Given
83%
while driving a
Toyota Sienta
(185/60 R15) on
mostly town
for 50
average miles
I have just replaced my half-worn EcoContact 6 with these AE-51 and I must say I am very impressed for the value vs price paid. In particular, the comfort level was amazing. I progressed from Michelin XM1 > Kumho Escta XT KU37 > ContiPremiumContact 5 > EcoContact 6 > AE-51 and these AE-51 gave me the most plush ride I can remember. The EcoContact 6 was already markedly comfortable vs the CPC5, but now it's even better with the AE-51 - I can hardly feel things like the painted road marking and grooves on parking lot ramps. Going over manhole cover depressions and potholes are also less alarming now.
I had to wet-brake suddenly due to a traffic light change and I did feel my ABS kick in very briefly. The ABS is something I've not experienced with my 4 sets of continental tyres ever. Maybe this set of AE-51 hasn't been worn in enough yet since it's just a few days old. Also, the AE-51 doesn't squeal as much when turning on smooth indoor parking lot flooring vs the EC6 whose loud squealing frightens passers-by.
The only negative I can think of is that the noise level is quite average - about the same as my CPC5 in the past. Not loud, but not at the soft levels of a comfort tyre. Rolling resistance is also a bit higher vs my EcoContact 6, judging by the distance I can 'coast' my car before needing to tap the accelerator again.