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 2013 issue of their magazine.
The tests covered two tyre sizes - 185/60 R15H and 225/45 R17W/Y
- and Continental tyres came out well again in both tyre sizes.
Test results on Summer tyres
| 185/60
R15H |
Test
score
|
| Continental
ContiPremiumContact5 |
69%
|
Goodyear
Efficient Grip Performance
|
69%
|
| Michelin
Energy Saver |
68%
|
| 225/45
R17W/Y |
|
| Continental
ContiSportContact5 |
69%
|
| Goodyear
Eagle F1 Asymmetric2 |
67%
|
| Pirelli
Cinturato P7 |
67%
|
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, 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 an MGRV8.
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 - 50% wet grip, 15% dry grip, 15% wear,
10% fuel economy and 10% noise - with a slightly greater emphasis
on wet and dry grip when compared with the their tests in 2012.
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 for an MGV8. 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 April 2012:
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.
Goodyear tyres have moved up the rankings to second
place in each size.
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. More
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 comfort.
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.
How to read tyre sidewall markings. Link
MGV8 tyre sizes
MGBGTV8: 174/80 R14 88H
MGRV8: 205/65 R15 99H
Source: Which? magazine April 2013 acknowledged.
Posted: 130412
|
