Cooper vs Dunlop – two iconic names in the tire industry that have stood the test of time.
In this post, I will delve into the depths of these brands, comparing their history, dry, wet, and snow performances, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and more.
By the end, we will uncover which brand reigns supreme.
Join me on this journey as we explore the world of Cooper and Dunlop, uncovering the pros and cons that make them unique.
Cooper vs Dunlop – Comparison Table
| Cooper | Dunlop | |
| Country of Origin | United States of America | United Kingdom |
| Year Founded | 1914 | 1889 |
| Made In | Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas but could also be made in China | Germany or Japan |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA) | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) |
About the Brands
1. Cooper
Cooper Tire is an American brand that was founded in 1914 and is currently owned by the The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company bought Cooper in 2021 for about $2.8 billion worth in cash and shares.
With its headquarters in the United States, Cooper has a rich history in the tire industry.
Over the years, it has become renowned for its quality and innovative tire designs.
From its humble beginnings, Cooper Tire has steadily grown, establishing itself as a leading player in the industry.
The brand has consistently focused on manufacturing tires that deliver exceptional performance, durability, and safety.
Cooper has also expanded its product range to cater to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorsports.
Through its commitment to excellence, Cooper Tire has built a strong reputation among drivers worldwide.
The brand’s dedication to research and development has allowed it to introduce cutting-edge technologies, enhancing traction, handling, and fuel efficiency.
Cooper’s tire offerings are widely recognized for their reliability, making them a popular choice among consumers.
With a century-long legacy, Cooper Tire continues to thrive, providing drivers with high-quality tires that deliver a smooth and comfortable ride while ensuring safety on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Commercial trucks
2. Dunlop
The Dunlop tire brand, founded in 1889 in the United Kingdom, has a rich and storied history.
It was established by John Boyd Dunlop, who invented the first practical pneumatic tire.
Dunlop quickly gained popularity and became a leading tire manufacturer, known for its innovative designs and high-quality products.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations globally, offering a wide range of tires for various applications.
In 1999, Dunlop became a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a prominent American tire manufacturer.
This acquisition brought together two industry giants, combining their expertise and resources.
Under Goodyear’s ownership, Dunlop continued to thrive, benefiting from the parent company’s global reach and advanced technologies.
Today, Dunlop remains a trusted and respected brand in the tire industry, known for its commitment to performance, durability, and safety.
It continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge tire technologies, catering to the diverse needs of drivers worldwide.
With its strong legacy and the backing of Goodyear, Dunlop continues to be a symbol of excellence in the tire market.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Motorcycles
- Commercial trucks
- ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 vs the Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2.
In my evaluation, the dry performance of the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 rates at 4.3 out of 5.
This tire has received praise for its exceptional grip, handling, and comfortable ride, along with impressive dry braking capabilities.
On the other hand, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 achieves a rating of 4.4 out of 5 for its reputation of strong dry performance, excellent grip, short braking distances, and precise steering.
Both tires exhibit similar levels of dry performance, resulting in a tie.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring vs the Dunlop Signature HP.
Based on my research and personal ratings, I rate the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring with a wet performance score of 4.8 out of 5.
This tire has consistently received positive reviews for its outstanding wet performance, including excellent wet traction, short stopping distances, and the benefits of its asymmetric tread pattern.
On the other hand, the Dunlop Signature HP receives a wet performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
While it also offers good wet traction and benefits from an asymmetric tread pattern and enhanced all-season tread compound, it falls slightly behind the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring.
Therefore, I declare the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring as the better tire for wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Cooper Discoverer True North vs Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02.
As an evaluator giving a snow performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Cooper Discoverer True North tire as 4.7 and the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 tire as 4.6.
Both tires demonstrate commendable snow performance with reliable traction and handling in winter conditions.
The Cooper Discoverer True North offers premium studless performance, while the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 showcases an effective rubber compound and asymmetric tread design.
Considering their close ratings, I declare it a tie between these two impressive tires for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Cooper | Dunlop | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Cooper tires are known for their durability and are typically guaranteed to last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles. | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the Cooper tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while the Dunlop tires have a warranty of up to 60,000 miles.
On average, Cooper tires are known to last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles, whereas Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles.
Overall, Cooper tires offer a longer mileage warranty and a slightly higher average lifespan compared to Dunlop tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Cooper vs Dunlop.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Cooper | Dunlop | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $73 to $585 /ea | $86 to $857 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Evolution Winter Studded goes from $73 – $225 /ea | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Discoverer STT Pro goes from $220 – $585 /ea | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Cooper
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Excellent performance and handling characteristics | ❌ Cooper tires may not be as widely available as other tire brands |
| ✔ Designed to be durable and long-lasting | |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options to suit different vehicles and driving needs |
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Cooper:
- Discoverer STT Pro
- Discoverer AT3 4S
- Evolution Tour
Some of Dunlop’s best tires are shown below:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After carefully evaluating the dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, and average lifespan of Cooper and Dunlop tires, I conclude that both brands offer excellent options.
In terms of dry performance, both the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 and Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 display similar levels of excellence.
However, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring outshines the Dunlop Signature HP in wet conditions.
For snow performance, both the Cooper Discoverer True North and the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 are impressive.
Considering the mileage warranty and average lifespan, Cooper tires offer a longer warranty and slightly higher average lifespan.
Therefore, Cooper tires emerge as the better overall pick.
