Continental ControlContact Sport SRS+ vs ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus: In the realm of high-performance all-season tires, the Continental ControlContact Sport SRS+ and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus stand out as prominent contenders for drivers seeking a blend of comfort, durability, and handling prowess. At first glance, it might seem puzzling why Continental would offer two products that serve similar market segments and sizes, often leading to a choice conundrum for consumers. The key to understanding this lies in the strategic partnership and distribution channels; the ControlContact Sport SRS+ is an exclusive tire model available only through Discount Tire, offering a unique value proposition to customers within that retail network.
Yet, discerning drivers are right to question how these tires differ beyond their purchase locations. Are they merely similar skins with different names, or do they provide distinct driving experiences tailored to specific vehicular needs and conditions? It’s time to delve into a head-to-head comparison to clear the fog of confusion and lay out the fine details that distinguish these two high-performance offerings from Continental. So, buckle up and prepare to explore the intricacies that could sway your decision in this tight race of rubber and road.
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Results : Continental ControlContact Sport SRS+ vs ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare these two products directly. Fortunately, Discount Tire has tested both tires, allowing us to use their data-tested results to assess the performance of each tire. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental ControlContact Sport SRS+ vs ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus based on the relevant performance category.
Wet
When it comes to wet braking performance, a metric essential for your safety and driving confidence, both the Continental ControlContact Sport SRS+ and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus exhibit strikingly similar statistics — each halting your ride from 60 mph to a standstill in 132 feet. This head-to-head matchup in wet conditions reveals that Continental has engineered both tires to offer reassuring and competitive stopping power.
However, don’t let the matching numbers fool you; the experience behind the wheel could still be distinct, influenced by each tire’s unique composition and tread design. It’s a testament to Continental’s commitment to safety, but the real question is, beyond the figures, how will each tire translate these capabilities into real-world handling and control? The answer lies in a closer inspection of each tire’s on-road behavior at the NVH section.
Wet Braking :
- ControlContact Sport SRS+ : 100%
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus : 100%
Dry
When the pavement is parched and the brakes are beckoned, the tale of the tape between the Continental ControlContact Sport SRS+ and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is one of subtle but significant difference. In the dry braking duel, the DWS 06 Plus edges out its sibling, pulling your chariot to a halt from 60 mph in a mere 112 feet — 5 feet shorter than the ControlContact Sport SRS+. This slim margin could be the difference between a close call and a sigh of relief.
It’s a marvel of engineering that these tires, while close kin in the Continental family, exhibit distinct personalities when it’s crunch time on dry asphalt. With the DWS 06 Plus showing a slight supremacy in this critical performance aspect, one might wonder what other secrets these circular steeds hold. So, as we admire the prowess of Continental’s rubber gladiators in dry conditions, let’s pivot to longevity — how do these tires fare when it comes to mileage? After all, performance is a sprint, but tire life? That’s a marathon.
Dry Braking :
- ControlContact Sport SRS+ : 100%
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus : 104%
Mileage
In the marathon of mileage, the Continental ControlContact Sport SRS+ takes a victory lap, with a median lifespan of 47,000 miles, surpassing the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, which clocks in at 41,000 miles. Yet, both tires boast an equal promise with a 50,000-mile warranty, suggesting a confidence from Continental in the long journey ahead, regardless of your choice.
The UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) treadwear values for both are deadlocked at 560, implying that on paper, these tires should offer comparable longevity. However, the real-world speaks through the miles, and here, the ControlContact Sport SRS+ seems to eke out a lead, potentially offering a longer relationship with the road.
But what about the journey itself? The NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels can turn a long drive into a trial or a treat. So, as you mull over the mileage, ponder this — which tire will serenade your senses with a quieter ride, cushion the blows from the potholes, and keep the vibrations at bay? Let’s shift gears and explore the NVH characteristics to find out which tire not only goes the distance but does so with grace.
Mileage:
- ControlContact Sport SRS+ : 100%
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus : 87%
Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH)
In the acoustic arena where rubber meets the road, the Continental ControlContact Sport SRS+ pulls ahead with its symphony of silence and cushioned comfort, scoring an impressive 4 out of 5 in comfort, quiet ride, and handling. It’s a tire that not only commits to carrying you far but ensures that the journey is as serene as it is steadfast. With the finesse of a well-tuned instrument, it minimizes the crescendo of the outside world, offering a bubble of calm within your cabin.
Comfort:
- ControlContact Sport SRS+ : 100%
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus : 97.5%
The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, while just a half step behind with a 3.5 out of 5 in the same categories, presents a slightly firmer narrative. This tire provides a firm handshake with the road, conveying more of the story beneath the treads, which might appeal to those who prefer a touch more feedback from their driving experience.
Quite Ride:
- ControlContact Sport SRS+ : 100%
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus : 97.5%
Handling :
- ControlContact Sport SRS+ : 100%
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus : 97.5%
Now, with NVH cast into the limelight, a pivotal question looms on the horizon, one that often tips the scales — pricing. In this clash of Continental titans, does the higher serenity of the Sport SRS+ command a premium? Or does the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus argue a compelling case with a wallet-friendly whisper? Stay tuned as we peel back the pricing labels and reveal which tire not only leads in performance but also in value.
Price
The Continental ControlContact Sport SRS+, priced at $178, emerges as the more wallet-friendly option without skimping on quality, as compared to its sibling. Opting for the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus will have you digging a little deeper into your pockets, with a price tag of $187 — that’s a modest 5% premium. For those crunching numbers, the decision boils down to whether the slight edge in dry braking performance and the subtleties of the ride experience with the DWS 06 Plus justify the extra outlay. As the dollars climb, so do the stakes in choosing the right tire for your ride.
Tire size: 225/45R18
- ControlContact Sport SRS+ : $178
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus : $187
Difference: +5% more expensive for ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Comparison of UTQG Values:
Both the Continental ControlContact Sport SRS+ and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus share identical UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) ratings, with a treadwear score of 560, and the highest ratings for traction and temperature, marked as ‘AA’ and ‘A’ respectively.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | ControlContact Sport SRS+ | All | 560 | AA | A |
| Continental | ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus | All | 560 | AA | A |
Conclusion:
As a tire expert with a keen eye on performance nuances and a deep understanding of driver needs, I can attest that the ideal choice between the Continental ControlContact Sport SRS+ and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is truly dependent on what you prioritize for your driving experience.
For those who place the utmost value on dry braking performance, where every foot of stopping distance can be critical, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus stands out. Its superior stopping power in dry conditions could very well be the deciding factor for performance enthusiasts or for those who regularly drive in arid climates where rain is a rare guest.
Conversely, if you lean towards a tire that promises a longer tread life and places a premium on the quality of your drive — with higher mileage and superior noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics — then the ControlContact Sport SRS+ should be your companion of choice. Not only does it offer an extra buffer in mileage, but it also ensures that your journey is as comfortable and quiet as possible, making it ideal for those who spend ample time on the road and desire a serene driving environment.
In the end, both tires are exemplary in their rights, each with a distinct edge that caters to different aspects of the driving spectrum. Your selection should align with what you deem critical: the assertiveness of braking in the dry with the DWS 06 Plus or the longevity and tranquility of the Sport SRS+. Choose wisely, and drive confidently.
Dr Edwin Pang