Results
of the latest Which? summer tyre test report
The independent UK consumer group Which? carries out comparative
tests on tyres on a regular basis and the results of their latest
tests are in the April 2012 issue of their magazine. The tests
covered two tyre sizes - 165/70 R14T and 205/55 R16V - and Continental
tyres came out well in both tyre sizes.
Test results on Summer tyres
| 165/70
R14T |
Test
score
|
| Continental
Eco Contact5 |
72%
|
| Michelin
Energy Saver |
70%
|
| Pirelli
Cinturato P1 |
68%
|
| 205/55
R16V |
|
| Continental
Premium Contact5 |
70%
|
| Dunlop
SP Sport Fast Response |
69%
|
| Goodyear
OptiGrip |
69%
|
How well do these tyre test results help a V8 enthusiast
choose replacement tyres for an MGV8?
The tyre reviews carried out by independent bodies like
consumer groups or specialist motor magazines are based on comparative
tyre tests of dry and wet handling, braking performance and
wear. But how well can these results be applied to a classic
car like an MGV8?
Well firstly we understand the tests are carried out with the
tyres fitted to modern popular saloons or hatchbacks, for example
a VW Fox/Polo, Ford Focus, Audi A6 and TT, and BMW series 1
and 3, so there is inevitably some uncertainty over how well
those test results and recommendations translate from a modern
car with a modern suspension package to an MGV8 with suspension
from an earlier age. Also the tests are usually on a slightly
different tyre size to that fitted to an MGBGTV8 or RV8.
The second area of criticism occasionally raised by one or two
V8 members is over how the test score for each tyre is determined
because the scores under each test category are weighted. The
Which? weightings are - 40% wet grip, 20% dry grip, 20% wear,
10% fuel economy and 10% noise. As the "driving feel"
of a classic car is part of the pleasure of the car, the ride
and handling factors are of particular importance to a V8 enthusiast
rather than wear. As most classic cars have very modest annual
mileages, the wear rate is usually rarely a real concern as
the tyres age and require replacement long before they wear
out. So generally V8 enthusiasts place a higher weighting on
comfort and wet and dry handling and braking performance.
So the Which? magazine test results may not be a perfect guide
for V8 enthusiasts but it is fair to say the results do provide
useful comparative tyre performance information which many V8
members feel offers some help in deciding on replacement tyre
choices. The reports from fellow members of their experience
with particular tyre brands are also very useful too. |
What's
in the latest Which? report?
Three key
points appear when compared with the last
report on the Which? magazine's tests on summer tyres
in October 2011:
Continental tyres continue to head the tables for both
tyre sizes although they have used a slightly different tyre
size in each case compared with the last test on summer tyres.
Michelin Energy Saver continues to rank well in the
165/70 R14T size.
New tyre types have appeared in the top rankings -
Pirreli Cinturato P1 (a popular tyre in the 165 size) and
two tyres in the 205 size - Dunlop SP Sport FastReponse and
Goodyear OpiGrip.
Replacement tyres for a classic sportscar like the MGBGTV8
and MG RV8 has been a topic often discussed by V8 enthusiasts.
This note provides links to comments from several V8 Bulletin
Board threads on the topic.
Continental tyres have been rated well in previous tests and
many V8 members have fitted them to their MGBGTV8 and MG RV8
models reporting satisfaction with roadholding and ride characteristics.
Tyre technology constantly improves in terms of tyre
structures, rubber compounds and tread patterns producing
new tyres with enhanced levels of grip, roadholding and ride.
Wet grip
Which?
notes in its report "the wet grip rating is based on
a standardised wet braking test. Actual braking distances
will depend on many factors, such as the efficiency of the
anti-lock braking system and the tyre loadings for example."
Choosing a tyre with a lower wet grip rating "could result
in a 30% reduction in stopping distances." Well MGV8s
don't have the anti-lock factor but wet grip and braking performance
are important as well as the suppleness of the rubber and
tyre design to help provide a more comfortable ride whilst
retaining the crisp handling characteristics you want with
a tyre on a classic sportscar.
Source: Which? magazine April 2012 acknowledged. Posted: 230312
|
