Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS vs Atlas Force UHP: –>Premium vs Budget UHP All Season The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and Atlas Force UHP represent a thrilling duel in the ultra-high-performance all-season tire segment, showcasing a classic match-up between premium legacy and budget innovation. On one side, we have the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS, often hailed as the reigning king in this category. Known for its exceptional handling, durability, and performance under various weather conditions, it epitomizes the high standards of the premium tire market.
In the other corner is the Atlas Force UHP, a rising challenger from China, symbolizing the impressive strides in quality and performance made by budget tire brands. Atlas has managed to carve out a niche by offering reliable performance at a more accessible price point, challenging the notion that only premium brands can deliver top-tier performance in the ultra-high-performance all-season segment.
This match-up isn’t just a comparison of tires; it’s a test of philosophies – established quality against emerging value. As we dive into the specifics of each tire, the contrast between the Continental’s proven track record and the Atlas’s ambitious value proposition sets the stage for an intriguing comparison. Stay tuned to see how these two contenders stack up in the ultimate battle of premium versus budget in the ultra-high-performance all-season tire world!
Table of Contents
Results : Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS vs Atlas Force UHP
Results below were taken from the 2023 Tyre Reviews UHP All Season Tyre Test which includes 7 tires from the market. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS vs Atlas Force UHP based on the relevant performance category. The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
The tire size of interest is 275/40 R20 which is a common tire size for Audi Q7 & Porsche Panamera. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a 717 horse power Dodge Challenger Hellcat.
Wet
In the arena of wet performance, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS clearly outshines the Atlas Force UHP, demonstrating a significant edge in this crucial aspect. When it comes to wet braking, a critical safety feature, the Continental tire stops in 46.9 meters, which is notably shorter than the 51.2 meters required by the Atlas. This difference of 4.3 meters, roughly equivalent to 14 feet, is substantial, especially considering the scenarios where every meter, or even foot, can mean the difference between safety and risk.
Moving on to wet handling (lap times), the Continental maintains its lead. It completes a wet handling course in 47.38 seconds, outpacing the Atlas tire, which takes 50.24 seconds. This difference of nearly 3 seconds in such conditions is a testament to the superior handling and agility of the Continental tire under wet conditions.
Lastly, in subjective wet handling, where the feel and control are assessed, the Continental again leads with a perfect score of 10 out of 10 points. In comparison, the Atlas scores 9.2 points, which, while commendable, indicates a slight disadvantage in terms of driver confidence and control during wet conditions.
In summary, in each of these wet performance tests, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS emerges as the superior tire, offering better braking, handling, and overall driver confidence in wet conditions compared to the Atlas Force UHP.
Force UHP :
- -8% in wet braking
- -6% in wet handling (lap time)
- -4% in wet handling (subj)
Dry
In the realm of dry performance, the contest between the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Atlas Force UHP is closer, yet the Continental still edges out slightly ahead. Starting with dry braking, the Continental tire comes to a stop at 34.5 meters, while the Atlas requires a marginally longer distance of 35.3 meters. This difference of 0.8 meters, equivalent to about 2.6 feet, though smaller than in wet conditions, still highlights the Continental’s superior braking performance in dry conditions.
In terms of dry handling, as measured by lap times, the Continental maintains its lead, albeit by a slim margin. It completes a lap in 42.27 seconds, just a fraction quicker than the Atlas, which records a lap time of 42.76 seconds. This difference of nearly half a second underscores the Continental’s slightly better handling and agility in dry conditions.
However, when it comes to subjective dry handling, where drivers rate the feel and control of the tire, both tires score equally, with each earning 9.8 out of 10 points. This indicates that, from the driver’s perspective, both tires provide a nearly identical level of confidence and handling performance in dry conditions.
Overall, while the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS shows a slight advantage in dry braking and handling, the performance gap is narrower compared to wet conditions. Both tires demonstrate commendable dry performance, with the Continental having a slight edge.
Force UHP :
- -2% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (lap time)
- 0% in dry handling (subj)
Snow
Both the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Atlas Force UHP are designed as all-season tires, however, it’s important to note that neither of these tires features the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. This symbol is an indication of a tire’s capability to handle severe snow conditions. Despite their all-season designation, the absence of this symbol suggests that their snow performance has not met the specific standards required for that certification.
Excitingly, snow testing for both of these tires is scheduled for the upcoming 2023 winter season. This will provide a clearer understanding of how they actually perform in snowy conditions. Stay tuned for these upcoming tests to see how these all-season tires handle the challenges of winter driving!
Noise & Comfort
In the category of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), the comparison between the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Atlas Force UHP reveals a slightly different story than in other tests. When considering subjective comfort, the Atlas Force UHP takes a slender lead with a score of 9.8 out of 10 points, surpassing the Continental which scores 9.5 points. This indicates that drivers perceive the Atlas tire as slightly more comfortable during the ride, perhaps offering a smoother experience or better absorption of road irregularities.
Similarly, in the subjective noise assessment, the Atlas again scores 9.8 points, slightly ahead of the Continental’s 9.5 points. This suggests that the Atlas tire produces marginally less noise during operation, contributing to a quieter and potentially more pleasant driving experience.
It’s noteworthy that these differences, though minor, illustrate the Atlas tire’s capability to compete closely with the Continental in terms of ride comfort and noise levels, despite its budget-friendly positioning. This comparison highlights the Atlas’s strengths in NVH performance, which are essential factors for many drivers when choosing tires.
Force UHP :
- +1.5% in subjective noise
- +1.5% in subjective comfort
UTQG rating
We have previously shown that UTQG tread wear rating can be a good indication of your expected mileage. Below are the UTQG values of both of the tirelines.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS | All | 560 | AA | A |
| Atlas | Force UHP | All | 520 | AA | A |
In comparing the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) values of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Atlas Force UHP, there are notable differences in treadwear ratings and mileage warranties, which are key indicators of tire longevity and durability.
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS has a treadwear rating of 560, which is higher than the Atlas Force UHP’s rating of 520. This higher treadwear rating for the Continental suggests a longer potential lifespan for the tire. In terms of traction and temperature ratings, both tires are rated the same, with ‘AA’ for traction and ‘A’ for temperature, indicating comparable performance in these areas.
The mileage warranty offered by the manufacturers further supports the treadwear ratings. The Continental tire comes with a 50,000-mile warranty, while the Atlas tire has a 40,000-mile warranty. This 10,000-mile difference in warranty aligns with the higher treadwear rating of the Continental, implying that it is expected to last longer under normal driving conditions.
In summary, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS demonstrates a potential advantage in durability and longevity, as indicated by its higher treadwear rating and longer mileage warranty compared to the Atlas Force UHP.
For more in depth information about UTQG, please check out this article here. We even have a free download on the latest UTQG values from the leading tire manufacturers.
Price
When evaluating the price difference between the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Atlas Force UHP, especially for the tire size 275/40 R20, the contrast becomes quite stark, highlighting the classic premium versus budget dilemma.
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS is priced at $273 per tire, which is significantly higher than the Atlas Force UHP, priced at $110 per tire. This price point for the Atlas is notably less, making the Force UHP approximately 148% cheaper than the Continental.
Tire size: 275/40 R20
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS : $273
- Force UHP : $110
Difference: -148% more cheaper for Force UHP.
This substantial price difference underscores the appeal of the Atlas as a budget-friendly option. While the Continental offers certain performance advantages, as seen in various tests, the Atlas provides a much more affordable alternative. This scenario presents a challenging decision for consumers, weighing the premium features and proven performance of the Continental against the considerable cost savings offered by the Atlas. This price comparison vividly illustrates the trade-offs between premium and budget choices in the tire market.
Summary
As a tire expert, my conclusion on the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Atlas Force UHP is straightforward. In wet conditions, the DWS 06 stands out with superior performance, offering better safety and handling. In dry conditions, both tires perform similarly, making them nearly equal contenders in such environments. Notably, the Atlas Force UHP excels in NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), offering a more comfortable and quieter ride, a significant achievement for a budget tire.
Dr Edwin Pang
This comparison highlights the rapidly closing gap between premium and budget tires, with budget options like the Atlas proving to be strong competitors. The definitive test for these tires will be their upcoming winter performance evaluations. This will be crucial in determining the overall champion in this tire segment. Stay tuned for the winter results!