Comparison: Maxxis Premitra HP5 vs. Semperit Speed-Life 3 vs. Firestone Roadhawk

When it comes to the search for the top-performing summer tyre, Maxxis Premitra HP5 and Semperit Speed-Life 3 tend to emerge as strong contenders. However, as our website test results suggest, each has its own merits and downfalls.

In the Autobild 2024 and ADAC tests, the Maxxis Premitra HP5 earned commendable 9th and 10th positions respectively from an extensive group of competitors. It was particularly praised for its impressive performance in Aquaplaning - both longitudinal and cross. Its stable dry driving behaviour and short wet braking distances make it a reliable pick for those concerned about safety.

However, the tyre was criticised for its somewhat delayed response to steering, less-than-optimal grip levels on both wet and dry surfaces, and high rolling resistance. Moreover, the Maxxis showed noticeable shortcomings in dry handling and limited tread life.

On the other hand, the Semperit Speed-Life 3, the successor to the Semperit Speed-Life, showed an exceptional performance in all test areas. Its standout features include outstanding exterior noise reduction and exceptional wet braking having achieved the 2nd position in the ADAC tests and 12th in the Autobild tests.

On the downside, users might miss the intense thrill of Aquaplaning as the Speed-Life 3 fell short in this feature, as observed in the Autobild tests. Nevertheless, for those who value a quiet and safe wet-driving experience, the Speed-Life 3 is an excellent choice.

To summarize, if your priority is aquaplaning safety, the Maxxis Premitra HP5 with its strong performance in cross aquaplaning tests might be the ideal pick. Meanwhile, if lower noise levels and superior wet grip are high on your priority list, the Semperit Speed-Life 3 would be a better fit, performing exceptionally well in noise reduction and wet braking. It's important, however, to keep in mind that while the Premitra HP5 did not outperform Speed-Life 3 in some of the tests results, it still managed a slightly higher average rating.