Cooper vs General – two industry giants, each vying for the title of the ultimate tire brand.
In this post, I’ll delve into the depths of these renowned manufacturers, examining their histories, scrutinizing their dry, wet, and snow performances, analyzing their mileage warranties and average lifespan, assessing their prices, and uncovering their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll crown the true champion, unraveling the mystery of which brand reigns supreme.
Get ready for an eye-opening comparison that will leave you eager for more!
Cooper vs General – Comparison Table
| Cooper | General | |
| Country of Origin | United States of America | United States |
| Year Founded | 1914 | 1915 |
| Made In | Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas but could also be made in China | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA) | 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. General
General Tire, founded in 1915 in the United States, has a rich history as a tire manufacturer.
Originally established as the “The General Tire & Rubber Company,” it quickly gained prominence in the automotive industry.
Over the years, the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality led to its expansion and solid reputation.
General Tire became recognized for producing high-performance tires for all types of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
In 1987, the German company Continental AG acquired General Tire, further enhancing its global reach and technological advancements.
Today, General Tire continues to offer a wide range of reliable and durable tires, combining cutting-edge technology with a legacy of excellence.
With Continental AG as its parent company, General Tire remains a trusted and respected brand, providing drivers with safety, performance, and comfort on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks
- Crossover vehicles
- Light trucks
- Commercial vans
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
- Performance 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 General G-MAX RS.
Based on my research and personal dry performance rating, I would rate the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 as a 4.3 out of 5, while the General G-MAX RS receives a rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Both tires have impressive dry performance capabilities, including excellent grip, handling, and braking.
However, the General G-MAX RS stands out with its crisp handling, strong braking performance, and sure-footed grip with Smart Grip Technology.
Therefore, I declare the General G-MAX RS as the better tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring vs the General AltiMAX RT43.
In my assessment, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring receives a wet performance rating of 4.8 out of 5.
It has consistently garnered positive reviews for its exceptional wet performance, offering superb wet traction, short stopping distances, and benefiting from an asymmetric tread pattern that enhances its wet performance.
On the other hand, the General AltiMAX RT43 receives a wet performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Reviews mention its commendable traction and consistent performance on wet roads, making it a versatile option for various weather conditions.
Considering the higher rating, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring stands out as the better choice 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 General AltiMAX Arctic.
Based on my research and snow performance ratings, I would rate the Cooper Discoverer True North tire at 4.7 out of 5, indicating excellent snow performance.
It is a premium studless winter tire that offers reliable traction and performance in various winter conditions.
The integration of Cooper’s winter tire technology and positive reviews regarding winter traction, handling, and braking contribute significantly to its high snow performance rating.
Similarly, the General AltiMAX Arctic tire scores 4.6 out of 5, showcasing reliable snow performance with its studdable design, innovative compound, and tread pattern technologies.
It also receives positive reviews for traction and grip on snow and ice.
Therefore, both tires offer similar levels of snow performance, resulting in a tie.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Cooper | General | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 65,000 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. | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the Cooper tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while the General tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 65,000 miles.
On average, Cooper tires tend to last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles, whereas General tires have a broader range of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles.
This means that Cooper tires generally provide a longer mileage warranty, but both brands have similar average lifespans.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Cooper vs General.
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 | General | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $73 to $585 /ea | $71 to $595 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Evolution Winter Studded goes from $73 – $225 /ea | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Discoverer STT Pro goes from $220 – $585 /ea | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /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 |
General
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Excellent price performance ratio, providing good value for their price | ❌ General tires are generally considered to be in the mid-range segment |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles | |
| ✔ Availability |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Cooper:
- Discoverer STT Pro
- Discoverer AT3 4S
- Evolution Tour
Some of General’s best tires are shown below:
- Grabber A/T X
- Altimax RT43
- Grabber HTS60
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the comparison of dry performance, the General G-MAX RS takes the lead.
In terms of wet performance, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring stands out as the better choice.
For snow performance, both Cooper Discoverer True North and General AltiMAX Arctic offer similar levels of excellence.
When it comes to mileage warranty and average lifespan, Cooper tires have a slight advantage.
Considering all factors, I declare General as the better pick overall, thanks to its impressive dry performance and good value for the price.