(originally posted by Tarkiwi from NZhondas)
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The April issue of Wheels magazine tested 8 195/60R15 tyres premium "family" spec tyres on an auto Holden Astra, and 9 205/50R16 "performance" tyres on a Ford Focus Zetec. The tests were cornering, slalom, dry traction, wet traction, wet braking and dry braking. For each test, one point was given to the worst performer, 2 to the 2nd worst etc, then the points for each test were added up. If you want to know the results for any particular test, let me know. The final results and points, along with the test drivers comments (he didn't know which tyres he was testing) are:
205/50R16
1. Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 45 points
Pro: Direct turn-in and very predictable mid-corner
Con: Didn't seem to get off the line brilliantly
2. Michelin Pilot Preceda 41 points
Pro: Exceptional turn-in; fantastic at changing directions
Con: It's pretty much good at everything. Sorry
3. Yokohama V102 40 points
Pro: Great mid-corner performer
Con: Didn't seem as happy about changing direction
4. Pirelli P Zero Nero 32 points
Pro: Very direct and immediate steering response
Con: Not bad at anything; probably not right up there with the best so far
5=. Dunlop Direzza DZ101 30 points
Pro: Good on the limit feedback; high mid-corner grip
Con: Vague and hesitant on turn-in
5=. Firestone FH700 30 points
Pro: Good-but not great-drive and traction mid-corner
Con: Pretty soft and loose by the end of the slalom
7. BF Goodrich G-Force Sport 29 points
Pro: A competent all-round performance, but didn't particularly shine anywhere
Con: Just not as good as three or four of the others at turn-in or outright grip
8. Bridgestone GIII 21 points
Pro: Felt good in the slalom
Con: Didn't really excel at anything
9. Kumho Kh11 6 points
Pro: Good feedback mid-corner
Con: Soft in the sidewalls, loose on turn-in. Heat affected by end of slalom
195/60R15
1. BF Goodrich G-Force Sport 43 points
Pro: Fantastic turn-in and extremely good feedback at the limit
Con: What can I say? It's the best one so far
2. Yokohama A539 36 points
Pro: Sensational at changing direction; great turn-in
Con: A bit noisy on the limit
3=. Michelin Energy MXV8 27 points
Pro: Smooth, quiet, and you certainly don't have to fight it through the slalom
Con: Felt a bit soft
3=. Kumho KH11 27 points
Pro: Felt as though they got off the line quickly enough
Con: Noisy and hard to drive at the limit
5=. Bridgestone GIII 26 points
Pro: Very consistent and communicative at the limit
Con: Rolled and swayed badly in the slalom
5=. Goodyear NCT5 26 points
Pro: Good steady-state grip - predictable
Con: A bit vague on the initial turn-in
7. Firestone TZ100 20 points
Pro: It was quiet I suppose
Con: Felt like I was cornering on marshmallows
8. Dunlop LM702 16 points
Pro: High ultimate grip levels when established mid-corner
Con: Pushed away early and ran wide too soon