This article compares Firestone and Cooper Tires, major tire brands. It covers aspects like performance, durability, warranty, pricing, and customer feedback. By showing their pros and cons, it helps readers choose the best tire brand. Understanding these details helps consumers make confident travel choices.
Firestone and Cooper Tires
| Feature | Firestone Tires | Cooper Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-skid Tires | No | Not mentioned |
| Treadlife Warranty | Up to 70,000 miles | Up to 80,000 miles |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | 90 days | 45 days |
| Price Range | Affordable | Affordable |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 1900 (United States, Vietnam, Brazil, Canada, and Costa Rica) | 1914 (Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas, but could also be made in China) |
| Mileage Warranty | Up to 55,000 miles | Up to 80,000 miles |
Tread design
Firestone offers tires for different driving conditions. It has highway, all-terrain, and mud-terrain options. The LE3 tire is symmetrical for stability and less noise. It’s perfect for a smooth ride. The A/T2 tire boosts traction on wet, dry, and snowy roads. So, it’s reliable in all weather. The M/T2 tire is for those who need more grip. It’s tough, with features to reject stones and mud. This makes it great for off-road challenges. These tires have unique treads. They wear evenly and work well on highways and curvy roads.
Cooper tires come with an asymmetric tread design. It resembles a mixtape and offers various patterns for different driving conditions. The Evolution Tour model has broad grooves, 3D sipes, Stabiledge Technology, and Aqua Vac channels. These features enhance hydroplaning resistance. The Evolution All-Season model features 3D sipes and Snow Groove technology. This improves winter performance. The Evolution M/T model offers strong off-road traction and puncture prevention.
Performance comparison
Wet Performance
Winner: Cooper Tires
In terms of wet performance, Cooper Tires takes the lead over Firestone. While Firestone averages a rating of 7.3 out of 10, Cooper scores slightly higher at 7.6 out of 10. Cooper demonstrates superior wet traction, braking, and handling, with the Discoverer AT3 4S earning an impressive 8.7 out of 10 compared to Firestone’s Destination LE3 at 8.4 out of 10. Price, durability, and noise levels remain essential considerations when making a decision.
Dry Performance
Winner: Cooper Tires
Cooper Tires secures victory in dry performance as well. Firestone’s Firehawk Indy 500 scores 9.2 out of 10 for dry performance. Meanwhile, Cooper’s Zeon RS3-G1, an all-season tire, scores 9.1. The slight difference in ratings might not be crucial. However, consider factors like wet performance, durability, and noise levels.Winter Performance
Winner: Cooper Tires
In winter tire performance, Firestone and Cooper Tires are similar. Firestone’s Winterforce 2 and Cooper’s Discoverer True North both score well. The Discoverer True North slightly edges out with an 8.1 rating. However, this advantage might not be crucial. Other factors like dry road grip, durability, and noise levels also play a role. Notably, Firestone tires are designed for excellent snow and ice traction.
Off-Road
Winner: Cooper Tires
Off-road fans prefer Firestone and Cooper tires for their durability and traction. The Firestone Destination A/T2 scores 8.1 out of 10. Meanwhile, the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro gets an 8.9. However, the final choice is up to off-road enthusiasts. They can test the tires for themselves to decide on the best option.
Price Comparison
Firestone and Cooper Tires are top brands offering high-performance tires at competitive prices. Firestone’s SUV and car tires are slightly more costly. A set of four Destination LE3 tires costs about $800 for SUVs and $600 for cars. In contrast, Cooper tires focus on lasting quality, good grip, and durability at a lower price.
The price difference between Firestone and Cooper tires depends on driver preferences. Cooper values longevity, comfort, and affordability. Firestone targets performance, stability, and traction. Both brands offer affordable options for road trips and daily drives, ensuring safe and comfortable rides.
Firestone and Cooper Tires are great choices for quality, affordable tires. They meet various needs, whether for performance or durability. This variety lets drivers find the right tires for a pleasant and budget-friendly drive.
Pros and Cons of Cooper Tires:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable: | Limited Sizes: |
| – Reasonably priced | – Exclusively developed for passenger vehicles, trucks, and SUVs |
| – Quality and safety | – Limited variety of original equipment tires |
| – Smooth, dependable highway rides | – Size restrictions for certain vehicles |
| – Guarantees and warranty | Noise: |
| – Investment prepared for unexpected road problems | – Significant road noise |
| Warranty: | – Impaired driver and passenger comfort at high speeds |
| – Significant treadwear guarantees up to 80,000 miles | – Noisier compared to other brands |
| – Limited guarantee for original usable tread for five years | – May not be suitable for those seeking quieter rides |
| – Tire bodyguard warranty for unforeseen road problems |
Pros and Cons of Firestone Tires:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordability: | Warranty: |
| – Reasonably priced | – Good treadwear guarantees but poor mileage |
| – Provides good quality and safety | – Maximum mileage limited to 70,000 miles |
| – Cost-effective investment | – Longest tread-life mileage peaks at 90,000–100,000 miles |
| Variety: | |
| – Wide range of tires available | |
| – Various sizes, styles, and fittings | |
| – Suitable for different vehicles and driving demands | |
| – Comfortable fit for metropolitan streets and off-road adventures |
Differences Between Firestone Tires and Cooper Tires
| Criteria | Firestone Tires | Cooper Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | – High-speed stability | – Emphasis on a pleasant driving experience |
| – Steering responsiveness | – Smooth rides | |
| – Grip in both dry and wet conditions | – Outstanding fuel efficiency | |
| – Excellent for racers | – Durability, especially on snow and ice | |
| Quality | – Utilizes cutting-edge technologies | – Focus on core markets, US production, and R&D |
| – Emphasizes quality control methods | – Strives for a balance of performance and longevity | |
| Product Range | – Offers tires for various cars and driving types | – Provides tires for a variety of cars and driving types |
| – Six categories available | – Four categories available | |
| Warranty | – Mileage guarantee of up to 55,000 miles | – Mileage guarantee of up to 80,000 miles |
| – Less extensive warranty coverage | – Varied choice for everyday usage and off-road excursions |
3 Famous Firestone Tires:
1. Firestone Weather Grip
The Firestone Weather Grip tire performs well in diverse weather, ensuring a smooth, safe drive with long-lasting quality. It suits cars, minivans, SUVs, and crossovers. Its tread pattern effectively disperses water and boosts snow traction. This enhances stability and driver confidence.
2. Firestone Destination X/T
The Firestone Destination X/T is for light trucks and SUVs. It’s tough and perfect for rough terrain. The strong tread and tough material resist mud, gravel, and sand. It also has a 3-peak mountain snowflake certification. This means it offers better traction on gravel and tough terrains. It makes every adventure exciting.
3. Firestone Firehawk AS V2
The Firestone Firehawk AS V2 tire excels on open roads. It offers great handling and grip. The tire is made with a high-silica compound, a directional tread design, and full-depth grooves. These features ensure stability and precision, even at high speeds. Additionally, its clean tread pattern efficiently removes water. This makes it perfect for driving fast, whether on wet or dry roads.
3 famous Cooper tires:
1. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a versatile tire. It has a tough tread, bold look, and is rated for severe weather. This tire is perfect for snow, ice, and slush. Plus, it’s guaranteed for 65,000 miles. It balances on-road comfort with off-road toughness well. So, it’s ideal for challenging terrain, all year round.
2. Cooper Zeon RS3-G1
The Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 is a high-performance tire for precise handling and performance driving. It works well in both dry and wet conditions. The tire offers excellent grip, handling, and stability, making driving fun. It has a silica-infused tread, race-inspired sidewall, and 3D Micro-Gauge siping technology for optimal performance.
3. Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring
The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring is a top-notch touring tire. It includes Wear Square, Stabil Edge, and 3D Micro-Gauge siping technologies. This tire ensures a quiet, smooth ride. Plus, it comes with a 70,000-mile treadwear guarantee and is very quiet. It’s perfect for drivers seeking comfort and performance. It enhances both daily commutes and long trips.
Which brand should You choose?
Firestone tires are famous for being durable, stable, and offering good grip in both dry and wet conditions. Racing fans prefer them due to the brand’s history. In contrast, Cooper tires are better for daily driving, providing comfort and a sophisticated feel. Firestone tires last up to 80,000 miles, while Cooper tires last around 50,000 miles. Choosing the right tire depends on the budget, driving habits, and preferences.
FAQ’s
Cooper tires are preferable to Firestone ones. They excel in wet and snow conditions, have a longer warranty and better treadwear and traction. However, Firestone tires are better on paved roads. Both brands are cheaper than top competitors.
The Best Cooper Tires
Cooper offers tires for various vehicles and needs. The Discoverer AT3 4S is an all-terrain tire with a 65,000-mile life. The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring offers a smooth ride for 70,000 miles with low rolling resistance. The Zeon RS3-G1 is a high-performance tire that lasts 50,000 miles.
The Best Firestone Tires
Firestone tires are also versatile. The Destination LE3 is a highway tire with a 70,000-mile life. The WeatherGrip, an all-weather tire, lasts for 65,000 miles. The Firehawk Indy 500, a performance tire, lasts 20,000 miles.
Cooper tires typically last 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Their lifespan depends on driving habits, road conditions, maintenance, and alignment. Tread life guarantees vary from 40,000 to 80,000 miles.
Firestone tires last about 40,000 to 60,000 miles. Tread life guarantees range from 20,000 to 70,000 miles.
Most Cooper tires are made in the USA, with factories in Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas. Some are made in China through a partnership with Sailun, marked “Made in China.”
Firestone tires are mostly made in the USA, with plants in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Tennessee. Some are produced in Vietnam, Brazil, Canada, and Costa Rica, marked accordingly.
Cooper tires, such as the Discoverer True North, Evolution Winter, and Discoverer AT3 4S, are excellent in snow. They provide strong grip, steady performance, and enhanced traction in wet and winter conditions.
Firestone snow tires, like the Winterforce 2, WeatherGrip, and Destination A/T2, are exceptional. They are designed for winter or all-weather driving, as indicated by the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol.
Cooper tires are affordable, ranging from $80 to $200 per tire. Prices vary based on size, model, and type, and may also differ by location.