Comparing General Altimax RT43 vs Altimax RT45

Comparing Off-Road Performance

• Winner: It’s a tie

Neither the Altimax RT43 nor the Altimax RT45 is designed for off-roading.

That is mainly because their tread pattern lacks the capability for handling challenging off-road conditions. To be more specific, the patterns lack the deep, aggressive lugs found in off-road tires, making the tires unsuitable for loose or harsh terrain.

There’s a second reason why you should think twice before using these tires off the highway – their sidewalls are thin. This makes them susceptible to serious damage (the kind that may force you to replace the affected tire altogether) when driving over sharp objects.

If you’re looking for tires for off-road use, opt for mud-terrain or all-terrain tires.

Mud terrain tires will be a better fit if you have a separate set for highway use and want tires that can keep going on loose and harsh terrains. However, if you want a tire that you can use on the highway as well as for mild off-roading, consider all-terrain tires.

Comparing On-Road Performance

How Do They Perform in Dry Conditions?

• Winner: General Altimax RT45

Both these tires perform decently in dry conditions, though there’s one quality that gives the RT45 a slight edge over its predecessor.

Start with the Altimax RT43. This tire is renowned for offering excellent grip on dry roads, maintaining a firm connection with the road no matter how much you push it.

Small wonder, then, that its stopping distances are among the highest in the category. Many drivers vouch for this tire to ensure reliable braking regardless of the driving speed. All the above things could also be said to describe the Altimax RT45’s dry performance.

Similar good things can also be said about the RT45. This tire’s ability to maintain road grip on dry surfaces matches that of any premium all-season touring tire. That is huge – the Altimax RT45’s asking prices are almost half of the models its dry performance matches with.

At the same time, it strikes a decent balance between grip and wear. What does that mean? Well, it suggests that this tire offers longevity without compromising handling.

It is this balance – between durability and handling – that makes the Altimax RT45 a slightly better choice for driving on dry roads.

How Do They Perform on Wet Roads?

• Winner: General Altimax RT45

Do you do most of your driving in rainy conditions?

Here’s why you should go for the Altimax RT45:

• Shorter wet braking distances: At the time of its release, General boasted that the RT45’s wet braking distances are notably shorter than those of the RT43. Independent tests verify this claim.

• Higher aquaplaning resistance: An improved hydroplaning resistance helps this tire maintain better contact with the road surface. This enables a better grip on wet roads, ensuring a safer driving experience.

• More sipes than its predecessor: Juxtapose both tires, and you may notice that the Altimax RT45 has more biting edges. This portends well for its grip as well as responsiveness when driving over wet surfaces.

Bear in mind that the improvements – reduced stopping distances, better stability, improved grip – may not be as high as to be easy to notice. Those who have driven the Altimax RT43 might not feel the difference when they switch over to its successor.

Are They Good in the Handling Department?

• Winner: General Altimax RT45

The Altimax RT45 performs better in the handling department.

Mainly because it has a flatter contour. A flatter contour helps the RT45 distribute all the forces (acceleration, braking, cornering) your vehicle would subject it to. This, in turn, leads to better control, particularly during sudden lane changes and cornering.

Another reason this tire fares better in the handling department is because its circumferential grooves are much larger. As such, its ability to channel water away from the contact patch (and, by extension, grip the road) is much better, translating into better handling in wet conditions.

Comparing on Snow Performance

• Winner: General Altimax RT45

If winters in your area bring heavy snowfall, the Altimax RT45 may be a better choice.

Mainly because this tire has open shoulder slots and grooves to maintain stability on snow. Both these design elements create additional elements on the tire’s tread. In doing so, they enable this tire to offer consistent gripping power on snow-covered surfaces.

Furthermore, the grooves prevent the build-up of snow and ice in the tire’s footprint. This prevents the formation of a slippery layer between the tire and the tarmac, making sure that you continue to get adequate traction in harsh wintry conditions.

In contrast, the Altimax RT43 lacks the design elements needed for adequate performance in demanding winter conditions.

Comparing on Treadwear and Durability

• Winner: It’s a tie

User reviews indicate that both these tires have what it takes to outlast their treadwear warranty.

That is something not to be taken lightly. After all, both are backed to last up to 75,000 miles, an exceptional guarantee for mid-range tires.

This indicates that you can count on these models to not wear very fast at all. In fact, per one user review, they can maintain their full tread, even with 40,000 kilometers under their belt.

Another driver gave an excellent tip for helping these tires go the full hog – rotate them every 7,000 or fewer miles, and you won’t have to worry about uneven wear.

Comparing on Comfort

• Winner: It’s a tie

Both these tires are renowned for offering a comfortable ride.

The Altimax RT43 is famous for smoothing out road imperfections for superior comfort levels. While the occasional pothole may cause a few disturbances. For the most part, you won’t have to deal with vibrations, especially on paved roads.

The Altimax RT45 also delivers a refined ride, especially when paired with a competent suspension system, with its ability to absorb vibrations equally great.

All in all, then, there isn’t much differentiating the two as far as comfort levels are concerned.

Comparing on Price

• Winner: Altimax RT45

Inevitably, the Altimax RT45 costs more than its predecessor.

That is something that shouldn’t be surprising, considering that the RT45 was released only last year. As such, it contains the latest technologies and construction materials that weren’t there back when the RT43 hit the market in July 2013.