Continental SportContact 7 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5: The all-new 2025 Pirelli P Zero PZ5 is here, ready to challenge the undisputed champion of the ultra-high performance (UUHP) segment for the past three years – the Continental SportContact 7. The SportContact 7 has dominated with its unparalleled dry and wet handling, setting the benchmark for performance tires. But with Pirelli’s latest innovation, the PZ5, the battle for the top spot just got intense. Will the PZ5 dethrone the reigning champ, or will the SportContact 7 continue its legacy? Buckle up for this epic showdown!
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Results: Continental SportContact 7 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5
The results presented here are from the Tyre Review’s Best Performance Tyres For 2025 Test, where 7 of the best UUHP tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Continental SportContact 7 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5 across various performance categories, with the Continental SportContact 7 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 225/40R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series Audi A4. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Volkswagen Golf as the test vehicle.
Wet
The Pirelli P Zero PZ5 stops 0.61 meters shorter than the Continental SportContact 7 in wet braking, which is a 3% difference. In wet handling, the PZ5 completes the lap 0.6 seconds faster than the SportContact 7, which is a 1% difference. Both tires perform equally well in subjective wet handling, scoring 9.5 points. In straight-line aquaplaning resistance, the PZ5 reaches a speed of 74 km/h, which is 0.7 km/h faster than the SportContact 7, resulting in a 1% difference. The PZ5 shows a slight overall advantage in wet performance.
P Zero PZ5 :
- +3% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling
- 0% in subjective wet handling
- +1% in aquaplaning
Dry
The Continental SportContact 7 stops 0.14 meters shorter than the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 in dry braking, which is a difference close to 0%. In dry handling, the PZ5 completes the lap 0.12 seconds faster than the SportContact 7, which is also a close to 0% difference. In subjective dry handling, the PZ5 scores 0.25 points higher than the SportContact 7, indicating a slight edge in driver feel and control. The PZ5 demonstrates a marginal advantage in dry performance.
P Zero PZ5 :
- 0% in dry braking
- 0% in dry handling
- +1% in subjective dry handling
Comfort & Noise
Both the Continental SportContact 7 and Pirelli P Zero PZ5 score equally in subjective comfort with 10 points, indicating no difference in ride quality. In terms of noise, the PZ5 is quieter, producing 0.9 dB less noise compared to the SportContact 7, which is a difference of 1%. The PZ5 shows a slight advantage in noise performance.
P Zero PZ5 :
- 0% in subjective comfort
- +1% in exterior noise (+0.9 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Continental SportContact 7 has a slightly lower rolling resistance compared to the Pirelli P Zero PZ5, with a difference of 0.1 N/kN, which is close to 1% difference. The performance in rolling resistance is nearly identical between the two tires.
P Zero PZ5 :
- -1% in rolling resistance
Price
The Pirelli P Zero PZ5 is priced at €104, which is €5 cheaper than the Continental SportContact 7 at €109. This makes the PZ5 approximately 5% cheaper, offering a slight cost advantage.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- SportContact 7 : € 109
- P Zero PZ5 : € 104
Difference: -5% more cheaper for P Zero PZ5.
Summary
From my perspective as a tire expert, both the Continental SportContact 7 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 showcase outstanding performance in the ultra-high performance (UUHP) segment. The Continental SportContact 7 continues to impress with its superior dry braking and consistent comfort, maintaining its reputation for balanced performance. However, the all-new Pirelli P Zero PZ5 truly stands out with its improved wet performance, slightly faster lap times, quieter ride, and competitive pricing. Considering the overall performance and the impressive advancements made, I would crown the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 as the new UUHP champion.
Dr Edwin Pang