Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 vs Continental AllSeasonContact 2: In the ever-evolving world of all-season tires, a thrilling new chapter unfolds with the launch of the Continental AllSeasonContact 2. This cutting-edge tire steps into the arena to challenge its longstanding rival, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, promising to redefine the standards of year-round driving performance. The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, with its proven track record, now faces a formidable opponent that blends innovative technology with robust design.
As the automotive community watches with bated breath, the question on everyone’s lips is: Can the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 emerge victorious in this epic battle of the treads? Stay tuned as we delve into a detailed comparison and see if the newcomer can indeed dethrone its well-established adversary.
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Results: Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 vs Continental AllSeasonContact 2
Results below were taken from the 2023 Auto Bild All Season Test. A whopping 35 tires were tested this time around with only 16 tires making it into the final round. The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 vs Continental AllSeasonContact 2 based on the relevant performance category. The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Auto Bild did the full range of test including snow & the expensive wear test. The tire size of interest is a 225/45 R17 which is a common tire size for Volvo S60 & BMW 3 Series. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a BMW 3 series.
Wet Showdown
When it comes to wet performance, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 exhibit some notable differences. In wet braking, where stopping distance is crucial, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 demonstrates a modest yet significant edge. It stops at 45.4 meters from 100 km/h, outperforming the Goodyear’s stopping distance of 48.3 meters by 2.9 meters. This difference could be critical in emergency situations.
However, in wet handling, which measures how well the tires maintain control and speed on wet tracks, both tires perform almost identically. The Goodyear has a slight advantage with an average lap speed of 74.8 km/h, marginally faster than the Continental’s 74.6 km/h.
The wet circle test, which assesses the tire’s grip and stability in a circular track, shows the Goodyear completing a lap slightly faster at 11.74 seconds compared to the Continental’s 11.96 seconds. This suggests better lateral grip and stability for the Goodyear in such conditions.
Lastly, in the straight aquaplaning test that evaluates a tire’s ability to resist aquaplaning at high speeds, the Goodyear again takes a narrow lead. It reaches a maximum slipping speed of 77.1 km/h, while the Continental reaches 76.1 km/h, indicating a slightly better resistance to aquaplaning for the Goodyear.
Overall, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 excels in wet braking, but the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 shows marginal superiority in handling, wet circle performance, and aquaplaning resistance.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- +6% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling
- -2% in wet circle
- -1% in aquaplaning
Snow
In snowy conditions, the performance of the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 shows some interesting contrasts. Starting with snow braking, where a shorter distance is better, the Goodyear tire demonstrates a slight advantage. It stops at 22.5 meters from 50 km/h, compared to the Continental’s stopping distance of 23.2 meters. This 0.7-meter difference indicates a marginally better braking performance for the Goodyear in snowy conditions.
When it comes to snow traction, which measures the pulling force of the tire, the Goodyear again edges ahead with 2777 Newtons, against the Continental’s 2744 Newtons. This small difference suggests that the Goodyear might offer slightly better grip in snow.
However, in snow handling, measured by the average lap speed on a snowy track, both tires show identical performance with an average speed of 57.4 km/h. This suggests that they are equally capable in maintaining control and speed in snowy conditions.
The snow slalom test, assessing agility and grip during rapid directional changes, sees the Continental performing slightly better. It achieves a maximum centripetal acceleration of 4.23 m/sec² compared to the Goodyear’s 4.08 m/sec². This indicates that the Continental might offer slightly better handling during dynamic maneuvers in the snow.
Overall, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 appears to have a slight advantage in braking and traction on snow, while the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 shows a marginal superiority in handling dynamics during snow slalom tests. Both tires, however, offer comparable performance in general snow handling.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- -3% in snow braking
- -1% in snow traction
- ~0% in snow handling
- +4% in snow slalom
Wear
When comparing the mileage performance of the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2, there is a noticeable difference. The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 showcases greater longevity, with an actual tested mileage of 58,923 kilometers. This surpasses the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3, which delivered a tested mileage of 57,129 kilometers.
This difference of 1,794 kilometers indicates that the Continental tire may offer better durability and a longer lifespan, potentially providing more value over time. Such a difference can be significant for drivers prioritizing tire longevity and overall usage.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- +3% in mileage
Dry
In dry conditions, the performance differences between the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 are quite distinct. Focusing first on dry braking, where a shorter stopping distance is better, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 demonstrates superior performance. It achieves a stopping distance of 40.4 meters from 100 km/h, which is 1.4 meters shorter than the Goodyear’s stopping distance of 41.8 meters. This indicates better braking efficiency for the Continental in dry conditions.
Moving to dry handling, which is evaluated by the average lap speed, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 takes the lead. It records an average lap speed of 89.8 km/h, which is notably faster than the Continental’s 87.8 km/h. This 2 km/h difference suggests that the Goodyear tire offers better stability and control at higher speeds in dry conditions.
In summary, while the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 shows better braking performance in dry conditions, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 excels in handling, providing a faster and potentially more responsive driving experience on dry roads.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- +3% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling
Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, there is a noticeable difference between the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2. The Goodyear tire produces a noise level of 73.3 dB, which is slightly louder than the Continental, which registers at 72.3 dB. This 1 dB difference might seem small, but in the context of tire noise, it can be significant.
A lower decibel level, as seen with the Continental tire, generally indicates a quieter and potentially more comfortable driving experience, especially noticeable during long drives or at higher speeds. This aspect might be particularly important for drivers who prioritize a quieter ride.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- +1% in exterior noise (-1 dB)
Rolling Resistance & Fuel Consumption Showdown:
Comparing the rolling resistance and fuel consumption of the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 reveals some differences that are worth noting.
The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 shows a lower rolling resistance at 7.68 kg/t compared to the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3’s 8.21 kg/t. A lower rolling resistance typically means the tire requires less energy to roll, which can lead to reduced fuel consumption.
This is reflected in the fuel consumption figures as well. The Continental tire has a fuel consumption rate of 5.56 liters per 100 kilometers, slightly lower than the Goodyear’s 5.66 liters per 100 kilometers. While the difference is small, over time and distance, it can add up to notable savings in fuel costs and a reduction in emissions.
In the context of electric vehicles (EVs), these factors – rolling resistance and energy efficiency – take on a different but equally significant role. For EVs, lower rolling resistance translates directly into greater energy efficiency, thereby extending the vehicle’s range per charge. This is crucial because range is one of the key considerations for EV owners and potential buyers. Tires with lower rolling resistance help maximize the distance an EV can travel on a single charge, addressing range anxiety and making EVs more practical and appealing for longer trips.
Therefore, while the benefits of lower rolling resistance and fuel consumption are evident in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles in terms of fuel savings and reduced emissions, in the rising world of EVs, these factors contribute fundamentally to enhancing vehicle range and overall efficiency, which are critical for the wider adoption and practicality of electric vehicles.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- +7% in rolling resistance
- +2% in fuel consumption
Price
When considering the price of the two tires in the size 205/55 R16, there’s a notable difference between the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2. The Goodyear is priced at €113, whereas the Continental is more affordable at €92. This makes the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 about 23% cheaper than the Goodyear.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
Difference: -23% more cheaper for AllSeasonContact 2.
Such a price difference is significant, especially for buyers who are budget-conscious or looking to equip multiple vehicles. The lower cost of the Continental could be a decisive factor for many, offering a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.
Expert’s Perspective
From a tire expert’s perspective, the clear winner in this comparison is the Continental AllSeasonContact 2. This tire stands out for several key reasons. Firstly, its superior wet braking performance, with a stopping distance that is noticeably shorter than the Goodyear, indicates a significant advantage in safety and reliability in critical conditions. Additionally, the Continental tire’s lower rolling resistance not only contributes to better fuel efficiency but also aligns well with the growing trend of electric vehicles, enhancing their range and overall efficiency.
Furthermore, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2’s lower price point makes it a more economical choice without compromising on performance. This aspect, combined with its marginally better mileage performance, offers greater value over the tire’s lifespan. While the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 does have its strengths, particularly in certain dry and snow conditions, the overall balance of performance, efficiency, and cost makes the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 a more compelling choice for a wide range of drivers.
Dr Edwin Pang