Continental UltraContact UC7 vs Pirelli Cinturato P7: In the bustling world of touring tires, two giants stand out, ready for a head-to-head clash: the Continental UltraContact UC7 and the Pirelli Cinturato P7. The UltraContact UC7, Continental’s pride for the APAC region, has been specifically tailored as a touring tireline, promising unmatched performance and durability tailored to Asia-Pacific’s unique road conditions.
On the other side, we have the Pirelli Cinturato P7, a name synonymous with excellence in the touring segment globally. This epic battle between Continental’s APAC dedication and Pirelli’s world-renowned prowess marks a thrilling face-off in the touring tire segment. Gear up for a showdown that pits German engineering against Italian finesse, each contender ready to prove its supremacy on the road.
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Results: Continental UltraContact UC7 vs Pirelli Cinturato P7
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 Pirelli Cinturato P7 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 wet conditions, the competition between the Continental UltraContact UC7 and the Pirelli Cinturato P7 showcases notable differences in performance. When it comes to braking from 80 to 0 km/h on wet surfaces, the UltraContact UC7 demonstrates superior stopping power, needing only 43.4 meters to come to a complete stop, outperforming the Cinturato P7 by a significant margin of 8.8 meters. This difference underlines the UC7’s enhanced grip and braking efficiency in challenging conditions.
In terms of handling on wet roads, the UC7 also takes the lead, maintaining an average speed of 78.2 km/h, which is 2.7 km/h faster than the P7’s average of 75.5 km/h. This advantage indicates that the UC7 offers better stability and control when navigating through wet corners or maneuvering.
During the wet circle test, which measures the tire’s grip and handling in a consistent circular path on wet asphalt, the UltraContact UC7 clocks in at an average lap time of 11.51 seconds, slightly faster than the Cinturato P7’s 12 seconds. Although the margin is smaller here, it still points to the UC7 providing a more responsive handling experience under wet conditions.
However, when facing the risk of aquaplaning, where water between the tire and road surface can lead to a loss of traction, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 edges ahead with an average slipping speed of 79.9 km/h compared to the UC7’s 77.3 km/h. This suggests that the P7 might offer a bit more resistance against aquaplaning, maintaining better contact with the road surface in extremely wet conditions.
Overall, while both tires showcase commendable wet performance characteristics, the Continental UltraContact UC7 generally outperforms the Pirelli Cinturato P7 in wet braking, handling, and lap times, signifying a more reliable choice for wet weather driving, with the exception of slightly lower performance in aquaplaning scenarios.
Cinturato P7 :
- -17% in wet braking
- -3% in wet handling (average speed)
- -4% in wet circle
- +3% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
When comparing the dry performance of the Continental UltraContact UC7 and the Pirelli Cinturato P7, both tires exhibit strong capabilities, but with clear distinctions in their performances. In the crucial aspect of dry braking, where the ability to come to a complete stop from 100 km/h is tested, the UltraContact UC7 shows a notable advantage. It requires only 37.3 meters to halt completely, outshining the Cinturato P7, which needs 39.2 meters. This 1.9-meter difference in stopping distance highlights the UC7’s superior braking efficiency on dry surfaces, suggesting a safer and more reliable stopping power in urgent situations.
The story continues with dry handling performance, where both tires are evaluated based on the average speed they can maintain while navigating a predefined course under dry conditions. Here again, the Continental UltraContact UC7 edges ahead, with an average speed of 117.9 km/h, compared to the Pirelli Cinturato P7’s 115.7 km/h. This 2.2 km/h difference in speed suggests that the UC7 offers slightly better grip and stability during dynamic maneuvers, making it a solid choice for drivers who prioritize responsiveness and control in dry conditions.
Overall, while both tires demonstrate commendable performances on dry roads, the Continental UltraContact UC7 consistently outperforms the Pirelli Cinturato P7 in both braking and handling. This indicates that the UC7 might be the preferable option for drivers seeking enhanced performance and safety in dry conditions.
Cinturato P7 :
- -5% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (average speed)
Interior Noise
When it comes to the interior noise levels of the Continental UltraContact UC7 and the Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires, the difference is minimal, but it does show a slight variance in favor of the Pirelli Cinturato P7. On smooth asphalt at a speed of 100 km/h, the UltraContact UC7 produces interior noise at 67.5 decibels, whereas the Cinturato P7 registers slightly lower at 67.2 decibels. This marginal difference of 0.3 decibels suggests that the P7 might offer a somewhat quieter ride compared to the UC7. While the difference in noise levels is relatively small, it indicates that the Pirelli Cinturato P7 could be the better choice for drivers prioritizing a quiet and more comfortable driving experience.
Cinturato P7 :
- ~0% in exterior noise (-0.3 dB)
Rolling Resistance
When we examine the rolling resistance of the Continental UltraContact UC7 and the Pirelli Cinturato P7, it’s clear there’s a notable difference that leans in favor of the Cinturato P7. Rolling resistance is a measure of how much energy is lost as a tire rolls, affecting fuel efficiency and energy conservation. The UC7 presents a rolling resistance figure of 9.11 N/kN, whereas the Cinturato P7 stands at 6.95 N/kN.
This difference, with the P7 being lower by 2.16 N/kN, signifies that the Pirelli tire is more efficient in terms of energy use. Lower rolling resistance means the Cinturato P7 likely contributes to better fuel economy and less energy waste compared to the UltraContact UC7, making it a more eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for drivers who prioritize these aspects.
Cinturato P7 :
- -31% in rolling resistance
Price
For the tire size 225/50R17, the Continental UltraContact UC7 is priced at RM 403, while the Pirelli Cinturato P7, which is only available in the run flat option in Malaysia, comes at a significantly higher price of RM 780. Due to the specialized nature of the run flat technology in the Cinturato P7, a direct price comparison with the UltraContact UC7 might not be entirely fair or indicative of their relative value in standard conditions.
Tire size: 225/50R17
- UltraContact UC7: RM 403
- Cinturato P7 (Run Flat) : RM 780
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, my conclusion is that the Continental UltraContact UC7 is the top choice, especially for its wet performance. However, the trade-off between rolling resistance and wet braking highlights a common challenge in tire design. The Continental UltraContact UC7 excels in the rain but at the cost of higher rolling resistance, hinting at less fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the Pirelli Cinturato P7, with its lower rolling resistance, suggests better fuel economy but falls short in wet conditions.
Dr Edwin Pang
This scenario opens an opportunity for Pirelli to enhance the Cinturato P7’s wet performance. Should Pirelli adjust its formula to improve wet braking without sacrificing rolling resistance, it could significantly compete with the Continental UltraContact UC7. In tire technology, the balance between efficiency and safety is key, and continuous improvements could change the current standings, making the competition between these tires even more intense in the future.