Dunlop vs General – two automotive giants vying for supremacy in the world of tires.
In this post, I’ll delve into the depths of these renowned brands, examining their histories, evaluating their dry, wet, and snow performances, scrutinizing their mileage warranties, average lifespans, and prices.
We’ll explore the pros and cons of each brand and ultimately determine which reigns supreme.
Join me on this captivating journey as we unravel the tire industry’s ultimate showdown.
Dunlop vs General – Comparison Table
| Dunlop | General | |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Year Founded | 1889 | 1915 |
| Made In | Germany or Japan | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) | Continental AG (Germany) |
About the Brands
1. 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)
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 Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2 vs the General G-MAX RS.
In my evaluation of the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 and the General G-MAX RS, I have rated the dry performance of the Dunlop tire as a 4.4 out of 5.
It boasts a solid reputation, exceptional grip and handling, short braking distances, optimal performance on both wet and dry roads, and improved steering precision.
On the other hand, the General G-MAX RS received a slightly higher rating of 4.8 out of 5 for its crisp handling, strong braking, smart grip technology, and ultra-high-performance design.
Given these evaluations, the General G-MAX RS edges out as the winner in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Dunlop Signature HP vs the General AltiMAX RT43.
In my personal assessment, I rate the wet performance of the Dunlop Signature HP and General AltiMAX RT43 tires equally at 4.4 out of 5.
Both tires have garnered positive feedback for their ability to provide good traction on wet roads.
The Dunlop Signature HP benefits from its asymmetric tread pattern and enhanced all-season tread compound, while the General AltiMAX RT43 showcases consistent performance in wet and dry conditions.
Considering their similar wet performance levels, I declare this comparison a tie.
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 – Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 vs General AltiMAX Arctic.
As someone who has assessed the snow performance of both the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 and the General AltiMAX Arctic tires, I would rate them equally at 4.6 out of 5.
Both tires exhibit reliable snow performance, offering excellent traction and grip on snowy surfaces.
The Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02’s rubber compound and asymmetric tread design contribute to its effectiveness, while the General AltiMAX Arctic’s studdable design, innovative compound, and tread pattern technologies enhance its traction on snow and ice.
Considering the similar ratings and positive reviews for both tires, it’s a tie in terms of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Dunlop | General | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the Dunlop and General tires have similar treadwear warranties, with Dunlop offering up to 60,000 miles and General providing up to 65,000 miles.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, General tires tend to outlast Dunlop tires.
Dunlop tires typically last between 15,000 to 50,000 miles, while General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Dunlop 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:
| Dunlop | General | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $86 to $857 /ea | $71 to $595 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /ea | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
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 Dunlop:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
Some of General’s best tires are shown below:
- Grabber A/T X
- Altimax RT43
- Grabber HTS60
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After carefully considering the various factors, I have come to a decision.
In terms of dry performance, the General G-MAX RS takes the lead with its exceptional handling and braking capabilities.
Both the Dunlop Signature HP and General AltiMAX RT43 perform equally well on wet roads, making it a tie in this category.
When it comes to snow performance, both the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 and General AltiMAX Arctic earn the same rating for their reliable traction.
However, in terms of mileage warranty and average lifespan, General tires tend to outlast Dunlop tires.
Therefore, overall, I declare General as the better pick between these two tire brands.
