Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3: The battle of the tires heats up as the newly launched 2024 Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 steps into the ring to challenge the reigning champion, Michelin CrossClimate 2, often hailed as the best all-season tire of all time. This epic duel pits the innovative technology of Pirelli against the proven performance and reliability of Michelin.
Can the newcomer shake the foundations of the tire world and dethrone the king? Get ready for a showdown that promises to redefine standards and push the limits of what all-season tires can achieve. The stage is set for a clash of titans, where only one can roll away with the crown. Who will emerge victorious?
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Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
Results below were taken from the 2024 Tyre Reviews All Season Tyre Test. A total of 7 tires were tested this time around with snow & ice testing to gauge the all season performances. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires with a 3 peak mountain logo on it, an extensive snow & ice testing was conducted. Note that for subjective comfort evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. The tire size of interest is a 205/55 R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI.
Wet
In the all-season tire segment, wet performance is a crucial A requirement, and both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 have shown impressive capabilities, each with its own strengths. When it comes to wet braking, the distance it takes to stop from 80 to 5 km/h, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 takes the lead by stopping 1.8 meters shorter than the Michelin CrossClimate 2, with distances of 35.5 meters and 37.3 meters respectively. This suggests that the Pirelli might offer a slight edge in urgent braking situations on wet roads.
For wet handling, which tests how well the tires can navigate through wet road conditions at speed, the Pirelli again edges out Michelin with a lap time that’s 1.7 seconds faster. The Pirelli completes the lap in 86.2 seconds, compared to Michelin’s 87.9 seconds, indicating a quicker and potentially more agile performance in wet conditions.
When drivers’ subjective feelings about wet handling are considered, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 scores a perfect 10 out of 10, slightly surpassing the Michelin CrossClimate 2, which scores a 9.5 out of 10. This points to a preference for the driving experience provided by Pirelli in wet conditions, suggesting it might offer a more confident and enjoyable ride.
Lastly, in the straight aquaplaning test, which measures the tire’s ability to maintain grip and control in deep water at speed, the Pirelli shows a clear advantage. It achieves a slipping speed of 84.2 Km/H, compared to Michelin’s 80.1 Km/H. This higher speed indicates better performance in preventing aquaplaning, a critical safety feature in heavy rain.
Overall, while both tires excel in wet conditions, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 demonstrates a consistent edge over the Michelin CrossClimate 2 across several wet performance metrics, suggesting it may offer superior safety and control in challenging weather.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- +5% in wet braking
- +2% in wet handling (lap time)
- +2% in wet handling (subj)
- +5% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In the all-season tire segment, especially in Europe, performance in snow and wet conditions are critical. Comparing the snow performances of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 sheds light on their capabilities in these challenging conditions.
For snow braking, from 40 to 0 km/h, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 stops in 17.6 meters, outperforming the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, which takes 18.8 meters to come to a halt. This 1.2 meters difference highlights the Michelin’s superior stopping power in snowy conditions. When it comes to snow traction, measured by the acceleration time from 0 to 20 km/h, the Pirelli shows a slight advantage, taking 8.46 seconds, compared to the Michelin’s 8.69 seconds. This suggests that the Pirelli can get moving slightly faster on snow.
In snow handling, which looks at lap time seconds, the Michelin again demonstrates its prowess with a time of 90.68 seconds, faster than the Pirelli’s 91.99 seconds. This indicates that the Michelin can navigate snowy courses more quickly. However, subjective snow handling scores, which reflect the drivers’ perceptions of the tires’ performance, show a near-perfect score for Michelin at 10/10, slightly edging out Pirelli’s 9.8/10. This suggests drivers feel more confident and in control with the Michelin tires in snow conditions.
Overall, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 shows a strong performance in snow, particularly in braking and handling, with drivers rating it highly for its control and confidence in snowy conditions. The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, while slightly better in snow traction, still trails behind in overall snow performance.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- -6% in snow braking
- +3% in snow traction
- -1% in snow handling (lap times)
- -1% in snow handling (subj)
Ice
Ice performance is not commonly included in all-season tire tests, so having data on how the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 perform on ice is quite valuable. Kudos to Jonathan for providing this insightful comparison!
On ice, the distinction between these two tires becomes quite clear, especially in crucial aspects like braking and traction. When it comes to ice braking, measured from 20 to 0 km/h, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 slightly edges out the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, stopping at 6.79 meters compared to Pirelli’s 6.89 meters. This means that the Michelin can come to a stop just 0.1 meters shorter than the Pirelli, suggesting a marginally better braking performance on ice.
In terms of ice traction, which is the time taken to accelerate from 0 to 20 km/h, the Pirelli shows its strengths by achieving this in 4.68 seconds, outperforming the Michelin, which takes 4.97 seconds. This difference indicates that the Pirelli can get moving on ice faster than the Michelin by approximately 0.29 seconds, demonstrating better traction under icy conditions.
Overall, while both tires show commendable performance on ice, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has a slight advantage in braking, and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 leads in traction. This nuanced comparison highlights the importance of considering specific performance characteristics when evaluating all-season tires for icy conditions.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- -1% in ice braking
- +6% in ice traction
Wear
In Europe, where the pollution from microplastics is a significant environmental concern, the wear performance of tires is scrutinized closely. This is because as tires wear down, they contribute to microplastic pollution. Comparing the wear performance of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 reveals a notable difference in how long each tire lasts before needing replacement.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 demonstrates a longer lifespan, lasting up to 39,609 kilometers. In contrast, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 shows wear after 33,741 kilometers. This indicates that the Michelin tire outlasts the Pirelli by 5,868 kilometers. The longer wear life of the Michelin not only suggests a potential for less frequent tire replacements, reducing waste and environmental impact, but also highlights its durability and efficiency over longer distances.
Given the environmental concerns, this difference in wear performance is crucial for consumers looking to make eco-friendlier choices. A tire that lasts longer, like the Michelin CrossClimate 2, could mean fewer tires are used over the life of a vehicle, directly contributing to less microplastic pollution.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- -15% in mileage
Dry
In dry conditions, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 outperforms the Michelin CrossClimate 2, stopping 1.5 meters shorter in dry braking (37.7 meters for Pirelli vs. 39.2 meters for Michelin) and completing a dry handling lap 1 second faster (55.4 seconds for Pirelli vs. 56.4 seconds for Michelin). Additionally, drivers rate the Pirelli higher in handling confidence with a perfect 10/10 compared to Michelin’s 9.2/10. This showcases Pirelli’s superior dry performance in both stopping power and agility.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- +4% in dry braking
- +2% in dry handling (lap time)
- +4% in dry handling (subj)
Noise
In terms of exterior noise, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is slightly quieter than the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, producing 70.9 dB compared to Pirelli’s 71.7 dB. This means the Michelin tire is 0.8 dB quieter, indicating a subtly more comfortable and less noisy ride. Noise levels are an important factor for both driver comfort and environmental impact, and in this case, Michelin offers a marginally quieter experience.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.8 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 shows better efficiency in rolling resistance compared to the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, with a measurement of 6.98 N / kN against Pirelli’s 7.86 N / kN. This indicates that the Michelin tire requires less energy to maintain motion, being 0.88 N / kN more efficient. Lower rolling resistance means better fuel economy and lower carbon emissions, making the Michelin a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option in the long run.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- -11% in rolling resistance
Price
The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 is priced at €96, making it 16% cheaper than the Michelin CrossClimate 2, which costs €110 for the same tire size (205/55 R16). This price difference highlights the Pirelli as a more budget-friendly option.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- CrossClimate 2: €110
- Cinturato All Season SF3 : €96
Difference: -16% more cheaper for Cinturato All Season SF3.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve closely analyzed the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 across various performance metrics. Both tires exhibit remarkable qualities, but they cater to different user needs.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 : shines in its durability, showcasing superior wear performance that translates to longer life and, ultimately, better value over time. Its advantage in snow and a quieter ride make it a solid choice for drivers prioritizing longevity and comfort in diverse weather conditions, especially in regions prone to snow roads. Its lower rolling resistance suggests better fuel efficiency, making it ideal for environmentally conscious drivers and those looking to save on fuel costs.
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 : demonstrates exceptional performance in wet and dry conditions, outperforming the Michelin in braking and handling. Moreover, its lower price point makes it an attractive option for budget-sensitive consumers without compromising on performance.
In conclusion, if you’re someone who values snow, long-term durability and a quieter ride, especially in colder climates, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is your go-to tire. However, if your priorities lie in superior handling and efficiency in wet and dry conditions, along with a more favorable price, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 will serve you well. Ultimately, the choice depends on what aspects of tire performance are most important to you.
Dr Edwin Pang