Results
of the Which? tyre test report
The independent UK consumer group Which? carries out comparative
tests on tyres and the results of their tests are in the November
2011 issue of their magazine. The tests covered two tyre sizes
- 175/65 R14T and 195/65 R15V - and Continental Conti PremiumContact2
tyres came out well in both tyre sizes together with Uniroyal
Rain Expert, Michelin Energy Saver, Vredestein Sporttrac 3V
and Nokian V.
Test results on
Summer tyres
| 175/65
R14T results |
Test
score
|
| Continental
Conti PremiumContact2 |
69%
|
| Uniroyal
Rain Expert |
67%
|
| Michelin
Energy Saver |
67%
|
| Hankook
Optima K715 |
66%
|
| 195/65
R15V |
|
| Vredestein
Sportrac 3V |
69%
|
| Nokian
V |
67%
|
| Bridgestone
Ecopia EP 150 |
66%
|
| Continental
Conti PremiumContact2 |
65%
|
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 Golf or Ford Focus, 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 too.
The second area of critiscm 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
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. |
175/65 R14T
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.
Earlier comments from V8 members on replacement tyres and
their tyre choices
Replacement tyres for a classic sportscar like the MGBGTV8
and MG RV8 has been a topic often discussed by V8 enthusiasts.
First note provides links to comments from several V8 Bulletin
Board threads on the topic. 260609
More
Replacement tyres comments from Andrew Jeyarajah 260309
More
Replacement tyre comments from Matt Jones. 091108
More
Replacement tyre comments from Dennis Wharf. 150508
More
See Which? tyre care online.
More
Source: Which? magazine November 2011 Acknowledged. Posted:
201011 |
