Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2: The battle for supremacy in the ultra-high performance, mid-European winter tire segment heats up with two formidable contenders stepping into the arena: the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 versus the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2. Each tire brings to the table a legacy of innovation, precision engineering, and uncompromising performance that promises to redefine winter driving.
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, renowned for its exceptional grip and handling in snowy conditions, faces off against the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, celebrated for its advanced technology that ensures safety and control in the harshest winter weather. As these two titans clash, the question on everyone’s mind is: which tire will emerge as the ultimate champion of the winter roads? The anticipation is palpable, and the battle is on. Prepare for a showdown that will set a new benchmark in the ultra-high performance winter tire category.
Table of Contents
Results: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
Results below were taken from 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test with a total of 22 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 based on the relevant performance category. The UltraGrip Performance 3 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the middle European winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 225/45 R18 which is a common tire size for Mercedes-Benz C 200 and Kia Stinger. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a BMW 3 series.
Wet
In the showdown of wet performances between the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, the battle is closely contested, with each tire showcasing its strengths across different tests. When it comes to wet braking, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 takes a slight lead, stopping from 100 km/h to 0 in 53 meters, which is 1.6 meters shorter than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, which stops at 54.6 meters. This indicates that the Goodyear tire might offer a marginally better response in emergency braking situations on wet roads.
For wet handling, which measures how well the tires can maintain grip and control while maneuvering at speed on wet tracks, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 again edges out its rival with an average speed of 85.5 km/h, compared to the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2’s 83.3 km/h. This suggests that the Goodyear provides slightly better stability and control in wet conditions.
However, the tables turn when we examine the wet circle test, measuring the time to complete a circle on a wet surface. Here, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 demonstrates superior performance by completing the circle in 12.47 seconds, narrowly outpacing the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, which takes 12.63 seconds. This shows that the Pirelli tire might offer better lateral grip in continuous wet curves.
In the straight aquaplaning test, which assesses the tire’s ability to maintain contact with the road surface at high speeds in wet conditions, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 shines once more, reaching a slipping speed of 94.5 km/h, whereas the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 slips at a slightly lower speed of 93.1 km/h. This indicates that the Pirelli tire might provide a bit more safety margin against aquaplaning on straight wet roads.
Overall, both tires exhibit exceptional wet performance characteristics, with the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 showing slight advantages in wet braking and handling, while the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 demonstrates its strengths in wet circle performance and resistance to straight aquaplaning.
Cinturato Winter 2:
- -3% in wet braking
- -3% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- +1% in wet circle
- +2% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In the arena of snow performance, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 are put to the test, revealing their capabilities in mastering winter’s challenges. On snow-covered roads, every detail counts, and these tires are scrutinized for their braking, traction, handling, and agility under snowy conditions.
Starting with snow braking, which measures the distance required to come to a complete stop from 50 km/h, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 demonstrates a slight edge. It stops at 30.1 meters, outperforming the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 by a mere 0.6 meters, which stops at 30.7 meters. This difference, although modest, suggests that the Goodyear might offer a slightly better response in critical snow braking situations.
When examining snow traction, which is the ability to generate forward motion from a standstill, both tires show remarkable capabilities, but the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 again takes a narrow lead. It produces a pulling force of 2858 Newtons, marginally surpassing the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2’s effort of 2848 Newtons. This indicates that the Goodyear tire may provide a tad more grip on snow-covered starts.
Snow handling tests, evaluating how well the tires can navigate through a snow-covered course at speed, reveal that the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 maintains an average speed of 59.7 km/h, slightly faster than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, which navigates the course at 59 km/h. This suggests that the Goodyear tire offers a bit more confidence and control when maneuvering on snow.
Lastly, in the snow slalom test, which measures the maximum lateral acceleration in a side-to-side maneuver through cones, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 again proves its prowess with a max lateral acceleration of 3.25 m/sec², slightly outperforming the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, which achieves a max lateral acceleration of 3.19 m/sec². This implies that the Goodyear tire might offer slightly better agility and responsiveness in dynamic snow conditions.
Overall, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 marginally outperforms the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 across snow performance tests, indicating its slight superiority in braking, traction, handling, and slalom agility on snowy surfaces. However, both tires demonstrate exceptional capabilities, making either a strong choice for winter driving conditions.
Cinturato Winter 2:
- -2% in snow braking
- 0% in snow traction
- -1% in snow handling (average lap speed)
- -2% in snow slalom
Mileage
When it comes to the wear performance of the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 versus the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, we see a notable difference in their longevity. The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 demonstrates a superior ability to withstand wear, boasting a lifespan of 45,500 kilometers. In comparison, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 trails behind with a wear distance of 38,266 kilometers. This difference of 7,234 kilometers highlights the Goodyear’s enhanced durability and longer life span under similar driving conditions.
Considering test tolerances, we are pressed to conclude that the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 has better wear performance. This suggests that for drivers prioritizing tire longevity and seeking to maximize their investment in winter tires, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 presents a compelling choice, promising more kilometers before needing replacement. This aspect of wear performance is crucial for those looking for reliability and cost-effectiveness over the tire’s lifespan.
Cinturato Winter 2:
- -16% in mileage
Dry
When evaluating the dry performance of the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 against the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, both tires showcase commendable capabilities, yet subtle differences emerge that distinguish their performances.
In the dry braking test, which measures the distance required to stop from 100 km/h to 0, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 exhibits a slight advantage. It manages to come to a complete stop in 43.6 meters, outperforming the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, which requires 44.4 meters to halt. This 0.8-meter difference suggests that the Goodyear tire may offer a marginally better response and safety margin in emergency braking situations on dry roads.
Moving to dry handling, where the average speed through a handling course indicates the tire’s ability to maintain grip and control, the competition remains tight. The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 slightly edges out with an average speed of 110.7 km/h, compared to the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2’s 110.4 km/h. This minor difference, though slim, points to the Goodyear offering a bit more stability and agility in dry conditions.
Overall, while both tires demonstrate strong performances on dry surfaces, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 marginally outpaces the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 in both dry braking and handling tests. These differences, though small, underscore the Goodyear’s slight superiority in dry conditions, offering drivers a bit more confidence and control when navigating dry roads.
Cinturato Winter 2:
- -2% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (average lap speed)
Noise
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is quieter, producing 71.4 dB of noise, compared to the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2’s 72.8 dB. This 1.4 dB difference makes the Goodyear tire the better option for drivers seeking a quieter driving experience.
Cinturato Winter 2:
- -2% in noise (+1.4 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 shows a rolling resistance of 8.71 N/kN, slightly higher than the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, which has a rolling resistance of 8.57 N/kN. This difference indicates that the Pirelli tire is marginally more efficient, requiring less energy to maintain motion due to its 0.14 N/kN lower rolling resistance. For drivers, this could translate to slight improvements in fuel efficiency and a reduced environmental impact with the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2.
Cinturato Winter 2:
- +2% in rolling resistance
Price
The UltraGrip Performance 3 is priced at €95, while the Cinturato Winter 2 is more expensive, costing €111. This makes the Cinturato Winter 2 about 5% more expensive than the UltraGrip Performance 3 for the tire size 205/55 R16.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- UltraGrip Performance 3: € 95
- Cinturato Winter 2: € 111
Difference: +5% more expensive for Cinturato Winter 2
Summary
As a tire expert, after carefully comparing the performances, durability, and costs associated with the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, I conclude that the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 emerges as the winner in this comparison. This conclusion is based on its superior performance in several key areas, including better wear performance, marginally better snow and dry conditions handling, and lower noise levels, all of which contribute significantly to the overall driving experience and tire longevity.
Additionally, when considering value for money, the Goodyear tire offers a more attractive price point, making it not only a high-performing option but also a cost-effective one. This combination of performance, durability, and cost-efficiency clearly positions the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 as the preferable choice for drivers seeking a reliable winter tire.
Dr Edwin Pang