Cooper Cobra Instinct vs General G-MAX AS-07: In the high-octane world of ultra-high performance all-season tires, two new titans have emerged, set to clash in a rubber-burning showdown for supremacy: the Cooper Cobra Instinct and the General G-MAX AS-07. Both launched in the groundbreaking year of 2023, these tires are not just fresh on the scene; they are redefining the very essence of year-round driving excellence.
The Cooper Cobra Instinct slithers onto the tarmac with a legacy of American craftsmanship backing its every move. It’s a tire designed for the driver who demands not just performance, but an instinctual connection with the road, come rain or shine. The tread pattern is a testament to Cooper’s commitment to innovation, offering a harmonious balance between wet grip, dry handling, and longevity.
In the other lane, the General G-MAX AS-07 roars with a pedigree of precision German engineering. It’s a bold challenger that speaks to those who yearn for the ultimate synergy of comfort and agility. The AS-07’s sophisticated compound and meticulous construction promise to deliver a driving experience that’s as refined as it is robust, ensuring unwavering stability across a spectrum of weather conditions.
As the two contenders line up, the air is thick with anticipation. Will the Cooper Cobra Instinct’s razor-sharp reflexes give it the edge over its competitor? Or will the General G-MAX AS-07’s relentless grip and unyielding performance crown it the king of the all-season arena? Drivers, prepare for a battle where only the road can declare the victor. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the ultra-high performance all-season tire segment will never be the same again. Buckle up—it’s going to be a gripping ride!
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Results: Cooper Cobra Instinct vs General G-MAX AS-07
Results below were taken from Tire Rack’s Testing Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires 2023 test. A total of 4 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Cooper Cobra Instinct vs General G-MAX AS-07 based on the relevant performance category. The Cobra Instinct was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires, Tire Rack has planned the snow & ice in its testing portfolio. A detailed testing on snow including acceleration, braking & handling will be available only at the end of the 2023 winter season. The tire size of interest is a 225/40R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 Sedan. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited.
Wet
In the arena of wet performance, the dance between traction and control plays out with each revolution of the tire, and as the Cooper Cobra Instinct squares off against the General G-MAX AS-07, it becomes a spectacle of aquaplaning artistry and hydroplaning heroics.
- 🌧 Wet Braking – The art of halting steel and speed on slick streets is a measure of a tire’s mettle. The Cooper Cobra Instinct commands the asphalt with a stopping power of 95.10 feet, showcasing a prowess that instills confidence in the wettest of conditions. Meanwhile, the General G-MAX AS-07, with a stopping distance of 103.90 feet, demonstrates resilience but concedes to the Cobra’s superior grip in this critical showdown of deceleration dominance.
- 🔄 Wet Handling – Subjective: When it comes to the subjective feel of the wheel, where the driver’s connection with the tire translates to trust or trepidation, the Cooper Cobra Instinct scores a 7.25 out of 10, offering drivers a palpable sense of control that resonates through every turn and traction break. The General G-MAX AS-07 trails with a 7.19, a whisper behind, yet still communicating a narrative of steadfast handling to those behind its helm.
- ⏱ Wet Handling – Lap Time: On the stopwatch-strewn battleground of a rain-soaked track, milliseconds morph into milestones. The Cooper Cobra Instinct blazes through with a lap time of 31.28 seconds, defying the damp with deft agility and unquestionable urgency. In the adjacent lane, the General G-MAX AS-07 posts a time of 31.64 seconds, a testament to its tenacity, yet a tick slower in the relentless race against time and torrents.
Cobra Instinct:
On the track, the Cooper Cobra Instinct showcased formidable performance, clinching top scores in each measured category with unwavering conviction. Its braking was tenacious, its power delivery was solid due to its exceptional traction, and it clung to curves with a steadfast grip. However, it wasn’t without its flaws. In wet conditions, the steering response could be sharper, and it was prudent to avoid braking while turning to maintain control.
Test driver feedback on Cobra Instinct
G-MAX AS-07:
Meanwhile, the General G-MAX AS-07 presented a compelling argument under rainy skies, with lively steering that could have used a touch more weight to prevent the front end from feeling too light under aggressive maneuvers. Still, our evaluators were impressed by its commendable poise and balance. Coupled with sharp steering and a grip that surpassed the norm, the G-MAX AS-07 stood out as an adept performer in wet environments.
Test driver feedback on G-MAX AS-07
In this aquatic tangle of tire technology, while the General G-MAX AS-07 displays commendable capabilities, it is the Cooper Cobra Instinct that emerges as the monarch of moist asphalt. With superior wet braking, a slight edge in subjective handling, and a demonstrably faster lap time, the Cooper Cobra Instinct unfurls its wet-weather wings to soar above the General G-MAX AS-07, claiming the throne in this deluge of driving diligence. 🏆
G-MAX AS-07 :
- -8.5% in wet braking
- -0.3% in wet handling (subj)
- -1.1% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
When the clouds part and the sun casts its hard, dry glare upon the tarmac, the showdown between the Cooper Cobra Instinct and the General G-MAX AS-07 becomes a duel in the desert of the dry performance domain.
- 🌞 Dry Braking – In the dry, where rubber grips and roads relent, the Cooper Cobra Instinct asserts its dominance with an impressive stopping distance of 82.00 feet. Precision is key, and the Instinct’s ability to come to a decisive halt without a whisper of excess is nothing short of remarkable. The General G-MAX AS-07, with a stopping measure of 83.20 feet, showcases robust stopping power, yet yields those precious inches to the Cobra, which in the realm of safety and performance, could make all the difference.
- 🔄 Dry Handling – Subjective: In the dry, the driver’s confidence is king. The Cooper Cobra Instinct boasts a subjective handling score of 7.75 out of 10, translating every intention from the driver’s hands to the road with an ironclad promise of performance. The General G-MAX AS-07 is hot on its heels with a subjective score of 7.72, nearly mirroring the Instinct’s assurance but with a fractional hint of hesitation that only the keenest of drivers might perceive.
- ⏱ Dry Handling – Lap Time: The stopwatch doesn’t lie, and on a dry circuit, it’s the tale of the tape that crowns the champion. The Cooper Cobra Instinct blazes a trail with a lap time of 29.30 seconds, each second a testament to its dry tarmac tenacity. The General G-MAX AS-07 is a breath behind at 29.45 seconds, displaying blistering pace but just not enough to eclipse the Cobra’s scorching circuit run.
In this battle of dry prowess, the Cooper Cobra Instinct takes the checkered flag, edging out the General G-MAX AS-07 with a trifecta of triumphs in braking, subjective handling, and lap time. It’s not merely a win; it’s a statement that when the heat is on and the roads are ruthless, the Cobra Instinct is the tire that turns scorching challenges into triumphant tales. 🏆
G-MAX AS-07 :
- -1.4% in dry braking
- -0.2% in dry handling (subj)
- -0.5% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
When the roar of the engine settles into the hum of a journey, the symphony of Noise, Comfort, and Ride Quality between the Cooper Cobra Instinct and the General G-MAX AS-07 plays a tune that resonates with the discerning driver.
- 🚗 Ride Quality – Comfort in motion is not just desired but demanded. The Cooper Cobra Instinct, scoring a 6.25 out of 10, provides a ride that speaks of competence and assurance, delivering a steadfastness that drivers can appreciate. The General G-MAX AS-07, however, elevates this experience slightly, achieving a score of 6.75. It cushions the road’s imperfections with a grace that gently whispers, “I’ve got you,” to its passengers.
- 🔊 Noise – The decibels dictate the serenity of the cabin, a vital factor in the harmony of wheel and road. With the Cooper Cobra Instinct registering a noise level score of 5.88, it suggests a cabin atmosphere where outside interference is a subtle guest, not an intruder. The General G-MAX AS-07, on the quieter side with a score of 5.63, turns the volume down just a notch more, offering a sanctuary of solitude against the cacophony of the outside world.
- 🏎 Steering and Road Handling – The communication between hand, wheel, and road forms the dialogue of driveability. The Cooper Cobra Instinct scores a 7.25 in this dance of dynamics, its narrative clear and responsive, ensuring confidence in every maneuver. The General G-MAX AS-07, with a score of 7, also converses fluently with the tarmac, albeit with a touch less eloquence, but enough to keep the conversation engaging and effective.
- 🎯 Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality (average) – In the grand calculation of auditory bliss and kinetic comfort, both the Cooper Cobra Instinct and the General G-MAX AS-07 reach a harmonic convergence, each boasting an average score of 6.46. It’s a tie that signifies no compromise, no clear victor, but two different approaches to a journey’s qualitative experience, both designed to satisfy the soul of the road and the spirit of the driver.
The Cooper Cobra Instinct and the General G-MAX AS-07, in the realms of noise suppression, ride smoothness, and the tactile feedback of steering and road handling, have each carved out a space where comfort and quality ride in tandem, ensuring that for drivers who seek an oasis of calm in a world of motion, these tires can be the chariots of choice. 🏅🏅
G-MAX AS-07 :
- 0% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality
Snow & Ice
We eagerly anticipate the forthcoming snow and ice performance test results for the Cooper Cobra Instinct vs General G-MAX AS-07, scheduled for post-winter 2023. Your patience is greatly appreciated. Rest assured, we share your curiosity and are committed to providing a comprehensive analysis as soon as possible. Your road safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we aim to equip you with the information needed to make the best tire selection for your vehicle. Stay tuned for updates!
UTQG ratings
Both the General G-MAX AS-07 and the Cooper Cobra Instinct carry identical and commendable UTQG ratings, portraying them as equals in terms of tread longevity, traction capabilities, and high-temperature performance. This parity in ratings highlights the competitive quality and design that both tire manufacturers bring to the table in the ultra-high performance segment.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | G-MAX AS-07 | All | 500 | AA | A |
| Cooper | Cobra Instinct | All | 500 | AA | A |
Price
In the highly competitive tire market, price often becomes a pivotal factor for many consumers. In the case of the 225/40 R18 variants, the Cooper Cobra Instinct and the General G-MAX AS-07 are nearly neck-and-neck, with the Cobra Instinct priced at $151 and the G-MAX AS-07 just a hair’s breadth higher at $153. This slight difference places the G-MAX AS-07 at approximately 1% more expensive than its Cobra counterpart. Considering the breadth of features and capabilities each tire offers, this negligible price difference is unlikely to be a deal-breaker, making both tires attractive and closely matched options for consumers looking for high-value offerings in the ultra-high performance tire category.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- Cobra Instinct : $151
- G-MAX AS-07: $153
Difference: +1% more expensive for G-MAX AS-07.
Summary
As a tire expert with an eye for detail and performance, I’ve thoroughly evaluated the offerings from both Cooper and General in the ultra-high performance all-season segment. It’s my professional conclusion that when it comes to summer performance, the Cooper Cobra Instinct takes the lead. It excels with a touch more finesse in dry braking, handling, and lap times, which are critical metrics for those looking to maximize their summer driving experience.
Dr Edwin Pang
The Cooper Cobra Instinct emerges as the clear choice for enthusiasts seeking a tire that responds with precision and confidence in the warmer months. With its strong UTQG ratings indicating high-quality tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance, the Instinct is a tire that delivers not only performance but also value over time.
However, I must underscore that we are still awaiting comprehensive data on winter performance for these tires. Winter conditions bring a completely different set of challenges, and it’s crucial to see how these tires stack up against cold temperatures, snow, and ice.
So, for those of you gearing up for winter driving, stay tuned to this space. I’ll be back with detailed insights once the winter performance results are in, ensuring you have the full picture to make the best decision for your driving needs, year-round. Whether the Cooper Cobra Instinct will maintain its lead or if the General G-MAX AS-07 will showcase its prowess in winter conditions remains to be seen. Keep your eyes peeled; the analysis will be as rigorous and uncompromising as the tires we’re putting to the test.