If you like detailed and confusing tyre tests, you're in for a treat! The 2020 Sport Auto tyre test has tested ten 245/35 R19 tyres, using a Mercedes AMG A45 S, and is confusingly amazing!

Why is this confusing? They've managed to test three different types of tyres in the single test! The first group is the more "regular" ultra high performance tyres, which includes the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5, Nokian PowerProof, Vredestein Ultrac Vorti, Toyo Proxes Sport, and strangely, the Continental SportContact 6. They've also tested two "UUHP" tyres, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and the new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport (which is the group we believe the Continental SportContact 6 should be included in, as the PremiumContact 6 is the more natural rival to the Asymmetric 5), and three track day tyres, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, the unreleased Bridgestone Potenza S007 RS, and the Giti GitiSport GTR3.

So we have ten tyres across three different categories, with one of them in the wrong category, and one of them unreleased, all in the same test! Fortunately, the data is really interesting, and is a fascinating insight into the differences between the three types of tyre.

Before we start, if you're able to read German, we highly recommend finding a copy of the original test on SportAuto.de as their print layout is way more effective at displaying the differences of all the tyres included.

The differences between tyre types

In theory, as each group of tyres gets more sporty (UHP -> UUHP -> track day tyres), their dry performance and subjective handling scores should increase, while their wet performance and comfort levels should decrease, and this is roughly the case!

In the dry handling testing, the results were perfectly as expected, with the track day tyres best, the two UUHPs next in line, and the five UHP tyres at the bottom of the table. Dry braking wasn't quite as expected, but apart from the Giti, it was roughly correct (see below.)

Dry

Michelin will be happy with the dry braking results, as both their tyres lead the group. The track bias Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 had the shortest stopping distance, with the Pilot Sport 4S just 0.4 meters behind. Interestingly, the other two track day tyres only managed to finish seventh and tenth overall. Without knowing how the test procedure was run it's impossible to say why, but it might have something to do with a lack of temperature in the Bridgestone and Giti products.

The dry handling results are much closer to what we expect, with the three trackdays tyres reaching temperature, and being significantly faster than even the fastest UUHP tyre. The two UUHP tyres were also a step above the UHP tyres, both in lap time and subjective handling.

Wet

As you would expect in wet braking, the track day tyres finished at the other end of the table, with even the "best in the dry" Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 nearly 4 meters behind the worst road tyre.

Wet handling gave the first win to the UHP segment, with the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 proving to be the fastest, and best subjectively around the wet handling circuit, with the Continental SportContact 6 a close second.

The wet circle test swapped the top two tyres from wet handling, while the track day tyres continued to struggle.

The Continental SportContact 6 again proved its dominance in the wet, acing the straight aquaplaning test.

Environment

Interestingly there was no real order between the three groups of tyres on the subjective comfort or noise tests.

Tyre weight was again fairly evenly distributed between the three groups of tyres.

Whereas the rolling resistance testing definitely showed an advantage for the UHP category of tyres.

Results

The below results will look a little confusing as there's three winners (one from each category) so keep this in mind when reading through.

1st: Continental Sport Contact 6
245/35 R19 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 3rd 33.5 M 32.7 M +0.8 M 97.61% Dry Handling 6th 132 Km/H 135.9 Km/H -3.9 Km/H 97.13% Subj. Dry Handling 3rd 9 Points 12 Points -3 Points 75% Wet Braking 1st 26.6 M 100% Wet Handling 2nd 83.2 Km/H 83.7 Km/H -0.5 Km/H 99.4% Subj. Wet Handling 2nd 9 Points 10 Points -1 Points 90% Wet Circle 1st 7.33 m/s 100% Straight Aqua 1st 83.4 Km/H 100% Subj. Comfort 3rd 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80% Noise 5th 72 dB 70.8 dB +1.2 dB 98.33% Tyre Weight 3rd 9.99 Kg 9.84 Kg +0.15 Kg 98.5% Rolling Resistance 4th 9.5 kg / t 8.7 kg / t +0.8 kg / t 91.58% Outstanding wet grip with a very neutral balance and excellent feedback. Very short braking distances in the dry with excellent steering precision and speed in the dry. Slight oversteer in the high speed wet, average rolling resistance. Proven wet grip, now with new convincing mix of abilities. Read Reviews    Buy from £174.47
1st: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
245/35 R19 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 1st 32.7 M 100% Dry Handling 1st 135.9 Km/H 100% Subj. Dry Handling 1st 12 Points 100% Wet Braking 8th 34 M 26.6 M +7.4 M 78.24% Wet Handling 8th 76.8 Km/H 83.7 Km/H -6.9 Km/H 91.76% Subj. Wet Handling 5th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70% Wet Circle 9th 6.46 m/s 7.33 m/s -0.87 m/s 88.13% Straight Aqua 8th 75.9 Km/H 83.4 Km/H -7.5 Km/H 91.01% Subj. Comfort 10th 6 Points 10 Points -4 Points 60% Noise 9th 72.8 dB 70.8 dB +2 dB 97.25% Tyre Weight 7th 10.76 Kg 9.84 Kg +0.92 Kg 91.45% Rolling Resistance 8th 9.8 kg / t 8.7 kg / t +1.1 kg / t 88.78% Outstanding grip and precision in the dry, very good feedback, very easy to control at the limit. Pressure change to 2.4f 2.1r (from 2.2f 2.2r) when hot recommended. As typical for a semi slick limited wet performance and high rolling resistance. Best dry grip of all the tyres. Read Reviews    Buy from £260.84
1st: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
245/35 R19 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 2nd 33.1 M 32.7 M +0.4 M 98.79% Dry Handling 4th 133 Km/H 135.9 Km/H -2.9 Km/H 97.87% Subj. Dry Handling 3rd 9 Points 12 Points -3 Points 75% Wet Braking 2nd 28.1 M 26.6 M +1.5 M 94.66% Wet Handling 4th 82.6 Km/H 83.7 Km/H -1.1 Km/H 98.69% Subj. Wet Handling 3rd 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80% Wet Circle 5th 6.94 m/s 7.33 m/s -0.39 m/s 94.68% Straight Aqua 3rd 80.1 Km/H 83.4 Km/H -3.3 Km/H 96.04% Subj. Comfort 3rd 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80% Noise 4th 71.7 dB 70.8 dB +0.9 dB 98.74% Tyre Weight 2nd 9.94 Kg 9.84 Kg +0.1 Kg 98.99% Rolling Resistance 4th 9.5 kg / t 8.7 kg / t +0.8 kg / t 91.58% Very short braking in the dry, very stable, good feedback and steering precision with high dry grip. Balanced and reliable in the wet. Average aquaplaning, average wet circle grip. Ultimate sportiness on dry roads, amazing safety in the wet. Read Reviews    Buy from £210.71
2nd: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
245/35 R19 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 5th 34 M 32.7 M +1.3 M 96.18% Dry Handling 5th 132.9 Km/H 135.9 Km/H -3 Km/H 97.79% Subj. Dry Handling 2nd 10 Points 12 Points -2 Points 83.33% Wet Braking 4th 28.9 M 26.6 M +2.3 M 92.04% Wet Handling 6th 80.5 Km/H 83.7 Km/H -3.2 Km/H 96.18% Subj. Wet Handling 5th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70% Wet Circle 3rd 7.03 m/s 7.33 m/s -0.3 m/s 95.91% Straight Aqua 6th 77.9 Km/H 83.4 Km/H -5.5 Km/H 93.41% Subj. Comfort 3rd 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80% Noise 10th 72.9 dB 70.8 dB +2.1 dB 97.12% Tyre Weight 5th 10.51 Kg 9.84 Kg +0.67 Kg 93.63% Rolling Resistance 3rd 9.3 kg / t 8.7 kg / t +0.6 kg / t 93.55% Short braking and good dynamics with high steering precision in the dry. The high driving stability and excellent behaviour creates trust for fast times. Acceptable performance in the wet. Average aquaplaning, reduced comfort. The brand new Eagle F1 SuperSport is still missing some bite. Read Reviews    Buy from £164.99
2nd: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
245/35 R19 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 4th 33.9 M 32.7 M +1.2 M 96.46% Dry Handling 8th 131.8 Km/H 135.9 Km/H -4.1 Km/H 96.98% Subj. Dry Handling 3rd 9 Points 12 Points -3 Points 75% Wet Braking 2nd 28.1 M 26.6 M +1.5 M 94.66% Wet Handling 1st 83.7 Km/H 100% Subj. Wet Handling 1st 10 Points 100% Wet Circle 2nd 7.04 m/s 7.33 m/s -0.29 m/s 96.04% Straight Aqua 2nd 80.4 Km/H 83.4 Km/H -3 Km/H 96.4% Subj. Comfort 1st 10 Points 100% Noise 3rd 71.3 dB 70.8 dB +0.5 dB 99.3% Tyre Weight 1st 9.84 Kg 100% Rolling Resistance 1st 8.7 kg / t 100% Good natured and easy to control in the wet, with high aquaplaning safety. Good handling in the dry, very low rolling resistance, good comfort levels and very quiet. Slightly slower to steer. Top performer with top liability and low rolling resistance. Read Reviews    Buy from £198.99
2nd: Bridgestone Potenza S007 RS
245/35 R19 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 6th 34.3 M 32.7 M +1.6 M 95.34% Dry Handling 2nd 134.5 Km/H 135.9 Km/H -1.4 Km/H 98.97% Subj. Dry Handling 3rd 9 Points 12 Points -3 Points 75% Wet Braking 9th 34.7 M 26.6 M +8.1 M 76.66% Wet Handling 9th 74.9 Km/H 83.7 Km/H -8.8 Km/H 89.49% Subj. Wet Handling 8th 6 Points 10 Points -4 Points 60% Wet Circle 7th 6.79 m/s 7.33 m/s -0.54 m/s 92.63% Straight Aqua 10th 70.4 Km/H 83.4 Km/H -13 Km/H 84.41% Subj. Comfort 3rd 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80% Noise 1st 70.8 dB 100% Tyre Weight 6th 10.71 Kg 9.84 Kg +0.87 Kg 91.88% Rolling Resistance 10th 10.5 kg / t 8.7 kg / t +1.8 kg / t 82.86% Very precise steering and high cornering grip in the dry. Very quiet. Pressure change to 2.4f 2.1r (from 2.2f 2.2r) when hot recommended. Limited wet grip, especially when cold compared to the Michelin Cup 2. High rolling resistance, low aquaplaning resistance. The sportier version of the S007, active, precise and fast. Read Reviews
3rd: Nokian PowerProof
245/35 R19 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 8th 35 M 32.7 M +2.3 M 93.43% Dry Handling 10th 130.5 Km/H 135.9 Km/H -5.4 Km/H 96.03% Subj. Dry Handling 7th 8 Points 12 Points -4 Points 66.67% Wet Braking 4th 28.9 M 26.6 M +2.3 M 92.04% Wet Handling 3rd 83 Km/H 83.7 Km/H -0.7 Km/H 99.16% Subj. Wet Handling 3rd 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80% Wet Circle 6th 6.93 m/s 7.33 m/s -0.4 m/s 94.54% Straight Aqua 5th 78.9 Km/H 83.4 Km/H -4.5 Km/H 94.6% Subj. Comfort 9th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70% Noise 6th 72.2 dB 70.8 dB +1.4 dB 98.06% Tyre Weight 9th 11.05 Kg 9.84 Kg +1.21 Kg 89.05% Rolling Resistance 1st 8.7 kg / t 100% Good braking performance, well rounded balance in the dry and wet, very low rolling resistance. Reduced wet grip and aquaplaning resistance, average comfort. A good mid-range summer tyre with slight weakness in the wet. Read Reviews
3rd: Giti GitiSport GTR3
245/35 R19 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 10th 35.9 M 32.7 M +3.2 M 91.09% Dry Handling 3rd 134.1 Km/H 135.9 Km/H -1.8 Km/H 98.68% Subj. Dry Handling 7th 8 Points 12 Points -4 Points 66.67% Wet Braking 10th 37 M 26.6 M +10.4 M 71.89% Wet Handling 9th 74.9 Km/H 83.7 Km/H -8.8 Km/H 89.49% Subj. Wet Handling 9th 5 Points 10 Points -5 Points 50% Wet Circle 10th 6.27 m/s 7.33 m/s -1.06 m/s 85.54% Straight Aqua 9th 73.8 Km/H 83.4 Km/H -9.6 Km/H 88.49% Subj. Comfort 3rd 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80% Noise 7th 72.3 dB 70.8 dB +1.5 dB 97.93% Tyre Weight 8th 10.86 Kg 9.84 Kg +1.02 Kg 90.61% Rolling Resistance 6th 9.7 kg / t 8.7 kg / t +1 kg / t 89.69% Excellent direct steering with high levels of feedback, great dry balance with exploitable grip. Pressure change to 2.4f 2.1r (from 2.2f 2.2r) when hot recommended. Typically restricted semi slick wet performance with long wet braking and high rolling resistance. Fast and active track day tyres for beginners. Read Reviews
4th: Vredestein Ultrac Vorti
245/35 R19 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 7th 34.4 M 32.7 M +1.7 M 95.06% Dry Handling 9th 131.6 Km/H 135.9 Km/H -4.3 Km/H 96.84% Subj. Dry Handling 7th 8 Points 12 Points -4 Points 66.67% Wet Braking 6th 30 M 26.6 M +3.4 M 88.67% Wet Handling 5th 80.9 Km/H 83.7 Km/H -2.8 Km/H 96.65% Subj. Wet Handling 5th 7 Points 10 Points -3 Points 70% Wet Circle 4th 6.99 m/s 7.33 m/s -0.34 m/s 95.36% Straight Aqua 7th 77.7 Km/H 83.4 Km/H -5.7 Km/H 93.17% Subj. Comfort 1st 10 Points 100% Noise 2nd 71.2 dB 70.8 dB +0.4 dB 99.44% Tyre Weight 10th 11.78 Kg 9.84 Kg +1.94 Kg 83.53% Rolling Resistance 6th 9.7 kg / t 8.7 kg / t +1 kg / t 89.69% High dry driving stability, very quiet and comfortable. Understeer and lower grip levels in the wet, only average aquaplaning resistance, high rolling resistance. The updated Vorti stands for comfort over dynamics. Read Reviews
5th: Toyo Proxes Sport
245/35 R19 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 9th 35.4 M 32.7 M +2.7 M 92.37% Dry Handling 6th 132 Km/H 135.9 Km/H -3.9 Km/H 97.13% Subj. Dry Handling 7th 8 Points 12 Points -4 Points 66.67% Wet Braking 7th 30.2 M 26.6 M +3.6 M 88.08% Wet Handling 7th 79 Km/H 83.7 Km/H -4.7 Km/H 94.38% Subj. Wet Handling 9th 5 Points 10 Points -5 Points 50% Wet Circle 8th 6.62 m/s 7.33 m/s -0.71 m/s 90.31% Straight Aqua 4th 79.7 Km/H 83.4 Km/H -3.7 Km/H 95.56% Subj. Comfort 3rd 8 Points 10 Points -2 Points 80% Noise 8th 72.6 dB 70.8 dB +1.8 dB 97.52% Tyre Weight 4th 10.4 Kg 9.84 Kg +0.56 Kg 94.62% Rolling Resistance 9th 9.9 kg / t 8.7 kg / t +1.2 kg / t 87.88% Progressive steering and dynamic handling in the dry, good protection against curved aquaplaning, quiet and comfortable. Poor wet braking and handling, with strong understeer. High rolling resistance. In spite of sporty driving, the steering feel is missing, especially in wet. Read Reviews