Nexen N Fera SU1 vs Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires

Nexen is a South Korean tire brand, while Dunlop is a Japanese company. Both offer a highly reliable collection of tires in various categories for sedans, coupes, minivans, CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks. When it comes to picking a reasonably priced ultra-high-performance tire, these brands are the frontrunners here with their N Fera SU1 and SP Sport Maxx GT.

Choosing between the Nexen N Fera SU1 and the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT is a tough call, as you are up against a high-value versatility and premium, race-inspired precision. Both are ultra-high-performance summer tires designed to unlock the potential of sporty sedans and coupes, yet they cater to different driving priorities.

Balancing performance with everyday practicality, the Nexen N Fera SU1 appears to be more value. It features a symmetric tread design and specialized siping for extra biting edges, while its stiff shoulder blocks ensure stable cornering. Unlike other UHP tires, the Nexen comes with a limited manufacturer tread-life warranty!

On the other hand, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT is a flagship summer tire often chosen as Original Equipment for elite badges like Bentley and BMW. Utilizing a refined carbon black compound and Hybrid Jointless Band Technology, it maintains a massive contact patch for high-speed stability and razor-sharp steering response.

So, which one makes more sense? Let’s compare Nexen N Fera SU1 vs Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires using our proprietary SimpleScore, which evaluates each tire’s traction, handling, and longevity on a scale of 0 to 10. Read on to make an informed decision.

Nexen N Fera SU1 tires

Launched in the second half of 2012, the Nexen N Fera SU1 is a UHP summer tire designed to bring a sporty, responsive edge to performance coupes and sedans. Built for high-speed stability and sharp cornering, it features stiff shoulder blocks and a solid center rib that provide precise steering feedback and great lateral grip. For added wet performance, the Nexen tire’s tread features four wide longitudinal grooves that efficiently evacuate water to reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Beyond solid performance, the N Fera SU1 offers a refined cabin experience with an optimized pitch pattern that minimizes road noise. Backed by a superb 25,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, it’s backed by Nexen's Total Coverage Warranty.

With a fantastic overall SimpleScore of 8.2, the Nexen N Fera SU1 offers spirited handling, sharp cornering, great traction, and a solid tread life.

Get Nexen N Fera SU1 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires

A top choice for original equipment on premium marques like Audi and BMW, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT is a flagship UHP summer tire that delivers a race-inspired driving experience for high-end sports cars and powerful sedans. Utilizing Dunlop’s Touch Technology, the UHP tire provides a flatter tread profile that puts more rubber in contact with the road, resulting in precise steering response and improved stability. The Dunlop tire’s advanced carbon black rubber compound, derived from motorsport technology, ensures exceptional dry grip and high-speed stability. The SP Sport Maxx GT features a hybrid jointless band to limit tire distortion at motorway speeds, ensuring a smooth and secure ride.

With an overall SimpleScore of 8.2, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT returns predictable handling, cornering, and control on smooth surfaces.

Get Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Nexen N Fera SU1 vs Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires on traction

UHP tires are all about traction and grip at high speeds. High grip under acceleration and braking performance, along with stability on wet roads. Both the Nexen N Fera SU1 and Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT deliver decent performance in terms of traction.

Securing an 8.3 in traction, the Nexen N Fera SU1 provides a dependable grip that complements spirited rides. The tire comes with three wide circumferential grooves, while its semi-groove layout evacuates water efficiently, reducing the risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions. The split surface sipes of the Nexen tire reinforce its grip with extra biting edges. The stiff shoulder blocks distribute pressure evenly, so you enjoy a predictable grip during cornering while driving on dry pavements.

Contrarily, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT scores higher in traction, bagging a SimpleScore of 8.7. This difference is visible when you drive fast. Designed for luxury performance cars, the Multi-Radius Tread Technology helps drivers with improved grip as it provides more rubber contact with the road for optimum performance during acceleration or cornering. The tire returns equally impressive wet traction, and drivers experience confident braking performance at high speeds. The Dunlop tire feels planted, which makes drivers confident on highways.

The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT emerges as the winner in terms of traction, considering its higher SimpleScore.

ADVANTAGE: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT

Nexen N Fera SU1 vs Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires on handling

Handling determines the kind of steering response and cornering precision you experience while driving. Small differences in handling matter in the UHP segment, as it defines how stable your rides are.

Achieving a superb 8.7 handling score, the Nexen N Fera SU1 helps drivers enjoy enthralling rides in their sedans and coupes. Thanks to the stiff shoulder blocks, the Nexen UHP tire benefits from improved lateral stability, which allows it to maintain a clean line through corners without flexing much. The steering inputs feel direct, and the tire remains composed even when you make quick transitions. Nexen has balanced responsiveness with comfort while developing this tire, which makes it suitable for drivers who want sharp handling without an overly harsh ride.

The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT demonstrates a slightly better performance with a handling score of 8.8. The Touch Technology of Dunlop improves steering feedback, which provides faster responses and a more connected feel at the wheel. With a flatter tread profile, the Dunlop UHP tire enhances cornering stability and control at high speeds for a predictable and confident driving experience.

With a marginally better score, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT wins the handling section, offering sharper steering feedback and better composure at high speed.

ADVANTAGE: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT

Nexen N Fera SU1 vs Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires on longevity

When you use performance tires, longevity matters as it eventually determines the tread life. Particularly, when you cruise along highways for hundreds of miles, it’s essential to compare the tires based on longevity.

Boasting a longevity score of 8.0, the Nexen N Fera SU1 comes with a 25,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. For summer performance tires, this is a decent score. The symmetrical tread design and even pressure distribution reduce uneven wear during aggressive drives. While the tire is not built for extended tread life, it lasts longer and provides drivers with consistent performance throughout its lifespan.

Similarly, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT also scores 8.0 in longevity, but it does not come with a mileage warranty. The non-directional, asymmetrical tread pattern ensures even wear, particularly on vehicles with refined suspension tuning. However, the softer performance-oriented rubber compound focuses on grip over longevity. This implies that drivers enjoying faster rides may witness faster wear compared to more budget-friendly options.

While both tires conclude in a tie, the Nexen N Fera SU1 comes with a mileage warranty, offering an additional advantage on purchase.

ADVANTAGE: Tie

When to use each

Ultra-high-performance summer tires are suitable for drivers who want better grip, responsiveness, and stability in warm weather conditions. These tires provide superb performance on dry and wet roads, but cannot be used in freezing cold weather.

Consider buying the Nexen N Fera SU1 if you are looking for a well-balanced UHP summer tire with strong traction, sharp handling, and a mileage warranty at a lower price. It’s suitable for daily rides, particularly for drivers who prefer enthusiastic rides.

You may go for the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT if you drive a luxury or high-end performance vehicle and want precision handling. This tire gives you a refined feeling on the road, along with superior traction at high speeds.

Which one should you choose?

These two UHP tires appeal to different drivers. The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT wins in terms of traction and handling, which makes it a better choice for drivers prioritizing better control and feedback at high speeds.

However, the Nexen N Fera SU1 offers excellent value with competitive scores across all three categories, along with a 25,000 mile warranty, which is rare in this segment. Do check out the individual traits of a tire before zeroing in on a particular one, as different aspects appeal to different drivers.

For the 255/35R19 tire size, the Nexen N Fera SU1 costs $237 per tire, which brings the cost of four such tires to around $948. Likewise, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT costs around $212 per tire, and four such tires cost around $848 (a difference of $100).

Based on SimpleScore, you may consider opting for the Nexen N Fera if you:

• Drive vehicles like the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Focus, and Lexus IS200T
• Prefer a UHP tire with a mileage warranty (25,000 miles)
• Want a more affordable set of UHP tires for your vehicle

You may choose the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT if you:

• Drive vehicles like Audi A4, Jaguar XE, and Toyota Supra
• Prefer a UHP tire with great traction (8.7 vs 8.3)
• Want a better handling performance tire (8.8 vs 8.7)

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.