Continental VanContact 4Season vs Michelin Agilis CrossClimate: The Continental VanContact 4Season and Michelin Agilis CrossClimate tires are at the forefront of the all-season tire battle in the van segment. The VanContact 4Season is known for its excellent traction in various conditions, especially in snow, offering a reliable blend of durability and performance.
Meanwhile, the Agilis CrossClimate stands out for its versatility and efficiency, excelling in different terrains and weather, including challenging wet and dry conditions. This upcoming duel between these two industry leaders is set to redefine the standards for all-season tires, promising unmatched performance and reliability.
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Results: Continental VanContact 4Season vs Michelin Agilis CrossClimate
The results below were taken from Pro Mobil’s 2020 All-Season Tire Test. A total of seven tires were tested this time, including their performance in snow. The graph below compares the Continental VanContact 4Season vs Michelin Agilis CrossClimate across various relevant performance categories. The Continental VanContact 4Season was set as the reference point, hence it is at the 100% mark.
Note that for handling evaluation, average lap time speed was used as the measurement metric. The tire size of interest is a 215/75 R16 which is an extremely popular van tire size. The testing vehicle of choice is a Fiat Ducato.
Rolling Resistance
In the van tire segment, where wear is typically the primary concern (though not tested in this case), rolling resistance emerges as the second most crucial factor. In this aspect, the Continental VanContact 4Season and Michelin Agilis CrossClimate show notable differences. The Continental VanContact 4Season demonstrates a lower rolling resistance at 6.8 N/kN, indicating better fuel efficiency and a slight edge in performance.
In contrast, the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate registers a slightly higher rolling resistance at 7.3 N/kN. While this difference may seem minor, it can impact fuel consumption and overall driving efficiency over time. Therefore, in terms of rolling resistance, the VanContact 4Season offers a marginally more efficient option compared to the Agilis CrossClimate.
Agilis CrossClimate :
- -7% in rolling resistance
Wet
In terms of wet performance, the Continental VanContact 4Season and Michelin Agilis CrossClimate exhibit distinct characteristics. For wet braking, the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate slightly outperforms the Continental, stopping at 36.8 meters compared to the Continental’s 37.9 meters from 80 km/h. This indicates a marginally better response from the Michelin tire in critical braking situations.
However, the Continental VanContact 4Season takes the lead in wet handling, achieving an average speed of 63.9 km/h, surpassing the Michelin’s 62.7 km/h. This suggests better control and stability with the Continental tire during maneuvering on wet roads.
In the straight aquaplaning test, the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate shows its strength, reaching a higher slipping speed of 76.8 km/h against the Continental’s 74.5 km/h. This higher speed indicates a better ability of the Michelin tire to maintain traction and resist aquaplaning in straight-line scenarios.
Overall, each tire has its advantages in different aspects of wet performance, with the Michelin excelling in braking and aquaplaning resistance, and the Continental showing superior handling capabilities.
Agilis CrossClimate :
- +3% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (lap time speed)
- +3% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In the snow performance comparison, the Continental VanContact 4Season demonstrates a slight edge over the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate. In the snow braking test, where the braking distance is measured from 50 to 10 km/h, the Continental stops at 18.2 meters, while the Michelin takes a bit longer, stopping at 19.3 meters. This 1.1-meter difference indicates a better braking performance by the Continental tire in snowy conditions.
Similarly, in snow handling, which measures the average speed maintained during a course, the Continental VanContact 4Season again slightly outperforms the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate. The Continental achieves an average speed of 45 km/h, compared to 44.5 km/h for the Michelin. This indicates that the Continental tire offers slightly better control and stability when maneuvering on snow-covered roads.
Overall, in snow conditions, the Continental VanContact 4Season shows superior performance in both braking and handling compared to the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate, albeit by a narrow margin.
Agilis CrossClimate :
- -6% in snow braking
- -1% in snow handling (lap time speed)
Dry
In dry conditions, the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate shows a notable advantage over the Continental VanContact 4Season, particularly in braking performance. When it comes to dry braking, measured from 100 to 0 km/h, the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate stops at 43.8 meters, significantly outperforming the Continental, which stops at 49.5 meters. This 5.7-meter shorter stopping distance highlights the Michelin’s superior braking capability on dry surfaces.
However, in dry handling, which assesses the average speed during a lap, the Continental VanContact 4Season slightly edges out the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate. The Continental achieves an average speed of 86.1 km/h, compared to 85.1 km/h for the Michelin. This suggests that while the Michelin excels in braking, the Continental offers marginally better handling and agility in dry conditions.
Overall, each tire demonstrates its strengths in different aspects of dry performance, with the Michelin showing remarkable braking efficiency and the Continental offering a slight advantage in handling speed.
Agilis CrossClimate :
- +13% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (lap time speed)
Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, a key factor for overall driving comfort, both the Continental VanContact 4Season and the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate exhibit similar characteristics, with only a marginal difference. The Continental VanContact 4Season generates slightly less noise at 71.3 dB, compared to the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate at 71.6 dB. This minor difference of 0.3 dB indicates that the Continental tire is marginally quieter, which might contribute to a slightly more comfortable and quieter driving experience, especially noticeable during long journeys or at higher speeds.
Agilis CrossClimate :
- ~0% in exterior noise (+0.3 dB)
Price
In terms of pricing for the tire size 215/75 R16, there is a noticeable difference between the Continental VanContact 4Season and the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate. The VanContact 4Season is priced at €183, while the Agilis CrossClimate is more expensive, costing €228. This represents a 20% higher price for the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate compared to the Continental VanContact 4Season.
Tire size: 215/75 R16
- VanContact 4Season: €183
- Agilis CrossClimate : €228
Difference: +20% more expensive for Agilis CrossClimate.
Summary
As a tire expert, I find that in the comparison between the Continental VanContact 4Season and the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate, there is no definitive winner. Each tire excels in different areas, making the choice largely dependent on the specific needs and priorities of the driver.
The Continental VanContact 4Season shows its strengths in snow performance, offering superior handling and braking. It’s also slightly quieter, which contributes to a more comfortable drive. Additionally, its lower price point makes it an attractive option for those seeking value without compromising on quality.
On the other hand, the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate stands out in dry braking, demonstrating significant efficiency in stopping distance. Its performance in aquaplaning scenarios is also noteworthy, providing reliable safety in wet conditions. Although it comes at a higher price, the quality and performance it offers can justify the extra cost for many drivers.
In summary, both tires have their merits. The choice between them should be based on individual requirements such as driving conditions, budget constraints, and performance priorities. Whether it’s the snow-covered roads where the Continental might have an edge, or the dry and wet terrains where the Michelin excels, both options represent the pinnacle of all-season tire technology in the van segment.
Dr Edwin Pang