Is modern tire technology more important than engine horsepower?
When comparing a 6th generation Volkswagen GTI to an 8th generation model, which factor truly drives speed? This video investigates whether recent leaps in automotive performance are driven by vehicle engineering or advancements in tire technology.
To isolate the impact of tire evolution, the test pits an older 6th generation GTI against a newer 8th generation model. The experiment uses a controlled variable: one car runs the older ExtremeContact DW tires, while the other uses the newer ExtremeContact Sport 02. Crucially, both sets of tires are brand new and share identical dimensions, treadwear ratings, and loading indices.
The comparison evaluates how much performance is gained through rubber alone by measuring wet and dry lap times, alongside wet and dry braking performance. This allows us to see if an older car with modern tires can outperform a newer car constrained by outdated tire technology.
Source: Horsepower vs Tires - What Actually Matters?!
