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Safety factor in Ascend or Defender vs ES A/S

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Arthur Foreman, Jul 20, 2012.

  1. Arthur Foreman

    Arthur Foreman Country driver

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    It seems like the trade-0ff for better MPG and ride with the ES A/S is less handling and braking ability. Disregarding treadwear, just how significant is the handling and braking in practice? Of course it depends on conditions, but in general is the ES/AS as safe a tire as Ascend or Defender?
     
  2. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I don't know about shear braking efficiency because I never tested that but I would think the ESAS would stop withing a few feet of the other two tires in the wet. In the dry it the ESAS may be a bit worse than the Defender but until the new tests come out it is hard to speculate. From a handling standpoint I feel the Ascend is much better than the ESAS. I have not tested the Defender but the pending tests did compare the Defender and Ascend so we shall soon see. I hear the Defender did poorly in the wet but did spectacularly well in the dry grip department.

    I reviewed the ESAS and Ascend in the GenIII Fuel Economy forum. My Primacy MXM4 review is in the GenII forum.

    From a safety standpoint I think all three tires are safe. If you are a speed nut and like weaving through traffic at 80+ then get the Ascend, ProContact w/EcoPlus or better yet get the Primacy MXV4! LOL
     
  3. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Safe is relative. But then again, being able to stop sooner and/or more easily maneuver away from trouble will improve safety.

    So in that sense, yes; I guess the Defender or Primacy MXV4 (or any higher traction tire) will be safer.


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