Name: 2025 Al Volante Summer Tyre Test
Creator: Tyre Reviews
Published: 2025-04-11

The Italian newspaper al Volante has just published a tyre test with both the new Pirelli Cinturato C3 AND the Michelin Primacy 5!

The test was somewhat limited, for example there was no dry handling, but it gives a good overview of the new tyres relative performance in the key braking tests, and noise and rolling resistance.

Test setup & methodology

The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.

Recorded test conditions

Dry Braking: 100 → 10 km/h
Wet Braking: 80 → 10 km/h

As with the Tyre Reviews test, the new Pirelli finished top, but the Primacy 5 offered a good blend of rolling resistance, noise and wet grip, something that's very important to some people.

The full data is below.

Dry

Continental demonstrated exceptional stopping power at 36.6 meters, with Pirelli and Goodyear nearly identical at 36.9, while Austone required a concerning 40.6 meters.

Dry Braking
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Continental PremiumContact 7	36.6 m	Best	0 km/h
2Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	36.9 m	+0.30 m	12 km/h
2Pirelli Cinturato C3	36.9 m	+0.30 m	12 km/h
4Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	37.8 m	+1.20 m	23 km/h
5Michelin Primacy 5	38.2 m	+1.60 m	27 km/h
6Hankook Ventus Prime 4	38.7 m	+2.10 m	30 km/h
7Austone Athena SP 303	40.6 m	+4.00 m	41 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 10.9% (4 m ≈ 0.9 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Austone Athena SP 303 would still be travelling at 41 km/h when the Continental PremiumContact 7 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Wet

Continental's PremiumContact 7 outperformed the competition with an impressive 28.7-meter stopping distance, while the budget Austone struggled significantly, requiring a dangerous 32.8 meters to halt.

Wet Braking
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Continental PremiumContact 7	28.7 m	Best	0 km/h
2Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	29.4 m	+0.70 m	20 km/h
2Pirelli Cinturato C3	29.4 m	+0.70 m	20 km/h
4Michelin Primacy 5	29.6 m	+0.90 m	23 km/h
5Hankook Ventus Prime 4	29.7 m	+1.00 m	24 km/h
6Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	29.8 m	+1.10 m	25 km/h
7Austone Athena SP 303	32.8 m	+4.10 m	46 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 14.3% (4.1 m ≈ 0.9 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Austone Athena SP 303 would still be travelling at 46 km/h when the Continental PremiumContact 7 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Pirelli Cinturato narrowly claimed the fastest wet lap at 109.55 seconds, just edging out Goodyear's 109.71, while Austone trailed significantly at 120.93 seconds.

Wet Handling
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best
1Pirelli Cinturato C3	109.55 s	Best
2Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	109.71 s	+0.16 s
3Continental PremiumContact 7	110.11 s	+0.56 s
4Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	111.22 s	+1.67 s
5Michelin Primacy 5	111.71 s	+2.16 s
6Hankook Ventus Prime 4	113.22 s	+3.67 s
7Austone Athena SP 303	120.93 s	+11.38 s

The difference between best and worst was 10.4% (11.38 s).

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 led both straight-line and curved aquaplaning tests, maintaining grip up to 81.8 km/h in a straight line and an impressive 91.8 km/h in curves, while the Austone began floating at just 74.4 km/h straight and 80.1 km/h in curves, well below all competitors.

Straight Aqua
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best
1Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	81.8 km/h	Best
2Pirelli Cinturato C3	81.6 km/h	-0.20 km/h
3Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	81.3 km/h	-0.50 km/h
4Michelin Primacy 5	81.2 km/h	-0.60 km/h
5Hankook Ventus Prime 4	81 km/h	-0.80 km/h
6Continental PremiumContact 7	79.7 km/h	-2.10 km/h
7Austone Athena SP 303	74.4 km/h	-7.40 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 9% (7.4 Km/H).

Curved Aquaplaning
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best
1Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	91.8 m/sec2	Best
2Pirelli Cinturato C3	88.7 m/sec2	-3.10 m/sec2
3Michelin Primacy 5	88.4 m/sec2	-3.40 m/sec2
4Continental PremiumContact 7	88.1 m/sec2	-3.70 m/sec2
5Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	86.4 m/sec2	-5.40 m/sec2
6Hankook Ventus Prime 4	85.3 m/sec2	-6.50 m/sec2
7Austone Athena SP 303	80.1 m/sec2	-11.70 m/sec2

The difference between best and worst was 12.7% (11.7 m/sec2).

Comfort

Michelin Primacy 5 proved the quietest at just 70.6 dB, closely followed by Goodyear at 70.8 dB, with Hankook generating the most noise at 72.9 dB.

Noise
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best
1Michelin Primacy 5	70.6 dB	Best
2Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	70.8 dB	+0.20 dB
3Pirelli Cinturato C3	71.8 dB	+1.20 dB
4Continental PremiumContact 7	72 dB	+1.40 dB
5Austone Athena SP 303	72.7 dB	+2.10 dB
6Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	72.8 dB	+2.20 dB
7Hankook Ventus Prime 4	72.9 dB	+2.30 dB

The difference between best and worst was 3.3% (2.3 dB).

Value

Firestone Roadhawk 2 demonstrated best-in-class efficiency at 6.8 N/kN (B-rated), while Goodyear's performance focus resulted in the highest resistance at 8.7 N/kN (C-rated).

Rolling Resistance
Position / Tyre	Result	Gap to best	Extra fuel / year
1Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	6.8 kg/t	Best	£0
2Michelin Primacy 5	7 kg/t	+0.20 kg/t	£13
3Pirelli Cinturato C3	7.4 kg/t	+0.60 kg/t	£39
4Hankook Ventus Prime 4	7.7 kg/t	+0.90 kg/t	£58
5Continental PremiumContact 7	7.9 kg/t	+1.10 kg/t	£71
6Austone Athena SP 303	8.2 kg/t	+1.40 kg/t	£91
7Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6	8.7 kg/t	+1.90 kg/t	£123

The difference between best and worst was 27.9% (1.9 kg / t). Over 19,000 km a year at £1.45/L, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 uses about 85 L (£123) more fuel than the Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN.

Adjust the assumptions

Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.

Petrol/Diesel Electric

Annual Mileage

19,000 km

km (L)

miles (US gal)

Fuel Price

£1.45/L

GBP (£)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Set my vehicle consumption

Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tyre age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

Results

The Pirelli Cinturato (C3) emerged as the overall winner in our comprehensive test. This well-balanced tyre excels in both wet and dry conditions with outstanding stability and predictable handling characteristics. It inspires confidence in all driving situations thanks to exceptional wet grip and impressive aquaplaning resistance. The Pirelli combines good rolling resistance with reasonable noise levels, making it a premium option that prioritizes safety without compromising comfort or efficiency. Its particular strengths were found in its excellent stability during direction changes and confident handling in wet conditions.

Dry99.2%

Wet98.6%

Comfort98.3%

Rolling Resistance91.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

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	2^nd / 7	36.9 m	+0.30 m
Wet BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 7	29.4 m	+0.70 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	1^st / 7	109.55 s	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	2^nd / 7	81.6 km/h	-0.20 km/h
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	2^nd / 7	88.7 m/sec2	-3.10 m/sec2
NoiseLower is better	3^rd / 7	71.8 dB	+1.20 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	3^rd / 7	7.4 kg/t	+0.60 kg/t

Origin: Italy

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 finished a close second, showing near-sports tyre performance with particularly impressive wet grip. It dominates aquaplaning tests and delivers rapid lap times in challenging conditions. While quiet and responsive, this performance-oriented tyre sacrifices some efficiency with relatively high rolling resistance that may impact fuel economy. The Goodyear excelled in stability and aquaplaning resistance but wasn't quite as balanced across all performance metrics as the Pirelli.

Dry99.2%

Wet99.1%

Comfort99.7%

Rolling Resistance78.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

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	2^nd / 7	36.9 m	+0.30 m
Wet BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 7	29.4 m	+0.70 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	2^nd / 7	109.71 s	+0.16 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	1^st / 7	81.8 km/h	Best in this discipline
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	1^st / 7	91.8 m/sec2	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	2^nd / 7	70.8 dB	+0.20 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	7^th / 7	8.7 kg/t	+1.90 kg/t

Origin: USA

Continental's PremiumContact 7 takes third place with standout wet braking performance and excellent overall wet handling. It provides good aquaplaning resistance and solid lap times in wet conditions. While it offers exceptional dry braking distances, it sacrifices some rolling efficiency. Testers noted it provides good grip in all conditions but can be slightly abrupt when losing traction and produces moderate noise levels.

Dry100%

Wet98.8%

Comfort98.1%

Rolling Resistance86.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

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	1^st / 7	36.6 m	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 7	28.7 m	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingLower is better	3^rd / 7	110.11 s	+0.56 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	6^th / 7	79.7 km/h	-2.10 km/h
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	4^th / 7	88.1 m/sec2	-3.70 m/sec2
NoiseLower is better	4^th / 7	72 dB	+1.40 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	5^th / 7	7.9 kg/t	+1.10 kg/t

Origin: Germany

The Michelin Primacy 5 achieves a good balance between performance and efficiency. It delivers solid wet performance with good aquaplaning resistance. As the quietest tyre in the test with excellent rolling resistance, it's ideal for drivers prioritizing fuel economy and comfort. However, its dry braking is merely average, and it isn't as dynamically capable as the top three performers, with testers noting it isn't particularly responsive when entering corners.

Dry95.8%

Wet97.6%

Comfort100%

Rolling Resistance97.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

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	5^th / 7	38.2 m	+1.60 m
Wet BrakingLower is better	4^th / 7	29.6 m	+0.90 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	5^th / 7	111.71 s	+2.16 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	4^th / 7	81.2 km/h	-0.60 km/h
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	3^rd / 7	88.4 m/sec2	-3.40 m/sec2
NoiseLower is better	1^st / 7	70.6 dB	Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	2^nd / 7	7 kg/t	+0.20 kg/t

Origin: France

Firestone's Roadhawk 2 offers solid performance across all categories without truly excelling in any particular area. Its standout feature is excellent rolling resistance, making it the most fuel-efficient option in the test. Testers noted its stability and predictable handling even in emergency maneuvers, making it a safe if somewhat unremarkable option, with slightly elevated noise levels and uninspiring steering response at lower speeds.

Dry96.8%

Wet97.2%

Comfort97%

Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

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	4^th / 7	37.8 m	+1.20 m
Wet BrakingLower is better	6^th / 7	29.8 m	+1.10 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	4^th / 7	111.22 s	+1.67 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	3^rd / 7	81.3 km/h	-0.50 km/h
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	5^th / 7	86.4 m/sec2	-5.40 m/sec2
NoiseLower is better	6^th / 7	72.8 dB	+2.20 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	1^st / 7	6.8 kg/t	Best in this discipline

Origin: Japan

The Hankook Ventus Prime4 delivers adequate but not exceptional performance across most metrics. While wet braking is competitive, it shows lower aquaplaning resistance in curves and below-average dry braking. Despite good rolling resistance, it's the noisiest tyre among the premium brands tested. Testers observed that while it offers consistent performance, it provides less grip than top-tier competitors and can exhibit some rear instability in wet conditions, particularly when throttle is released in curves.

Dry94.6%

Wet96.5%

Comfort96.8%

Rolling Resistance88.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

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	6^th / 7	38.7 m	+2.10 m
Wet BrakingLower is better	5^th / 7	29.7 m	+1.00 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	6^th / 7	113.22 s	+3.67 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	5^th / 7	81 km/h	-0.80 km/h
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	6^th / 7	85.3 m/sec2	-6.50 m/sec2
NoiseLower is better	7^th / 7	72.9 dB	+2.30 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	4^th / 7	7.7 kg/t	+0.90 kg/t

Origin: South Korea

The Austone Athena SP-303, while attractively priced at around one-third of premium competitors, showed significant performance limitations. This Chinese budget tyre delivers poor wet and dry braking with the lowest aquaplaning resistance of all tyres tested. Testers reported that the tyre loses grip abruptly and unpredictably, requires excessive steering input, and produces considerable noise. Despite its budget-friendly price point, these substantial performance deficiencies make it a questionable value proposition from a safety perspective.

Dry90.2%

Wet89.1%

Comfort97.1%

Rolling Resistance82.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

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	7^th / 7	40.6 m	+4.00 m
Wet BrakingLower is better	7^th / 7	32.8 m	+4.10 m
Wet HandlingLower is better	7^th / 7	120.93 s	+11.38 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	7^th / 7	74.4 km/h	-7.40 km/h
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	7^th / 7	80.1 m/sec2	-11.70 m/sec2
NoiseLower is better	5^th / 7	72.7 dB	+2.10 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	6^th / 7	8.2 kg/t	+1.40 kg/t

Origin: China

Menu

2025 Al Volante Summer Tyre Test

Tyre shortlist

Pirelli Cinturato C3

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

Continental PremiumContact 7

Michelin Primacy 5

Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN

Hankook Ventus Prime 4

Austone Athena SP 303

Compare selected tyres

The evidence behind the verdict

Test setup & methodology

Recorded test conditions

Dry

Dry Braking

Wet

Wet Braking

Wet Handling

Straight Aqua

Curved Aquaplaning

Comfort

Noise

Value

Rolling Resistance

Results

Pirelli Cinturato C3

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

Continental PremiumContact 7

Michelin Primacy 5

Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN

Hankook Ventus Prime 4

Austone Athena SP 303

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