Auto Bild Klassik magazine recently conducted a test of seven classic-style summer tyres in the 205/70 VR 15 size, aiming to improve safety and performance for vintage sports cars. The testers used a Jaguar E-Type Lightweight replica, an iconic 1960s sports car renowned for its powerful 270 PS engine and impressive 240 km/h top speed. I'm very sad this isn't a Tyre Reviews test!
As usual with Auto Bild tests, they've done a proper job. On wet surfaces, the tyres were evaluated for their resistance to aquaplaning, cornering stability, overall handling, and braking efficiency. Dry condition tests focused on handling, braking performance, rolling comfort, and noise levels. Additionally, the tyres' rolling resistance was measured to gauge their efficiency.
The test looked to find out what tyre could best enhance the driving dynamics and safety of a vintage vehicle while maintaining period-correct aesthetics. The test included offerings from major manufacturers like Pirelli, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, as well as lesser-known brands, providing a comprehensive view of the market for classic car enthusiasts seeking to upgrade their vehicles' performance without compromising their authentic look.
Test setup & methodology
The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.
Recorded test conditions
Recorded test conditions
- Dry Braking
- 100 → 0 km/h
- Wet Braking
- 100 → 0 km/h
Dry
In dry conditions, the test revealed small differences among the tyres. The Pirelli Cinturato P5 and Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 achieved the highest scores in handling tests, with both tyres allowing average speeds of 87.6 km/h and 87.5 km/h respectively. The Dunlop Sport Classic and Radar Dimax Classic followed closely, both reaching 86.8 km/h.
Braking performance from 100 km/h showed the Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 stopping in the shortest distance at 37.2 meters. The Pirelli Cinturato P5 required 38.0 meters, while the Dunlop Sport Classic needed 38.7 meters to come to a full stop.
The Michelin XWX recorded the lowest average speed in dry handling at 85.5 km/h, indicating less responsive steering and reduced lateral grip compared to its competitors. However, it compensated with a quieter and more comfortable ride.
The Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, despite its wet-weather oriented name, managed a respectable 86.3 km/h in dry handling. However, it required the longest braking distance of 41.4 meters from 100 km/h.
Comfort factors varied among the tyres. The Vredestein Sprint Classic and Michelin XWX produced the least road noise, measuring 72.6 dB(A) and 72.5 dB(A) respectively at 80 km/h. In contrast, the Pirelli models generated slightly more noise, with the Cinturato P5 measuring 78.0 dB(A).
The test highlighted that while all tyres performed adequately in dry conditions, measurable differences emerged in specific performance areas.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37.2 m | Best | 0 km/h | |
| 38 m | +0.80 m | 19 km/h | |
| 38.7 m | +1.50 m | 26 km/h | |
| 39.1 m | +1.90 m | 29 km/h | |
| 39.3 m | +2.10 m | 30 km/h | |
| 39.5 m | +2.30 m | 31 km/h | |
| 41.4 m | +4.20 m | 41 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 11.3% (4.2 m ≈ 0.9 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet would still be travelling at 41 km/h when the Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Dry Handling
Dry Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 87.6 km/h | Best | |
| 87.5 km/h | -0.10 km/h | |
| 86.8 km/h | -0.80 km/h | |
| 86.8 km/h | -0.80 km/h | |
| 86.3 km/h | -1.30 km/h | |
| 86.2 km/h | -1.40 km/h | |
| 85.5 km/h | -2.10 km/h |
All the tyres in the Dry Handling test finished less than 3% apart.
Noise
External noise in dB
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 71.6 dB | Best | |
| 71.9 dB | +0.30 dB | |
| 72.5 dB | +0.90 dB | |
| 72.6 dB | +1.00 dB | |
| 74 dB | +2.40 dB | |
| 75.4 dB | +3.80 dB | |
| 78 dB | +6.40 dB |
The difference between best and worst was 8.9% (6.4 dB).
Wet
Wet conditions revealed more significant differences between the tyres. The Pirelli models again stood out, with the Cinturato HS CN12 and Cinturato P5 achieving the highest scores in most wet tests.
Wet braking from 100 km/h saw the Pirelli Cinturato P5 stop in the shortest distance of 49.5 meters. The Dunlop Sport Classic and Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 followed closely at 50.3 and 50.5 meters. The Radar Dimax Classic required the longest distance at 71.9 meters.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49.5 m | Best | 0 km/h | |
| 50.3 m | +0.80 m | 16 km/h | |
| 50.5 m | +1.00 m | 18 km/h | |
| 53.5 m | +4.00 m | 36 km/h | |
| 58.5 m | +9.00 m | 51 km/h | |
| 64.5 m | +15.00 m | 63 km/h | |
| 71.9 m | +22.40 m | 73 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 45.3% (22.4 m ≈ 5 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Radar Dimax Classic would still be travelling at 73 km/h when the Pirelli Cinturato P5 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
In wet handling, the Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 allowed the highest average speed of 78.8 km/h, closely followed by the Cinturato P5 at 78.4 km/h. The Dunlop Sport Classic and Vredestein Sprint Classic followed with 76.1 km/h and 75.2 km/h respectively. The Radar Dimax Classic struggled most in this test, managing only 66.2 km/h.
Wet Handling
Wet Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 78.8 km/h | Best | |
| 78.4 km/h | -0.40 km/h | |
| 76.1 km/h | -2.70 km/h | |
| 75.2 km/h | -3.60 km/h | |
| 72.9 km/h | -5.90 km/h | |
| 71.2 km/h | -7.60 km/h | |
| 66.2 km/h | -12.60 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 16% (12.6 Km/H).
In the wet circular track test, both Pirelli models completed the circuit in 11.4 seconds, with the Dunlop Sport Classic and Vredestein Sprint Classic following at 11.8 and 11.9 seconds. The Radar Dimax Classic took significantly longer at 13.2 seconds.
Wet Circle
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 11.4 s | Best | |
| 11.4 s | Best | |
| 11.8 s | +0.40 s | |
| 11.9 s | +0.50 s | |
| 12.6 s | +1.20 s | |
| 12.9 s | +1.50 s | |
| 13.2 s | +1.80 s |
The difference between best and worst was 15.8% (1.8 s).
Aquaplaning resistance tests showed the Pirelli Cinturato P5 maintaining traction up to 93.3 km/h, with the Vredestein Sprint Classic close behind at 91.5 km/h. The Michelin XWX and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet lost traction earliest, at 73.6 km/h and 73.8 km/h respectively.
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in Km/H
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 93.3 km/h | Best | |
| 91.5 km/h | -1.80 km/h | |
| 87.1 km/h | -6.20 km/h | |
| 86.1 km/h | -7.20 km/h | |
| 80 km/h | -13.30 km/h | |
| 73.8 km/h | -19.50 km/h | |
| 73.6 km/h | -19.70 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 21.1% (19.7 Km/H).
Curved Aquaplaning
Remaining lateral acceleration
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 3.92 m/sec2 | Best | |
| 3.53 m/sec2 | -0.39 m/sec2 | |
| 3.37 m/sec2 | -0.55 m/sec2 | |
| 3.21 m/sec2 | -0.71 m/sec2 | |
| 2.73 m/sec2 | -1.19 m/sec2 | |
| 2.35 m/sec2 | -1.57 m/sec2 | |
| 2.13 m/sec2 | -1.79 m/sec2 |
The difference between best and worst was 45.7% (1.79 m/sec2).
Value
The Dunlop Sport Classic demonstrated the lowest rolling resistance at 9.01 kg/t, suggesting it would be the most energy-efficient option among the tested tyres.
Following closely was the Radar Dimax Classic with a rolling resistance of 9.53 kg/t, and the Michelin XWX at 9.99 kg/t.
In the middle of the pack, the Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12 and Vredestein Sprint Classic showed similar results, with rolling resistances of 10.90 kg/t and 10.91 kg/t respectively.
The Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet had a higher rolling resistance at 11.54 kg/t, suggesting it may be less energy-efficient compared to most of its competitors in this test.
The Pirelli Cinturato P5 recorded the highest rolling resistance at 11.88 kg/t, indicating it might have the largest impact on fuel consumption among the tested tyres.
It's worth noting that while lower rolling resistance is generally beneficial for energy efficiency, it's just one factor in overall tyre performance. Tyres with higher rolling resistance often provide better grip, especially in wet conditions, as seen with the Pirelli models in this test.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.01 kg/t | Best | £0 | |
| 9.53 kg/t | +0.52 kg/t | £25 | |
| 9.99 kg/t | +0.98 kg/t | £48 | |
| 10.9 kg/t | +1.89 kg/t | £92 | |
| 10.91 kg/t | +1.90 kg/t | £93 | |
| 11.54 kg/t | +2.53 kg/t | £124 | |
| 11.88 kg/t | +2.87 kg/t | £140 |
The difference between best and worst was 31.9% (2.87 kg / t). Over 19,000 km a year at £1.45/L, the Pirelli Cinturato P5 uses about 97 L (£140) more fuel than the Dunlop Sport Classic.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
Results
Pirelli Cinturato HS CN12
205/70 R15 96W
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 37.2 m | Best in this discipline |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 87.5 km/h | -0.10 km/h |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 50.5 m | +1.00 m |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 78.8 km/h | Best in this discipline |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 1st / 7 | 11.4 s | Best in this discipline |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 86.1 km/h | -7.20 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 3.21 m/sec2 | -0.71 m/sec2 |
| NoiseLower is better | 6th / 7 | 75.4 dB | +3.80 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 4th / 7 | 10.9 kg/t | +1.89 kg/t |
- Price
- 1830.00
Dunlop Sport Classic
205/70 R15 96W
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 38.7 m | +1.50 m |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 86.8 km/h | -0.80 km/h |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 50.3 m | +0.80 m |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 76.1 km/h | -2.70 km/h |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 11.8 s | +0.40 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 87.1 km/h | -6.20 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 3.92 m/sec2 | Best in this discipline |
| NoiseLower is better | 5th / 7 | 74 dB | +2.40 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 1st / 7 | 9.01 kg/t | Best in this discipline |
- Price
- 1470.00
Pirelli Cinturato P5
205/70 R15 96W
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 38 m | +0.80 m |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 87.6 km/h | Best in this discipline |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 49.5 m | Best in this discipline |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 78.4 km/h | -0.40 km/h |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 1st / 7 | 11.4 s | Best in this discipline |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 93.3 km/h | Best in this discipline |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 3.53 m/sec2 | -0.39 m/sec2 |
| NoiseLower is better | 7th / 7 | 78 dB | +6.40 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 7th / 7 | 11.88 kg/t | +2.87 kg/t |
- Price
- 1615.00
Vredestein Sprint Classic
205/70 R15 96W
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 39.5 m | +2.30 m |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 86.2 km/h | -1.40 km/h |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 53.5 m | +4.00 m |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 75.2 km/h | -3.60 km/h |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 4th / 7 | 11.9 s | +0.50 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 91.5 km/h | -1.80 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 3.37 m/sec2 | -0.55 m/sec2 |
| NoiseLower is better | 4th / 7 | 72.6 dB | +1.00 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 5th / 7 | 10.91 kg/t | +1.90 kg/t |
- Price
- 1185.00
Michelin XWX
205/70 R15 90W
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 39.3 m | +2.10 m |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 85.5 km/h | -2.10 km/h |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 58.5 m | +9.00 m |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 72.9 km/h | -5.90 km/h |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 5th / 7 | 12.6 s | +1.20 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 73.6 km/h | -19.70 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 2.35 m/sec2 | -1.57 m/sec2 |
| NoiseLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 72.5 dB | +0.90 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 9.99 kg/t | +0.98 kg/t |
- Price
- 1520.00
Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet
205/70 R15 93V
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 41.4 m | +4.20 m |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 86.3 km/h | -1.30 km/h |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 64.5 m | +15.00 m |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 71.2 km/h | -7.60 km/h |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 6th / 7 | 12.9 s | +1.50 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 73.8 km/h | -19.50 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 2.13 m/sec2 | -1.79 m/sec2 |
| NoiseLower is better | 1st / 7 | 71.6 dB | Best in this discipline |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 6th / 7 | 11.54 kg/t | +2.53 kg/t |
- Price
- 2100.00
Radar Dimax Classic
205/70 R15 96V
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (9)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 39.1 m | +1.90 m |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 86.8 km/h | -0.80 km/h |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 71.9 m | +22.40 m |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 66.2 km/h | -12.60 km/h |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 7th / 7 | 13.2 s | +1.80 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 80 km/h | -13.30 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 2.73 m/sec2 | -1.19 m/sec2 |
| NoiseLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 71.9 dB | +0.30 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 9.53 kg/t | +0.52 kg/t |
- Price
- 315.00
The Tire Rack has just done a "classic" tyre test. Compared to ABK thoroughness, it's a disappointingly limited effort but, given the paucity of "classic" tyre tests, it would be nice for you to give it a forum.
I'll put it on the list.
ta!
Jonathan, I don't know if you are in conversation with the good folk at ABK, but if so, perhaps you could suggest to them that a future test of interest would be in 155/80-15. I mention it because it is a size of interest as it is available in the FF compound formulation of the Xas. The regular compound Xas generally tests poorly in the wet but the FF should do better in merely slick conditions which don't make demands on the pattern's poor water clearance.
Adding interest would be to also test some 145/80 (XZX for example) &, if it is available still, the TB15 in 170/65 against the 155/80 field.
Vehicle? Superbeetle maybe (5" rims) or R8 Gordini or R8S (with 4.5" standard wheels)
Oh, and perhaps 175/70-15 as it allows the CN36 to feature.
Sadly I have almost no contact with AB, other than our paths crossing sometimes when testing. Dirk is a great guy, maybe write in?
Would it breach confidentiality to share his email (or whatnot) here?
Unfortunately I don't have it!
I've requested via the generic ABK contact email but no response yet.
Thanks so much for this Jonathan. The ABK tests are otherwise very hard to access. (Spoken as someone whose youngest car is 45 years old & all of them take unfashionably small sizes.) I'll spread the word that it's up here.
Sounds like you have quite the interesting garage!