Continental VikingContact 7 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3: A Duel in the Winter –>For years, the Continental VikingContact 7 has reigned supreme in the winter tire realm, effortlessly clinching its title as the snow king with an unparalleled record of 24 victories out of 27 press tests. Its unrivaled performance on icy terrains and soft compounds has earned it a place at the zenith of the winter tire leaderboard. But every king, no matter how dominant, eventually faces a challenger.
Enter the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3. Launched with much fanfare in 2023, this new entrant is not just another tire on the block; it’s been hailed as a potential usurper to the VikingContact 7’s throne. With whispers of innovative technology and groundbreaking performance, the UltraGrip Ice 3 has set the tire community abuzz with anticipation.
Will the new challenger manage to dethrone the long-reigning champion? Or will the VikingContact 7 continue to solidify its legendary status? This article delves deep into the battle between these two titans, pitting their specs, performances, and testimonies against one another, and providing readers with a thrilling insight into this icy showdown.
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Results: Continental VikingContact 7 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3
Results below were taken from 2023 Tekniikan Maailma Snow Tire Test with a total of 9 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental VikingContact 7 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 based on the relevant performance category. Being the undisputed king of the north, Continental VikingContact 7 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for subjective ratings, 1 point is equivalent to 5%. So if tire A has a 7 point rating & tire B has a 6 point rating, tire A is better than tire B by 5%. The tire size of interest is a 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Ice :
When it comes to ice performance, the Continental VikingContact 7 solidifies its reputation as the best ice-performing tire. Analyzing the data, the VikingContact 7 exhibits superior prowess in several key areas. For braking on ice from 50-0 km/h, it recorded a braking distance of 46.1 meters, a clear advantage over the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 which required 49.1 meters. This difference, though seemingly minor, can be crucial in real-life scenarios, emphasizing safety and responsiveness. In terms of ice acceleration from 5-20 km/h, the VikingContact 7 clocked a time of 5.8 seconds, outpacing the UltraGrip Ice 3’s 6 seconds.
Moreover, subjective assessments of ice handling favored the VikingContact 7 with a score of 9 out of 10, whereas the UltraGrip Ice 3 trailed slightly with a score of 8 out of 10. This subjective measure underscores the nuanced differences in handling feel between the two. Finally, the handling test on ice, gauged by lap times, further established the VikingContact 7’s dominance. It completed the lap in 54.1 seconds, a significant lead compared to the UltraGrip Ice 3’s 55.8 seconds.
In sum, while both tires showcase commendable ice performance, the Continental VikingContact 7 consistently edges out its competitor, reiterating its position as the best ice-performing tire.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- -6% in ice braking
- -3% in ice acceleration
- -5% in ice handling (subj)
- -3% in ice handling (lap time)
Snow Performance Analysis:
On snowy terrains, the Continental VikingContact 7 and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 showcased performances that were virtually inseparable, each delivering impressive results that speak volumes of their engineering. Both tires demonstrated identical braking capabilities on snow from 80-0 km/h, halting at a distance of 49.4 meters. This parity extends to snow acceleration as well, with both tires accelerating from 5-35 km/h in a swift 5.8 seconds.
Subjective evaluations on snow handling further mirror this neck-and-neck competition, with both contenders receiving a commendable score of 9 out of 10. This suggests that, in real-world scenarios, drivers would be hard-pressed to discern a distinct advantage from one over the other in terms of feel and responsiveness on snow-covered surfaces. However, if one were to split hairs and seek a differentiator, it can be found in the snow handling lap times. The Continental VikingContact 7 clocked a slightly faster lap time of 52.4 seconds compared to the UltraGrip Ice 3’s 53.2 seconds.
Though the difference is marginal, this faster lap time nudges the Continental VikingContact 7 ahead, but overall, both tires exhibit a stellar snow performance that is nearly indistinguishable.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- 0% in snow braking
- 0% in snow traction
- 0% in snow handling (subjective)
- -2% in snow handling (lap time)
Wet Face-off :
In wet conditions, the tables seem to tilt in favor of the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3. Analyzing braking performance, the UltraGrip Ice 3 boasts a marginally superior braking distance of 39.2 meters, compared to the VikingContact 7’s 40 meters. While this difference might appear minute on paper, it could be significant in critical wet driving scenarios, underscoring the Goodyear’s enhanced grip and responsiveness.
But where the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 truly shines is in subjective wet handling, achieving the test high score of 9 points, indicating a superior feel and control, especially when navigating challenging wet terrains. In contrast, the Continental VikingContact 7 secured a score of 7, revealing a palpable difference in how drivers perceive the handling of the two tires under wet conditions. This advantage for Goodyear is further underscored in the wet handling lap times. The UltraGrip Ice 3 blazed through with a time of 41.9 seconds, slightly edging out the VikingContact 7, which posted a time of 42.8 seconds.
In the realm of wet performance, it’s clear that the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 has the edge this time around, showcasing a combination of precise braking and superior handling that sets it apart.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- +2% in wet braking
- +10% in wet handling (subjective)
- +2% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry Performance Duel:
In dry conditions, both the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 display commendable performance, each with its own merits. Looking at dry braking, particularly from 80-0 km/h on asphalt, the VikingContact 7 emerges slightly ahead with a braking distance of 29.2 meters. The UltraGrip Ice 3, while still impressive, records a slightly longer distance of 30.2 meters. This marginal difference highlights the VikingContact 7’s slight advantage in deceleration dynamics on dry surfaces.
However, when evaluating subjective dry handling, both tires are on an even playing field. They each received a score of 8 out of 10, suggesting that drivers perceive both tires to offer similar levels of control, grip, and responsiveness when navigating dry terrains.
In essence, while the Continental VikingContact 7 holds a slender advantage in dry braking, both tires exhibit comparable prowess in overall dry handling, ensuring confidence and stability for drivers across dry conditions.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- -3% in dry braking
- 0% in dry handling (subjective)
Subjective noise
In dry conditions, both the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 display commendable performance, each with its own merits. Looking at dry braking, particularly from 80-0 km/h on asphalt, the VikingContact 7 emerges slightly ahead with a braking distance of 29.2 meters. The UltraGrip Ice 3, while still impressive, records a slightly longer distance of 30.2 meters. This marginal difference highlights the VikingContact 7’s slight advantage in deceleration dynamics on dry surfaces.
However, when evaluating subjective dry handling, both tires are on an even playing field. They each received a score of 8 out of 10, suggesting that drivers perceive both tires to offer similar levels of control, grip, and responsiveness when navigating dry terrains.
In essence, while the Continental VikingContact 7 holds a slender advantage in dry braking, both tires exhibit comparable prowess in overall dry handling, ensuring confidence and stability for drivers across dry conditions.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- 0% in subjective noise
Fuel consumption evaluation:
In the context of fuel consumption, the relationship between a tire’s rolling resistance and the amount of fuel a vehicle uses is pivotal. Lower rolling resistance often translates to reduced fuel consumption, as the tire requires less energy to move, allowing the vehicle to operate more efficiently.
Considering the data provided, the Continental VikingContact 7 stands at a baseline of 100% for fuel consumption. In contrast, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 registers slightly higher at 102%. This suggests that vehicles equipped with the VikingContact 7 may offer a marginally more fuel-efficient drive compared to those with the UltraGrip Ice 3.
In essence, while the difference is subtle, the Continental VikingContact 7 has a slight edge when it comes to fuel efficiency, underscoring its lower rolling resistance and the subsequent benefits this brings to drivers in terms of fuel savings.
UltraGrip Ice 3 :
- +2% in fuel consumption
Price
For the tire size 205/55 R16, the VikingContact 7 is priced at $155, while the UltraGrip Ice 3 comes in slightly higher at $165. This makes the UltraGrip Ice 3 about 6% more expensive than its VikingContact 7 counterpart.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- UltraGrip Ice 3 : $ 165
Difference: +6% more expensive for UltraGrip Ice 3
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
Having spent years in the tire industry and having tested countless models, I can confidently say that both the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 stand out in their respective categories. The UltraGrip Ice 3 from Goodyear has showcased remarkable wet performance, edging ahead with its superior grip and control. It also boasts a commendable noise performance, offering drivers a quieter and smoother experience.
On the other hand, the Continental VikingContact 7 is an undeniable force when it comes to ice and snow performance. Its braking and acceleration on icy terrains are top-notch, and its handling on snowy surfaces is nearly unmatched. Its consistency across various tests, makes it a compelling choice.
While both tires have their merits, if I were to make a recommendation based on ice and snow performances, which are critical for many drivers during winter months, I’d lean towards the Continental VikingContact 7. It truly delivers an outstanding balance of safety, control, and value, especially in the harshest of winter conditions.
Dr Edwin Pang