Continental SportContact 7 vs. Pirelli P Zero PZ4: Within the realm of high-performance tires, both Continental SportContact 7 & Pirelli P Zero PZ4 behemoths have reigned supreme, captivating the market with their unparalleled grip, handling, and endurance. Each brand has garnered a notable collection of victories in press test wins and records, cementing their stature as preeminent contenders in the field.
Debuting in 2016, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 rapidly emerged as a favored choice among sports car aficionados and connoisseurs alike. Renowned for its extraordinary grip, unerring steering, and steadfast stability, the P Zero PZ4 has succeeded in amassing a commendable array of accolades and press test triumphs. Refusing to be overshadowed, the Continental SportContact 7 entered the fray in 2022, brandishing a remarkable assortment of features that render it a formidable and dependable option for performance-driven motorists. Accompanied by a wealth of plaudits and effusive testimonials from automotive journalists, this tire has earned its status as a revolutionary force within the high-performance tire landscape.
In this comprehensive comparison, we shall delve into the depths of the performance tire domain, scrutinizing the virtues and shortcomings of both the Continental SportContact 7 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ4. Armed with their formidable track records and unwavering dedication to excellence, this clash of titans promises to be a riveting and enlightening voyage. Stay abreast as we unveil the ultimate victor in this high-stakes performance tire duel.
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from the 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test which includes the top 13 ultra ultra high performance (UUHP) tires in the market. These assessments were carried out at the esteemed Wachauring racing circuit situated in Austria. In lieu of the more conventional subjective ratings, the wet and dry handling performances were appraised objectively, utilizing the average lap speed as the primary metric.
The graph above shows the comparison between Continental SportContact 7 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4 based on the relevant performance category. The SportContact 7 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. The tire size of interest is 225/45 R18 which is a common tire size for Mercedes-Benz C 200 and Kia Stinger . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The selected testing vehicle was the Toyota GR Yaris, boasting an impressive 261 horsepower and a four-wheel drive equipped with differential locks, thereby exuding the essence of a WRC rally car pedigree.
Dry
In the ultra ultra high performance (UUHP) tire segment, a tire’s dry performance is undeniably a critical factor for prospective buyers. The SportContact 7 distinguished itself in this arena by achieving the shortest dry braking distance among its competitors, stopping 1.2 meters sooner than the P Zero PZ4 when decelerating from 100 km/h. The P Zero PZ4, meanwhile, held its own by securing the 5th position in the test.
As for dry handling, the P Zero PZ4 and SportContact 7 demonstrated comparable prowess, both averaging lap speeds of 115 km/h. Within the context of the competition, both tires ranked among the top 3, underscoring their commitment to the dry handling performance criterion that UUHP segment users prioritize. In summary, both tires exhibited commendable performance in dry handling, with the SportContact 7 slightly outshining the P Zero PZ4 in this aspect.
P Zero PZ4 :
- -3.5% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling
Wet
Safety remains paramount in the pursuit of exceptional wet performance. In this context, both the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 and the SportContact 7 showcase remarkable braking capabilities on damp surfaces, as demonstrated by their “A” ratings in the EU wet label assessment. To discern any disparities in their wet braking performance, a test was conducted. The results revealed that the P Zero PZ4 achieved a braking distance of 41.3 meters from 80 km/h, while the SportContact 7 claimed the shortest distance among competitors at 38.8 meters from the same speed. Despite the 2.5-meter gap, both tires performed admirably in the evaluation, with the P Zero PZ4 securing 6th place and the SportContact 7 clinching 1st place among the 13 tires examined. These outcomes validate the exceptional grip and traction offered by both tires in wet conditions.
Concerning wet handling, the distinctions are decidedly minuscule, as the P Zero PZ4 narrowly outperformed the SportContact 7 with an average lap speed of 85.2 km/h, compared to the SportContact 7’s 84.7 km/h. In the realm of aquaplaning, however, the P Zero PZ4 gained the upper hand, boasting a higher slipping speed of 77.5 km/h, as opposed to the 75.6 km/h attained by the SportContact 7. In summary, both tires excel in different facets, with the SportContact 7 displaying a marked advantage in wet braking, and the P Zero PZ4 prevailing in wet handling and aquaplaning resistance.
P Zero PZ4 :
- -6% in wet braking
- +0.6% in wet handling (lap speed)
- +0.4% in wet circle
- +2.5% in straight aquaplaning
Noise
The P Zero PZ4 held a slight edge in noise levels, registering 0.6 dB quieter than the SportContact 7. In terms of exterior noise rankings, both tires placed in the mid to upper echelon of the competition.
P Zero PZ4 :
- +0.9% in exterior noise (-0.6 dB)
Rolling Resistance
Although rolling resistance is not typically a primary concern for enthusiasts seeking high-performance sporty tires, sustainability has emerged as an increasingly relevant issue in recent years. Notably, the SportContact 7 features a lower rolling resistance coefficient value of 8.4 N/kN, whereas the P Zero PZ4 registers one of the highest coefficients among competitors, with a value of 9.8 N/kN.
P Zero PZ4 :
- -15% in rolling resistance
Price
Upon initial examination, it was surprising to discover that the P Zero PZ4 commanded a €10 premium over the SportContact 7!
Tire size: 225/45 R18
SportContact 7 : €150
P Zero PZ4 : €160
Difference: +6% more expensive for P Zero PZ4.
Summary
In conclusion, both tires exhibit distinct strengths across various performance criteria. The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 excels in wet handling, aquaplaning, and noise, while going head-to-head with the SportContact 7 in dry handling. Meanwhile, the SportContact 7 emerges as the master of dry and wet braking and significantly outperforms the P Zero PZ4 in terms of rolling resistance. Ultimately, the ideal tire choice between the two will hinge on the driver’s preferences and the prevailing driving conditions.