Goodyear tires are a better choice when it comes to on-road performance, traction, and overall fuel economy. Also, Goodyear totally dominates when it comes to performance tires in every aspect. However, with Cooper tires, you get good off-road performance and better tread wear resistance for passenger car tires.
But there are also other important factors that you need to watch out for and some tire models that will be the best choice for you in any given situation. To know more about it, let’s get started.
Cooper VS Goodyear Tires: On-Road Performance
Let’s start this by comparing the performance between Cooper and Goodyear tires in terms of relevant tire factors for optimal on-road performance. We make a detailed comparison between Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring VS Goodyear Assurance All Season.
| Factors | Cooper | Goodyear |
| Dry Traction | Good Dry Traction | Better Dry Traction |
| Wet Traction | Better Wet Traction | Good Wet Traction |
| Treadlife | Better Tread Life | Good Tread Life |
| Treadlife Warranty | 40,000 – 80,000 miles | 60,000 – 85,000 miles |
| Fuel Economy | Good Fuel Economy | Better Fuel Economy |
| Notable Tire Family | Endeavor, Ultra Touring, Endura Max | Assurance, Integrity, Fortera |
| Cost | $120 – $265 | $92 – $204 |
From the table it can be seen that both Cooper and Goodyear are good choices for you. If one of them has better traction, the other has better treadlife. The description that comes right after covers the reason for it.
Dry Traction
When it comes to dry traction performance Goodyear Assurance All-Season shows better results in comparison to Cooper CS5 Ultra touring. Assurance all season has the compound molded into symmetric tread design. This design includes independent shoulder blocks that account for good grip.
Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring also helps to gain traction thanks to its coupled silica compound. The key difference is that the tread compound is molded into an asymmetric tread pattern. However, due to greater amount of biting edges, you will get better dry traction from Goodyear Assurance All Season.
Verdict:
Goodyear Assurance All Season has better dry traction in comparison to Cooper CS5 Ultra touring tires.
Wet Traction
Goodyear Assurance All season has a tread pattern where it uses four wide grooves to evacuate away water. This helps in hydroplaning resistance. On the other hand, its multiple sipes help to provide the biting edges necessary for good grip.
Cooper CS5 Ultra touring tires come with high sipe density and greater space for evacuating away the water. Along with this, it has full depth 3D Micro Gauge technology. This helps to enhance the biting edges for the tire.
Therefore, more space for water evacuation means that the hydroplaning resistance is better in Cooper tire. That along with greater biting edges mean that Cooper CS5 is the better option in wet traction.
Verdict:
Choose Cooper CS5 Ultra touring tire for better performance on wet traction.
Treadwear
Cooper tires have better resistance against wearing out thanks to its combination of two ply polyester casing, steel belts and nylon reinforcement that make the tires more rigid and prone to long tread life.
Goodyear tires are also a good option for tread life performance with polyester casing and twin steel belts just like Cooper tires but it lacks in the spirally bound nylon reinforcement which makes Cooper tires slightly better.
Verdict:
Cooper CS5 Ultra touring tires have better tread life compared to Goodyear Assurance All Season tires.
Fuel Economy
You need a tire with low rolling resistance for good fuel economy. Rolling resistance determines how difficult it is for the tire to roll over the surface. More resistance means that the difficulty is higher.
Rolling resistance is directly related to the tread depth. Shallower the tread depth, lower will be the rolling resistance and better will be the fuel economy.
So, let’s compare the tread depth between Cooper and Goodyear tires for different tire sizes.
| Tire Parameter | Cooper | Goodyear |
| 205/55R16 | 11/32 of an inch | 9/32 of an inch |
| 235/65R17 | 11/32 of an inch | 9/32 of an inch |
From the table you can see that the tread depth is more for Cooper tires which means it will have more rolling resistance and therefore higher fuel consumption rate.
Just a reminder that tread depth is not the only factor for good fuel economy. But there are many important factors like tire size, inflated pressure. However, this is to compare the fuel economy if every other factor stays constant.
Verdict:
Choose Goodyear Assurance All Season tires instead of Cooper CS5 Ultra touring tires for better fuel economy.
Cooper VS Goodyear Tires: Sports Car Performance
One of the specialties of Goodyear tires is its wide range of sports car tires. We make the comparison between Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 VS Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate. The following table shows the key factors that differ the performance between Cooper and Goodyear tires.
| Factors | Cooper | Goodyear |
| Dry Traction | Good Dry Traction | Better Dry Traction |
| Wet Traction | Good Wet Traction | Better Wet Traction |
| Handling Ability | Good Handling Ability | Better Handling Ability |
| Treadlife | Good Tread Life | Better Tread Life |
| Fuel Economy | Good Fuel Economy | Better Fuel Economy |
| Notable Tire Family | – | Eagle, Excellence, Ultragrip, Fortera SL |
| Cost | $175 – $260 | $96 – $607 |
Dry Traction
Cooper Zeon RS3 G1 is made by molding the tread compound into an asymmetric pattern. It has been specially formulated to use void ratio for the purpose of maximizing the contact patch. More contact patch with the road surface, better will be the grip.
Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate has also been molded into an asymmetric pattern. The tread design has five rib tread patterns. But the best part is that these tires have ActiveGrip and ActiveBraking technology, both of which shorten the braking distance and maximizes the pressure distribution in the footprint. More pressure distribution, better contact.
So, the combination of proper contact in the road and advanced grip technology means that Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate will have better dry traction.
Verdict:
Choose Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate instead of Cooper Zeon RS3 G1 for better dry traction performance.
Wet Traction
Cooper Zeon RS3 G1 has wide lateral notches and deep circumferential groove in its tread design. This helps in the hydroplaning resistance of the tire. Moreover, its 3-D Micro Gauge sipes account for biting edges for good grip on slippery surfaces.
Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate on the other hand, also uses this combination of lateral notches and circumferential grooves for good hydroplaning resistance. But its use of ActiveGrip technology and multiple sipes in grabbing the slippery surfaces makes it good for wet traction as well.
Verdict:
Go for Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate tires instead of Cooper Zeon RS3 G1 tires mainly due to options available for choosing the best tire for wet traction.
Handling Ability
In terms of steering response and cornering stability, Cooper tires have two-low stretch polyester casing plies that help to balance the handling. You have better steering control thanks to the high stiffness bead filler. Moreover, its ActiveBraking technology helps to shorten the braking distance. All of these help in good handling.
Cooper Zeon RS3 G1 also helps to maintain the handling response. With its siping technology, the tire can be used for easy response. But the problem is in the delayed response. Therefore, due to overall advanced technology and short braking distance Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate will have better handling ability.
Verdict:
Mostly the handling ability will be pretty much the same. However, if you choose Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate you will have much improved handling and steering response from your tires.
Treadlife
Cooper tires come with a continuous center rib that helps to maintain the solid on-center feel and also have good resistance against tire wear out. Its Zeon RS3-G1 comes with steel belts that have spirally bound nylon wrap for long tread life. However, despite all these Cooper tires normally have a treadlife warranty of up to 45,000 miles.
Goodyear tires have steel belt wire that are lightweight and have high tensile strength along with two polyamide reinforcement plies that ensures a long tread life.
Verdict:
Go for Goodyear tires instead of Cooper tires if you want to have good tread life from your tires.
Fuel Economy
Let’s compare the tread depth between Cooper and Goodyear tires and check for the fuel consumption rate between the tires.
Following is the table that shows the tread depth between Cooper and Goodyear tires.
| Tire Parameter | Cooper | Goodyear |
| 225/45R17 | 10.5/32 of an inch | 10/32 of an inch |
| 255/40R18 | 10.5/32 of an inch | 10/32 of an inch |
From the table it can be observed that the tread depth is more for Cooper tires and that means it will have more fuel consumption rate.
Verdict:
Choose Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate tires instead of Cooper Zeon RS3 G1 tires for better fuel economy.
Cooper VS Goodyear Tires: Winter Tire Performance
Let’s get into comparing the performance between Cooper and Goodyear tires for winter conditions. Here, we make the comparison between the Goodyear Ultra Grip VS Cooper Evolution Tour. The table below shows the main factors between Cooper and Goodyear tires.
| Factors | Cooper | Goodyear |
| Traction on Snow | Good Snow Grip | Better Snow Grip |
| Treadlife | Good Tread Life | Good Tread Life |
| Notable Tire Family | Discoverer | Ultra Grip, Winter Command |
| Cost | $135 – $280 | $130 – $325 |
Let’s dive into the details of each of the factors now.
Traction on Snow
Cooper tires have wide tread blocks on its outboard shoulder helps it to have proper grip on dry surfaces while its deep treads and wide circumferential grooves help it to maintain good hydroplaning resistance and traction. Just like most Cooper tires, it has 3D Micro Gauge sipes to create the required biting edges.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance incorporates technologies such as three-dimensional treadlock and Cryo-Adaptive compound technology that helps to optimize the tread design to have good traction on any surface. The speciality of this technology is that it locks the sipes together for maximum snow grip. That along with advanced hydroplaning features makes Goodyear Ultra gGrip the better choice for snow traction. .
Verdict:
Choose Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance over Cooper Evolution Tour for better snow traction.
Treadlife
Cooper Evolution tires have a rigid internal construction where the tire structures are made with one-ply polyester casing and this leads to an increase to the two-ply sidewall. It helps the tires to endure more load and have increased durability. On top of that, Cooper tires are made with durable rubber compound that makes the tire long lasting.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance tires are made with a combination of advanced polymer and silica technology that helps it to have the required tire flexibility and resistance against tire wearing out. Most of its tires are constructed keeping the tire endurance in mind and will give you good protection.
Both the tires have the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMS) symbol and that shows the compatibility of these tires.
Verdict:
If you are looking to buy a tire specifically for tire tread life then you can choose Cooper or Goodyear tires.
Cooper VS Goodyear Tires: Off Road Performance
Finally we need to discuss the difference in the performance for the off-road tires of both Cooper and Goodyear. For a detailed comparison we are going to choose Cooper STT Pro VS Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac. The table below shows some of the key factors that differ between Cooper and Goodyear tires.
| Factors | Cooper | Goodyear |
| Off Road Performance | Better Performance | Good Performance |
| On Road Performance | Good Performance | Better Performance |
| Treadwear | Good Tread Life | Better Tread Life |
| Notable Tire Family | Discoverer | Wrangler |
| Cost | $200 – $420 | $125 – $328 |
The table indicates the difference in the performance. You can see that the result is a bit mixed. The description should clear it all out.
Off Road Performance
Performance in Mud
Cooper STT Pro has the deep starting tread depth and alternating cleats in the shoulder lugs that account for enhanced traction. Deeper the tread depth and more the void ratio, better will be the mud traction for the tire.
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is also a decent option when it comes to muddy terrain. It is made with Tractive Groove technology which helps the tires to sustain during heavy mud conditions. There is a rim lock in its tread design that will protect from slipping.
However, STT Pro is generally more preferred for its grip and easy movement on muddy terrain.
Performance in Rock
Cooper STT Pro is made with a robust, chip and tear resistant compound. This robust and aggressive design helps the tires to have good protection against stone and puncture. In addition, STT Pro has anti-stone retention ribs at the base of its tread grooves which help to eject away the stone.
On a similar note, Wrangler Duratrac tires feature rugged tread compounds that help in protecting the tires from puncture and make them more durable. But it lags in stone ejecting features and that’s why STT Pro is the better option in terms of performance on rocky surfaces.
Verdict:
Overall Cooper STT Pro tires have better dry traction performance compared to Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires but make sure to check individual tire models.
On Road Performance
In terms of steering response and dry traction, the Wrangler Duratrac is slightly ahead. This is because of the inter-locked and center section block that helps in quick response.
Both Wrangler Duratrac and STT Pro have thick sidewall, but the key difference is in the weight of the tire. Lighter the tire, better will be its steering response. Therefore, Wrangler Duratrac due to its lighter weight and stiff sidewall will lead to good steering response on road conditions
Verdict:
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac has better on road performance.
Treadwear
Tire wearing out depends on its internal construction and tread geometry. Both Cooper and Goodyear tires have multiple ply structure which makes them resistant to puncture and leads to long term tread life.
Although Goodyear has some amazing products in its line that are durable. But Cooper STT Pro uses the Armor Tek3 Construction technology which uses a robust, three ply polyester casing for good protection.
Wrangler Duratrac is also a durable tire. It has its versatile design which along with the rugged tread compound make the tires compatible against wearing out. However, due to having slightly better sidewall durability Wrangler Duratrac is the better option when it comes to durability.
Verdict:
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires have the better tread wear resistance compared to Cooper STT Pro tires when it comes to off-road tires.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between CS5 Ultra Touring and CS5 Grand Touring?
The difference between CS5 Ultra Touring and CS5 Grand Touring is mainly in the tread life warranty and the tread depth where Grand Touring has deeper tread depth. Beyond that both CS5 Ultra Touring and CS5 Grand Touring are passenger tires.
Is Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 Good For BMW?
Yes, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is good for BMW. As a maximum performance tire it has the required tread design to help your BMW get the best steering response, traction and overall a good tread life. All of that along with a relatively quiet ride.
Can STT Pro Be Used on a 4 x 4?
Yes, STT Pro can be used on a 4 x 4. In fact, it is an off-road tire that comes with a unique tread pattern and rock climber sidewall technology to help you maintain good grip and expel dirt and rocks whenever you are on off-terrain.
Conclusion
Now it should be clear for you on what to choose between Cooper VS Goodyear tires. This guide will help you to get a clear idea between the Cooper and Goodyear tires. But if you want a more in-depth comparison then always choose two specific tire models to compare. Finally, always make the decision keeping the main intention in mind.
