Continental UltraContact UC7 vs Dunlop SP Sport LM705: In the arena of APAC touring tires, a thrilling battle unfolds as the newly launched Continental UltraContact UC7 steps into the ring against the seasoned champion, the Dunlop SP Sport LM705. Introduced in 2023, the UC7 brings cutting-edge technology and Continental’s renowned craftsmanship, promising unmatched performance and durability.
On the other side, the Dunlop SP Sport LM705, a favorite since 2019, has been the go-to choice for drivers seeking reliability and exceptional handling. As these two titans clash, the question on everyone’s mind is: which tire will emerge as the supreme choice for touring enthusiasts in the APAC region? Will the fresh prowess of the UC7 dethrone the longstanding reign of the LM705? Get ready for a showdown that will redefine touring tire supremacy.
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Results: Continental UltraContact UC7 vs Dunlop SP Sport LM705
Results below were taken from 2023 YiChe Touring Tire Test with a total of 10 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Continental UltraContact UC7 vs Dunlop SP Sport LM705 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental UltraContact UC7 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 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Toyota Corolla & Nissan Almera. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
In the realm of wet performance, the Continental UltraContact UC7 and Dunlop SP Sport LM705 showcase their prowess, each with distinct advantages. When it comes to wet braking from 80 to 0 km/h, the UC7 outshines the LM705 by a notable margin, stopping 6.81 meters shorter. This demonstrates the UC7’s superior capability to handle sudden stops in wet conditions more effectively.
On wet handling tracks, the UC7 maintains an average speed of 78.2 km/h, surpassing the LM705’s 74.9 km/h, which points to the UC7’s enhanced grip and control during maneuvers on wet roads. During the wet circle test, which measures the tire’s grip in circular motion on wet asphalt, the UC7 completes a lap 0.5 seconds faster than the LM705, indicating a quicker response and better handling.
Lastly, in the face of aquaplaning, where water can cause tires to lose contact with the road surface, the UC7 maintains an average slipping speed of 77.3 km/h compared to the LM705’s 74.69 km/h, showcasing the UC7’s superior resistance to aquaplaning and maintaining traction in challenging wet conditions. Overall, the Continental UltraContact UC7 exhibits a performance edge over the Dunlop SP Sport LM705 in various wet conditions, highlighting its advanced technology and design for safety and efficiency.
SP Sport LM705 :
- -14% in wet braking
- -4% in wet handling (average speed)
- -4% in wet circle
- -3% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, the battle between the Continental UltraContact UC7 and the Dunlop SP Sport LM705 reveals each tire’s strengths in handling and braking performance. When it comes to dry braking from 100 km/h to a complete stop, the UC7 demonstrates its superiority by halting 1.7 meters shorter than the LM705. This indicates that the UC7 offers drivers a significant advantage in emergency stopping scenarios on dry roads, enhancing safety and control.
Further solidifying its lead in dry conditions, the UC7 boasts a higher average speed of 117.9 km/h in dry handling tests, compared to the LM705’s 114.4 km/h. This difference highlights the UC7’s ability to maintain stability and grip at higher speeds around corners, suggesting that it provides a more confident and agile driving experience on dry roads.
Overall, the Continental UltraContact UC7 outperforms the Dunlop SP Sport LM705 in dry conditions, showcasing its enhanced stopping power and superior handling capabilities, which translate to a safer and more responsive drive.
SP Sport LM705 :
- -4% in dry braking
- -3% in dry handling (average speed)
Interior Noise
When it comes to interior noise on smooth asphalt at 100 km/h, the comparison between the Continental UltraContact UC7 and the Dunlop SP Sport LM705 reveals a close contest. The UC7 generates an interior noise level of 67.5 dB, which is marginally higher by 0.3 dB compared to the LM705’s 67.2 dB. This slight difference suggests that the LM705 offers a marginally quieter ride, providing a slightly more comfortable and serene driving experience on smooth roads. Despite the narrow gap, this aspect may appeal to drivers prioritizing cabin tranquility, especially during long journeys.
SP Sport LM705 :
- ~0% in exterior noise (-0.3 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In examining the rolling resistance performances of the Continental UltraContact UC7 and the Dunlop SP Sport LM705, an interesting dynamic comes into play, highlighting the classic conflict between rolling resistance and wet braking performance. The UC7 shows a rolling resistance value of 9.11 N/kN, which is notably higher than the LM705’s 8.02 N/kN. This difference indicates that the UC7 requires more energy to maintain motion due to its higher rolling resistance, which could impact fuel efficiency negatively compared to the LM705.
However, this scenario brings to light the target conflict between rolling resistance (RR) and wet braking capabilities. Generally, a lower rolling resistance is favorable for fuel efficiency but can sometimes compromise on braking performance, especially in wet conditions. The UC7, despite its higher rolling resistance, excels in wet braking, stopping significantly shorter than the LM705. This suggests that the UC7 has been optimized for safety and performance in wet conditions, perhaps at the slight expense of increased rolling resistance.
This trade-off is a crucial consideration for drivers, as it underscores the importance of evaluating what performance aspects are most critical to their needs — whether it’s the efficiency and lower rolling resistance offered by the LM705 or the enhanced wet braking safety provided by the UC7.
SP Sport LM705 :
- +14% in rolling resistance
Price
The Continental UltraContact UC7 is priced at AUD 249 for the size 225/50R17, whereas the Dunlop SP Sport LM705 is more affordable at AUD 209 for the same size. This makes the UltraContact UC7 approximately 19% more expensive than the SP Sport LM705. The price difference highlights the SP Sport LM705 as a more budget-friendly option for those looking to save on initial tire costs, while the UC7, with its higher price tag, suggests a premium offering potentially justified by advanced features or performance metrics.
Tire size: 225/50R17
- UltraContact UC7: AUD 249
- SP Sport LM705 : AUD 209
Difference: -19% more cheaper for SP Sport LM705
Summary
As a tire expert, it’s clear to me that the Continental UltraContact UC7 emerges as the definitive choice in this comparison. Its superior performance in both wet and dry conditions, combined with its remarkable handling and safety features, justifies its position at the top. Despite its slightly higher price and marginally higher interior noise and rolling resistance, the UC7’s advancements in technology and performance make it a compelling option for those prioritizing safety and performance.
While the Dunlop SP Sport LM705 presents a more budget-friendly option with lower rolling resistance, which suggests better fuel efficiency, it falls short in critical areas such as wet braking and handling. To remain competitive in future generations, Dunlop could benefit from fine-tuning the balance between rolling resistance and wet performance. Given that wet conditions are a significant concern in the touring tire segment, enhancing wet braking capabilities without significantly compromising fuel efficiency could make the SP Sport LM705 a more formidable contender against the UC7.
In summary, the Continental UltraContact UC7 stands out as the clear winner for drivers who value performance, safety, and handling in various conditions. However, the potential for Dunlop to adjust its focus and improve in key areas suggests an exciting future for the touring tire market.
Dr Edwin Pang