Continental SportContact 7 vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport: The Continental SportContact 7 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport are top contenders in the UUHP segment. The SportContact 7 boasts precision handling and wet grip, while the Potenza Sport excels in steering response and dry grip. Which reigns supreme? Let’s find out!
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Results: Continental SportContact 7 vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport
The results featured here are from the 2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test, with 16 model of the finest tires were tested. Wear bring a extremely priced and expensive test were provided to our delight. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Continental SportContact 7 vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport across various performance categories, with the Continental SportContact 7 serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is the 225/40R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series Audi A4. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Volkswagen Golf as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Continental SportContact 7 stops in 28.4 meters, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport takes 28.8 meters, making the Continental just 0.4 meters (1%) shorter. In straight-line aquaplaning, the SportContact 7 holds on until 79.6 km/h, while the Potenza Sport loses grip at 78.9 km/h, showing a 0.7 km/h (1%) advantage for Continental. Surprisingly, Bridgestone stays very close in both tests.
Potenza Sport:
- -1% in wet braking
- -1% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport stops in 34.9 meters, while the Continental SportContact 7 takes 35.2 meters, giving Bridgestone a 0.3-meter (1%) advantage. Despite Continental’s dominance in many areas, Bridgestone proves its strength with a slightly shorter stopping distance.
Potenza Sport:
- +1% in dry braking
Wear
In wear, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport lasts 50,500 km, while the Continental SportContact 7 manages 43,400 km, giving Bridgestone a 7,100 km (16%) advantage in longevity. This surprisingly strong mileage from Bridgestone took everyone by surprise, challenging the usual expectations for a razor-sharp UUHP tire. In abrasion loss, the SportContact 7 sheds 63.4 mg/km/t, slightly less than the Potenza Sport at 63.8 mg/km/t, making Continental 0.4 mg/km/t (1%) better in material preservation. While Bridgestone dominates in wear, Continental holds a slight edge in material efficiency.
Potenza Sport:
- +16% in mileage
- -1% in abrasion
Noise
In exterior noise levels, the Continental SportContact 7 registers 72.3 dB, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport comes in at 73.8 dB, making the Bridgestone 1.5 dB (2%) louder.
Potenza Sport:
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.5 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In fuel consumption, the Continental SportContact 7 records 5.5 l/100km, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport comes in at 5.8 l/100km, making the Bridgestone consume 0.3 l/100km (5%) more fuel.
Potenza Sport:
- -5% in fuel consumption
Price
In price, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport costs €109, while the Continental SportContact 7 is €105, making the Bridgestone 4% more expensive. Surprisingly, despite Continental’s stronger overall performance and efficiency, Bridgestone carries the higher price tag.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- SportContact 7 : € 105
- Potenza Sport: € 109
Difference: +4% more expensive for Potenza Sport
Summary
As a tire expert, I see a clear battle between precision and longevity. The Continental SportContact 7 delivers better wet grip, lower noise, and improved fuel efficiency, making it the more refined choice. Meanwhile, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport impresses with sharper dry braking and an exceptionally better mileage—lasting 16% longer, which caught everyone by surprise. If you prioritize grip and comfort, go with Continental. But if longevity and dry performance matter more, Bridgestone makes a strong case despite its higher price.
Dr Edwin Pang