dB in Auto Zeitung)
Where the Cinturato C3 is stronger
- Braking authority: wins 6/6 in both dry and wet braking, often by meaningful margins (e.g., ADAC wet braking 31.8 m vs 34.9 m)
- More premium dynamics: repeatedly higher subjective scores for steering feel, feedback and controllability near the limit
- Stronger durability credentials: higher predicted mileage and lower abrasion/wear in major tests (e.g., ADAC 48,600 km vs 36,700 km; lower abrasion 79 vs 95 mg/km/t)
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.
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Cinturato C3 at a glance
| Category | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Gap | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won6 shared tests | 1 | 5 | |
| Dry12 measurements | 1 | The Cinturato C3 stopped 2.9% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 11 |
| Wet26 measurements | 6 | The Cinturato C3 stopped 5.1% shorter in the wet (6 tests) | 19 |
| Comfort8 measurements | 2 | 6 | |
| Value9 measurements | 4 | Level between the two. | 4 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.6/10 | The Cinturato C3 by 0.8 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating11 and 19 reviews | 88% | The Cinturato C3 by 3 points | 91% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 100% | The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN by 17 points | 83% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Cinturato C3 was dearer in 4 of 4 | +23.8% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 110 | 27 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 6 tests, 2025 to 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 | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Field | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test | P3 of 8 | P5 of 8 | |
| 2026 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | P4 of 16 | P2 of 16 | |
| 2026 Auto Zeitung 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test | P4 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2025 Die ReifenTester Summer Touring Tyre Test | P3 of 7 | P2 of 7 | |
| 2025 Al Volante Summer Tyre Test | P5 of 7 | P1 of 7 | |
| The Best Touring Tyres for 2025 Tested | P6 of 7 | P1 of 7 |
Performance profile
13 measurements from the 6 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
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. The scale stops at 90%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 5 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
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.
Where owners rate each higher
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
Cinturato C3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN 88% from 11 reviews and the Cinturato C3 91% from 19. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
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 | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Gap | Cinturato C3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36.32 | 2.9% | 35.28 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 67.41 | 0.3% | 67.19 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9% | scored | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34.09 | 5.1% | 32.17 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 40.1 | 7% | 37.3 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 94.72 | 0.8% | 93.9 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 2.1% | scored | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.89 | 6.8% | 13.83 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 83.35 | 0.8% | 82.78 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 24.07 | 0.6% | 24.59 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 30.4% | scored | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.1% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.1 | 0.2 dB | 71.25 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 38,350 | 22.2% | 46,675 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.3 | 7.1% | 7.85 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | = | 5.7 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 95 | 16.8% | 79 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 0.11 | 28.1% | 0.08 | 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 Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN scores 8.6 and the Cinturato C3 9.4 out of 10.
| Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Category | Cinturato C3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | Dry | 93 | ||
| 83 | Wet | 94 | ||
| 15 | Comfort | 28 | ||
| 60 | 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
| Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Category | Cinturato C3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.9 | Dry Grip | 9.6 | ||
| 8.7 | Wet Grip | 9.6 | ||
| 8.3 | Road Feedback | 9.3 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 9.3 | ||
| 9.2 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
Owners rate the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN 88% from 11 reviews and the Cinturato C3 91% from 19. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN
- 88%from 11 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 82,200 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers rate the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN very highly overall, describing it as a premium-feeling touring tyre at a mid-range price with strong safety and predictability. The most consistent praise is for confident wet-weather grip (including heavy rain/highway use), stable dry handling, and a comfortable ride, with many also highlighting excellent rim protection. Noise is the main recurring drawback, often described as surface-dependent and sometimes more noticeable around 50-60 km/h, though several users still find it quiet.
- Strong wet grip and confidence in heavy rain
- Comfortable ride and good touring manners
- Stable, predictable handling and braking in dry and wet
- Excellent rim protection
- Road noise can be surface-dependent and noticeable at some speeds
Summarised by AI from 10 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 11 Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN reviewsVery satisfied.
Very nice grip (dry and wet)
Has significantly lowered consumption compared to previous tyres(latitude cross), and dramatically more quiet
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: 110 sizes of the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and 35 of the Cinturato C3, 27 of them made in both.
| Category | Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 110 sizes, 16 to 22 inch | 35 sizes, 16 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 27 sizes 205/55 R16205/55 R17215/55 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17225/60 R17225/65 R17235/60 R17235/65 R17215/50 R18215/55 R18and 15 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | B73%C25%A2% | B40%A35%C25% |
| EU label noise | 70-73 dB B100% | 66-72 dB B80%A20% |
| On the market since | 2022 | - |
| Replaced | Firestone RoadHawk (2017) | Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 (2026) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Cinturato C3 was the dearer tyre in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 23.8% 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.
Firestone's Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and Pirelli's Cinturato C3 sit in the same “premium touring” summer bracket, but the test data shows they chase that brief in different ways. Across six shared professional tests in common sizes (16-18 inch), the Firestone repeatedly leans into efficiency, refinement and standing-water security, while the Pirelli more often delivers the higher outright safety margins in the classic “headline” metrics (especially braking) and the more premium steering feel.
The pattern is clear: the Cinturato C3 wins most overall match-ups (5 vs 1) and dominates both dry and wet braking (6/6 in each), yet the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN keeps landing meaningful punches in aquaplaning resistance (notably Auto Express deep-water tests), cabin noise/quietness, and rolling resistance (4/4 wins). If you're choosing between them, it's less about which is “good” (both are) and more about whether you prioritise stopping performance and longevity (Pirelli) or value, efficiency and deep-water confidence (Firestone).
Conclusion
On the evidence across multiple independent tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is the more consistently high-performing touring tyre and the safer bet if your priority is maximum braking performance and an all-round “premium” driving experience. It beats the Firestone in every shared dry braking result (e.g., 36.6 m vs 38.5 m in Auto Express; 56.4 m vs 60.9 m wet braking in Auto Zeitung; and a decisive 31.8 m vs 34.9 m wet braking in ADAC) and it repeatedly scores higher for steering feel/feedback and subjective control. It also tends to last longer in the big durability datasets (ADAC: 48,600 km vs 36,700 km; Auto Zeitung: 44,750 km vs 40,000 km) with lower abrasion.
The Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN earns its place by offering a different, very rational set of strengths: it is repeatedly the more efficient tyre (rolling resistance wins in 4/4 shared results, often by ~5-9%), it is often quieter in measured noise, and it can be outstanding in standing water-Auto Express specifically called it the deep-water standout, winning straight and curved aquaplaning and pairing that with good wet-circuit pace. The trade-off is that it gives away meaningful stopping distance in both wet and dry in most tests and doesn't match the Pirelli's mileage and wear performance.
Practical takeaway: if you can afford it and want the best “do-everything” touring tyre with strong braking and long life, the Cinturato C3 is the one to pick. If your priorities are lower running costs (fuel/EV efficiency), strong aquaplaning security in heavy rain, and a sharper price-to-performance proposition, the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is the compelling alternative-just accept that it's typically not the shortest-stopping option.
Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN vs Cinturato C3: your questions
Is the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN or the Pirelli Cinturato C3 the better tyre?
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 finished ahead 5 times and the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN scores 8.6 and the Cinturato C3 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN or the Cinturato C3?
The Cinturato C3 led 19 of the 26 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.1% shorter in the wet across 6 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Cinturato C3 led 11 of the 12 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.9% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN had 7.1% lower rolling resistance (4 tests); the Cinturato C3 lasted 22.2% longer in the wear tests (2 tests). Owners rate wear 9.2/10 for the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and 9/10 for the Cinturato C3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN and 8.3/10 for the Cinturato C3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN 88% from 11 reviews and the Cinturato C3 91% from 19. 100% of Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN owners would buy it again, against 83% for the Cinturato C3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Cinturato C3 was the dearer tyre in 4 of them, by 23.8% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is made in 110 sizes (16 to 22 inch) and the Cinturato C3 in 35 (16 to 20 inch). 27 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN is graded A for wet grip and B for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Cinturato C3 A and B.
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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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