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Goodyear OptiGrip vs Nexen CP661 — Compared (May 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
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5 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Why this score
| Source | OptiGrip | CP661 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 74 | 77 |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | OptiGrip | CP661 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 83 | 71 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | OptiGrip | CP661 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 66 | 76 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | OptiGrip | CP661 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 71 | 80 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | OptiGrip | CP661 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 71 | 72 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Goodyear OptiGrip | Nexen CP661 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 74 | 75 |
| Dry | 74 | 77 |
| Wet | 83 | 71 |
| Comfort | 66 | 76 |
| Treadwear | 71 | 80 |
| Handling | 71 | 72 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Tire A
Tire B
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Goodyear OptiGrip is widely recognized for its superior wet-weather traction and consistent performance throughout the life of the tread. While many users praise its safety and longevity, the tire is frequently criticized for significant road noise issues and inconsistent dry-weather handling.
Pros
- Exceptional wet-weather grip and safety
- Consistent performance as the tread wears down
- Good overall tread life and durability
- Comfortable ride quality on uneven road surfaces
Cons
- High levels of road noise, often described as intrusive
- Mediocre dry-weather performance and feedback
- Reports of premature sidewall cracking
- Noticeable 'bedding-in' period required for optimal grip
Observations
- Users reported that road noise becomes significantly more pronounced as the tires wear, often leading to concerns about mechanical issues like wheel bearings.
- The tire's unique tread design is effective at maintaining wet grip, though some users noted that dry-weather performance feels less precise compared to dedicated performance tires.
The Nexen CP661 is widely regarded as a high-value budget tire that consistently exceeds expectations for daily driving and family-oriented vehicles. Users report reliable grip in both wet and dry conditions, alongside commendable tread longevity and low noise levels, making it a strong competitor against more expensive premium brands.
Pros
- Exceptional value for money compared to premium alternatives.
- Reliable and consistent grip in both wet and dry weather conditions.
- Impressive tread life, with some users reporting significantly higher mileage than premium tires.
- Low road noise levels contributing to a comfortable ride quality.
Cons
- Inconsistent tread wear reports, with some users experiencing premature replacement intervals.
- Performance is optimized for standard commuting rather than high-performance driving.
- Limited availability of specific speed ratings or sizes for specialized vehicles.
Observations
- Users driving front-wheel-drive hatchbacks noted excellent straight-line tracking and stability on motorway surfaces.
- Owners of family-oriented vehicles ('mum buses') frequently praised the tire for providing a safe and confident driving experience in varied road conditions.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Goodyear OptiGrip | B · Nexen CP661 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Premium Touring tires | Summer Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
Which one should you actually buy?
Goodyear
Nexen
Too close to call: Goodyear OptiGrip and Nexen CP661 are within 2 points overall. Goodyear OptiGrip is stronger on wet. Nexen CP661 is stronger on comfort, treadwear and dry.
Goodyear OptiGrip scores 83 vs 71 on wet.
Nexen CP661 scores 76 vs 66 on comfort.
Nexen CP661 scores 80 vs 71 on treadwear.
Nexen CP661 scores 77 vs 74 on dry.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.