It’s time for a fierce battle in the UUHP segment: Continental SportContact 7 vs Falken Azenis FK520! Launched in 2021, the SportContact 7 has dominated comparison tests across Europe, earning its place as the undisputed benchmark in the category. On the other side, the Azenis FK520, released in 2022, enters the ring as a value-packed challenger with impressive grip and handling. Can Falken shake up the throne, or will Continental prove once again why it’s the king of ultra-high performance? Let’s find out!
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Results: Continental SportContact 7 vs Falken Azenis FK520
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 Falken Azenis FK520 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 Falken Azenis FK520 needs 30.5 meters — that’s a 2.1 meter difference, or 7% longer stopping distance for the Falken. For straight-line aquaplaning, the SportContact 7 holds on until 79.6 km/h, compared to 78.7 km/h for the Azenis FK520. That’s a 0.9 km/h advantage for the Continental, translating to a 1% better performance.
Azenis FK520:
- -7% in wet braking
- -1% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Continental SportContact 7 stops in 35.2 meters, while the Falken Azenis FK520 takes 35.8 meters. That’s a 0.6 meter difference, giving the Continental a 2% shorter stopping distance.
Azenis FK520:
- -2% in dry braking
Wear
In terms of wear, the Falken Azenis FK520 lasts longer with 46,700 km compared to 43,400 km for the Continental SportContact 7 — a 3,300 km difference, or 8% better mileage for the Falken. When it comes to abrasion, the Falken also performs slightly better at 61.9 mg/km/t versus 63.4 mg/km/t for the Continental, making it 2% more resistant to tread wear.
Azenis FK520:
- +8% in mileage
- +2% in abrasion
Noise
In exterior noise performance, the Falken Azenis FK520 is quieter at 71.7 dB compared to 72.3 dB for the Continental SportContact 7. That’s a 0.6 dB difference, making the Falken about 1% quieter.
Azenis FK520:
- +1% in exterior noise (-0.6 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In fuel consumption, the Continental SportContact 7 performs slightly better at 5.5 l/100km, while the Falken Azenis FK520 uses 5.6 l/100km. That’s a 0.1 l/100km difference, giving the Continental a 2% advantage in fuel efficiency.
Azenis FK520:
- -2% in fuel consumption
Price
For size 225/40 R18, the Continental SportContact 7 costs €105, while the Falken Azenis FK520 is priced at €91 — making the Falken 15% cheaper than the Continental.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- SportContact 7 : € 105
- Azenis FK520: € 91
Difference: -15% more cheaper for Azenis FK520
Summary
As a tire expert, I’d say the Continental SportContact 7 is the clear choice if you’re chasing top-tier wet and dry performance — it stops quicker and grips longer in aquaplaning. But the Falken Azenis FK520 holds its own with longer tread life, lower noise, and a noticeably lower price. If outright performance is your priority, go Continental. If you’re looking for value without giving up too much grip, the Falken is a smart pick.
Dr Edwin Pang