Comparison: Firestone Roadhawk vs. Cooper Zeon CS8 vs. Continental UltraContact NXT

The Firestone Roadhawk and Cooper Zeon CS8 are both summer tyres that have seen rigorous testing from top automotive resources. In comparing these two tyre models, it is crucial to take into account their respective ratings, performance, and test results.

Firestone Roadhawk

Rated highly by us at 72%, the Firestone Roadhawk has shown its strengths in various tests. For example, during an Autobild test, it came in 3rd out of 51 tyres. It was praised for dry handling, wet handling, and wet side guide, making it a versatile choice. On the other hand, it was noted on Autobild 2019 for being good on dry roads and having lower abrasion but having weaknesses on wet roads and in terms of durability.

Cooper Zeon CS8

The Cooper Zeon CS8, manufactured in GB by Cooper, received a 56% rating from us. In the same Autobild test, it secured the 13th position. Its performance on wet roads was noted as satisfactory in Autobild 2019, but it was criticized for being unbalanced with noticeable weaknesses on dry roads. Environmental efficiency, tyre lifespan, and wear resistance were also points of concern.

Comparison

In a direct comparison, the Firestone Roadhawk seems to perform better overall and ranks higher in tests. While it excels in both dry and wet handling, the Cooper Zeon CS8 shows more significant weaknesses, particularly in dry conditions. In another test by ADAC, the Firestone Roadhawk ranked 4th out of 16 tyres, while the Cooper Zeon CS8 ranked 14th.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Firestone Roadhawk appears to be the stronger of the two tyres, with better overall performance and fewer weaknesses according to testing. This is not to say the Cooper Zeon CS8 isn't a good tyre, but it seems to have more areas for improvement. While both these tyres do not have newer models to replace them yet, we hope any future versions will address the mentioned weak points.