The differences in summer tires for sports cars have never been so great. We are looking for the strengths and weaknesses of summer tires in size 265/35 ZR20.
The steps forward that summer tires for sports models have taken in recent years are astonishing. This is especially evident from the braking distances: in 2021 tires achieve braking distances on wet roads that were only possible on dry roads ten years ago. This enormous leap in safety reserves is due to new materials, but also to new production methods. In addition, the potential of this rubber product is far from fully exploited. However, the possible improvements in driving safety are slowed down by the requirements imposed by the legislators on the rolling noise, but also by the pressure exerted by car manufacturers to reduce rolling resistance (and thus consumption and emissions). Today, the required reduction in fleet consumption is paramount in the development of tires for initial assembly, but a reduction in rolling resistance will inevitably affect the level of safety.
Our nine test participants in size 265/35 ZR20, on the other hand, are aimed at the replacement market and are therefore not so focused on the aforementioned matters. It is therefore all the more surprising that precisely the cheapest tire of the Landsail brand manages to score points in the test components rolling resistance and driving noise, which, as mentioned, are especially important for tires for initial assembly. This Landsail tire can reduce fuel consumption by up to six percent compared to the other tires, but on the other hand, it is very disappointing in terms of driving safety. Due to a braking distance that is no less than twelve meters longer on a wet road surface and a miserable grip on wet road surface, we cannot ignore the judgment ‘moderate’ in the final ranking. Really good sports tires are characterized by other things: good grip and short braking distances provide the necessary safety, precise steering with good feedback and a harmonious balance for a good dose of driving pleasure.
Ultimately, three sports tires perform so well that they receive the designation ‘excellent’. Test winner is the Bridgestone Potenza Sportfollowed by the Continental Sportcontact 6 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
The full results of all summer sports tires with all test results can be read this week in Techzle no. 15 (14-21 April), or available digitally at the bottom of this article.
Price comparator
With the Techzle Car Tire Price Comparison we offer you a handy tool to find the best offers on summer tires. The price comparison site currently provides an overview of the full range of 19 different tire providers. All tire tests from previous years can also be found.
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