Lexani Freccia GT-S vs Firestone FireHawk Indy 500 tires

Sometimes choosing tires becomes so difficult that you need an in-depth and expert analysis, especially when you are choosing from the tires where one is known for its value, while the other has set a benchmark with its tried and tested dominance. This scenario is very relatable in the context of this comparison piece, where a Lexani UHP summer tire receives a fresh start in the market, bringing value, while the other is a capable UHP summer tire from Firestone that has earned many enthusiasts since its launch in the previous decade. But, before we get into the comparison details, let’s take a look at the overview of both brands, along with their models chosen for comparative analysis.

Starting with Lexani, an American tire manufacturer known for its performance-driven range of tires that blend both value as well as the punch enthusiasts typically seek. It offers tires for passenger cars, CUVs, SUVs, EVs, light trucks, and sports cars. Its range of tires is very diversified and falls in different categories, including all-season, UHP summer, UHP all-season, all-weather, and highway.

On the other hand, Firestone is yet another country-born tire manufacturer that was established in 1900 in Akron, OH. The long history of the tire manufacturer has given it an edge in terms of technology and scale. It offers tires for use on passenger cars, CUVs, SUVs, light trucks, commercial vehicles, OTRs, and farm applications. The portfolio of Firestone is loaded with tires from categories like all-season, winter, UHP summer, UHP all-season, all-weather, all-terrain, rugged-terrain, mud-terrain, and commercial van.

Picked from both manufacturers, the Lexani Freccia GT-S and the Firestone FireHawk Indy 500 are the two ultra-high-performance (UHP) summer tires, where the former offers value with performance, while the other has a proven record. Both tires incorporate the best of their technologies to deliver punchy performance and controllability in warmer weather conditions.

So, without any further ado, let’s compare the Freccia GT-S vs FireHawk Indy 500 tires and find out which one is better for your vehicle and why, using our proprietary tire rating system SimpleScore.

Lexani Freccia GT-S tires

Launched in November 2024, the Lexani Freccia GT-S is a UHP summer tire that’s suitable for use on coupes, sedans, CUVs, and SUVs, and offers drivers enhanced performance and grip in dry and wet conditions, when the temperature is consistently above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This tire is offered in 36 passenger tire sizes and fits rims ranging from 18 to 20 inches. Lexani has optimized Freccia GT-S for sporty performance and good controllability at high speeds. The aesthetically pleasing, innovative asymmetric tread pattern also helps in improving performance, sharper handling, and quieter rides.

Overall, the Lexani Freccia GT-S scores a great 8.0 SimpleScore rating, thanks to its responsive steering, reliable traction, and long-lasting tread life.

Get Lexani Freccia GT-S tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Firestone FireHawk Indy 500 tires

Introduced in May 2016, the FireHawk Indy 500 is also a capable UHP summer tire that’s suitable for use on compact cars, sedans, coupes, sports cars, and muscle cars. It brings along Firestone’s racing heritage and delivers outstanding track and road performance, long-lasting tread life, and superior dry and wet traction. Its asymmetric tread pattern is optimized for responsive handling and cornering, optimum hydroplaning resistance, and reduced braking distance. It is offered in 16- to 20-inch rim sizes to maximize compatibility with a range of vehicles on the market.

Overall, the Firestone FireHawk Indy 500 is rated an impressive 8.2 SimpleScore because of its impressive controllability, long-lasting tread life, and great traction performance.

Get Firestone FireHawk Indy 500 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Lexani Freccia GT-S vs Firestone FireHawk Indy 500 tires on traction

Now, let’s get into the detailed analysis of both UHP summer tires, starting with the traction performance. This will help us determine which tire excels when it comes to maintaining grip and traction during sporty performance.

First, let’s talk about the Freccia GT-S, which is rated an 8.0 SimpleScore in traction. The tire adapts to dry and wet roads in warmer weather conditions and features an optimized asymmetric tread pattern that promotes surefootedness for a commanding performance. Thanks to the circumferential and lateral grooves, water evacuation is optimized for hydroplaning resistance. Thanks to the advanced rubber compound, the tire maintains grip and traction for better manoeuvrability. Additionally, the sipes provide good hold on wet roads for enhanced wet traction.

On the other hand, the FireHawk Indy 500 also scores an 8.0 SimpleScore for reliable traction performance. The tire features a proprietary Pulse groove channel for water evacuation, which reduces the risk of hydroplaning. While the rubber compound is optimized for providing consistent grip in dry and wet conditions, the edges on the shoulders lend additional surface biting ability and improve water dispersion in wet conditions.

In traction, both tires give each other a tough competition and score an equal 8.0 SimpleScore, which results in a tie!

ADVANTAGE: Tie

Lexani Freccia GT-S vs Firestone FireHawk Indy 500 tires on handling

Let’s now compare the handling abilities of both tires and find out which tire excels in areas like steering response, stability, ride control, braking efficiency, cornering, and acceleration.

Commencing with the Freccia GT-S, the tire is rated an 8.0 SimpleScore for its great handling response. The asymmetric tread pattern and the wider base contribute to maintaining ride control, while the solid shoulder blocks improve cornering performance, alongside providing stability. Thanks to its rigid construction, the tire maintains its original shape even when driving pressures are high, offering seamless steering response. The braking performance of the tire is improved through the sipes and sharper tread blocks, which also reduce the stopping distance.

On the contrary, the FireHawk Indy 500 is rated an 8.8 SimpleScore for its great handling performance. The footprint is designed and engineered to offer quicker and controlled lane changes, while the rubber compound and grooves contribute to better handling in wet conditions. The wider shoulders increase the tire’s stiffness to provide dynamic cornering, whereas the improved rubber compound and tread pattern reduce the braking distance.

On the handling front, it is the FireHawk Indy 500 that scores higher than the Freccia GT-S, offering better overall controllability.

ADVANTAGE: Firestone FireHawk Indy 500

Lexani Freccia GT-S vs Firestone FireHawk Indy 500 tires on longevity

Next is longevity, where we will understand which tire is better at resisting wear and lasts longer.

The Freccia GT-S earns an impressive 8.0 out of 10 SimpleScore, assuring a decent tread life. The tread design utilizes the latest technology to optimize pressure distribution across the tread to prevent irregular wear, while the solid construction offers additional reinforcement to resist wear. The sidewalls are also optimized for extra strength to promote a long-lasting performance.

Contrarily, the FireHawk Indy 500 is rated 8.0 SimpleScore in longevity, assuring that this tire too has the ability to withstand the pressure and offer a longer service. The wide and flat footprint of the FireHawk Indy 500 prevents irregular wear, and the tough inner casing also allows the tire to maintain its original shape for longer and even tread wear. The reinforcement is further carried to the sidewalls that boost the tire’s ability to combat cornering pressures and serve longer.

Both tires achieve an equally good SimpleScore in longevity, resulting in a tie. But, credit to Lexani for achieving higher standards of longevity like the Firestone tire.

ADVANTAGE: Tie

When to use each

Both the Freccia GT-S and the FireHawk Indy 500 are UHP summer tires, and they are built and designed for use in warmer weather conditions. These tires should not be used in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and are purely meant for driving on paved surfaces, not on rugged terrains. Do not consider them for driving in winter weather conditions, as they are not Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified.

Which one should you choose?

Based on overall SimpleScores, the FireHawk Indy 500 is slightly better than the Freccia GT-S (8.2 vs 8.0). But, it is to be noted that the Lexani tire was marginally behind, and if you are looking for value offering options in the UHP summer tire category, it can be a good choice.

Additionally, both tires have their own positives, which must be taken into consideration before making a purchase.

Looking at SimpleScore, you should consider the Freccia GT-S if you:

• Drive a vehicle like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, or Honda Accord
• Need a set of tires that’s equally good in traction (8.0 vs 8.0)
• Want a set of UHP tires that are good in longevity (8.0 vs 8.0)
• Need a set of UHP summer tires that are more affordable

On the other hand, you should consider the FireHawk Indy 500 if you:

• Drive a vehicle like the Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, or Audi S4
• Want a set of tires that offer better handling (8.8 vs 8.0)
• Prefer a set of UHP tires that are equally capable in traction
• Want a set of tires that are equally good in longevity

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.