Introducing a sibling rivalry like no other: the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs General G-MAX RS! Both brands are owned by Continental, promising top-notch performance in the ultra-high performance summer tire category. The General G-MAX RS, launched in 2017, has been a favorite among enthusiasts for its superb grip and handling. Enter the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, released in 2022, bringing the latest in tire technology and performance enhancements. Get ready for an exhilarating battle between these two titans of the road, each vying for supremacy in delivering unmatched summer performance!
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from tire rack’s “Ultra High Performance vs. Max Performance Summer Tires ” test. A total of 6 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs General G-MAX RS based on the relevant performance category. The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is a 275/35R19 which is a common tire size for BMW 530i M Sport & Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a 2024 BMW M2.
Dry
In the ultra-high performance segment, dry performance is of absolute importance. When comparing the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 to the General G-MAX RS, we were surprised to see the General outperforming Continental in dry braking. The General G-MAX RS stops at 73.60 feet from 50-0 mph, while the Continental requires 75.60 feet, showing a 2-foot difference in favor of General.
In terms of dry handling, the Continental scores higher subjectively with an 8/10 compared to the General’s 7.13/10. However, when it comes to lap times, the Continental also edges out the General, completing the lap in 28.29 seconds versus the General’s 29.06 seconds. This head-to-head reveals that while the General excels in braking, the Continental has a slight advantage in overall dry handling and speed.
G-MAX RS :
- +3% in dry braking
- -4% in dry handling (subj)
- -3% in dry handling (lap time)
Wet
Wet performance is important but plays second fiddle to dry performance in the ultra-high performance segment. When comparing the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and the General G-MAX RS, the General nearly matches its premium sibling. In wet braking, the General G-MAX RS stops at 96.70 feet from 50-0 mph, just 0.1 feet shorter than the Continental’s 96.80 feet.
For wet handling, the Continental scores slightly higher with 8.13/10 compared to the General’s 7.81/10. Regarding lap times, the Continental finishes in 30.93 seconds, while the General follows closely at 31.08 seconds. Overall, it’s impressive to see how well the General managed to stick very close to its premium Continental counterpart.
G-MAX RS :
- ~0% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (subj)
- ~0% in wet handling (lap time)
Mileage (real actual test !)
Both the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and the General G-MAX RS have been tested by Consumer Reports, and both tires deliver an impressive mileage of 35,000 miles. This shows that despite their differences in other performance areas, both tires offer the same durability and longevity on the road.
- ExtremeContact Sport 02 : 35,000 miles
- G-Max RS : 35,000 miles
Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH)
When comparing the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performances of the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and the General G-MAX RS, the Continental consistently outperforms the General. The Continental offers a ride quality rating of 7.5, compared to the General’s 7. For noise, the Continental scores 7, while the General is slightly behind at 6.5. In steering and road handling, the Continental scores 7.75, surpassing the General’s 7.
Overall, the Continental averages a higher score of 7.42 in noise, comfort, and ride quality, while the General averages 6.83. This comparison highlights the superior NVH performance of the Continental over the General.
G-MAX RS :
- -3% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality
UTQG rating
The UTQG tread wear values for the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and the General G-MAX RS indicate that the General may have an advantage in wear, with a tread wear rating of 360 compared to the Continental’s 340. Despite the General’s higher UTQG wear rating, this advantage was not reflected in the actual mileage test, where both tires achieved the same 35,000 miles. Both tires share identical ratings for traction (AA) and temperature (A).
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | ExtremeContact Sport 02 | All | 340 | AA | A |
| General | G-MAX RS | All | 360 | AA | A |
Price
When comparing the prices for the 275/35R19 tire size, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 costs $324, while the General G-MAX RS is priced at $243. This means the General G-MAX RS is 33% cheaper than the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, as is being positioned in the quality brand segment.
Tire size: 275/35R19
- ExtremeContact Sport 02 : $324
- G-MAX RS : $243
Difference: -33% more cheaper for G-MAX RS.
Summary
As a tire expert, I was clearly impressed by how close the General G-MAX RS came to its newer premium counterpart, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02. The General even outperformed in dry braking. However, when it comes to handling supremacy, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 has a clear lead.
Dr Edwin Pang