AutoBild Sports Summer Tire Test 245/35 R19 2025

Autobild Sports Cars stuck to its tried and tested, simple testing method in 2025. It took a fast car, the Audi TTS, fitted it with eight of the best performance summer tires in the 245/35 R19 size, and put them through a series of tests to see which ones were the best.

Published on March 21, 2025, the test focused on four main categories, with nine different tests conducted. The aim was to let the data speak for itself and provide an objective view of the performance of individual tires.

Tested tires:

• Continental SportContact 7
• Pirelli P Zero PZ4
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
• Firestone Firehawk Sport
• Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
• Vredestein Ultrac Pro
• Double Coin DC100
• Triangle EffeXSport

The Continental SportContact 7 leads the field with the shortest braking distance of 35.5 meters when braking from 100 km/h. The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 follows closely behind with 36 meters, demonstrating strong performance in this critical safety test. There is a significant difference of almost 6 meters between the best and worst tires. The Triangle EffeXSport tire needed 41.3 meters to stop.

Continental, Michelin, Goodyear, Pirelli and Vredestein achieved the fastest lap times and received the best subjective ratings. Test drivers reported that their performance was on a similar level, with Continental slightly outperforming the competition with an average speed of 110 km/h, followed by Michelin at 109 km/h. Subjective comments highlight the "fast lap times and best subjective ratings" for these premium brands, indicating responsive handling and excellent cornering balance.

The Triangle and Double Coin tires showed significantly lower performance on dry roads. Subjective evaluations describe their handling as "noticeably less sharp" in corners. This corresponds to their objectively lower average speeds of 105.2 km/h and 104.4 km/h.

The difference in handling performance on dry roads between the best and worst tires (5.6 km/h) is less dramatic than on wet roads (18.6 km/h), suggesting that while cheap tires have problems in all conditions, their shortcomings become much more pronounced and potentially dangerous in wet conditions.

The Continental continues its dominance in wet braking, stopping from 100 km/h in just 40.1 metres. Pirelli maintained its strong braking performance and came in second place with a result of 42.4 metres. The most alarming finding is the huge difference of 29.6 metres between the Continental and the Double Coin DC100, which needed a dangerous 69.7 metres to stop – almost 70% longer than the best performer. This test clearly demonstrates the fundamental safety differences between premium and budget tyres, especially on wet roads where grip is already limited.

The Continental SportContact 7 and Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires demonstrated exceptional wet handling. Test drivers noted the "incredibly confident" performance of both tires on wet surfaces. They maintained stable front-end grip, while the TT's rear remained predictable and controllable. The Continental achieved a top average speed of 84.5 km/h, with the Pirelli following at 82.7 km/h.

Goodyear, Vredestein and Michelin form the middle of the field with solid performance but a noticeable gap from the leaders. They achieved average speeds between 79.7 and 80.4 km/h, maintaining good balance but without the exceptional grip of the best.

The Firestone and Triangle tires showed worrying performance deficiencies. Specifically, testers reported that these tires provided "terribly little grip" on wet surfaces, with subjective ratings stating that they "slipped like soap on a wet track." This corresponds to their significantly lower average speeds (74.5 - 74.9 km/h).

The Double Coin DC100 tire achieved dangerously poor wet handling at 65.9 km/h, almost 20 km/h slower than the Continental, confirming the subjective assessment of extremely limited grip and control.

The overall winner of the test was the Continental SportContact 7, which dominated in key disciplines such as braking and handling on both dry and wet roads. Pirelli, Michelin, Goodyear and Vredestein also performed excellently on dry roads. Pirelli, along with Continental, excelled on wet roads, although the cheaper Firestone, Triangle and Double Coin tyres had significant shortcomings in this area. The Triangle's excellent resistance to aquaplaning was a surprise. In the comfort area, Vredestein, Triangle and Double Coin tyres received the best ratings, while the Firestone tyre achieved the best fuel efficiency. The test clearly showed significant differences in safety and performance between premium and cheaper tyres, especially in difficult wet conditions.

In our e-shop you will find a wide range of various summer tires, winter tires and all-season tires, from classic to real off-road tires, with which you can afford much more on unconventional terrain than with regular tires.
We will be happy to advise you on choosing tires in our brick-and-mortar store, and you can change your tires in our tire service.
Visit us in Košice on Popradská Street (ORLEN gas station) or call the following numbers: +421 (0) 55 78 99 273, +421 (0) 905 606 842