Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport vs Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R: In the high-octane arena of semi-slick, street-legal track tires, two heavyweights stand out for their exceptional performance and engineering prowess: the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. This battle is not just a test of rubber and tread; it’s a showdown between Goodyear’s cutting-edge technology and Pirelli’s legendary track pedigree. Both tires promise to push the limits of grip, speed, and handling, offering drivers the ultimate blend of track day performance and street legality.
As enthusiasts and racers alike await the clash, the air is thick with anticipation. Will the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport’s innovative design and materials claim victory, or will the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R’s race-bred performance and precision engineering reign supreme? Strap in and hold tight; this is a duel where every turn and every lap could tip the scales. The stage is set for an epic face-off in the semi-slick/street-legal track day segment, where only one can emerge as the undisputed champion.
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Results: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport vs Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R
Results below were taken from 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tire Test with a total of 10 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport vs Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R based on the relevant performance category. Eagle F1 SuperSport was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet & dry handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time & subjective rating. The tire size of interest is 235/35 R19 which is a common tire size for Audi R8 & Volkswagen Golf R. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Hyundia I30N which is a very fast car relative to its size.
Dry
When it comes to the ultimate test of semi-slick tires, dry braking stands out as the critical factor. In this head-to-head comparison, the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport shows a slight edge over the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. The Goodyear tire takes 35.5 meters (about 116.5 feet) to come to a halt from 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph), whereas the Pirelli requires 36 meters (roughly 118.1 feet). This small but significant difference underscores the Goodyear’s superior stopping power in dry conditions.
However, the tables turn when assessing dry handling performance, where the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R outshines its rival. With an average speed of 135 km/h (about 83.9 mph) around a dry handling circuit, the Pirelli surpasses the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport, which manages an average of 130.4 km/h (approximately 81 mph). This indicates that while the Goodyear may stop slightly quicker, the Pirelli offers superior speed and agility on dry roads, making it a formidable competitor in the realm of semi-slick, street-legal track tires.
P Zero Trofeo R:
- -1% in dry braking
- +4% in dry handling (average speed)
Wet
In the context of semi-slick, street-legal track tires, wet performance is often seen as a legality requirement rather than the primary focus. Despite this, the differences between the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R in wet conditions are notable and worth discussing.
Starting with wet braking, the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport significantly outperforms the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. The Goodyear tire can halt from 80 km/h (approximately 49.7 mph) to 0 in 33.5 meters (about 109.9 feet), while the Pirelli takes a longer distance of 40 meters (roughly 131.2 feet) to achieve the same. This difference highlights the Goodyear’s superior braking efficiency in wet conditions.
When evaluating wet handling, the Goodyear again takes the lead, maintaining an average speed of 87.7 km/h (about 54.5 mph) compared to the Pirelli’s 80.4 km/h (approximately 49.9 mph). This demonstrates the Goodyear’s enhanced grip and stability on wet tracks. In the specific test of navigating a wet circle, the Goodyear achieves a speed of 7.12 m/s, outpacing the Pirelli, which manages 6.67 m/s. This further supports the Goodyear’s superior performance in maintaining control and speed in circular wet conditions.
Moreover, in the straight aquaplaning test, the Goodyear exhibits a slipping speed of 68.7 km/h (around 42.7 mph), significantly higher than the Pirelli’s 60.9 km/h (approximately 37.8 mph). This indicates the Goodyear’s better resistance to aquaplaning in straight-line wet conditions. Lastly, in the curved aquaplaning scenario, the Goodyear demonstrates a max lateral acceleration of 2.2 m/sec^2, slightly better than the Pirelli’s 2 m/sec^2. This minor difference further underscores the Goodyear’s overall superior performance in wet conditions, offering slightly better control and safety during cornering on wet surfaces.
Overall, while wet performance might not be the primary concern for semi-slick tire users, the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport exhibits consistently better performance across all wet tests, making it a more reliable choice for those concerned with legality and safety in wet conditions.
P Zero Trofeo R:
- -16% in wet braking
- -8% in wet handling (average speed)
- -6% in wet circle
- -11% in straight aquaplaning
- -9% in curved aquaplaning
Exterior Noise
When it comes to the exterior noise levels of the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, there’s a slight difference that could be significant for those sensitive to noise. The Goodyear tire generates a noise level of 68.8 decibels (dB), making it marginally quieter than the Pirelli, which produces 69.4 dB.
This small reduction in noise level with the Goodyear tire could contribute to a slightly more comfortable and quieter driving experience, especially in scenarios where road noise can be a distraction or annoyance. While both tires are designed for high performance rather than silence, this minor advantage for the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport might be a deciding factor for drivers who value a quieter ride alongside performance.
P Zero Trofeo R:
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.6 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport has a lower rolling resistance at 9.8 N/kN compared to the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R’s 10.2 N/kN. This means the Goodyear tire is slightly more energy-efficient, potentially offering better fuel economy and less environmental impact.
P Zero Trofeo R:
- -4% in rolling resistance
Price
The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, priced at $434, is 40% more expensive than the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport, which costs $261, for the tire size 235/35 R19.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
- Eagle F1 SuperSport: $ 261
- P Zero Trofeo R: $ 434
Difference: +40% more expensive for P Zero Trofeo R.
Summary
As a tire expert, my analysis of the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R has led me to a nuanced conclusion. The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R’s dry handling capabilities are superb, setting a high benchmark in the segment. If maximum dry handling performance is your top priority, the premium for the P Zero Trofeo R is undoubtedly worth it. Its superior grip and precision on dry surfaces make it an exceptional choice for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in dry performance.
However, if you’re looking for a more balanced package that includes consideration for wet safety, the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport emerges as a compelling option. It offers a well-rounded performance profile, blending dry handling competence with significantly better wet performance and safety features. Furthermore, its lower rolling resistance and reduced noise levels contribute to a more efficient and comfortable driving experience.
In essence, while the Pirelli excels in dry conditions, the Goodyear provides a comprehensive package that does not compromise on wet safety. For those valuing an all-encompassing approach to tire performance, the Eagle F1 SuperSport stands out as a prudent choice.
Dr Edwin Pang