Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Continental UltraContact: In the tire industry’s latest clash of titans, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 goes head-to-head with Continental’s newest contender, the UltraContact. Released in 2022 with “mileage” as its battle cry, the Continental UltraContact stands proud with its mantra, “Made to endure,” promising longevity and top-notch performance in wet conditions.
Not to be overshadowed, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 boasts its own set of impressive features, challenging the newcomer on every front. And for those skeptical about the lofty claims of durability, ADAC has stepped in with a rare and valuable wear test, offering a chance to see just how these titans truly measure up. Witness the epic battle where only one can emerge as the king of endurance and efficiency.
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Results: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Continental UltraContact
The results featured here are from the expansive 2023 ADAC Summer Tire Test, an ambitious endeavor showcasing 50 of the market’s leading tires, a scale of testing that only ADAC would undertake. As highlighted in the introduction, we’ve included wear test results to provide a comprehensive overview of overall performance. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Continental UltraContact across various performance categories, with the EfficientGrip Performance 2 serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is the 205/55R16 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the 2018 Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Corolla Altis. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Volkswagen Golf 8 as the test vehicle.
Wet
In the showdown of wet performances, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 slightly outperforms the Continental UltraContact. When it comes to wet braking from 80 to 0 km/h, the Goodyear tire halts a whole 0.9 meters shorter than the Continental, stopping at 37.4 meters compared to the latter’s 38.3 meters. In straight aquaplaning scenarios, the EfficientGrip maintains control at a higher slipping speed of 80.3 km/h, surpassing the UltraContact’s 76.5 km/h.
Moreover, in curved aquaplaning, the Goodyear continues to lead with a maximum lateral acceleration of 3.5 m/sec², which is notably higher than Continental’s 2.9 m/sec². These results indicate that while both tires perform admirably in wet conditions, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 consistently holds a slight edge over the Continental UltraContact.
UltraContact :
- -2% in wet braking
- -5% in straight aquaplaning
- -17% in curved aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, the performance between the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 and the Continental UltraContact is quite close. When braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Continental UltraContact takes a slight lead, stopping at 37.1 meters, which is 0.6 meters shorter than the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2’s stop at 37.7 meters. This small margin indicates that both tires perform well in dry braking, with the Continental just edging out the Goodyear by a narrow distance.
UltraContact :
- +2% in dry braking
Wear
In terms of wear performance, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 surpasses the Continental UltraContact, challenging the latter’s “Made to endure” tagline and its significant focus on longevity. The Goodyear tire boasts an impressive 65,700 km lifespan, outlasting the UltraContact by 9,800 km, which caps at 55,900 km. This difference not only validates the UltraContact’s wear focus but also highlights that its ambitious claims perhaps fell a bit short compared to the Goodyear.
What’s more remarkable is the Goodyear’s ability to balance wear with wet braking performance, a feat that is typically challenging due to the conflicting nature of enhancing mileage while ensuring safety in wet conditions. Despite this, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 manages to outperform the UltraContact in both aspects, a commendable achievement.
When it comes to abrasion, the scenario shifts. While the Continental UltraContact shows higher wear, it has a lower abrasion rate at 52.5 mg/km/t compared to Goodyear’s 61.3 mg/km/t. This is particularly noteworthy given the stringent Euro 7 regulations on particle emissions. Despite its shorter lifespan, the UltraContact demonstrates a more environmentally conscious design by minimizing tire wear particles, an important factor in reducing overall vehicle emissions.
UltraContact :
- -15% in mileage
- +17% in abrasion
Noise
In terms of exterior noise, both the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 and the Continental UltraContact are relatively close, but the Goodyear tire is slightly quieter. It produces noise at 70.6 dB, which is 0.4 dB less than the Continental UltraContact’s 71 dB.
UltraContact :
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.4 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In the realm of fuel consumption, both the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 and the Continental UltraContact perform identically, each registering 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers. This parity suggests that when it comes to fuel efficiency, choosing between these two tires might come down to other factors, as neither holds a distinct advantage in this area. It’s important to remember that while tires do impact fuel consumption, the effect is relatively modest compared to the significant role played by air resistance and other vehicle dynamics.
UltraContact :
- ~0% in fuel consumption
Price
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, priced at €74, is notably more affordable than the Continental UltraContact, which costs €88 for the same 205/55 R16 size. This makes the UltraContact about 16% more expensive than its Goodyear counterpart, representing a significant price difference for consumers considering their options in this tire category.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- EfficientGrip Performance 2 : € 74
- UltraContact : € 88
Difference: +16% more expensive for UltraContact
Summary
As a tire expert, my analysis leads to a clear conclusion: the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is the standout winner. Its exceptional performance in both wet conditions and mileage durability sets it apart. The tire not only offers superior safety with its shorter wet braking distance but also impresses with its longer lifespan, making it a top choice for both everyday drivers and those looking for long-term value. The Goodyear’s balance of efficiency, safety, and cost makes it a compelling option in the tire market.
Dr Edwin Pang