Continental UltraContact UC7 vs Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred: In the latest showdown of touring tires, the automotive world turns its attention to two formidable competitors newly launched in 2023: the Continental UltraContact UC7 and the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred. These heavyweights are geared up for a thrilling face-off that promises to redefine the standards of comfort, performance, and durability in the touring tire category.
The Continental UltraContact UC7 boasts cutting-edge technology and engineering, promising unparalleled handling and traction. Meanwhile, the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred counters with its exceptional comfort and noise reduction capabilities, offering a supremely smooth ride. As the rubber hits the road, enthusiasts and experts alike are on the edge of their seats, eager to see which tire will emerge victorious in this epic battle of the bands. Will the Continental’s performance edge out Goodyear’s comfort? Only time will tell in this high-octane clash of titans.
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Results: Continental UltraContact UC7 vs Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred
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 Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred 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 touring tire segment, wet braking performance is paramount due to the inherent challenges of driving in rainy conditions. This performance metric is critical as it directly influences the safety and control drivers have over their vehicles on wet roads. When comparing the wet performance of the Continental UltraContact UC7 against the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred, several key differences emerge.
Starting with wet braking, the Continental UltraContact UC7 showcases superior stopping power with a stopping distance of 43.4 meters from 80-0 km/h, compared to the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred’s 48.41 meters. This difference of approximately 5 meters represents a significant advantage for the Continental tire, providing enhanced safety in wet conditions.
In terms of wet handling, which reflects how well the tires maintain grip and control while navigating turns on wet asphalt, the Continental UltraContact UC7 also leads with an average speed of 78.2 km/h, slightly outperforming the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred’s 76.8 km/h. This indicates a more confident and responsive handling experience with the Continental tire during wet conditions.
Looking at performance on a wet circle, which tests lateral grip in a controlled, circular track, the Continental UltraContact UC7 again demonstrates its prowess with an average lap time of 11.51 seconds, compared to the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred’s 12.07 seconds. This faster lap time by the Continental tire suggests better lateral stability and grip during cornering on wet surfaces.
However, in aquaplaning scenarios, where the tire’s ability to disperse water and maintain contact with the road surface is tested, the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred edges out with an average slipping speed of 78.2 km/h, slightly higher than the Continental UltraContact UC7’s 77.3 km/h. This suggests that while the Continental tire excels in braking, handling, and cornering in wet conditions, the Goodyear tire offers a marginal advantage in aquaplaning resistance, contributing to overall wet performance safety.
In summary, while both tires exhibit strong wet performance characteristics, the Continental UltraContact UC7 generally outperforms the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred in wet braking, handling, and cornering, making it a formidable choice for drivers prioritizing performance and safety in wet conditions. The slight advantage of the Goodyear tire in aquaplaning resistance highlights its competence in maintaining control in heavy rain, ensuring both tires have their unique strengths in the touring segment.
Assurance ComfortTred :
- -10% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (average speed)
- -5% in wet circle
- +1% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In the realm of touring tires, dry performance is equally as crucial as wet performance, emphasizing not just comfort but also the safety and handling dynamics under sunny conditions. The Continental UltraContact UC7 and Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred, both leaders in the touring tire category, showcase distinct capabilities on dry surfaces.
When it comes to dry braking, a critical aspect for ensuring safety in sudden stop scenarios, the Continental UltraContact UC7 demonstrates superior efficiency. It achieves a stopping distance of 37.3 meters when decelerating from 100 km/h to a complete stop, whereas the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred takes 40.81 meters to halt under the same conditions. This difference of 3.51 meters signifies a substantial advantage for the Continental tire, providing drivers with enhanced stopping power and safety in dry conditions.
In the domain of dry handling, which assesses the tire’s ability to navigate through corners and maintain stability at higher speeds on dry roads, the Continental UltraContact UC7 again edges ahead. It maintains an average speed of 117.94 km/h, slightly outpacing the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred’s 115.92 km/h. This margin, although modest, highlights the Continental’s superior grip and responsiveness on dry roads, ensuring a more dynamic and secure driving experience.
Overall, the Continental UltraContact UC7 outshines the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred in both dry braking and handling, marking it as the preferred option for those prioritizing performance and safety in dry conditions. While the Goodyear tire offers commendable performance, the Continental’s advantages in stopping distance and handling speed make it a standout choice for drivers seeking the utmost in dry road capabilities.
Assurance ComfortTred :
- -9% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (average speed)
Interior Noise
Both the Continental UltraContact UC7 and the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred exhibit almost identical performances in minimizing interior noise, with measurements of 67.5 dB and 67.35 dB, respectively, on smooth asphalt at 100 km/h. This minor difference of 0.15 dB is so slight that it effectively makes no difference in the perceived noise level inside the vehicle. Thus, when considering interior noise as a deciding factor, both tires offer nearly the same level of cabin comfort, making either choice suitable for drivers seeking a quiet ride.
Assurance ComfortTred :
- ~0% in exterior noise (-0.15 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred exhibits slightly lower rolling resistance at 8.87 N/kN compared to the Continental UltraContact UC7’s 9.11 N/kN. This minor difference of 0.24 N/kN suggests that the Goodyear tire might offer marginally better fuel efficiency. Despite the small gap, both tires remain competitive for those prioritizing energy savings and reduced fuel consumption.
Assurance ComfortTred :
- -12% in rolling resistance
Price
For the tire size 225/50R17, the Continental UltraContact UC7 is priced at RM 403, while the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred is available at RM 481. This makes the Assurance ComfortTred approximately 16% more expensive than the UltraContact UC7.
Tire size: 225/50R17
- UltraContact UC7: RM 403
- Assurance ComfortTred : RM 481
Difference: +16% more expensive for Assurance ComfortTred
For those in the Klang Valley, Malaysia we invite you to visit our tire shop for more details and a closer look at these options. Our selection and service are designed to meet your needs, providing insights and assistance to ensure you make the best choice for your vehicle.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve closely compared the Continental UltraContact UC7 and the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred across several critical performance and cost metrics. My conclusion is that the UltraContact UC7 emerges as the winner of this duel. Its superior wet and dry performance, coupled with a more favorable price point, clearly sets it apart. While the Assurance ComfortTred slightly edges out in aquaplaning resistance and offers comparable interior noise levels, these advantages are not enough to offset its higher cost and the marginal difference in rolling resistance. For drivers prioritizing a blend of performance, safety, and value, the Continental UltraContact UC7 is the standout choice in this comparison.
Dr Edwin Pang