With the myriad of tire options out there, pinpointing the right choice can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Whether you’re battling snowy commutes or just looking for something that can handle a surprise rain shower with grace, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these tires can turn your decision from a guess into an informed choice.
The Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate excels in dry conditions but falls short in winter performance, while the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus offers a more balanced performance across various conditions, including light snow.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of tires, specifically looking at how the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus compare in performance across different conditions. We’ll also touch on other competitors in the market to give you a comprehensive view of your options.
Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.0 of 10
Wet Weather
8.7 of 10
Winter Weather
6.4 of 10
Tread Wear
7.9 of 10
Dry Weather
9.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.2 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 500
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 45,000 miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.6 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.8 of 10
Cornering: 9.0 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.1 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.0 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 6.9 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 6.2 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.0 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.3 of 10
Road Noise: 8.1 of 10
Diving straight into the nitty-gritty of the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate, this tire brings a mix of emotions to the table, kind of like your favorite roller coaster – exhilarating yet with moments that make you grip the safety bar a bit tighter.
What’s the Deal?
At first glance, the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate seems to pack a punch in the dry performance sector. With a score of 9.0 in dry traction, it assures you that gripping the road, even as you corner at speeds that would make your grandma gasp, is its bread and butter. Corner stability and steering response both hit the 9.0 mark, ensuring that the tire responds to your every whim with the enthusiasm of a puppy seeing its owner after a long day.
However, not every day is sunshine and rainbows. When the clouds gather, and the rain starts pouring, the Eagle Exhilarate shows a slight hesitance, scoring an 8.7 in wet traction and an even lower 8.6 in hydroplaning resistance. It’s like that friend who’s a blast at parties but suddenly gets quiet when the topic shifts to something serious. It’ll get you through the wet conditions, but perhaps not with the same confidence as a sunny day.
Winter Blues
If you’re someone who enjoys the thrill of a snowy drive, the Eagle Exhilarate might make you think twice. With winter performance scores that make it seem like it would rather hibernate, light snow traction at 6.9, deep snow traction at 6.2, and ice traction a chilly 6.0, it’s clear this tire prefers to stay indoors during the colder months.
Ride Comfort and Treadwear
Comfort is another area where the Eagle Exhilarate aims to please, but doesn’t quite hit the high notes. Scoring an 8.2 overall, with ride quality at 8.3 and noise at 8.1, it’s like a pair of good, not great, noise-canceling headphones. They’ll do the job, but you might still hear some of the outside world creeping in.
Treadwear, with a score of 7.9, tells us this tire might not be the longest-lasting love affair you’ve ever had. It’s more of a summer fling – great while it lasts but don’t expect it to go the distance without showing some wear.
Pros
- Excellent dry performance
- Responsive to steering
- Decent ride comfort
Cons
- Less confidence in wet conditions
- Winter performance could leave you cold
- Tread life may not be marathon-worthy
In summary, the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate is a tire that shines when the sun does. It offers a spirited drive with responsive handling and a decent level of comfort. However, when the weather turns foul, especially in winter, it’s not the tire you’d call for a snowball fight. And with treadwear that suggests a shorter lifespan, it’s a choice for those who value performance in the immediate rather than longevity.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
7.6 of 10
Tread Wear
8.5 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 560
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 50,000 miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.0 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.1 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.2 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.5 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.1 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.0 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
Shifting gears to the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, this tire is a bit like the all-rounder in your group of friends – reliable in almost every situation, whether it’s a sunny day out or a surprise snowstorm. Let’s break down what makes this tire a contender in the high performance all-season category.
All-Weather Warrior
First off, the DWS in its name stands for Dry, Wet, and Snow, and it lives up to those initials impressively. In the wet, it scores a robust 9.1, with hydroplaning resistance at 9.0 and wet traction just a notch higher. It’s the tire that reassures you during a downpour, kind of like having an umbrella strong enough to withstand a gusty day.
When the roads are dry, the DWS 06 Plus shines just as brightly, scoring a 9.3 in dry traction. Corner stability and steering response are at 9.2, suggesting this tire is not only eager to hit the road but also keen on making sure you stay in control, no matter the twists and turns.
Chilling in the Cold
While not a dedicated winter tire, the DWS 06 Plus doesn’t shy away from a little cold weather. With a light snow traction score of 8.2 and a slightly lower score for deep snow and ice traction, it’s like having a good pair of all-weather boots – suitable for light snow, but you might think twice before taking them into a blizzard.
Riding Comfortably
In terms of comfort, the DWS 06 Plus scores a solid 8.9 overall. Ride quality hits the 9.0 mark, ensuring that your journey is as smooth as a well-oiled machine, while noise levels are kept at a modest 8.7. It’s akin to enjoying your favorite tunes in a well-insulated cabin – you’re aware of the road, but it doesn’t interrupt your vibe.
Treadwear and Longevity
The DWS 06 Plus posts an 8.5 in treadwear, indicating that while it’s built to last, there might be others in the race with a bit more endurance. Think of it as a dependable daily driver that, with proper care, won’t let you down prematurely.
Pros
- Strong performance in wet and dry conditions
- Capable in light snow
- Comfortable ride with low noise
Cons
- Winter performance, while good, isn’t the top of its class
- Tread life is good but not the best in segment
In wrapping up, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus stands out as a tire that’s ready for almost anything. It delivers a reassuring performance in both wet and dry conditions, and won’t leave you stranded when the snow falls, provided it’s not too deep. Its ride is comfortable, making it a great companion for both short commutes and longer journeys.
For drivers who find themselves facing a variety of weather conditions and want a tire that doesn’t compromise on performance, the DWS 06 Plus presents a compelling option. It’s not the tire that will take you through the harshest winter without blinking, but for most drivers, it offers a blend of versatility and reliability that’s hard to beat. If your driving routine involves a mix of conditions and you value a comfortable, quiet ride, this tire deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Comparative Analysis
When it comes to choosing between the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, it’s like deciding between two top-notch athletes, each with their own set of strengths and areas for improvement. Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which tire might be the right fit for your ride.
Wet and Dry Performance
Both tires boast impressive dry traction scores, but the DWS 06 Plus edges out slightly in wet conditions with a 9.1 versus the Eagle Exhilarate’s 8.7. This means if you’re often driving in rainy weather, the DWS 06 Plus might give you that extra bit of confidence. However, the Exhilarate isn’t far behind, and its performance in dry conditions is nothing to scoff at.
Winter Readiness
Here, the DWS 06 Plus clearly takes the lead. With better scores across light snow, deep snow, and ice traction, it’s the tire that won’t give you the cold shoulder when temperatures drop. The Eagle Exhilarate, with its lower winter performance scores, is more suited to drivers in milder climates where snow and ice are rare guests.
Comfort and Noise
Both tires perform well in terms of ride quality and noise, offering a comfortable driving experience. However, the DWS 06 Plus has a slight advantage in ride quality, making it a tad more comfortable on varied road surfaces. This could be the deciding factor for those who prioritize a smooth and quiet ride over all else.
Treadwear and Longevity
In the long run, both tires present a trade-off between performance and longevity. The Eagle Exhilarate scores slightly lower in treadwear, suggesting it may not last as long as the DWS 06 Plus. This could translate to more frequent replacements for the Eagle Exhilarate, making the DWS 06 Plus a more economical choice over time for drivers concerned with longevity.
Choosing What’s Right for You
- If you’re after a tire that offers a spirited driving experience with great dry and decent wet performance, and you live in a region where winter doesn’t hit hard, the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate could be your match.
- On the other hand, if you need a tire that’s more of an all-rounder, capable of handling a wider range of weather conditions, including light to moderate winter scenarios, and you value comfort and longevity slightly more, then the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus might be the way to go.
The Verdict
In the end, the best choice depends on your specific driving needs and conditions. For those who enjoy pushing their car to its limits on dry roads and can manage with less-than-optimal winter performance, the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate offers an engaging drive. Meanwhile, drivers looking for a tire that provides peace of mind across a broader range of conditions, including unpredictable weather, will likely find the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus to be a solid, versatile option.
Other Competitors in the Market
While the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus are standout options in the high performance all-season tire category, the market is rich with competitors that bring their own blend of features to the table. Let’s take a look at a few other notable tires in this segment and see how they stack up.
Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect
This tire is like the tech whiz of the group, offering superb performance with a focus on eco-friendly driving. With wet and dry scores hovering around the 9.0 mark, it promises excellent handling and stability, whether the roads are parched or drenched. Its winter scores suggest it’s more suited to light snow conditions, similar to the Eagle Exhilarate. Where it really shines is in comfort and treadwear, suggesting a smooth ride and a longer life span, making it a great choice for drivers who are eco-conscious and expect a bit more mileage from their tires.
Vredestein Hypertrac All Season
A bit of a dark horse, the Vredestein Hypertrac offers a solid balance across different weather conditions, with slightly better performance in wet conditions compared to its rivals. Its winter performance is a bit lacking, placing it in a similar position to the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate. However, it scores well in comfort, making it a viable option for those who prioritize a quiet and smooth ride over hardcore winter capabilities.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
Bridgestone’s contender comes with strong wet and dry performance, rivaling the Continental for supremacy in handling and responsiveness. Its winter scores, while not the highest, are respectable and indicate it can handle light snowy conditions better than the Exhilarate. The Potenza RE980AS+ is a bit behind in comfort and treadwear, which suggests a trade-off between performance and longevity. It’s suited for drivers who value grip and stability but don’t mind a slightly firmer ride or a sooner replacement.
Choosing Among the Competitors
When looking beyond the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate and Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, the choice becomes a question of specific priorities:
- Eco-friendly and Longevity: The Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect is your go-to for a blend of performance and eco-consciousness.
- Balanced Performance with Comfort: Vredestein Hypertrac All Season offers a good mix across different conditions with a focus on ride comfort.
- Wet and Dry Mastery with Light Snow Capability: Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ stands out for those prioritizing grip and control in varied conditions.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
- Goodyear Product Page
- Continental Product Page
- Ultra high performance all-season consumer ratings – Tire Rack
Final Thoughts
Deciding between the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus comes down to understanding your specific driving conditions and what you value most in a tire. The Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate is an excellent choice for those who prioritize dry performance and are less concerned about winter conditions.
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus stands out for drivers looking for a tire that can handle a broader range of weather conditions, including moderate snow, without sacrificing comfort or tread life. Remember, the best tire for you is one that aligns with your driving habits, conditions, and expectations. Do your research, consider your priorities, and choose accordingly.
Good luck and happy motoring.
