Atturo AZ850 vs Thunderer Mach IV R302 tires

Based in Illinois, Atturo started manufacturing tires in 2009 and now has a presence in most of the tire categories, including all-season, all-terrain, ultra-high-performance (UHP), rugged-terrain, mud-terrain, all-weather, and summer tires. An enthusiast’s brand, Atturo, rolls out quality tires for passenger cars, CUVs, SUVs, minivans, Jeeps, and light trucks. On the other hand, Thunderer is also a value brand that’s fast gaining popularity due to its formidable range of tires in different categories and for various vehicle types.

For drivers wanting a budget performance tire that offers spirited performance on tracks and streets without breaking their bank, the AZ850 from Atturo and the Mach IV R302 from Thunderer are great choices. Both tires are powerhouses in the value-tier ultra-high-performance (UHP) market, but they specialize in different areas. While the Atturo AZ850 is a dedicated summer UHP tire designed specifically for CUVs, SUVs, and pickup trucks, its asymmetric tread pattern is engineered to handle the higher center of gravity and increased weight of these vehicles, offering precise cornering and high-speed stability on smooth roads. On the other hand, the Thunderer Mach IV R302 is a versatile all-season UHP tire tailored for coupes and sedans. It features an aggressive directional tread pattern that removes water quickly from the surface and lends a sporty look. While the Atturo focuses on maximum summer grip for larger vehicles, the Thunderer offers a significant mileage warranty and the ability to handle light winter conditions.

So, which one is the right value UHP tire for you? Let’s do an Atturo AZ850 vs Thunderer Mach IV R302 tires comparison to know the answer. We will stack the traction, handling, and longevity characteristics of each tire against each other based on our proprietary scoring mechanism, SimpleScore.

Atturo AZ850 tires

Launched in 2020, the Atturo AZ850 is an ultra-high-performance summer tire that’s designed for SUVs, muscle cars, CUVs, and light trucks. Featuring an asymmetric tread pattern, the AZ850 provides an optimal contact patch for accurate steering response, control, and stability during high-speed runs. While its large outer blocks ensure rigid cornering, the finely sliced inner tread reduces road noise and channels water away to prevent hydroplaning.

With a 7.9 overall SimpleScore, the Atturo AZ850 is an economical choice for spirited driving on paved roads.

Get Atturo AZ850 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Thunderer Mach IV R302 tires

Designed for performance-oriented coupes and sedans, the Thunderer Mach IV R302 is also an ultra-high-performance tire, but unlike the Atturo UHP summer, it’s UHP all-season. That means you can enjoy spirited performance year-round, including dry, wet, and even light snow. With a directional tread pattern, the Thunderer tire features four circumferential grooves that quickly evacuate water from the tread, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and improving wet braking and handling. Meanwhile, the jointless nylon cap overlay helps ensure tire integrity is maintained during sharp cornering and quick maneuvers on tracks and streets alike.

Backed by a superb 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, the Thunderer Mach IV R302 assures great year-round performance with a long-lasting tread life.

Get Thunderer Mach IV R302 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Atturo AZ850 vs Thunderer Mach IV R302 tires on traction

Ultra-high-performance tires provide ‘stickier’ grip and traction on the ground, which infuses confidence in the driver at high speeds. The Atturo and Thunderer tires are very close to each other when it comes to traction. Let’s see who wins the first round.

Scoring an 8.0 in traction, the Atturo AZ850 features an asymmetric tread design that improves grip, traction, and braking in warmer conditions. The circumferential grooves allow quick water outflow to avoid the risk of hydroplaning and boost wet performance. Strategic sipes of the Atturo tire provide extra biting edges for increased grip and better interlocking with the surface.

On the other hand, the Thunderer Mach IV R302 is at home with an 8.1 in traction, which means it gives the driver the confidence to drive at high speed on smooth roads. Thanks to reassuring braking, the Thunderer Mach IV R302 features a directional tread pattern that flushes out water to mitigate hydroplaning and improve wet and light snow performance.

While both are equally comparable, it’s the Thunderer Mach IV R302 that steals a win here by a thin margin.

ADVANTAGE: Thunderer Mach IV R302

Atturo AZ850 vs Thunderer Mach IV R302 tires on handling

Handling is what separates UHP tires from the rest of the herd. The AZ850 and Mach IV R302 do a decent job of lending control and stability to performance-oriented vehicles they carry. Have a look at their handling performance.

Improving its game, the Atturo AZ850 secures an 8.3 in handling and assures better steering feedback, durability, and high-speed stability on paved roads. Thanks to the rigid outer blocks, high-tensile steel belts, and jointless nylon bands, the AZ850 delivers improved cornering, lane changing, and stability when driven at high speed on highways.

Contrarily, the Thunderer Mach IV R302 falls out with an 8.2 in handling. Still a solid score, the UHP all-season tire’s directional tread pattern not only allows better traction but also boosts its handling and control in different driving conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow. The use of a jointless nylon cap overlay improves its overall strength and durability for high-speed runs.

The tables are turned this time, and it’s the Atturo AZ850 that wins the handling section with the same margin as did the Thunderer in traction.

ADVANTAGE: Atturo AZ850

Atturo AZ850 vs Thunderer Mach IV R302 tires on longevity

Usually, UHP tires have a short life thanks to their softer rubber compound, which focuses on being glued to the ground, hence, misses out on the longevity aspect. Here, too, the difference is evident due to the nature of UHP tires.

With a modest 7.9 longevity score, the Atturo AZ850 features a softer rubber compound that wears faster compared to standard tires, as it grips the surface more firmly, leading to quick wear and a shorter service life. The special rubber compound of the UHP summer tire promotes uniform wear and resists uneven wear.

Boasting an 8.6 in longevity, the Thunderer Mach IV R302 is backed by a superb 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, assuring a longer service life. The use of a spiral wound jointless nylon cap layer allows the tire to bind together and sustain for a longer period of time. The all-season rubber compound of the UHP tire not only improves performance but also delays wear.

Scoring ‘thunderously’, the Mach IV R302 wins the tread life battle comprehensively.

ADVANTAGE: Thunderer Mach IV R302

When to use each

UHP Summer tires are designed to offer superior grip, traction, braking, cornering, and handling on smooth roads. Their reinforced sidewalls keep the tire shape intact even during high-speed cornering or during quick lane changes. Due to their softer rubber compound, these tires generally do not offer a long-lasting tread. So, if you need a tire that offers great handling and solid traction, then the Atturo AZ850 should be your choice.

However, the UHP all-season tires feature an all-season rubber compound that allows the tire to perform in dry, wet, and light snowy conditions while offering a longer service life. If you want these qualities in your UHP tire, the Thunderer Mach IV R302 should be your option.

Which one should you choose?

To sum it up, the Thunderer Mach IV R302 wins the battle 2-1 by beating the Atturo AZ850 in traction and longevity. However, each tire has its unique attributes, which should be considered and weighed against your requirements before finalizing a tire. Let’s have a look at their prices to see which one qualifies as a real deal.

The Atturo tire is available at a starting price of $94 per tire, while four tires cost $376. Similarly, the Thunderer tire starts at $92 per tire onwards, and four tires cost $368 (a difference of $8 on four tires).

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Atturo AZ850 if you:

• Drive vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Challenger, or Audi A6
• Prefer a UHP summer tire with great traction and superior handling (8.3 vs 8.2)
• Want a UHP tire with a more appealing design

Contrarily, you should go for the Thunderer Mach IV R302 if you:

• Drive vehicles like the Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, or the Honda Civic
• Need a UHP tire that’s decent in traction (8.1 vs 8.0) and handling
• Prefer a UHP tire that offers a longer service life (8.6 vs 7.9)
• Want a UHP tire that offers year-round performance and comes with a mileage warranty (60,000 miles)

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.