Comparison: Pirelli Cinturato (C3) vs. GoodYear Efficientgrip Performance 2 vs. Kumho Ecsta HS52

Premium

Pirelli

Cinturato (C3)

VS

Efficientgrip Performance 2

Ecsta HS52

7.4

R14 – R20

Also compare with

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Ventus Evo

PremiumContact 7

Pirelli stops shorter; Goodyear goes further — different answers, different drivers.

Pick up a Pirelli Cinturato (C3) and you're choosing a tyre built around safety and grip — sharp braking, confident wet handling, and a driving character that earned it the tagline "safety meets sportiness." Pick up the GoodYear Efficientgrip Performance 2 and you're making a very different calculation: outstanding tread life, a quiet ride, and exceptional fuel efficiency. These two premium summer tyres have met twice in back-to-back major tests, and Pirelli has won both — but the Goodyear is not a loser. It's simply a tyre optimised for a different kind of driver.

Cinturato (C3)

Good for

Drivers prioritising emergency braking performance Wet-road confidence in varied conditions Sporty, engaged everyday driving feel Those replacing Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2

Not ideal for

Drivers prioritising cabin quietness above all High-mileage drivers focused on cost per km Those wanting maximum fuel efficiency

Efficientgrip Performance 2

Good for

High-mileage drivers wanting maximum tyre longevity Motorway commuters valuing a quiet cabin Fuel-conscious drivers seeking low running costs Those needing sizes from R15 to R21

Not ideal for

Drivers who prioritise dry and wet braking sharpness Those wanting top aquaplaning performance Safety-first buyers who won't accept braking compromises

Test Profile

Cinturato (C3)

Efficientgrip Performance 2

Ecsta HS52

Number of tests

7

4

10

Best position

#1

#2

Average position

2.7

3.3

6.0

Latest test

2026

Available sizes

31

40

109

Verdict

The Pirelli Cinturato (C3), the worthy successor to the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2, is the clear choice for drivers who want maximum safety performance — sharper braking on dry and wet roads, and a more engaging, confidence-inspiring driving feel. It has beaten the Goodyear in every head-to-head test they've shared, and for good reason. The GoodYear Efficientgrip Performance 2 is the tyre for drivers who think in terms of total cost of ownership: a quieter cabin, better fuel economy, and tread life that can outlast the Pirelli by a significant margin. It is also the more size-flexible option, spanning R15 to R21. Neither is a compromise pick — they simply solve the summer tyre question differently.