Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Falken Azenis FK520: The battle in the SUV segment intensifies as the Continental PremiumContact 7 and Falken Azenis FK520, both launched in 2022, go head-to-head. While primarily positioned in the ultra-high performance segment, these tires have overlapping sizes in the SUV market, setting the stage for an exciting showdown between two of the latest contenders.
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Results: Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Falken Azenis FK520
Results below were taken from the 2024 Auto Motor und Sport SUV independent Tire Test which includes 8 top tires in the market. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Falken Azenis FK520 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental PremiumContact 7 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet & dry handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time & subjective rating. The tire size of interest is a 235/55R18 which is a common tire size for Audi Q3 & Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a SEAT Tarraco.
Wet
In wet braking, the Continental PremiumContact 7 outperforms the Falken Azenis FK520 with a stopping distance of 27.9 meters, making it 2.2 meters shorter than the Falken’s 30.1 meters. When it comes to wet handling, the Continental also has the edge, maintaining an average speed of 75.5 km/h compared to Falken’s 73.8 km/h. However, in straight-line aquaplaning resistance, the Falken Azenis FK520 performs better, resisting slipping at 77.9 km/h, which is 4.4 km/h higher than the Continental’s 73.5 km/h.
Azenis FK520 :
- -7% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (average speed)
- +6% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Continental PremiumContact 7 stops in 34.1 meters, making it 1.1 meters shorter than the Falken Azenis FK520, which takes 35.2 meters to stop. When it comes to dry handling, the two tires are nearly identical, with the Continental achieving an average speed of 93.8 km/h, just slightly faster than the Falken’s 93.7 km/h.
Azenis FK520 :
- -3% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (average speed)
Noise
The exterior noise performance between the two tires shows a significant difference. The Continental PremiumContact 7 produces 73.2 dB, which is 2.3 dB louder than the Falken Azenis FK520’s 70.9 dB. This difference is definitely notable for the driver, with the Falken offering a quieter ride.
Azenis FK520 :
- +3% in exterior noise (-2.3 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In terms of rolling resistance, the Falken Azenis FK520 has a slight advantage, with a rating of 7.5 N/kN compared to the Continental PremiumContact 7’s 7.7 N/kN. This small difference indicates that the Falken offers marginally better fuel efficiency, although the difference may not be easily noticeable in everyday driving.
Azenis FK520 :
- +3% in rolling resistance
Price
In the 235/55R18 size, the Falken Azenis FK520 is priced at €124, making it 14% cheaper than the Continental PremiumContact 7, which costs €141. This price difference offers a more budget-friendly option with the Falken.
Tire size: 235/55R18
- PremiumContact 7 : € 141
- Azenis FK520 : € 124
Difference: -14% more cheaper for Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’d say both the Continental PremiumContact 7 and Falken Azenis FK520 have their own strengths. The Continental PremiumContact 7 excels in both wet and dry braking, offering a slightly better handling experience. However, what really surprised me was the significant noise difference—the Falken Azenis FK520 is noticeably quieter (-2.3 dB), providing a more comfortable ride. Besides noise, the Falken also excels in aquaplaning resistance and rolling resistance, making it an even more attractive option for those looking for a balance of performance and comfort at a lower price.
Dr Edwin Pang