Continental vs Goodyear: Continental and Goodyear are both well known brands in the tire industry. Based on the 2023 world wide sales ranking, Goodyear is the 3rd ranking tire manufacturer with €19.5 billion in revenue while Continental ranks 4th with over €14 billion in tire sales. Goodyear has also been quite competitive in recent years with the purchase of Cooper tires in 2021 to further strengthen its product portfolio. Continental has been growing organically the last 10 years without any major acquisition. Continental however remains very competitive with the recent launch of the Sport Contact 7 & Premium Contact 7. Instead of having a general outlook of comparison, we will stack the same segment products and compare them head to head.
Table of Contents
Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP)
In a fierce showdown between the Continental Sport Contact 7 and Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Sport, results from the 2022 Tyre Reviews UHP summer tire test revealed that both contenders had their strengths in the ultra ultra high performance segment. Sport Contact 7 dominated in wet performance, outdoing its rival in both wet braking and handling significantly. However, while the Sport Contact 7 had clear advantages in dry braking and noise comfort, the Eagle F1 Super Sport stood out in subjective dry handling with its swift steering and controllability. Pricing was close, with the Sport Contact 7 being slightly more expensive. In summary, while the Goodyear tire offered an enjoyable drive, the Continental Sport Contact 7 took the crown with its comprehensive, well-rounded performance.
- Sport Contact 7
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 7/9
- Strength: Dry, wet & aquaplaning
- Eagle F1 Super Sport
- Launch: 2018
- Press test wins: 1/11
- Strength: Lateral aquaplaning
Below are the head to head results of Continental Sport Contact 7 vs Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport. Feel free to evaluate yourself and make your own judgement !
Ultra High Performance (UHP)
In the 2023 AutoBild Summer Test comparing ultra-high-performance tires, the Continental PremiumContact 7 faced off against the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6. Both tires, designed for vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz C 200 and Kia Stinger, showcased impressive performances. The Continental PremiumContact 7 and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 both achieved exemplary wet braking results, but the Goodyear tire had a slight advantage in aquaplaning performance.
In dry conditions, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 outperformed the PremiumContact 7 in both braking and handling. Moreover, the Goodyear tire was quieter, had similar rolling resistance, and dominated in mileage tests with almost 23% more projected mileage. Surprisingly, despite its exceptional performance, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is priced €15 less than its Continental counterpart. Thus, making the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 the evident victor in this comparison.
- Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
- Launch: 2022
- Press test wins: 6/12
- Strength: Excellent dry, noise & rolling resistance.
- PremiumContact 7
- Launch: 2022
- Press test wins: 6/8
- Strength: Wet braking & aquaplaning
Below are the head to head results of Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6. Feel free to evaluate yourself and make your own judgement !
Touring
In comparing Goodyear and Continental tires, the analysis reveals that the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 excels notably. It distinguishes itself with remarkable performance in wet conditions and superior mileage durability. This tire provides enhanced safety through its reduced wet braking distance and boasts an extended lifespan, positioning it as an optimal selection for both daily commuting and value-conscious consumers. The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2′s combination of efficiency, safety, and affordability renders it a competitive choice in the tire industry.
- EfficientGrip Performance 2
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 4/20
- Strength: Wear & aquaplaning
- UltraContact
- Launch: 2022
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Abrasion
Below are the head to head results of Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 vs Continental UltraContact. Feel free to evaluate yourself and make your own judgement !
Comfort*
In the comparison between Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 and Continental EcoContact 6, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 is identified as the superior tire. It stands out for its excellent performance in wet conditions and its impressive mileage, showcasing a rare balance in tire design. The tire provides shorter stopping distances on wet surfaces and superior handling, enhancing driver safety and confidence. Furthermore, it significantly surpasses the EcoContact 6 in terms of longevity, offering outstanding durability. While the EcoContact 6 performs well in rolling resistance, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 excels in both wet performance and mileage, establishing itself as the premier choice for consumers prioritizing safety and long-term value.
- EcoContact 6
- Launch: 2018
- Press test wins: 1/9
- Strength: Rolling resistance
- EfficientGrip Performance 2
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 4/20
- Strength: Wet & wear
Below are the head to head results of Continental EcoContact 6 vs Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2. Feel free to evaluate yourself and make your own judgement !
All Season (Europe)
In the comparison between the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3, the AllSeasonContact 2 emerges as the superior tire for several reasons. Its standout features include a significantly shorter wet braking distance than its Goodyear counterpart, offering enhanced safety and reliability in critical weather conditions. The Continental tire also boasts lower rolling resistance, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and making it particularly suitable for electric vehicles by extending their range.
Additionally, the AllSeasonContact 2 is priced more affordably, delivering better value without sacrificing performance. Its marginally superior mileage performance further adds to its economic advantages over the lifespan of the tire. Despite the strengths of the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3, especially in dry and snow conditions, the combination of performance, efficiency, and cost benefits positions the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 as a more attractive option for a broad spectrum of drivers.
- Vector 4Seasons gen 3
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 9/21
- Strength: Snow
- AllSeasonContact 2
- Launch: 2023
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Wet, dry & rolling resistance
Below are the head to head results of Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 vs Continental AllSeasonContact 2. Feel free to evaluate yourself and make your own judgement !
Highway All Season (North America)
Upon evaluating the Continental TerrainContact H/T against the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT, it’s evident that each tire showcases unique strengths. The Continental TerrainContact H/T demonstrates superior performance in both wet and dry conditions, characterized by shorter braking distances, enhanced handling, and marginally quicker lap times. Its exceptional wet condition handling and braking, along with a high UTQG rating, signify its durability and reliability for drivers.
Conversely, the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT is notable for its ride quality, noise reduction, and steering precision. Although it comes with a slightly higher price tag, it offers a smoother and quieter ride, coupled with improved handling, which may appeal to those valuing comfort and control above all.Both tires present strong performances under various conditions, but their effectiveness in winter conditions remains to be assessed. Future winter testing will determine which tire ultimately stands out in terms of comprehensive performance and usability.
- TerrainContact H/T
- Launch: 2019
- Press test wins: 1/2
- Strength: Wet
- Wrangler Steadfast HT
- Launch: 2022
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Noise & comfort
Below are the head to head results of Continental TerrainContact H/T vs Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT. Feel free to evaluate yourself and make your own judgement !
Ultra High Performance All Season (North America)
In the comparison between Goodyear’s Eagle Exhilarate and Continental’s ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, each tire demonstrates distinct advantages across various tests. The Eagle Exhilarate excels in dry and wet handling, as well as comfort, while the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus shows superior performance in snow and ice conditions, along with a slight edge in wet and dry braking.
Given the lack of a definitive winner, the choice between these tires should be based on individual driving needs. For those in regions prone to winter weather, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus offers significant benefits. Conversely, for drivers who prioritize handling in wet and dry conditions and do not require enhanced winter performance, the Eagle Exhilarate emerges as the preferred option.
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Wet braking, Snow & Ice
- Eagle Exhilarate
- Launch: 2019
- Press test wins: 1/2
- Strength: Wet handling
Below are the head to head results of Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus vs Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate. Feel free to evaluate yourself and make your own judgement !
Winter (Middle Europe)
After extensive analysis and testing within the tire industry, the competition between the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stands out as notably close. In virtually every category, from performance on wet or dry terrain to snow capabilities and cabin noise reduction, both tires demonstrate exceptional skill, making them nearly indistinguishable.
The critical difference lies in rolling resistance, where the Continental WinterContact TS 870 slightly outperforms the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. This marginal advantage could influence decisions for those prioritizing fuel economy or electric vehicle range, marking the TS 870 as the preferable option under these specific considerations.
Ultimately, the choice between these two tires might come down to minor preferences, as they offer comparable quality across most performance metrics. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 takes a narrow lead due to its efficiency in rolling resistance, yet, outside this aspect, selecting between the two could be considered a matter of nuanced preference rather than a clear-cut decision.
- WinterContact TS 870
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 11/18
- Strength: Rolling resistance
- UltraGrip Performance 3
- Launch: 2023
- Press test wins:1/7
- Strength: Good snow traction.
Below are the head to head results of Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. Feel free to evaluate yourself and make your own judgement !
Nordic
After thorough testing, both the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 have proven to be exceptional in their categories. The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3 excels in wet conditions, offering superior grip and control, along with a quieter and smoother ride due to its excellent noise performance. Conversely, the Continental VikingContact 7 dominates in ice and snow performance, with unparalleled braking and acceleration on ice, and exceptional handling in snow. Its consistent performance across various tests positions it as a standout choice.
Considering the critical importance of ice and snow performance for many drivers during the winter months, the Continental VikingContact 7 emerges as the recommended tire. It offers a remarkable combination of safety, control, and value, excelling in the most challenging winter conditions.
- Viking Contact 7
- Launch: 2018
- Press test wins: 25/28
- Strength: Strong in ice & snow
- UltraGrip Ice 3
- Launch: 2023
- Press test wins:1/4
- Strength: Dry & wet
Below are the head to head results of Continental Viking Contact 7 vs Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3. Feel free to evaluate yourself and make your own judgement !
Summary
Overall, both Continental & Goodyear showed they are capable of making outstanding tires. There is no such general rule that who is better and it all boils down to the tire segment of interest. One thing we know for sure: Continental & Goodyear certainly know how to make good tires !