General vs Pirelli – two tire brands that have captivated the automotive industry for decades.
In this post, I’ll take you on a thrilling journey, diving deep into the history, performances, warranties, lifespans, prices, and more of these renowned brands.
Buckle up as we explore every aspect, uncovering the pros and cons of each, and ultimately determining which of these tire giants reigns supreme.
Get ready to be enlightened!
General vs Pirelli – Comparison Table
| General | Pirelli | |
| Country of Origin | United States | Italy |
| Year Founded | 1915 | 1872 |
| Made In | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US | Rome, GA, Hanford, CA, Madison, TN, or internationally in Brazil, Mexico, Romania, or Venezuela |
| Parent | Continental AG (Germany) | Pirelli & C. S.p.A. (Italy) |
About the Brands
1. 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
2. Pirelli
Pirelli, an iconic tire brand, was founded in Italy in 1872.
Originally named “G.B. Pirelli & C.”, the company started as a small rubber goods factory in Milan.
With a vision for innovation, Pirelli quickly expanded its operations and began producing bicycle tires.
In 1901, Pirelli introduced its first automobile tire, marking a significant milestone in its history.
Over the years, Pirelli continued to grow and diversify its product range, becoming a renowned global leader in the tire industry.
The brand’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and high-performance tires earned it a reputation for excellence.
Pirelli tires were even chosen as the official tires for the Formula One World Championship, showcasing their unparalleled performance on the racetrack.
Today, Pirelli is a subsidiary of Pirelli & C. S.p.A., headquartered in Italy.
The company remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of tire technology, constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of drivers worldwide.
With a rich heritage spanning over 150 years, Pirelli continues to be synonymous with quality, performance, and Italian craftsmanship.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
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 General G-MAX RS vs the Pirelli P Zero.
In my opinion, as the one giving the dry performance rating, the General G-MAX RS outperforms the Pirelli P Zero.
With a rating of 4.8 out of 5, the General G-MAX RS showcases highly positive attributes like crisp handling, strong braking, sure-footed grip with Smart Grip Technology, and an ultra-high-performance design.
While the Pirelli P Zero is commendable with a rating of 4.3, it falls slightly short.
Ultimately, the General G-MAX RS proves to be the better choice for optimal dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the General AltiMAX RT43 vs the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus.
In my evaluation, as the one giving the wet performance rating, I would rate the General AltiMAX RT43 with a wet performance score of 4.4 out of 5.
The tire’s versatility and consistent performance in wet conditions make it a commendable choice.
On the other hand, the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus tire earns a 4.5 out of 5 for its excellent all-season traction and reliable wet performance.
Both tires perform admirably in wet conditions, making it difficult to declare a clear winner.
It seems we have a tie in terms of 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 – General AltiMAX Arctic vs Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3.
Based on my research and snow performance rating, I would rate both the General AltiMAX Arctic and Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tires equally at 4.6 out of 5.
These ratings suggest that both tires offer reliable snow performance, with excellent traction and grip on snowy roads.
The General AltiMAX Arctic is specifically designed for various winter conditions and incorporates innovative technologies, while the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 stands out as a top-performing premium winter tire.
Therefore, it is a tie between the two tires in terms of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| General | Pirelli | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles. | Pirelli offers a range of tire models, with most lasting between 45,000 to 65,000 miles. |
Based on my research, both General and Pirelli tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 65,000 miles.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, there is a slight difference.
General tires tend to last between 30,000 and 75,000 miles, while Pirelli tires typically range from 45,000 to 65,000 miles.
It’s important to note that these are only average estimates and actual lifespan may vary based on driving habits and road conditions.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – General vs Pirelli.
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:
| General | Pirelli | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $71 to $595 /ea | $85 to $1,665 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea | Cinturato Winter goes from $85 – $145 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /ea | P Zero Corsa PZC4 goes from $339 – $1,665 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
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 |
Pirelli
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Pirelli is the exclusive tire supplier for Formula 1 | ❌ Some of their tires can get crazy expensive |
| ✔ Pirelli have an overall decent lifespan of their tires | |
| ✔ Innovative technology, such as the EverGrip technology |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from General:
- Grabber A/T X
- Altimax RT43
- Grabber HTS60
Some of Pirelli’s best tires are shown below:
- P Zero
- Cinturato P7 All Season Plus
- Scorpion Verde All Season Plus
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After carefully considering the dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, and average lifespan, I have reached a conclusion.
While the General G-MAX RS excels in dry performance, the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus shines in wet conditions.
Both the General AltiMAX Arctic and Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 offer excellent snow performance.
In terms of mileage warranty and average lifespan, there is a slight difference favoring Pirelli.
Considering these factors, I declare Pirelli as the better overall pick between the two tire brands.
