General AltiMAX RT45 vs Cooper ProControl: Prepare for the clash of the titans, as two of the tire industry’s heavyweights, General AltiMAX RT45 and Cooper ProControl, square off in a new age duel of performance and durability. Both these tires, fresh off their introductions to the market, promise to redefine the all-season touring segment.
On one side, we have the General AltiMAX RT45, an innovative offering from Continental Tire the Americas LLC. Debuting in 2022, the AltiMAX RT45 replaces its renowned predecessor, the General AltiMAX RT43, bringing an impressive 10% improvement in wear. This all-season touring tire promises a harmonious blend of reliable braking on wet roads, optimal traction in light snow, long-lasting tread, and responsive handling on both wet and dry roads. With an expansive size range expected to cover 85% of the passenger car and CUV segments, it’s an embodiment of longevity and all-weather versatility.
Rising to challenge the AltiMAX RT45 is the Cooper ProControl, a versatile creation from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. With over 60 sizes available, this all-season tire is engineered for a broad array of vehicles, ranging from commuter touring coupes to large SUVs. The ProControl offers an exceptional suite of features, including Even Wear Arc™ Technology for balanced pressure, water evacuation grooves for improved wet traction, and Armor Belt™ Technology for enhanced steering response. Backed by a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty, it promises optimized handling and traction for a confident, in-control driving experience.
So, gear up for this monumental showdown between the General AltiMAX RT45 and the Cooper ProControl – two technologically advanced, all-season touring tires that encapsulate the cutting edge of tire innovation. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell!
Table of Contents
Results: General AltiMAX RT45 vs Cooper ProControl
Results below were taken from tire rack’s “Testing Grand Touring All-Season Tires 2023” test. A total of 4 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between General AltiMAX RT45 vs Cooper ProControl based on the relevant performance category. The AltiMAX RT45 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 225/45R17 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 & Hyundai Elantra. 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
When comparing the wet performance of the General AltiMAX RT45 and the Cooper ProControl, the tires showcase distinct strengths.In terms of wet braking, the Cooper ProControl excels, requiring only 106 feet to come to a complete halt, as opposed to the General AltiMAX RT45’s 118.2 feet. This represents a substantial difference, suggesting the ProControl’s superior braking performance under wet conditions.
However, the story is slightly different when evaluating subjective wet handling. Rated on a scale of 1 to 10, the Cooper ProControl achieved a score of 7.25, demonstrating commendable performance. But the General AltiMAX RT45 was not far behind, with a score of 6.88, showing it is also capable of decent handling in wet conditions. Lastly, the wet handling lap time reveals a tight competition between the two tires. The Cooper ProControl clocked a slightly faster time, completing the lap in 32.98 seconds, compared to the AltiMAX RT45’s time of 33.30 seconds.
Below are an in depth look on wet handling evaluation by the test drivers:
AltiMAX RT45:
On the other hand, the General AltiMAX RT45 exhibited decent performance, providing the kind of expected traction and handling for this category, but there’s still potential for improvement in wet braking. The steering felt different from other tested tires – it required more effort to move away from the central position, necessitating anticipatory measures during swift maneuvers or turns.
Test driver feedback on AltiMAX RT45
ProControl:
The Cooper ProControl showed technical superiority in wet conditions, outperforming in various objective tests such as lap times and braking distance measurements. However, its stiff steering created a bit of a challenge, needing extra persuasion to respond effectively, despite being capable. The ProControl presented a host of advantages including agile, balanced handling, admirable braking performance, and exceptional traction. Whether our testers were accelerating around bends, making abrupt stops, or increasing speed, the ProControl maintained a steady and secure stance.
Test driver feedback on ProControl
In conclusion, both tires offer reliable performance in wet conditions, with the Cooper ProControl demonstrating slight advantages in wet braking and handling lap time, while both models exhibit competent subjective wet handling. These differences highlight the unique balance each tire strikes between safety and performance under wet conditions.
ProControl:
- +11.5% in wet braking
- +1.9% in wet handling (subj)
- +1% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
The General AltiMAX RT45 and the Cooper ProControl display closely-matched performances under dry conditions, making them both excellent choices for everyday driving. For dry braking, the distances are neck-and-neck. The Cooper ProControl requires a marginally shorter distance to stop, at 89.40 feet, compared to the General AltiMAX RT45, which comes in at 90.00 feet. The difference here is minimal, suggesting both tires have impressive stopping power on dry surfaces.
When it comes to subjective dry handling, the tables turn slightly. The General AltiMAX RT45 outperforms with a score of 7.31 out of 10, as opposed to the Cooper ProControl’s score of 7.25. Although the scores are extremely close, it suggests that the AltiMAX RT45 may provide a slightly more responsive or predictable feel to drivers during dry conditions. Lastly, in terms of dry handling lap time, the General AltiMAX RT45 secures a minor victory, finishing the lap in 30.84 seconds compared to the Cooper ProControl’s time of 31.00 seconds. This slight advantage indicates the AltiMAX RT45’s slightly superior speed capability in dry conditions.
AltiMAX RT45:
The General AltiMAX RT45 truly shone in the dry conditions, securing top ranks in nearly all objective evaluations. While speed isn’t typically a crucial consideration for drivers within this tire category, it highlights the performance, traction, and quick response that drivers can tap into during unexpected situations. The steering maintained its distinct behavior from wet conditions, yet felt more reactive in the dry, with its unbiased stance finding more favor on dry roads.
Test driver feedback on AltiMAX RT45
ProControl:
The ProControl also stood its ground impressively in dry conditions, boasting reliable traction and cornering abilities. Its braking performance, a notable strength, provided a predictability that allowed our testers to maximize speed during cornering. Although the steering was enthusiastic and responsive, it could benefit from a bit more consistency in its responses.
Test driver feedback on ProControl
To sum up, both the General AltiMAX RT45 and the Cooper ProControl put up strong performances in dry conditions, with the AltiMAX RT45 showing a slight edge in handling and lap times, and the ProControl demonstrating a minor advantage in braking. However, the differences are small enough that drivers could likely be satisfied with either tire’s performance.
ProControl:
- +0.7% in dry braking
- -0.3% in dry handling (subj)
- -0.5% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
The General AltiMAX RT45 and the Cooper ProControl tires display comparable performance in aspects of ride quality, noise, and steering and road handling, as evidenced by their similar scores in these categories.
When it comes to ride quality, which relates to the comfort of the driving experience, the Cooper ProControl takes a slight lead with a score of 7.5, as opposed to the General AltiMAX RT45, which scores a 7.25. This suggests the ProControl might offer a marginally smoother and more comfortable ride. In terms of noise, an important factor for driving comfort, the General AltiMAX RT45 edges ahead with a score of 7 compared to the Cooper ProControl’s slightly lower score of 6.75. This indicates that the AltiMAX RT45 might provide a quieter driving experience.
As for steering and road handling, which is critical for control and safety, both tires perform equally well with a score of 7 each. This reflects their comparable abilities to handle various road conditions and maintain a stable and controlled ride. Finally, when considering an average score of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the two tires are almost identical, with the General AltiMAX RT45 scoring 7.08 and the Cooper ProControl just slightly ahead with a score of 7.09.
In summary, both tires offer comparable and reliable performance, with minor differences that could cater to specific preferences of drivers. The Cooper ProControl offers a slightly smoother ride, while the General AltiMAX RT45 might provide a quieter experience. However, both stand on equal footing in terms of steering and road handling.
ProControl:
- ~0% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Ice & Snow
Stay tunned for more winter updates by the end of 2023 !
UTQG rating
The General AltiMAX RT45 and Cooper ProControl tires both demonstrate commendable quality and durability, as shown by their Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) ratings and the warranties offered by their respective manufacturers.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | AltiMAX RT45 | All | 700 | A | A |
| Cooper | ProControl | All | 600 | A | A |
The General AltiMAX RT45 boasts a UTQG treadwear rating of 700, while the Cooper ProControl stands at 600. Both have the same traction and temperature grades of ‘A’. The higher treadwear rating of the AltiMAX RT45 implies that it might have a longer lifespan compared to the ProControl under similar conditions, indicating superior expected mileage.
In terms of warranties, the Cooper ProControl offers a 6-year or 70,000-mile warranty for H & V rated tires, and a 6-year or 60,000-mile warranty for W rated tires. The warranty is halved for the rear if the size differs from the front. On the other hand, the General AltiMAX RT45 provides a 6-year or 75,000-mile warranty for H & T rated tires, and a 6-year or 65,000-mile warranty for V rated tires. Just like the ProControl, its warranty coverage is also halved for the rear if the tire size differs from the front.
Given the higher UTQG tread wear rating and a longer warranty for the AltiMAX RT45, it seems to suggest a higher expected mileage for this tire compared to the Cooper ProControl, potentially providing drivers with a longer-lasting, cost-effective solution.
Price
In terms of pricing for the 225/45R17 tire size, there is a small difference between the General AltiMAX RT45 and the Cooper ProControl.
Tire size: 225/45R17
- AltiMAX RT45: $154
- ProControl: $163
Difference: +6% more expensive for ProControl.
The General AltiMAX RT45 is priced at $154, making it a slightly more affordable choice. On the other hand, the Cooper ProControl is a bit more expensive, priced at $163. This makes the ProControl approximately 6% more expensive than the AltiMAX RT45. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance, the AltiMAX RT45 may prove to be the better choice. Conversely, for those willing to invest a bit more for the specific features and advantages of the ProControl, the extra cost could be justified.
Summary
In the duel of the fairly new General AltiMAX RT45 vs Cooper ProControl tires, each displayed impressive strengths across various parameters. Both tires performed commendably under wet and dry conditions, with the ProControl showing superior wet performance and the AltiMAX RT45 slightly outshining in dry conditions.
In terms of comfort and handling, both tires were comparable, scoring closely in ride quality, noise, and steering and road handling. However, the AltiMAX RT45 was marginally quieter, while the ProControl offered a slightly smoother ride.
The AltiMAX RT45 boasts a higher UTQG treadwear rating of 700 compared to the ProControl’s 600, suggesting a longer expected lifespan. Moreover, the AltiMAX RT45’s warranty also suggests a higher expected mileage, offering coverage for 75,000 miles for H & T rated tires and 65,000 miles for V rated tires, compared to ProControl’s 70,000 and 60,000 miles warranty for H & V and W rated tires respectively.
While the ProControl is approximately 6% more expensive, the difference in price is not significant. Therefore, the choice between the General AltiMAX RT45 and the Cooper ProControl comes down to specific preferences and requirements, as both offer impressive features and reliable performance for their price points. Whether it’s the quieter and potentially longer-lasting AltiMAX RT45 or the slightly smoother and wet-weather-friendly ProControl, drivers have two strong contenders in these new offerings.