Yokohama Advan A052 vs Yokohama Advan Neova AD09: In the high-performance tire arena, two titans from Yokohama stand head-to-head: the Advan A052 and the Advan Neova AD09. These tires are not just rubber; they’re engineering marvels designed for those who demand the pinnacle of road performance. The Advan A052 is the ultimate choice for autocross and track day enthusiasts. Known for its exceptional grip and responsiveness, this tire is built to deliver top-tier performance on both wet and dry surfaces. Its aggressive tread pattern and advanced compound ensure that drivers can push their vehicles to the limits with confidence.
On the other side, we have the Advan Neova AD09, a tire that beautifully balances high-speed stability with remarkable street performance. It’s designed for the spirited driver who wants a tire that performs exceptionally on the street but can also handle the occasional track day. With its innovative tread design and compound, the AD09 offers a superb combination of durability, comfort, and performance. So, what sets them apart? While both tires promise exhilarating performance, the A052 leans more towards the hardcore track enthusiast seeking the ultimate in grip and precision. The AD09, meanwhile, offers a slightly more versatile approach, providing excellent performance without sacrificing everyday usability.
Now, the burning question: Which tire will clock the fastest time? Will it be the track-focused warrior, the A052, or the all-rounder champion, the AD09? The duel is set, and the track awaits. It’s time to find out which Yokohama tire will take you to the pinnacle of performance. Let the battle begin!
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Results: Yokohama Advan A052 vs Yokohama Advan Neova AD09
Results below were taken from 2023 Tegiwa RWD Track Day Tyre Test with a total of 6 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Yokohama Advan A052 vs Yokohama Advan Neova AD09 based on the relevant performance category. Yokohama Advan A052 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that since the primary goal was to see how well the tires perform on the track, dry handling lap time was used as an objective metric. The tire size of interest is 235/40R18 in the front and a 265/35R18 at the back which is a common setup for sports car like Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 AMG Line. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a F22 BMW M240i.
Dry
When comparing the dry performance of the Yokohama Advan A052 and the Yokohama Advan Neova AD09 tires, it’s clear that both have their strengths, but they cater to slightly different driving experiences and preferences.
The Advan A052 shines with its outright performance, boasting a lap time of 112.3 seconds, which is notably faster by 0.67 seconds compared to the AD09’s lap time of 112.97 seconds. This margin, although might seem small, is significant in the realm of racing and performance driving, indicating that the A052 is more track-focused, offering superior grip and a more aggressive response right out of the box. Drivers have noted that the A052 feels like it has the most grip from the beginning, contributing to its faster lap times. Its balance and grip levels allow for a very confident driving experience, especially on the out lap, suggesting an optimized design for immediate high performance.
On the other hand, the Advan Neova AD09 provides a slightly different driving sensation. While it may not be as quick as the A052 in dry conditions, drivers have found it to offer a more balanced feel with less understeer and oversteer, leading to a more predictable and comfortable driving experience. It’s noted for being quieter than some competitors, indicating a design consideration for everyday comfort without sacrificing too much performance. The AD09’s design seems to prioritize a balance between performance and usability, making it an excellent choice for those who want a tire that performs well on the track and is also comfortable for regular driving.
Subjectively, the AD09 has been described as making the car feel really balanced, with better turn-in compared to other tires, despite a slight increase in oversteer compared to the A052. This balance and the ability to make the car slide through corners rather than understeer contributes to its driving appeal, even if it means a slightly slower lap time compared to the more track-focused A052.
In summary, the Yokohama Advan A052 is the go-to for drivers seeking the ultimate dry performance and lap times, offering unmatched grip and balance for track use. Meanwhile, the Advan Neova AD09 caters to drivers looking for a high-performance tire that balances track capability with everyday driving comfort, providing a quieter, more balanced driving experience with excellent handling characteristics.
Advan Neova AD09:
- -1% in dry handling (lap time)
EU label
The Yokohama Advan A052 and Advan Neova AD09 both excel in wet grip, sharing an ‘A’ rating that guarantees top-tier performance under wet conditions. Their rolling resistance is rated ‘D’, reflecting similar fuel efficiency between the two. The A052, however, stands out for being quieter, with a noise level of 71 decibels compared to the AD09’s 73 decibels.
| EU label | Advan A052 | Advan Neova AD09 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet label | A | A |
| Rolling Resistance | D | D |
| Noise (dB) | 71 | 73 |
It’s important to note that this difference pertains to exterior noise, or pass-by noise, which primarily affects passersby and the environment rather than the driver’s experience inside the vehicle. Thus, while both tires promise excellent wet performance and comparable fuel efficiency, the A052 offers a slight advantage in reducing environmental noise impact, making it a considerate choice for urban areas and quiet neighborhoods.
Tread depth
When examining the tread depths of the Yokohama Advan A052 and the Yokohama Advan Neova AD09 tires, particularly for the size 225/40R18, we notice a distinct difference that aligns with each tire’s intended use and performance focus. The Advan A052 has a tread depth of 7/32 inches (approximately 5.6 mm), whereas the Advan Neova AD09 has a slightly deeper tread depth of 8/32 inches (about 6.4 mm).
| Size 225/40R18 | Advan A052 | Advan Neova AD09 |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth | 7/32 (5.6mm) | 8/32 (6.4mm) |
This difference in tread depth is reflective of the specific performance characteristics and usage scenarios each tire is designed for. With a focus on track day and high-performance driving, the Advan A052’s shallower tread depth of 7/32 inches is beneficial for dry handling. A shallower tread depth generally means less movement within the tread blocks during tight maneuvers, which translates to better stability and grip when driving at high speeds on dry surfaces. This characteristic makes the A052 particularly suited for drivers looking to maximize their vehicle’s performance on the track, where conditions are controlled and the emphasis is on handling precision and speed.
On the other hand, the Advan Neova AD09, with its tread depth of 8/32 inches, is geared more towards normal street usage, where a variety of driving conditions can be expected. The deeper tread depth offers advantages in terms of versatility and durability, providing better water evacuation in wet conditions and potentially a longer tire life under regular driving conditions. This makes the AD09 a more adaptable option for drivers who require a tire that can handle a broad range of scenarios, including daily commuting and occasional spirited driving sessions, without sacrificing too much in the way of performance.
In essence, the choice between these two tires comes down to prioritizing either specialized performance on the track with the Advan A052 and its lower tread depth, or opting for the versatility and durability of the Advan Neova AD09, which features a higher tread depth suitable for a variety of driving conditions encountered in everyday use.
Price
The Yokohama Advan A052, priced at $283, is more expensive than the Advan Neova AD09, which costs $260, making the AD09 about 9% cheaper. The higher cost of the A052 is attributed to its track-focused design, incorporating advanced materials and technology optimized for maximum performance and handling on the racetrack. These specialized features justify its higher price point. Meanwhile, the AD09, designed for a blend of daily driving and performance, offers a more cost-effective option without sacrificing significant performance, reflecting its versatility and broader appeal.
Tire size: 225/40R18
- Advan A052: $ 283
- Advan Neova AD09: $ 260
Difference: -9% cheaper for Advan Neova AD09
Summary
As a tire expert, after examining the Yokohama Advan A052 and Advan Neova AD09, I see their differences as pivotal in guiding user choice. The A052’s premium is justified for track enthusiasts who demand the utmost in dry performance and precision handling. Its design caters to those who prioritize every fraction of a second on the track.
Conversely, the AD09, being slightly more affordable, suits drivers seeking a blend of daily drivability and high performance. Its higher tread depth and slightly higher noise level suggest a tire made for broader use, capable of handling varied conditions while still offering impressive performance.
In summary, if you’re all about track days and pushing limits, the A052 is your ideal match. For a tire that marries everyday comfort with spirited driving capabilities, the AD09 stands out. Both tires showcase Yokohama’s excellence, but your choice should align with your driving preferences and needs.
Dr Edwin Pang