Continental vs Pirelli Tires 2024

Continental vs Pirelli : Based on the 2023 world wide sales, Pirelli was the 6th biggest in sales, making more than €6.6 billion. Pirelli, from Italy, was taken over by ChemChina in 2015. Since 2011, Pirelli has been the only tire supplier for Formula One races, which has helped it become very well-known. Continental was 4th in global sales, earning over €14 billion. Over the past 10 years, Continental grew on its own, without any major acquisition. Instead of just looking at them generally, we’ll compare their products directly against each other.

Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP)

• Continental SportContact 7 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4

In the comparison of Continental and Pirelli, specifically between the SportContact 7 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ4, each tire shows its own strengths. The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 is better in handling wet roads, resisting water build-up (aquaplaning), and producing less noise, and it matches the SportContact 7 in handling dry conditions. However, the SportContact 7 stands out for its superior performance in braking on both dry and wet surfaces and offers better rolling resistance than the P Zero PZ4. The choice between these two depends on what the driver values more and the conditions they mostly drive in. The SportContact 7 wins this duel due to its outstanding braking and efficiency.

Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP) – [North America]

• Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) vs Continental ExtremeContact Sport

Continental’s ExtremeContact Sport was launched in 2016 and it serves the max performance segment which is directly in competition with the P Zero (PZ4). Based on the test results, both tires demonstrated clear strengths on different conditions. P Zero (PZ4) was strong in dry/wet handling and comfort/noise while ExtremeContact Sport excels in wet & dry braking. From our point of view, there is no clear winner in this duel and it really depends which requirements ( handling vs braking ) from your side dominates more?

Touring

• Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 vs Continental PremiumContact 7

In a head-to-head comparison, Continental’s PremiumContact 7 outperforms Pirelli’s Cinturato P7 C2 in both wet and dry conditions, showcasing superior braking, handling, and lap times. The PremiumContact 7 benefits from innovative technologies like the RedChili compound and adaptive tread design, enhancing its performance across various temperatures and conditions. While the Cinturato P7 C2 slightly leads in aquaplaning, noise, and comfort, these factors are not enough to overshadow the comprehensive performance advantages of the PremiumContact 7. Both tires show similar rolling resistance, emphasizing sustainability. Overall, the PremiumContact 7 stands out as the top choice for those prioritizing safety and performance in their driving experience.

All Season (Europe)

• Continental AllSeasonContact vs Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2

In the comparison between Continental’s AllSeasonContact and Pirelli’s Cinturato All Season SF2, the AllSeasonContact excels in wet and snowy conditions, offering superior wet braking, handling, and snow performance. The Cinturato All Season SF2, however, performs better in dry braking and has a lower rolling resistance, making it more efficient. The choice between them depends on specific driving needs: AllSeasonContact is preferable for wet and snowy environments, while the Cinturato All Season SF2 is ideal for dry conditions and efficiency.

Ultra High Performance (UHP) All Season [North America]

• Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS vs Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3

Analyzing the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS against the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 presents a close competition in the high-performance tire sector, with each tire showcasing specific advantages. The Continental slightly leads in wet and dry braking, while the Pirelli excels in dry handling and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction. Both tires boast high Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) ratings, indicating similar durability and longevity through their tread wear ratings and mileage warranties. The forthcoming winter tests at the end of 2023 are anticipated to be a decisive factor, potentially highlighting differences in snow and ice performance. These results could finally determine a frontrunner in this closely matched contest.

Studless/Nordic

• Continental Viking Contact 7 vs Pirelli Ice Zero FR

Continental’s Viking Contact 7 is an absolute legend. With an impressive overall win rate of over 90% , this tire just dominates the competition. Based on the test results, From the overview of the results, it is clear the Viking Contact 7 dominates in almost all categories except for wet & dry handling. With the superior ice braking capabilities, Viking Contact 7 is the best overall winner!

All Terrain Road (ATR)

• Pirelli Scorpion ATR vs Continental CrossContact AX6

In the comparison between the Pirelli Scorpion ATR and the Continental CrossContact AX6, each tire showcases its strengths. The Scorpion ATR is noted for its agility and quieter ride, particularly in slalom tests for both wet and dry conditions, as well as lower interior noise levels. Conversely, the CrossContact AX6 excels in wet and dry braking and demonstrates superior dry acceleration, catering to those who emphasize safety and performance. The choice between these tires hinges on the specific requirements, preferences, and driving conditions of the user, with both options offering commendable features.

Motorcycle Touring

• Continental Road Attack 3 GT vs Pirelli Angel GT II

The comparison between the Pirelli Angel GT II and the Continental Road Attack 3 GT highlights the Pirelli as the superior option, with marginal but significant leads in performance under both wet and dry conditions. The Pirelli Angel GT II surpasses the Continental in wet braking, achieving higher speeds on wet tracks and recording faster lap times, showcasing exceptional wet grip and maneuverability. In dry conditions, the Pirelli maintains a slight advantage in handling and steering precision, even as both tires demonstrate similar levels of stability and grip. The Pirelli Angel GT II’s consistent performance in enhancing handling, comfort, and safety across different riding situations positions it as the preferred choice for riders seeking top-tier performance.

Subjective wet

Subjective dry

Summary

Continental and Pirelli stand out in the tire industry, with Continental ranked fourth and Pirelli sixth in global sales. Their competitive offerings across various segments underline the brands’ technological prowess and market appeal.

• Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP):
  • Continental SportContact 7 excels in braking and rolling resistance.
  • Pirelli P Zero PZ4 is noted for wet handling and noise reduction.
• Touring:
  • Continental PremiumContact 7 outperforms the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 in both wet and dry conditions, thanks to its RedChili compound and adaptive tread design.
• All Season (Europe):
  • Continental’s AllSeasonContact surpasses Pirelli’s Cinturato All Season SF2 in wet and snow conditions.
  • The Cinturato All Season SF2 leads in dry braking and efficiency.
• Ultra High Performance (UHP) All Season (North America):
  • Continental’s ExtremeContact DWS 06 PLUS and Pirelli’s P Zero AS Plus 3 closely compete, with variations in wet and dry braking and dry handling and NVH aspects.
• Studless/Nordic:
  • Continental’s Viking Contact 7 dominates Pirelli’s Ice Zero FR, especially in ice and snow performance.
• All Terrain Road (ATR):
  • Pirelli Scorpion ATR offers agility and a quieter ride.
  • Continental CrossContact AX6 stands out in braking and acceleration.
• Motorcycle Touring:
  • Pirelli Angel GT II is preferred for its superior wet and dry performance compared to Continental Road Attack 3 GT.

These comparisons across different tire categories highlight the distinct advantages and technological innovations of Continental and Pirelli, catering to varied consumer preferences and driving conditions.