Comparison: Maxxis Premitra AS AP3 vs. Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2

The Maxxis Premitra AS AP3 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 tyres represent two excellent all-round options. Both tyres have a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for a wide range of vehicles and weather conditions.

The Maxxis Premitra AS AP3, tested in the ACE 2024, Autobild 2021 and 2022, yields mixed results. The tyre stands out for its relatively short dry braking distance and cost-effectiveness. However, it demonstrates weaker winter performance with limited grip and oversteering behaviour on ice and snow. The Maxxis tyre proffers sufficient security reserves for aquaplaning longitudinally but has longer braking distances on wet surfaces and increased rolling resistance. This tyre is manufactured in China and has an overall rating of 53 percent.

In contrast, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 is an all-rounder with impressive driving properties on snow-covered and dry tracks. The best features are the exceptional snow traction, dynamic dry handling and quiet rolling noise. While it demonstrates great performance in longitudinal aquaplaning and dry braking, it falls short in terms of lateral guidance on wet tracks. Also noted were understeer behaviour on wet and dry tracks and slightly extended wet braking distances. This tyre is made in Romania and has an overall rating of 68 percent. It has been replaced by the newer model - Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3.

When considering overall performance, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 outperforms the Maxxis Premitra AS AP3 in most areas, especially in wet conditions and snow. It holds a better overall test position with a ranking of 7th out of 10 in the Autobild tests and 5th out of 9 in the ACE tests. On the other hand, Maxxis places 8th in Autobild and 7th in ACE.

In summary, if snow and wet performance are your priorities, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 is the better tyre. If dry performance and cost-effectiveness are more crucial, then the Maxxis Premitra AS AP3 might be the better choice.