Continental SportContact 7 vs Nankang AR 1: In our latest tire showdown, we pit the Continental SportContact 7 against the Nankang AR 1. Building on the impressive performance of the SportContact 7 in its previous matchup with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, we now turn our attention to see how it fares against an even more track-focused competitor.
The Nankang AR 1, with its 100 tread wear rating, promises exceptional grip and handling on the circuit. Can the SportContact 7 rise to the challenge against this hardcore racer? Get ready for a thrilling battle between these two high-performance tires, each vying to claim the top spot on the track!
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Results: Continental SportContact 7 vs Nankang AR 1
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 Nankang AR 1 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
Dry performance is absolutely crucial for track day tires, where every bit of grip and braking efficiency can make a significant difference. We all know the track focused Nankang AR 1 will perform on dry roads, but how does it compare with the Continental SportContact 7? When it comes to dry braking, the Continental SportContact 7 to our suprise, slightly outperforms the Nankang AR 1, stopping at 33.5 meters compared to the Nankang’s 33.7 meters. This marginal 0.2 meters advantage could be crucial in tight racing scenarios where every meter counts.
In dry handling, however, the roles are reversed. The Nankang AR 1 edges out the SportContact 7, achieving an average speed of 134.6 km/h on the handling track compared to the 133.3 km/h managed by the Continental. This suggests that the Nankang AR 1 offers slightly better agility and cornering speed, making it a formidable opponent on tracks that demand high handling performance.
Overall, both tires showcase excellent dry performances. The Continental SportContact 7 impresses with better dry braking capabilities, and despite just a tiny difference in handling, it remains a top contender in the realm of track day tires.
Nankang AR 1:
- -1% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (average speed)
Wet
Track-focused tires typically prioritize dry performance, as this is essential for achieving the best times on a dry circuit. However, wet performance cannot be overlooked since it is a key aspect for street-legal requirements and can be vital when unexpected rain hits the track.
In wet conditions, the Continental SportContact 7 clearly outshines the Nankang AR 1 across multiple metrics. For wet braking, the SportContact 7 stops significantly sooner, requiring only 27.5 meters to come to a halt from 80 km/h, whereas the Nankang AR 1 takes 41.1 meters. This substantial difference highlights the superior wet braking capabilities of the SportContact 7, enhancing safety and control in rainy conditions.
When it comes to handling on a wet track, the SportContact 7 again leads with an average speed of 87.7 km/h, compared to 70.6 km/h by the Nankang AR 1. This indicates better stability and cornering performance under wet conditions for the SportContact 7. Similarly, in wet circle testing, which measures the maximum sustained speed in circular track driving in the wet, the SportContact 7 achieves a speed of 7.23 m/s, outperforming the Nankang AR 1’s 6.1 m/s.
Additionally, the SportContact 7 also shows superior resistance to aquaplaning, both in straight-line and curved scenarios. It reaches a higher slipping speed of 69.2 km/h compared to 54.3 km/h by the Nankang, and maintains a higher max lateral acceleration of 2.1 m/sec² against 1.7 m/sec² in curved aquaplaning tests.
Overall, the wet performance of the Continental SportContact 7 is impressive, ensuring that it can still be confidently used when the rain starts pouring on the track, offering not just safety but also performance advantages over the Nankang AR 1 in wet conditions.
Nankang AR 1:
- -33% in wet braking
- -19% in wet handling (average speed)
- -16% in wet circle
- -22% in straight aquaplaning
- -19% in curved aquaplaning
Noise
When considering the noise levels of track-focused tires like the Continental SportContact 7 and the Nankang AR 1, there’s a noticeable difference between the two. The SportContact 7 produces a noise level of 68.2 decibels, which is much lower than the 69.6 decibels produced by the Nankang AR 1.
Nankang AR 1:
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.4 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Continental SportContact 7 has a rolling resistance of 8.4 N/kN, which is lower than the Nankang AR 1’s 10 N/kN. This means the SportContact 7 is more efficient, potentially offering better fuel economy and requiring less energy to maintain speed, making it a more practical option for both track and everyday driving.
Nankang AR 1:
- –16% in rolling resistance
Price
The Continental SportContact 7 is priced at €164, while the Nankang AR 1 costs €261 for the same tire size (235/35 R19). This makes the Nankang AR 1 about 37% more expensive than the SportContact 7, highlighting a significant price difference between the two options.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
- SportContact 7: € 164
- Nankang AR 1: € 261
Difference: +37% more expensive for Nankang AR 1.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’m truly amazed by the capabilities of the Continental SportContact 7. It manages to deliver top-notch dry performance while maintaining best-in-class wet braking capabilities. In the comparison with the Nankang AR 1, it’s clear that the SportContact 7 emerges as the definitive winner. This tire proves that you don’t always need to compromise between dry and wet performance. Whether you’re on a track day or caught in a sudden downpour, the SportContact 7 consistently delivers reliable and impressive performance.
Dr Edwin Pang