Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3: Two winter champions collide as the new Cinturato Winter 3 takes on Goodyear’s established contender. Pirelli arrives with fresh ambition—but can it turn this rivalry into a changing of the guard?
Central European winters demand more than snow grip. With cold rain, icy mornings and dry motorways all part of the battle, this comparison reveals which champion delivers where it matters—and what you sacrifice along the way.
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Results: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
Results below were taken from 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test with a total of 12 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 based on the relevant performance category. The Goodyear 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 225/50 R17 which is a common tire size for BMW 3 Series & Audi A4. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Audi A3
Wet
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 stops 1.4 metres shorter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 in wet braking, giving it a 4% advantage. It also resists straight aquaplaning at a 5.7 km/h higher speed, a 7% advantage. Pirelli takes the wet-weather win with shorter stopping distances and better resistance to standing water.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- +4% in wet braking
- +7% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 stops 0.1 metres shorter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 on snow, giving it a 1% advantage. It also produces 37 N more traction, a 1% advantage. Pirelli edges ahead in both tests, although the small gaps leave these two closely matched on snow.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- +1% in snow braking
- +1% in snow traction
Ice
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 stops 0.6 metres shorter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 on ice, giving it a 3% advantage. Pirelli takes a small but clear lead in ice braking.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- +3% in ice braking
Mileage
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 is projected to last 12,700 km less than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, a 23% disadvantage in mileage. It also produces 18 mg/km/t more abrasion, putting it 23% behind on abrasion performance. Goodyear clearly wins here, combining longer tyre life with less rubber wear.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- -23% in mileage
- -22% in abrasion
Dry
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 stops 0.6 metres shorter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 in dry braking, giving it a 1% advantage. Pirelli edges ahead, although both tyres deliver closely matched stopping performance.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- +1% in dry braking
Noise
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 records 1.4 dB less noise than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, giving it a 2% advantage on the noise index. Pirelli takes the win with lower measured exterior noise.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- +2% in exterior noise (-1.4 dB)
Fuel Consumption
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 uses 0.1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, giving it a 2% advantage. Pirelli takes a small lead in fuel efficiency, helping reduce running costs over time.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- +2% in fuel consumption
Price
The Cinturato Winter 3 costs €42 more per tyre, making it 29% more expensive. That adds €168 to the price of a set of four.
Tire size: 225/50R17
- UltraGrip Performance 3 : € 147
- Cinturato Winter 3 : € 189
Difference: +29% more expensive for Cinturato Winter 3
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 prioritises grip, with 4% better wet braking, 7% stronger straight aquaplaning resistance and a small 1% edge on snow. The trade-off is 23% less projected mileage despite costing 29% more. I would choose Pirelli for its wet-weather strengths, but Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3’s extra 12,700 km of projected tyre life makes it my stronger value choice.
Dr Edwin Pang