Are you in search of summer tires that excel in every aspect of performance? Well, we have just the right tires for you. The Avon ZV7 and the Uniroyal Rainsport tires are both mid-range summer tires that are built to provide top-notch performance to their users. Here We would be looking at Avon Zv7 and the two variants of Uniroyal Rainsport (5 and 3).
Starting with 5…
The ZV7 offers better traction on dry roads due to its higher contact patch whereas the same size of the Rainsport 5 provides better hydroplaning resistance due to its wider grooves.
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Comparing Uniroyal RainSport 5 with Avon ZV7
Vs
Featuring an asymmetrical tread design and relatively narrower grooves, the Avon ZV7 is the clearly winner of dry traction here. The narrower grooves of the tire make its contact patch higher, and as a result, the users get an excellent grip on the dry surfaces.
Moreover, the tire’s optimized shoulders also boost its handling on dry roads. However, due to the narrower grooves, the hydroplaning resistance of this tire is not as effective as that of the Rainsport 5.
Not only this, but the rolling resistance also becomes higher as well since its contact patch is higher.
Due to the higher rolling resistance, the tires’ fuel efficiency decreases, and the mileage also gets lower. But, on the brighter side, their price is extremely affordable.
This is what makes the ZV7 one of the favorite options of the users.
In comparison, the Uniroyal Rainsport 5 features a higher void ratio, decreasing its contact patch, making it lower comparatively. So, its dry traction is not as effective as that of ZV7.
However, the tire’s hydroplaning resistance is excellent due to its wider grooves which allow effective evacuation of water.
Due to the lower contact patch, its rolling resistance is lower as well. This increases its fuel efficiency and mileage.
Grip Comparison
One of the fundamental jobs of a tire is to maintain a firm grip on the road, providing a balanced and steady ride with safety.
The Avon ZV7 possesses narrower grooves as compared to the Uniroyal Rainsport 5. As a result, its higher contact patch engages well with the surface of the road. Thus, the grip of the tire gets stronger, resulting in better dry traction.
Talking about the wet grip, the sipes play a major role besides the contact patch of the tire. As far as the ZV7 is concerned, there are numerous sipes present on the outer tread of the tire which enhances these tires’ grip on wet surfaces by allowing them to wipe away the water.
When it comes to the Uniroyal Rainsport 5, the contact patch of this tire is lower as compared to its competitor. That’s because it possesses relatively wider grooves, allowing a lower contact patch which results in a higher braking distance.
Other than that, the number of sipes on the central part of the tire is also lesser in comparison. They are not as efficient in evacuating the water as ZV7’s sipes. As a result, the grip of these tires on both dry and wet roads is compromised.
Handling Comparison
Talking about the handling capability, the ZV7 offers a remarkable handling performance due to its incredible shoulder design. Since there are narrower grooves on its shoulders, it leads to a higher contact patch of the shoulder.
As a result, the drivers get excellent steering control on dry roads. The same is the case for wet handling. The power sipes found on the shoulders of the tire along with a higher contact patch increase its wet handling.
On the other hand, the Rainsport 5 consists of wider grooves on its shoulders. The position of its blocks is unable to maintain traction effectively. This is what makes its contact patch lesser as compared to its counterpart’s shoulders.
Since this tire has a lower shoulder contact patch, it’s handling on dry roads is compromised to some extent.
When it comes to wet surface handling, it is also relatively lower due to the lesser number of sipes on its shoulders. So, in short, the overall traction of the Avon ZV7 is much better as compared to that of Rainsport 5.
Comparison of Hydroplaning Resistance
The hydroplaning resistance is one of the factors which makes a major difference between the two tires. After researching thoroughly, we concluded that the ZV7’s users will face more issues of hydroplaning as compared to the Rainsport 5 users.
Because the narrower grooves of the Avon ZV7 are inefficient at channeling away the water effectively. Thus, it can be extremely dangerous to drive this tire at high speeds in the rainy season.
Whereas, when we look at the Rainsport 5, it can be noticed that its grooves are much wider in comparison. In addition to this, there are 3D patterns on its tread blocks to push away the water from the tread. This helps in maintaining the contact between the tire and the road, even in extreme wet conditions.
Comparison of Rolling Resistance
The energy that is required to roll a tire over the road is known as rolling resistance. ZV7 has a higher contact patch for better traction, they don’t do much for rolling resistance because a higher contact area increases its rolling resistance.
As a result, the vehicle’s fuel consumption increases since a larger amount of energy will be required to rotate the tire.
In comparison, due to the lower contact patch of the Rainsport 5, its rolling resistance is much lower. This leads to higher fuel efficiency as well.
Durability & Treadwear
Coming to durability and treadwear, the Avon ZV7 is more prone to wear and tear due to its weaker built. Since the durability of these tires is lower than their competitor, they will also offer less mileage.
However, there are certain built-in protective features in this tire such as rim protector and thickened sidewalls that prolong the life of its tread. Not only this, but these features will also help the tire against scratches.
On the other hand, the Rainsport 5 has a longer tread life as compared to the ZV7.
That’s because of the lesser contact area, decreasing its rolling resistance. In addition to this, they are manufactured using carbon black tread and special silica compounds.
This adds more to their durability even on road with rough conditions and high temperatures.
Due to the RUN FLAT tires used by the manufacturers, these tires become an extremely safe option to use as they can provide the users with great control. Not only this, but it also allows the drivers to drive safely even during the rapid loss of inflation pressure.
Price
The Avon ZV7 and the Uniroyal Rainsport 5 are both some of the best mid-range summer tires available out there.
However, the Rainsport 5 costs a bit more than its competitor due to its better hydroplaning resistance. In addition to this, the lower rolling resistance makes them fuel-efficient and a more durable option too.
But, if you are looking for a tire that offers better traction, then the Avon ZV7 with its affordable price is the best option to consider.
Summary of Avon vs Uniroyal RainSport 5
- Both are summer tires.
- The dry and wet grip of ZV7 is better.
- The dry and wet handling of the ZV7 is more efficient as well.
- The hydroplaning resistance of Rainsport 5 is far better.
- Avon ZV7 has a higher rolling resistance leading to lower fuel efficiency.
- Rainsport 5 is a more durable option.
- Avon ZV7 is more affordable than its rival.
