Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS vs Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3: In the ever-evolving world of high-performance tires, the stage is set for an epic showdown. The newly launched 2023 Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 steps into the spotlight, boasting cutting-edge advancements in grip, handling, and durability. This tire promises an exhilarating driving experience, enhanced by innovative tread patterns and rubber compounds that aim to redefine performance standards.
But the question on everyone’s mind is: Can it truly stand up to the formidable Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS, a tire that has long been a benchmark in its class? The Continental is renowned for its exceptional all-season capabilities, balancing dry and wet performance with remarkable poise. As we gear up for this thrilling face-off, the anticipation is palpable. Which of these automotive titans will emerge as the ultimate choice for driving enthusiasts? Stay tuned as we delve into the details and hype up the battle between the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the 2023 Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3!
Table of Contents
Results : Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS vs P Zero AS Plus 3
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 Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 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
When comparing the wet performance of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS vs Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3, we see some interesting differences. In wet braking, the Continental tire stops at 46.9 meters, which is just slightly longer than the Pirelli’s 46.7 meters. This difference is minimal, roughly around 0.2 meters or about 0.66 feet.
For wet handling, the Continental completes a lap in 47.38 seconds, showing a bit more efficiency than the Pirelli, which takes 47.83 seconds. This difference of 0.45 seconds suggests that the Continental might offer slightly better control and speed in wet conditions.
In subjective wet handling, rated out of 10 points, the Continental scores a perfect 10, indicating superior perceived handling in wet conditions. The Pirelli, scoring 9.8, is just marginally behind, indicating that it is also highly competent but perhaps not as exceptional as the Continental in this aspect.
These subtle differences highlight the strengths of each tire, with the Continental showing a slight edge in overall wet performance.
P Zero AS Plus 3 :
- ~0% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling (lap time)
- -1% in wet handling (subj)
Dry
In terms of dry performance, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 show some notable differences. When it comes to dry braking, the Continental tire stops at 34.5 meters, which is slightly shorter than the Pirelli’s stopping distance of 35.2 meters. This difference of 0.7 meters, or approximately 2.3 feet, suggests that the Continental has a slight edge in braking efficiency on dry surfaces.
Looking at dry handling, the Pirelli completes a lap in 42.14 seconds, marginally faster than the Continental, which takes 42.27 seconds. This small difference of 0.13 seconds indicates that the Pirelli might offer better agility and speed in dry conditions.
In subjective dry handling, the Pirelli scores a perfect 10 out of 10 points, reflecting superior perceived handling on dry roads. The Continental, with a score of 9.8, is very close behind, showing that it too is highly capable in dry conditions but is perceived to be slightly less exceptional compared to the Pirelli in this aspect.
These differences highlight the specific strengths of each tire, with the Continental showing better dry braking performance and the Pirelli excelling in dry handling and driver perception.
P Zero AS Plus 3 :
- -2% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (lap time)
- +1% in dry handling (subj)
Snow
We’re eagerly anticipating the snow testing of both the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 tires, which is scheduled for the end of 2023. This test will provide valuable insights into how these tires perform in winter conditions, a crucial factor for many drivers. Stay tuned for the results! We’ll bring you a comprehensive analysis as soon as the testing is completed, helping you make an informed decision for your winter driving needs. Keep an eye out for our update later this year!
Noise & Comfort
In the area of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance, both the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 tires demonstrate impressive qualities, albeit with slight variations.
For subjective comfort, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 edges out slightly with a score of 9.8 out of 10, compared to the Continental’s score of 9.5. This small difference suggests that drivers might find the Pirelli tire to offer a marginally smoother and more comfortable ride.
Similarly, when it comes to subjective noise, the Pirelli again scores a bit higher at 9.8 out of 10, while the Continental scores 9.5. This indicates that the Pirelli tire is perceived to be slightly quieter than the Continental, potentially contributing to a more pleasant driving experience in terms of auditory comfort.
These differences, although minor, highlight the Pirelli’s slightly superior performance in reducing noise and enhancing comfort according to driver perceptions. However, both tires are evidently high performers in these aspects, offering quality experiences in terms of NVH.
P Zero AS Plus 3 :
- +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 |
| Pirelli | P Zero AS Plus 3 | All | 560 | AA | A |
Both the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 tires have identical UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) ratings. Each brand offers a tread wear rating of 560, traction grade of AA, and a temperature grade of A.
The tread wear rating of 560 indicates a high level of durability for both tire models, suggesting that they are designed to last longer than many other tires on the market. The traction grade of AA, the highest rating possible, signifies excellent grip and braking capabilities on wet surfaces for both tires. The temperature grade of A is a common rating for high-performance tires, indicating their ability to perform well in high-temperature conditions.
Interestingly, both tires come with a 50,000-mile warranty, which aligns well with their high tread wear rating. This indicates that both Continental and Pirelli are confident in the long-term durability and performance of their tires. The matching UTQG ratings and mileage warranty suggest that both tires should offer a similar level of longevity and performance over time.
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
For the tire size 275/40 R20, there’s a noticeable price difference between the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3. The Continental is priced at $273, while the Pirelli comes in at $304. This makes the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 about 10% more expensive than the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS. This price difference highlights a premium on the Pirelli tires, potentially reflecting its specific features or brand positioning in the market.
Tire size: 275/40 R20
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS : $273
- P Zero AS Plus 3 : $304
Difference: +10% more expensive for P Zero AS Plus 3.
Summary
As a tire expert, analyzing the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 has been a fascinating experience. The competition between these two high-performance tires is incredibly tight, with no clear winner emerging. Each tire has its slight performance advantages – the Continental shows a slight edge in wet and dry braking, while the Pirelli slightly outperforms in dry handling and NVH aspects. Both tires share impressive UTQG ratings and offer a similar level of durability and longevity, as evidenced by their tread wear ratings and mileage warranties.
Dr Edwin Pang
However, the real differentiator might just be revealed in the upcoming winter tests at the end of 2023. Winter performance can be a game-changer in tire comparisons, and I’m eager to see how these two models stack up in snow and ice conditions. The results may provide the clarity needed to determine a more distinct leader between these two. So, stay tuned for those winter test results – they might just offer the decisive insights we need to crown a winner in this tight competition.