General G-Max RS vs Firestone Firehawk Indy 500: Get ready for an exciting head-to-head comparison in the high-performance tire segment. Introducing the General G-Max RS, launched in 2017, and the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, released a year earlier in 2016. The General G-Max RS, a formidable player in the max performance summer tire segment, is a product of General Tire, which is the second-tier brand of the globally renowned Continental. Despite its lower-tier brand status, it never fails to impress with its high-quality construction and performance, offering exceptional value for money. Known for its excellent traction, stability, and handling, the G-Max RS does not compromise when it comes to delivering exhilarating summer driving experiences.
On the other hand, we have the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, a tire that lives up to its name, embodying the speed and performance of the legendary Indianapolis 500 race. Being the second brand of Bridgestone, Firestone has consistently offered high-quality, affordable products, and the Firehawk Indy 500 is no exception. It’s widely recognized for its responsive handling, excellent grip, and superior wet and dry performance, truly a value-packed offering in the max performance summer tire category.
The launch of these tires set the stage for an intense battle in the value segment of the max performance summer segment. Both tires, while being products of second-tier brands, have made a significant impact and have created a stir in the market, challenging the dominance of more premium brands. Buckle up, as we delve deeper into this thrilling matchup between the General G-Max RS and the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, where value meets performance at the pinnacle of summer driving.
Table of Contents
Results
Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare these two products directly, due to clear segmentation. Fortunately, Consumer Report has tested both tires, allowing us to use their ratings to assess the performance of each. Please note that Consumer Report’s rating system uses a maximum score of 5, with a 5/5 rating representing the best possible achievement.
The graph above shows the comparison between General G-Max RS vs Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 based on the relevant performance category. The tire size of interest for the test is a 225/40 R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 Sedan & Mercedes-Benz Slc 200. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information.
Dry
When it comes to dry braking performance, both the General G-Max RS and the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 truly excel. They stand neck and neck, each scoring a perfect 5 out of 5.
Dry Braking :
- G-Max RS : 5/5
- Firehawk Indy 500 : 5/5
The General G-Max RS, with its advanced anti-slip design and ultra-high performance compound, delivers superior dry grip. This enables it to provide impressively short stopping distances when braking from 60mph to 0, thereby ensuring a high level of safety and control in dry conditions. Similarly, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 shines in dry braking situations. Its high-performance tread compound, combined with the Pulse Groove technology, offers superior road grip and excellent stopping power. This results in equally impressive braking performance from 60mph to 0 in dry conditions.
Therefore, whether you choose the G-Max RS or the Firehawk Indy 500, you can expect top-tier dry braking performance, making both of these options strong contenders in the max performance summer tire segment.
Wet
In terms of wet braking, the General G-Max RS comes out slightly ahead with a score of 4 out of 5, compared to the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500’s 3 out of 5. The G-Max RS’s silica-rich compound and innovative tread design provide impressive grip in wet conditions, leading to shorter stopping distances. In contrast, while the Firehawk Indy 500 offers adequate performance, it falls slightly behind the G-Max RS in this area.
Wet Braking:
- G-Max RS : 4/5
- Firehawk Indy 500 : 3/5
When evaluating wet handling, the G-Max RS leads again, scoring a perfect 5 out of 5. This can be attributed to its advanced design, which ensures optimal contact with the road surface and provides excellent cornering capabilities in wet conditions. Meanwhile, the Firehawk Indy 500 follows closely with a respectable score of 4 out of 5, offering commendable handling, although not as impeccable as the G-Max RS.
Wet Handling :
- G-Max RS : 5/5
- Firehawk Indy 500 : 4/5
Finally, both tires excel in hydroplaning resistance, each earning a perfect 5 out of 5. This is a testament to their excellent water evacuation capabilities. The G-Max RS’s smart grip technology and the Firehawk Indy 500’s high-performance tread design both work to effectively disperse water, minimizing the risk of hydroplaning in heavy rain conditions.
Hydroplaning :
- G-Max RS: 5/5
- Firehawk Indy 500 : 5/5
In summary, while both tires offer solid performance in wet conditions, the General G-Max RS pulls slightly ahead in wet braking and handling, making it a slightly stronger contender in wet conditions.
Mileage (real actual test !)
When it comes to longevity, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 takes the lead, boasting a remarkable 45,000 miles of tested mileage. This stands as a testament to the tire’s durability and superior build quality. With regular maintenance and careful driving, the Firehawk Indy 500 promises to deliver high performance over an extended period, providing excellent value for money.
- G-Max RS : 35,000 miles
- Firehawk Indy 500 : 45,000 miles
The General G-Max RS, while not quite reaching the Firehawk’s mileage, still offers a respectable 35,000 miles of tested mileage. This shows that the tire can withstand the rigors of high-performance driving and still maintain its integrity and performance over an extended period. For a broader perspective, let’s compare these numbers to the best and worst competitors in the max performance summer tire segment. On the high end, top-tier brands such as Michelin can offer tires like the Pilot Sport 4S, which can reach up to 40,000 miles under ideal conditions. On the other hand, some less durable options in the market might only last around 30,000 miles before significant wear sets in.
Therefore, while the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 sits closer to the top of the pack, offering nearly premium-level longevity, the General G-Max RS also offers a competitive lifespan that exceeds some competitors, firmly situating both of these tires as reliable and durable options in their market segment.
Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH)
In the world of performance tires, striking the right balance between comfort and performance is a challenging feat. When it comes to ride comfort, both the General G-Max RS and the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 score a modest 2 out of 5. Given their emphasis on max performance, particularly in wet and dry conditions, these tires tend to compromise a bit on comfort. The stiffer sidewalls and aggressive tread patterns that enhance grip and handling often result in a firmer ride, which some drivers may find less comfortable.
Ride Comfort :
- G-Max RS : 2/5
- Firehawk Indy 500: 2/5
In terms of noise, the G-Max RS performs slightly better, scoring a 4 out of 5 compared to the Firehawk Indy 500’s 3 out of 5. The G-Max RS’s tread design and advanced noise-cancelling technology contribute to a quieter ride, while the Firehawk Indy 500, although not excessively noisy, might deliver a slightly louder experience.
Noise :
- G-Max RS : 4/5
- Firehawk Indy 500 : 3/5
These ratings underscore the inherent trade-off in tire design – achieving exceptional wet and dry handling performance often involves sacrificing some level of comfort. It’s a delicate balancing act that tire manufacturers must navigate, and one that consumers should keep in mind when choosing their next set of performance tires. Both the G-Max RS and the Firehawk Indy 500 offer compelling performance, but drivers prioritizing comfort may need to make some allowances.
Rolling Resistance
The concept of rolling resistance is critical when discussing the environmental impact of tires. Rolling resistance refers to the energy loss that occurs when a tire rolls. Lower rolling resistance means less energy is lost, resulting in greater fuel efficiency.
Rolling Resistance :
- G-Max RS : 3/5
- Firehawk Indy 500 : 2/5
In this comparison, the General G-Max RS scores a 3 out of 5 for rolling resistance, indicating a moderate level of energy loss during operation. On the other hand, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 scores slightly lower, with a 2 out of 5, suggesting a higher level of energy loss during rolling. These ratings matter significantly because rolling resistance directly impacts fuel consumption. Tires with a lower rolling resistance require less energy to roll, which means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, leading to reduced fuel consumption. Reduced fuel consumption, in turn, leads to lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which is beneficial for climate change mitigation.
CO2 is a greenhouse gas, and its release into the atmosphere contributes to global warming. Thus, improving tire rolling resistance can play a crucial part in reducing the overall carbon footprint of vehicles, contributing to a more sustainable future. While the differences between the G-Max RS and the Firehawk Indy 500 may seem small, when multiplied by the millions of cars on the road, the impact on our environment can be substantial. Therefore, while both these tires deliver commendable performance, the G-Max RS’s slightly better rolling resistance makes it a marginally more environmentally friendly choice.
Price
When comparing prices for the 225/40 R18 tire size, the General G-Max RS comes in at $163, while the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is slightly more expensive at $173. This makes the Firehawk Indy 500 about 6% more expensive than the G-Max RS. Despite the slight difference in price, it’s crucial to remember that both these tires fall into the value-for-money segment. This means they are designed to deliver high performance at a more accessible price point, compared to their premium counterparts.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
G-Max RS : $163
Firehawk Indy 500 : $173
Difference: +6% more expensive for Firehawk Indy 500.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that both these tires come from companies that are subsidiaries of premium tire brands. The General G-Max RS is produced by General Tire, which is owned by Continental, a renowned German tire manufacturer known for its high-end products. Similarly, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 comes from Firestone, a subsidiary of the globally recognized brand, Bridgestone.
Therefore, while the Firehawk Indy 500 may be slightly more expensive than the G-Max RS, both these tires are backed by the reputation and technological advancements of their parent companies. This ensures that you’re not just getting a tire that’s good for its price point, but a product that leverages industry-leading technology to deliver impressive performance across various parameters. Whether you choose the G-Max RS or the Firehawk Indy 500, you’re investing in value and quality.
Summary
The General G-Max RS and Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, both value-for-money offerings from Continental and Bridgestone subsidiaries, are strong competitors in the max performance summer tire segment. With equal dry braking performance, the G-Max RS outperforms in wet conditions, while the Firehawk Indy 500 demonstrates superior longevity. Both compromise on ride comfort for high performance, but the G-Max RS offers a quieter ride and better fuel efficiency. Despite being slightly more expensive, both tires, backed by their premium parent brands, offer great value for their cost. The choice between the two would depend on individual driver preferences and specific driving conditions.