Semperit Speed Life 3 vs Uniroyal RainSport 5: Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two touring tires from the Continental family! In one corner, we have the Semperit Speed Life 3, launched in 2019, known for its balanced performance and durability. In the other corner, the Uniroyal RainSport 5, also launched in 2019, renowned for its exceptional wet weather performance. Both brands are owned by Continental, ensuring top-notch technology and innovation. Get ready for an exciting comparison of these remarkable tires!
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Results: Semperit Speed Life 3 vs Uniroyal RainSport 5
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 Semperit Speed Life 3 vs Uniroyal RainSport 5 across various performance categories, with the Semperit Speed Life 3 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 wet braking, the Uniroyal RainSport 5, with a stopping distance of 36.8 meters, was just marginally better than the Semperit Speed Life 3, which had a stopping distance of 37.2 meters. Considering the RainSport 5’s focus on wet performance, we would have expected a more significant advantage. However, when it came to aquaplaning, the Uniroyal RainSport 5, with its asymmetrical pattern, outpaced the Semperit Speed Life 3 significantly, achieving 86.7 km/h compared to Semperit’s 81.8 km/h.
RainSport 5 :
- +1% in wet braking
- +6% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Uniroyal RainSport 5 stopped in 39.1 meters, slightly outperforming the Semperit Speed Life 3, which took 39.7 meters. This 0.6-meter difference highlights the RainSport 5’s marginally superior dry performance.
RainSport 5 :
- +2% in dry braking
Wear
In terms of wear, the Semperit Speed Life 3 outlasts the Uniroyal RainSport 5, lasting 40,000 km compared to Uniroyal’s 33,300 km. The Semperit also has lower abrasion at 79.3 mg/km/t, while the Uniroyal shows higher abrasion at 93.2 mg/km/t.
This demonstrates that the Semperit Speed Life 3 manages the target conflict of wet braking versus mileage much better than the Uniroyal RainSport 5, providing a more balanced performance. This means you can expect a longer lifespan and less frequent replacements with the Semperit Speed Life 3, without sacrificing wet braking performances.
RainSport 5 :
- -17% in mileage
- -15% in abrasion
Noise
In terms of exterior noise, the Semperit Speed Life 3 produces 70.7 dB, making it slightly quieter than the Uniroyal RainSport 5, which generates 70.9 dB. This 0.2 dB difference indicates that the Semperit Speed Life 3 provides a marginally quieter ride compared to the Uniroyal RainSport 5.
RainSport 5 :
- ~0% in exterior noise (+0.2 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In terms of fuel consumption, the Semperit Speed Life 3 uses 5.8 liters per 100 km, while the Uniroyal RainSport 5 uses 5.9 liters per 100 km. The difference is really minute, with the Semperit being slightly more fuel-efficient by just 0.1 liter per 100 km.
RainSport 5 :
- -2% in fuel consumption
Price
For tire size 205/55 R16, the Semperit Speed Life 3 is priced at €59, while the Uniroyal RainSport 5 costs €65. This makes the RainSport 5 about 9% more expensive than the Speed Life 3.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Speed Life 3 : € 59
- RainSport 5 : € 65
Difference: +9% more expensive for RainSport 5
Summary
From a tire expert’s perspective, the Semperit Speed Life 3 emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. Despite both tires being strong contenders from the Continental family, the Semperit Speed Life 3 excels in several critical areas. It offers superior mileage, lasting up to 40,000 km compared to the RainSport 5’s 33,300 km, and demonstrates lower abrasion, ensuring longer-lasting performance. The higher mileage comes without sacrificing wet braking performances. Additionally, it provides slightly better fuel efficiency and a marginally quieter ride.
Although the Uniroyal RainSport 5 performs well in aquaplaning, the Semperit Speed Life 3’s balanced performance, combined with its lower cost, makes it the more cost-effective and reliable choice for most drivers.
Dr Edwin Pang