The comparison between Cooper vs. Pirelli tires is a tough debate. Cooper Tires is known for its diverse range of products that are durable and affordable. On the other hand, Pirelli’s focuses more on performance.
Below is a small comparison chart between the two to show you the differences:
| Performance | Pirelli is better on dry and wet roads. |
| Tire Variety | Pirelli has more tire options. |
| Comfort | Cooper tires provide a more comfortable and quiet drive. |
| Durability | Cooper has a much better average UTQG rating. |
| Price | Cooper tires are much affordable than Pirelli. |
Read our full comparison of Pirelli Tires vs. Cooper Tires below.
Table of Contents
About Cooper Tires
In 1914, John F. Schaefer and Claude E. Hart established Cooper Tires as the Giant Tire & Rubber Company.
By 1983, Cooper Tire became a Fortune 500 company. In 2021, Goodyear Tires entered into a merger agreement with Cooper Tires, though the latter continues to make passenger car, truck, and SUV tires.
Below are some of their notable tires:
- Discoverer AT3 4S
- Cooper Evolution Winter
- Cooper Endeavor
About Pirelli Tires
Pirelli, an Italian multinational tire manufacturer, was established in Milan in 1872 by Giovanni Battista Pirelli.
Pirelli is the 6th-largest tire manufacturer globally, operating in over 160 countries with 19 manufacturing sites across 13 countries.
In the sports world, Pirelli has been a prominent competition sponsor since 1907.
Below are some of their notable tires:
- Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
- Cinturato P7
- Winter Sottozero 3
Differences
1. Performance
To get a good grasp of their performance, we check the tires reviews of Cooper and Pirelli tires in the same category. We will be comparing the CS5 and Cinturato P7 Plus II here. Both are all-season models.
- The CS5 Grand Touring features big tread blocks on its outboard shoulder and tight void area to achieve better lateral traction and handling on dry pavements. For wet roads, it has lateral grooves that easily let water escape from the pavement.
- The Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II is an update from its previous iterations with its new tread compound and biting edges that give you much better traction on wet and dry roads. To achieve better performance, four wide circumferential grooves create an efficient channel for water to escape and prevent hydroplaning.
Going by the rating users gave to these tires, the Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II is ahead of the CS5 Grand Touring with its dry and wet performance. Pirelli has better response, cornering, and hydroplaning resistance.
2. Tire Variety
There are only 21 tires in Cooper’s lineup, which accounts for all of the brand’s tires for different vehicles.
On the other hand, Pirelli offers a total of 35 tires for various vehicles and driving requirements. The numbers are clear. Pirelli has the edge when it comes to variety.
3. Comfort
We can also compare both brands in terms of comfort delivery. In this case, it will be the Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus vs. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S, with both options representing all-terrain pickup tires.
The Discoverer AT3 4S comes with users noting its comfort delivery, thanks to its Whisper Groove Technology. Meanwhile, many users of the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus are complaining of its noticeable noise and vibration.
Cooper wins this category.
4. Durability
The UTQG rating is a good way to determine the durability of both Cooper and Pirelli tires.
Cooper has a score of 300AA (Zeon XTC) to 780AB (CS5 Grand Touring). Meanwhile, Pirelli tires are around 60AAA (P Zero Corsa System Asimmetrico) to 760AB (P4 Four Seasons T-Speed Rated). Given the scores, Cooper Tires takes the lead in durability.
5. Costs
The average price of Cooper Tires is around $103.84 (CS5 Grand Touring All-Season) to $220.51 (Discoverer Road+Trail AT All-Terrain) at major retailers. On the other hand, Pirelli tires cost around $168.21 (Scorpion STR All-Season) to $610.68 (Scorpion ATR All-Terrain).
Pros and cons
Cooper Tires
- Better comfort levels
- Cheaper than the competition
- Superior overall durability
- Limited to only 21 tires
Pirelli Tires
- Leading in dry performance
- Reliable tires on wet roads
- Wide range of tires
- Pricier choice
Which Tire Brand is Better?
Pirelli is the overall winner when it comes to performance. Despite having a higher price tag, the Italian brand can give you better traction and grip on dry pavements or under the rain.
However, Cooper Tires is still a notable runner-up with the comfort and durability factor of their products.
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Conclusion
To conclude the Cooper vs. Pirelli tires debate, the latter is the better choice for performance. Meanwhile, Cooper tires are still a good option for affordability, comfort, and durability.
