In this head-to-head comparison of the Firestone Roadhawk and the Imperial EcoSport 2, the available independent test data points to a clear overall winner. Below we summarise the test positions, highlight strengths and weaknesses, and provide practical verdicts to help you choose the right summer tyre for everyday driving.
Test results summary
The most relevant direct comparison comes from the Autobild tyre test where both tyres were examined among
53 competitors. The Firestone Roadhawk finished in
13th place (13/53), while the Imperial EcoSport 2 placed much lower at
41st (41/53). In our internal scoring the Roadhawk carries a recorded rating of
57%. The Imperial model has no score recorded in our dataset (0%), which normally indicates no comprehensive rating was available or it did not meet thresholds for a full score.
What the numbers mean — strengths & weaknesses
- Firestone Roadhawk — With a top-15 finish in a 53-tyre Autobild test, the Roadhawk demonstrates clear competence as an all-round summer tyre. Its position suggests solid performance across core areas such as wet and dry grip, braking and handling stability compared with many budget or entry-level offerings. That said, a 57% rating places it in the mid-range: it is not a premium top-scoring tyre and may lag premium rivals on rolling resistance, noise or extreme-weather braking where fractional gains matter. Note: this model has since been replaced — consider the Firestone Roadhawk 2 for updated compound and tread improvements.
- Imperial EcoSport 2 — The EcoSport 2’s 41st position indicates notable weaknesses relative to the field. Such a result typically reflects compromises in grip, braking distances (especially in wet conditions), and tyre longevity. The absence of a recorded percentage score suggests limited test coverage or inconsistent results in the test battery. Imperial tyres are commonly positioned as budget alternatives — see the brand page at Imperial for range details — but buyers should be aware of trade-offs in safety-critical performance metrics.
Mutual test positioning and overall verdict
The mutual comparison is straightforward: the
Firestone Roadhawk outperforms the Imperial EcoSport 2 across the available Autobild test metrics (13th vs. 41st out of 53). The Roadhawk’s mid-pack but respectable finish makes it the better choice for drivers prioritising dependable summer performance and shorter braking distances. The EcoSport 2, by contrast, sits well down the order and is likely best suited only for buyers on a strict budget who accept compromises on wet-weather safety and handling.
For brand information and full model pages, see the Firestone brand and model pages (Firestone and Firestone Roadhawk) and the Imperial entries (Imperial and Imperial EcoSport 2).
Bottom line: choose the Firestone Roadhawk (or its updated successor, the Roadhawk 2) for a safer, more reliable summer tyre overall. The Imperial EcoSport 2 is an inexpensive option but falls short on independent test performance and should be chosen with caution.