You’re eyeing the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate and Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. One boasts grip that clings to the road come rain or shine, while the other promises a blend of agility and endurance for every season. Which tire will take you further?
The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 offers superior performance in wet and dry conditions and better light snow handling, making it a more versatile choice for varied climates. The Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate provides solid performance, especially in dry conditions, but falls short in winter capabilities.
In this article, we’ll delve deep into the features, performance, and real-world applications of the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate and Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. From wet grip to winter readiness and everything in between, we’ll help you decide which tire suits your journey best.
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
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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
When it comes to picking the right tires for your ride, the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate offers a lot to talk about. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what this tire brings to the table, focusing on key performance metrics and breaking down what they really mean for you, the driver.
Wet Performance
- Hydroplaning Resistance (8.6): This score tells us how well the tire can keep its grip when driving through water. The Eagle Exhilarate scores decently here, meaning it’s capable of handling wet roads, but it might not be the king of the pond when compared to others in its class.
- Wet Traction (8.8): Ever find yourself driving in the rain and feeling like you’re skating on ice? Well, with a wet traction score of 8.8, the Eagle Exhilarate does a solid job of keeping you grounded, offering confidence in those pesky downpours.
Dry Performance
- Corner Stability (9.0): This is all about how the tire behaves when you’re taking corners. A 9.0 score here means you can expect these tires to hold their own when you’re hugging those turns.
- Dry Traction (9.1) and Steering Response (9.0): These scores speak volumes about the tire’s grip and how quickly it responds to steering. High marks in these areas mean you’re getting a tire that sticks to the road and listens to your every command.
Winter Performance
- Overall Winter Rating (6.4): Now, here’s where the tire hits a bit of a slippery slope. With lower scores across the board for light snow traction (6.9), deep snow traction (6.2), and ice traction (6.0), the Eagle Exhilarate may not be your best buddy in severe winter conditions. It’ll get you through some light snow, but anything beyond that might be pushing its limits.
Comfort and Treadwear
- Ride Quality (8.3) and Noise (8.1): These scores reflect the tire’s ability to offer a smooth ride without a lot of noise. While the Eagle Exhilarate does a respectable job, it may not be the quietest or the cushiest tire you’ve ever experienced.
- Treadwear (7.9): This metric gives you an idea of how long the tire’s going to last. With a score of 7.9, it suggests that while the Eagle Exhilarate is pretty durable, there might be other tires out there that can go the extra mile.
Pros
- Strong dry performance with good corner stability and traction.
- Competent in wet conditions, offering a secure grip in the rain.
Cons
- Winter performance leaves room for improvement, particularly in deep snow and ice.
- Comfort and noise levels are good but not top-notch.
- Treadwear could be better, indicating that you might be looking at replacements sooner than with some competitors.
Summary
The Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate shines in dry and wet conditions, making it a solid choice for drivers in milder climates or those who don’t face harsh winters regularly. Its performance in turns and quick steering response will surely impress.
However, if you’re trekking through snow and ice regularly or are after the quietest ride possible, you might want to explore other options. Remember, no tire is perfect for every situation, but understanding your priorities can help you make the best choice for your needs.
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
7.4 of 10
Tread Wear
8.4 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 540
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 45,000 miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.1 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.3 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.1 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.9 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.9 of 10
Road Noise: 8.6 of 10
Let’s shift gears and talk about the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. Known for its impressive performance across a variety of conditions, this tire promises to bring a lot to your driving experience. We’ll dissect its performance metrics to understand why it stands out and where it might fall short.
Wet Performance
- Hydroplaning Resistance (9.1): This tire boasts superior hydroplaning resistance, meaning it’s designed to keep you safer on wet roads by maintaining better contact with the surface. In simple terms, it’s less likely you’ll find yourself sliding around when it’s raining cats and dogs.
- Wet Traction (9.1): With a wet traction score to match, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 ensures that rain or shine, your car sticks to the road like glue, providing a secure and confident driving experience during those stormy days.
Dry Performance
- Corner Stability (9.3): This tire takes corners like a champ. With a score of 9.3, it’s clear that whether you’re weaving through traffic or enjoying a spirited drive on a winding road, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 has got your back.
- Dry Traction (9.4) and Steering Response (9.3): These are top-notch scores that reflect the tire’s exceptional grip and responsive nature in dry conditions. Expect a tire that responds eagerly to your directions, making for a dynamic and engaging drive.
Winter Performance
- Overall Winter Rating (7.4): While not its strongest suit, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 still manages to perform decently in winter conditions. With light snow traction at 8.1, it can handle some winter weather, but its lower scores in deep snow traction (7.3) and ice traction (6.9) suggest it might struggle in more severe snowy or icy conditions.
Comfort and Treadwear
- Ride Quality (8.9) and Noise (8.6): These scores indicate that Michelin has worked hard to balance performance with comfort. The tire provides a ride that’s both smooth and relatively quiet, making it a pleasure to drive on long journeys or just zipping around town.
- Treadwear (8.4): The Pilot Sport All Season 4 scores well in durability, suggesting it will serve you well over many miles. While it may not be the absolute leader in longevity, it strikes a good balance between performance and wear.
Pros
- Excellent wet and dry performance, offering confidence-inspiring grip and handling.
- Good comfort levels, ensuring a pleasant driving experience in terms of ride quality and noise.
- Respectable winter performance for an all-season tire, though best suited for light snow conditions.
Cons
- Winter capabilities, particularly in deep snow and ice, are limited compared to specialized winter tires.
- While treadwear is decent, some drivers might seek even longer-lasting options.
Summary
The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a powerhouse of a tire, especially if you’re someone who values performance in both wet and dry conditions. Its capabilities in cornering, traction, and steering response are standout features that will likely appeal to enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
The tire also does a commendable job of balancing comfort with performance, making it a versatile option for a wide range of vehicles. However, for those living in areas with severe winter weather, it’s worth considering its limitations on ice and deep snow.
Ultimately, if you’re after a tire that excels in most conditions and delivers a dynamic driving experience, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a compelling choice.
Comparative Analysis
When you’re stuck between the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate and the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, it’s like choosing between two top-notch diners; both promise a satisfying meal, but the flavor (or in this case, performance) differs. Let’s break down how these tires stack up against each other across various key aspects.
Wet and Dry Performance
- Wet Grip: Both tires perform admirably in wet conditions, but the Michelin has a slight edge with its higher hydroplaning resistance and wet traction scores. This means in the showdown of rain-soaked streets, the Michelin might just pull ahead, offering a bit more confidence.
- Dry Conditions: Here, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 also shines, boasting slightly better corner stability, dry traction, and steering response. It’s not that the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate slacks off; it’s just that Michelin brings a bit more to the table in terms of raw performance.
Winter Performance
- Cold Weather Capability: This is where the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate starts to trail behind. With lower scores across all winter performance metrics, it’s clear that the Michelin offers better, though still not perfect, performance in light snow conditions. If your winters are mild, either tire will do, but for those occasional snowfalls, Michelin holds the advantage.
Comfort and Treadwear
- Ride Comfort: Both tires aim to offer a ride that’s as smooth as silk, but Michelin takes the cake with slightly higher scores in ride quality and noise. It’s not a landslide victory, but for those long drives or daily commutes, the extra bit of comfort from the Michelin could be a tiebreaker.
- Longevity: Treadwear is a crucial factor for many, and here the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 edges out with a slightly better score. It suggests that while both tires offer decent durability, the Michelin might just squeeze out a few more miles before waving the white flag.
Pros and Cons Recap
Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate:
- Pros: Solid performance in dry and wet conditions, with good corner stability and wet traction.
- Cons: Falls short in winter performance and overall comfort and treadwear when compared to the Michelin.
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4:
- Pros: Superior wet and dry grip, better light snow capability, and slightly higher comfort and durability.
- Cons: Still limited in heavy snow and ice conditions and might come at a higher price point.
Making the Choice
Choosing between these two tires boils down to your specific needs and driving conditions. If you’re in a region with mild winters and prioritize performance and comfort, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a standout choice. Its superior wet and dry grip, alongside commendable winter capabilities for an all-season tire, make it a versatile option.
On the other hand, if budget considerations play a big role in your decision, or if your driving conditions don’t often include heavy rain or light snow, the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate offers robust performance at potentially better value. Its dry and wet performance is nothing to scoff at, making it a worthy contender for those looking to balance cost with capability.
Other Competitors in the Market
While the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate and Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 are standout choices in the high performance all-season tire category, the road doesn’t end with them. There are other notable competitors worth considering, each with its own set of strengths and features that could sway your decision. Let’s take a look at some of these key players and how they stack up.
Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect
Performance Highlights:
- Wet and Dry: This tire boasts impressive scores in both wet (9.0) and dry conditions (9.3), making it a formidable contender for those prioritizing traction and stability no matter the weather.
- Winter: With a winter rating of 8.1, it offers reliable performance in light snow, though, like most all-season tires, it’s not a replacement for a dedicated winter tire in harsh snow conditions.
- Comfort and Treadwear: High marks in comfort (9.1) and a solid treadwear rating (8.9) suggest a blend of durability and a pleasant driving experience.
Vredestein Hypertrac All Season
Performance Highlights:
- Wet and Dry: Matching the Pirelli with a wet score of 9.0 and slightly trailing in dry performance (9.1), the Vredestein is another top choice for varied driving conditions.
- Winter: It’s a bit less capable in winter conditions (7.9) compared to the Pirelli, which might be a deciding factor for drivers in colder climates.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Comfort scores are strong (8.9), and while treadwear (8.7) is commendable, it might not last as long as some of its rivals.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
Performance Highlights:
- Wet and Dry: Matching high scores in wet (9.0) and dry conditions (9.3), the Bridgestone offers excellent grip and responsiveness, akin to the Pirelli and Michelin.
- Winter: Its winter performance (7.5) is the weakest among the competitors listed here, making it less ideal for areas with moderate to severe winter weather.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Comfort is on par with the others (8.9), but treadwear (8.6) suggests a slightly shorter lifespan, which could impact long-term value.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Performance Highlights:
- Wet and Dry: With the highest wet score (9.1) among the competitors and a strong showing in dry conditions (9.3), the Continental is a heavyweight contender for those prioritizing wet weather performance.
- Winter: Its winter capabilities (7.6) are better than the Bridgestone but still not quite at the level of the Pirelli, striking a balance for those in regions with light to moderate snow.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Comfort is competitive (8.9), but it has the lowest treadwear score (8.5) of the group, suggesting a compromise between performance and longevity.
Choosing Among the Competitors
When selecting a high performance all-season tire, the right choice often comes down to your specific priorities:
- For wet and dry performance: The Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect and Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus stand out for their excellent grip and stability.
- For winter driving: The Pirelli offers the best light snow performance, making it a solid option for those in colder climates who don’t experience severe winter weather.
- For comfort and longevity: The Pirelli again shines with high comfort levels and a strong treadwear rating, offering a balanced package for long-term satisfaction.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
- Goodyear Product Page
- Michelin Product Page
- Ultra high performance all-season consumer ratings – Tire Rack
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate and Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 hinges on your driving environment and priorities.
If you face varied weather conditions, including light snow, the Michelin is the better all-rounder, offering top-notch wet and dry performance and decent winter handling.
The Goodyear excels in dry conditions and is a strong contender in the wet but doesn’t quite keep up when the snow falls.
Ultimately, the best tire for you is one that aligns with your driving needs and conditions, ensuring safety and performance on every trip.
Good luck and happy motoring.
