Continental SportContact 7 vs Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129: In the ultra-high-performance (UHP) tire segment, the competition heats up as the Continental SportContact 7 faces off against the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129. This showdown represents more than just a battle between two leading tire models; it’s a fierce duel for supremacy in the UUHP (Ultra-Ultra High Performance) category. With cutting-edge technology and engineering prowess at stake, both contenders are set to demonstrate why they deserve the top spot. Get ready for an epic clash that will redefine performance standards in the tire industry. The stage is set, and the battle for UUHP dominance is on the line.
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Results: Continental SportContact 7 vs Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
Results below were taken from 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tire Test with a total of 10 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Continental SportContact 7 vs Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 based on the relevant performance category. Continental SportContact 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 235/35 R19 which is a common tire size for Audi R8 & Volkswagen Golf R. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Hyundia I30N which is a very fast car relative to its size.
Dry
In dry conditions, the Continental SportContact 7 outperforms the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 in both braking and handling. Specifically, when braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the SportContact 7 comes to a stop in 33.5 meters, which is 2.2 meters shorter than the 35.7 meters required by the Ventus S1 Evo Z K129. This advantage in braking performance indicates a more efficient stop for the Continental in emergency situations.
Additionally, in terms of dry handling, the SportContact 7 achieves an average speed of 133.3 km/h, surpassing the Ventus S1 Evo Z K129’s average of 131.2 km/h. This higher speed suggests that the Continental tire maintains better grip and stability through corners, providing a more responsive and confident driving experience.
Ventus S1 Evo Z K129:
- -6% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (average speed)
Wet
In wet conditions, the Continental SportContact 7 shows a notable advantage in braking distance over the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129. It stops from 80 to 0 km/h in just 27.5 meters, which is significantly shorter by 6.5 meters compared to the Ventus S1 Evo Z K129’s 34 meters. This superior wet braking performance of the Continental tire suggests a safer and more reliable stopping capability in rainy conditions.
When it comes to wet handling, the performance between the two tires is nearly identical, with the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 slightly edging out the Continental SportContact 7 by maintaining an average speed of 87.9 km/h versus 87.7 km/h. This marginal difference indicates that both tires offer comparable grip and control during wet handling maneuvers.
In the wet circle test, which measures lateral grip in a circular track, the Continental SportContact 7 achieves a speed of 7.23 m/s, slightly outperforming the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129’s 7.08 m/s. This suggests that the Continental tire provides slightly better lateral stability in wet conditions.
Lastly, both tires show equal performance in straight aquaplaning resistance, with each tire maintaining a slipping speed of 69.2 km/h. This indicates that both the Continental SportContact 7 and the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 offer similar levels of safety and resistance to aquaplaning on wet road surfaces.
Ventus S1 Evo Z K129:
- -19% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling (average speed)
- -2% in wet circle
- 0% in straight aquaplaning
Exterior Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, the Continental SportContact 7 and the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 are almost identical, with only a minor difference between them. The SportContact 7 generates an exterior noise level of 68.2 decibels, which is just 0.1 decibel louder than the Ventus S1 Evo Z K129’s noise level of 68.1 decibels. This slight difference indicates that both tires offer a comparable level of noise comfort, making them both excellent choices for drivers who prioritize a quiet ride.
Ventus S1 Evo Z K129:
- ~0% in exterior noise (-0.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
When comparing the rolling resistance of the Continental SportContact 7 and the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129, the SportContact 7 demonstrates superior efficiency with a rolling resistance of 8.4 N/kN, which is lower than the Ventus S1 Evo Z K129’s 9.5 N/kN. This difference suggests that the Continental tire requires less energy to maintain motion, translating to potentially better fuel efficiency and a lower environmental impact. In simple terms, the lower the rolling resistance, the less fuel your vehicle might use, and the Continental SportContact 7 edges out the Hankook in this aspect.
Ventus S1 Evo Z K129:
- -12% in rolling resistance
Price
The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129, priced at €225, is approximately 8% more expensive than the Continental SportContact 7, which costs €206 for the tire size 235/35 R19. This price difference indicates that while both tires target the same market segment, the Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 comes at a slightly higher cost, potentially reflecting differences in technology, performance attributes, or brand positioning.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
- SportContact 7: € 206
- Ventus S1 Evo Z K129: € 225
Difference: +8% more expensive for Ventus S1 Evo Z K129.
Summary
As a tire expert, my analysis concludes that the clear winner between these two contenders is the Continental SportContact 7. The deciding factors are its superior performance in both dry and wet conditions, lower rolling resistance, and a more favorable price point. The SportContact 7 outperforms the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 in crucial braking and handling tests, demonstrating its prowess on the road. Additionally, its lower rolling resistance suggests better fuel efficiency, making it a more economical choice in the long run. Despite the minimal difference in exterior noise, the price advantage and overall performance superiority make the Continental SportContact 7 the preferred choice for drivers seeking the best balance of safety, efficiency, and value.
Dr Edwin Pang