Continental PremiumContact 7 vs. Uniroyal RainSport 5: Get ready for a thrilling showdown between two exceptional tires from the same prestigious family. On one side, we have the Continental PremiumContact 7, renowned for its balanced performance, and press test wins. On the other, the Uniroyal RainSport 5, engineered with laser-like precision for unparalleled wet performance, showcasing Uniroyal’s expertise in rain tire technology.
As both contenders come from Continental’s illustrious stable, this internal clash promises to be a captivating battle of excellence, pitting versatility against specialization. Who will come out on top? The comprehensive all-rounder or the wet-weather champion? Let’s dive in and find out!
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Results: Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Uniroyal RainSport 5
Results below were taken from the 2024 Auto Bild Summer independent Tire Test which includes 21 top tires in the market. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Uniroyal RainSport 5 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 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf & Toyota Corolla . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf
Wet
In a wet performance comparison, the Continental PremiumContact 7 outshines the Uniroyal RainSport 5 despite the latter’s focus on wet conditions. The PremiumContact 7 stops 3 meters shorter in wet braking, taking 40.3 meters compared to the RainSport 5’s 43.3 meters. It also handles better, averaging 75.5 km/h versus 74.8 km/h for the RainSport 5.
On the wet circle, the PremiumContact 7 achieves 6.53 m/s, outperforming the RainSport 5’s 6.34 m/s. The only edge for the RainSport 5 is in straight-line aquaplaning, slipping at 85.3 km/h, slightly better than the PremiumContact 7’s 82.5 km/h. Even in wet conditions, the PremiumContact 7 proves superior.
RainSport 5 :
- –7% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling (average speed)
- -3% in wet circle
- +3% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry performance, the Continental PremiumContact 7 maintains its edge over the Uniroyal RainSport 5. When braking on dry roads, the PremiumContact 7 stops 2.5 meters shorter, needing just 35.4 meters from 100 km/h, while the RainSport 5 takes 37.9 meters. In dry handling, the PremiumContact 7 again comes out ahead, with an average speed of 115.5 km/h compared to the RainSport 5’s 113.8 km/h. Overall, the PremiumContact 7 not only excels in wet conditions but also delivers superior performance on dry roads.
RainSport 5 :
- –7% in dry braking
- –1% in dry handling (lap time)
Mileage
In terms of mileage, the Continental PremiumContact 7 significantly outlasts the Uniroyal RainSport 5. The PremiumContact 7 delivers a higher wear performance, lasting up to 30,750 kilometers before needing replacement, whereas the RainSport 5 wears out after 27,650 kilometers. This difference of 3,100 kilometers highlights the PremiumContact 7’s superior durability, making it the better choice for those seeking longer tire life.
RainSport 5 :
- -10% in mileage
Noise
When it comes to exterior noise, the Uniroyal RainSport 5 is noticeably quieter than the Continental PremiumContact 7. The RainSport 5 produces 72.9 dB, which is 1.2 dB less than the PremiumContact 7’s 74.1 dB. This difference makes the RainSport 5 significantly quieter, providing a more peaceful driving experience compared to the louder PremiumContact 7.
RainSport 5 :
- +2% in exterior noise (-1.2 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In terms of rolling resistance, the Continental PremiumContact 7 and the Uniroyal RainSport 5 perform quite similarly. The PremiumContact 7 measures at 8.08 N/kN, while the RainSport 5 is slightly lower at 7.93 N/kN. This minimal difference of 0.15 N/kN indicates that both tires offer comparable energy efficiency, with the RainSport 5 having a slight edge.
RainSport 5 :
- +2% in rolling resistance
Price
When comparing prices for the 205/55 R16 size, the Uniroyal RainSport 5 is significantly more affordable than the Continental PremiumContact 7. The RainSport 5 costs €63, while the PremiumContact 7 is priced at €88. This makes the RainSport 5 around 40% cheaper, offering a more budget-friendly option.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- PremiumContact 7 : € 88
- RainSport 5 : € 63
Difference: -40% more cheaper for RainSport 5.
Summary
As a tire expert, it’s clear that both the Continental PremiumContact 7 and the Uniroyal RainSport 5 have their own strengths. The Uniroyal RainSport 5 shines in specific areas. It excels in aquaplaning resistance and provides a quieter ride. However, the Continental PremiumContact 7 stands out as the overall winner. It offers superior wet and dry braking, better handling, and greater durability. Despite being slightly noisier and more expensive, its exceptional all-around performance makes it the top choice for those seeking the best in tire technology and reliability.
Dr Edwin Pang