Continental AllSeasonContact 2 vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3: In the ever-evolving quest for the ultimate all-season tire, two new challengers have entered the ring, aiming to dethrone the reigning champion, the Michelin CrossClimate 2. Meet the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3. These latest additions to the all-season tire market are not just any tires; they are the culmination of cutting-edge technology and innovation, each promising unparalleled performance across varied climates and conditions.
As the battle heats up, enthusiasts and consumers alike are watching closely. Will one of these newcomers claim the title of the best all-season tire, or will the Michelin CrossClimate 2 continue to hold its ground? The duel between the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 is not just about rubber meeting the road; it’s about setting new benchmarks in the tire industry. The anticipation is palpable, and the stakes are high, as these two titans go head-to-head in the ultimate test of all-season supremacy.
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Results: Continental AllSeasonContact 2 vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
Results below were taken from the 2024 Tyre Reviews All Season Tyre Test. A total of 7 tires were tested this time around with snow & ice testing to gauge the all season performances.. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental AllSeasonContact 2 vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires with a 3 peak mountain logo on it, an extensive snow & ice testing was conducted. Note that for subjective comfort evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. The tire size of interest is a 205/55 R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI.
Wet
In the crucial area of wet performance, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 showcase their prowess, albeit with some differences. When it comes to wet braking, the Continental edges ahead by bringing vehicles to a stop from 80 to 5 km/h in just 34.1 meters, 1.4 meters shorter than the Pirelli, which requires 35.5 meters to achieve the same feat. This slight advantage in braking distance could be critical in emergency situations.
The competition tightens during wet handling tests, where the Continental and Pirelli are almost neck and neck. The Continental completes a lap in 86.1 seconds, just a hair faster than the Pirelli’s 86.2 seconds. Both tires earn a perfect score in subjective wet handling, indicating that drivers can expect an excellent grip and confidence-inspiring performance from either tire in wet conditions. However, the Pirelli takes the lead in resisting aquaplaning in straight-line scenarios, with a slipping speed of 84.2 km/h compared to the Continental’s 78.5 km/h. This indicates that the Pirelli offers superior resistance to water and maintains better control and safety at higher speeds in wet conditions.
Overall, while the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 shows a slight advantage in wet braking and marginally better wet handling time, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 excels in preventing aquaplaning, showcasing its strength in maintaining control in heavy rain situations.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- -4% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling (lap time)
- 0% in wet handling (subj)
- +7% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
When comparing the snow performance of the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, we see a tightly contested battle with subtle yet crucial differences. In snow braking, from 40 to 0 km/h, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 stops at 18 meters, slightly outperforming the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, which comes to a halt at 18.8 meters. This 0.8 meter difference suggests that the Continental tire offers a marginally better response in emergency braking situations on snow.
For snow traction, measured by the acceleration time from 0 to 20 km/h, the Continental tire again shows an edge. It achieves this in 8.04 seconds, whereas the Pirelli tire takes a bit longer at 8.46 seconds, marking a difference of 0.42 seconds. This indicates that the Continental tire may provide superior initial grip and acceleration on snowy surfaces.
However, when it comes to snow handling, represented by the lap time on a snow-covered track, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 marginally takes the lead with a time of 91.99 seconds compared to the Continental’s 92.18 seconds. This slight advantage of 0.19 seconds suggests that the Pirelli may offer a slightly better control and agility while navigating through snow. Both tires score equally in subjective snow handling, with each receiving a rating of 9.8 out of 10 points, indicating that users rate them similarly in terms of overall feel and confidence during snow driving.
In summary, while the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 demonstrates marginally better braking and traction on snow, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 slightly excels in handling, making both tires competitive choices for winter conditions, with their strengths depending on the specific aspects of snow performance one prioritizes.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- -4% in snow braking
- -5% in snow traction
- ~0% in snow handling (lap times)
- 0% in snow handling (subj)
Ice
When it comes to ice performance, a feature rarely tested, we are particularly grateful to Tyre Reviews for shining a light on how the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 perform under these challenging conditions. In the realm of ice braking, from 25 to 0 km/h, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 takes the lead, requiring only 6.67 meters to come to a complete stop. This is a slight edge over the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, which needs 6.89 meters, making the Continental tire faster to stop by 0.22 meters.
Turning to ice traction, the scenario inverts. The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 showcases its prowess by accelerating from 0 to 20 km/h in just 4.68 seconds, marginally outperforming the Continental AllSeasonContact 2, which takes 4.78 seconds. This 0.1-second difference highlights the Pirelli’s superior capability to find grip on ice.
This nuanced performance on ice between the two contenders underscores the importance of comprehensive testing. Each tire exhibits strengths in different aspects of ice handling, with the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 braking more efficiently, while the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 excels in gaining traction.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- -3% in ice braking
- +2% in ice traction
Wear
The wear performance comparison between the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 reveals a significant difference, which is particularly relevant for drivers navigating the diverse conditions of Middle European roads. The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 demonstrates remarkable durability, boasting a lifespan of 48,900 kilometers. This significantly surpasses the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, which shows wear after 33,741 kilometers. This stark difference of 15,159 kilometers means that the Continental tire offers substantially greater longevity.
For users, this variance in wear performance translates into the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 providing better value over time, with less frequent need for tire replacements. This is especially beneficial in Middle Europe, where roads can vary from dry urban streets to wet, snow-covered rural paths. A tire that wears less means longer intervals between replacements, ensuring that drivers can rely on consistent performance for a more extended period. This difference highlights the importance of considering wear life as a critical factor when choosing tires for regions with such variable driving conditions.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- -31% in mileage
Dry
In dry conditions, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 outperforms the Continental AllSeasonContact 2, stopping 3.7 meters shorter in dry braking tests with a distance of 37.7 meters compared to Continental’s 41.4 meters. It also edges out in dry handling, completing the course 0.4 seconds faster at 55.4 seconds against the Continental’s 55.8 seconds. Subjectively, drivers may prefer the Pirelli for its perfect 10/10 handling score, slightly above Continental’s 9.5/10, suggesting the Pirelli offers a more engaging drive on dry roads.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- +10% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (lap time)
- +2% in dry handling (subj)
Noise
In terms of exterior noise, both the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 are closely matched, with the Continental tire producing slightly less noise at 71 dB compared to the Pirelli’s 71.7 dB. This minor difference of 0.7 dB indicates that the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 is marginally quieter, offering a slightly more serene driving experience. While the difference is small, it reflects the Continental’s slight edge in reducing road noise, which could contribute to a more comfortable and quieter ride, especially on long journeys.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.7 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In the test for rolling resistance, which is a measure of the energy lost by the tire as it rolls and affects fuel efficiency, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 demonstrates better performance with a resistance of 7.25 N/kN compared to the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3’s 7.86 N/kN. This means the Continental tire is more efficient, with a lower rolling resistance by 0.61 N/kN. This efficiency could translate into slightly better fuel economy and a lighter environmental footprint for vehicles equipped with the Continental AllSeasonContact 2, showcasing its advantage in reducing energy loss during driving.
Cinturato All Season SF3 :
- -8% in rolling resistance
Price
The price comparison for the tire size 205/55 R16 shows that the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 are nearly identical in cost, priced at €97 and €96 respectively. The minimal difference of about €1 suggests that price is not a significant differentiator between these two tires, making them more or less the same in terms of affordability. This places the focus back on their performance and specific features when choosing between them.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- AllSeasonContact 2: €97
- Cinturato All Season SF3 : €96
Difference: ~ more of less the same.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve delved into the nuances of the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, examining their capabilities across various conditions. Both tires stand out, yet they each cater to slightly different preferences and requirements.
Continental AllSeasonContact 2 : excels in wear performance, offering a significant 15,159 kilometers more durability than the Pirelli, making it an exceptional choice for drivers looking for longevity and value over time. Its better snow performances, slightly quieter ride and lower rolling resistance further enhance its appeal for those seeking efficiency and a serene driving experience, particularly beneficial on long journeys.
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 : shines in its handling and braking proficiency in both wet and dry conditions, outpacing the Continental with its superior grip and responsiveness. This makes it ideal for drivers who prioritize safety and performance in varying weather conditions. Additionally, its marginally better ice traction and similar price point make it a compelling option for those focused on dynamic driving capabilities without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, if snow, longevity, efficiency, and a quieter ride are your top priorities, especially for extensive road use, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you value superior handling, braking performance in wet and dry conditions, and slightly better ice traction, the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 will not disappoint. Your final decision should align with what you deem most critical in your tire performance criteria.
Dr. Edwin Pang