Continental SportContact 7 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5: Continental SportContact 7 had a wonderful debut in 2022 by winning 2/3 press tests it has participated in and is definitely the hottest ultra ultra high performance (UUHP) tire out there in the market. SportContact 7 predominantly serves the 19″ and above market but now has added 18″ also in the frame. On the other side of the corner we have a well established ultra high performance (UHP) tire in the form of Michelin Pilot Sport 5. It also debuted with a victory in the 2022 Tyre Reviews 17 Inch Summer Tyre Test.
While both tires are designed for sports cars and other high-performance vehicles, they belong to different categories, with Continental SportContact 7 in the UUHP segment while Michelin Pilot Sport 5 in the UHP segment. Hence please compare them with care and take note of their limitations. Without further ado, let’s bring Continental SportContact 7 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5 on a head to head battle !
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from the 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test with a total of 13 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental SportContact 7 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5 based on the relevant performance category. The SportContact 7 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
For handling performances, the evaluation was done on the average speed rather than the preferred lap times or subjective rating. The tire size of interest is a 225/40 R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 Sedan & Hyundai Veloster Turbo. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a fancy Toyota GR Yaris which has the same designated OE tire size as the tested tire size.
Dry
One of the most important performances when it comes to the ultra ultra high performance segment is to have a very strong dry showing. SportContact 7 took the lead in dry braking as it managed to out brake Pilot Sport 5 by 1.4m. SportContact 7 took the top spot for dry braking as expected for a track certified tire.
While dry braking differences were quite clear, both tires also had a strong showing in dry handling as they are placed in the top 4 standings. SportContact 7 achieved an average speed of 115.2 km/h while Pilot Sport 5 had an average speed of 114.6 km/h. Based on the test driver notes, the SportContact 7 is clearly a beast in dry handling with precise steering and outstanding grip.
Pilot Sport 5:
- -4% in dry braking
- -0.5% in dry handling (average speed)
Wet
Safety has always been the main theme when it comes to the need for wet performances. SportContact 7 had a tiny advantage in wet braking by stopping 0.3m earlier than Pilot Sport 5. SportContact 7 topped the wet braking charts while Pilot Sport 5 fared quite well as well by finishing 3rd. While in wet handling, both tires managed a very close lap speed with SportContact 7 clocking an average speed of 84.7km/h while Pilot Sport 5 managed an average speed of 84.8km/h with only a difference of 0.1 km/h ! There were also no clear advantages distinguishable in the wet circle performance category.
The only wet performance which has a clear difference was in the aquaplaning section as Pilot Sport 5 had a slip speed advantage of +1 km/h compared to SportContact 7. Overall both tires were well matched in wet braking performances with Pilot Sport 5 having an observable higher aquaplaning speed.
Pilot Sport 5:
- -0.8% in wet braking
- +0.1% in wet handling (average speed)
- -0.4% in wet circle
- +3% in straight aquaplaning
Noise
When it comes to noise, the lower void SportContact 7 was 0.8 dB quieter compared to Pilot Sport 5.
Pilot Sport 5:
- -1.2% in exterior noise (+0.8 dB)
Rolling Resistance
When it comes to extreme sporty tires, rolling resistance is definitely not something the user has in mind when purchasing the tire. However with the sustainability topic being more prevalent, it is good to know where they stand. SportContact 7 managed a rolling resistance coefficient value of 8.38 N/kN which is lower compared to Pilot Sport 5 value of 8.62 N/kN.
Pilot Sport 5:
- –2.8% in rolling resistance
Price
Both tires were priced in the similar region with the Pilot Sport 5 €12 more expensive than SportContact 7.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
Pilot Sport 5 : €126
SportContact 7: €114
Difference: +10% more expensive for Pilot Sport 5.
Summary
Based on the test results, SportContact 7 showed clear strengths in dry, noise & rolling resistance. While Pilot Sport 5 managed to hold its own in wet performances against the mighty SportContact 7. As we are comparing cross segments here, there is no clear winner from our side and it depends really on what your main requirements are.