Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Continental AllSeasonContact 2: The Ultimate Showdown! –> The wait is finally over! The first official press test for the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 is out, and it’s about to send ripples through the tire industry. For those who’ve been closely following, the AllSeasonContact 2 has been a beacon of hope, a testament to Continental’s commitment to innovation and high performance. This new contender, the latest iteration in the AllSeasonContact lineage, promises significant advancements in several crucial parameters.
Dry handling and braking? Improved. Wet braking? Better than ever. Rolling resistance and mileage? Both have seen remarkable enhancements, offering a harmonious amalgamation of performance features. It’s a tire crafted for those who demand excellence in every season and every road condition. However, while it boasts several refinements over its predecessor, some areas like comfort, snow handling, and aquaplaning resistance are yet to see any major leap. These aspects remind us of the intricate dance in tire design where elevating one performance trait might come at the expense of another.
But the question that is on everyone’s lips is this: Can the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 challenge, or perhaps even dethrone, the reigning champion of the all-season domain, the Michelin CrossClimate 2? As the fervor intensifies, enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike are eager to find out if the best in the market has finally met its match.
Stay tuned as we dive deep into this epic showdown to see if Continental’s promises manifest on the tarmac, and how it stacks up against the unparalleled prowess of the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
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Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Continental AllSeasonContact 2
Results below were taken from the 2023 Auto Bild All Season Test. A whopping 35 tires were tested this time around with only 16 tires making it into the final round. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Continental AllSeasonContact 2 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Update: Auto Bild has updated the full range of results. Please see below for the wet, snow, dry, wear & rolling resistance results.
Auto Bild did the full range of test including snow & the expensive wear test. The tire size of interest is a 225/45 R17 which is a common tire size for Volvo S60 & BMW 3 Series. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a BMW 3 series.
Wet Showdown:
When it comes to all-season tires, wet performance is paramount. These tires are designed to be jack-of-all-trades, able to handle varying conditions from the warmth of summer to the chill of winter. Yet, one of the most challenging and unpredictable terrains they face is a wet road. Water introduces complexities, from reducing friction to the risk of aquaplaning, that can significantly affect a tire’s safety and efficiency. Therefore, understanding the wet performance of an all-season tire isn’t just about assessing its capability—it’s about ensuring safety and reliability throughout the year. Given this context, we delve into a head-to-head comparison between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2, evaluating which tire outperforms the other in wet conditions.
- Wet Braking:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: 47 meters
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 45.4 meters
- Wet Handling:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: 72.7 Km/H
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 74.6 Km/H (average speed)
- Wet Circle:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: 11.99 seconds
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 11.96 seconds
- Straight Aquaplaning:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: 79 Km/H (before slipping)
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 76.1 Km/H (slipping speed)
- Curved Aquaplaning:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: 3.29 m/sec^2 (max centripetal acceleration)
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 2.95 m/sec^2 (max centripetal acceleration)
Summary: In terms of wet braking and wet handling, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 exhibits superior performance. However, when it comes to resisting aquaplaning (both straight and curved), the Michelin CrossClimate 2 takes the lead. In a nutshell, for wet braking and handling, the AllSeasonContact 2 is the tire of choice, but for resistance to aquaplaning, the CrossClimate 2 has the edge.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- +4% in wet braking
- +3% in wet handling
- ~0% in wet circle
- -4% in aquaplaning
- -10% in lateral aquaplaning
Snow
When it comes to all-season tires, snow performance holds critical importance. All-season tires are designed to tackle a range of terrains and weather conditions, and one of the truest tests of their adaptability is how they handle snowy roads. Snowy conditions can drastically reduce traction, alter stopping distances, and challenge even the most experienced drivers. Thus, an all-season tire’s performance in snow doesn’t only reflect its versatility but also its ability to offer safety and stability when conditions become treacherous. In light of this, we’ll compare the snow performances of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2.
- Snow Braking:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: 23 meters
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 23.2 meters The Michelin CrossClimate 2 marginally edges out the AllSeasonContact 2 in snow braking, stopping just 0.2 meters shorter.
- Snow Traction:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: 2765 N
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 2744 N (force) In terms of snow traction, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 also has a slight advantage, offering a force of 2765 N compared to the Continental’s 2744 N.
- Snow Handling:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: 58.1 Km/H (average lap time speed)
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 57.4 Km/H (average lap time speed) Once again, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 pulls ahead, albeit slightly, in snow handling, with an average speed of 58.1 Km/H compared to the Continental’s 57.4 Km/H.
- Snow Slalom:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: 4.27 m/sec^2 (max centripetal acceleration)
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 4.23 m/sec^2 (max centripetal acceleration) In the snow slalom test, both tires are nearly neck and neck, with the CrossClimate 2 again narrowly outperforming the AllSeasonContact 2 by a mere 0.04 m/sec^2 in max centripetal acceleration.
Summary:
The snow performance results between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 are exceptionally close. However, the CrossClimate 2 consistently edges just slightly ahead in each of the categories. This marginal advantage underscores the precision and engineering behind both tires but positions the CrossClimate 2 as the narrowly superior choice for snow performance among the two.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- -1% in snow braking
- -1% in snow traction
- -1% in snow handling
- -1% in snow slalom
Wear
Wear is an integral aspect when evaluating tires, and its importance extends beyond the immediate consideration of value. A tire that wears slowly not only offers prolonged usability and thus better value for money, but it also contributes positively to sustainability by reducing the frequency of tire replacements and, consequently, waste. With advancements in tire technology, many brands have strived to improve the longevity of their products. In a recent ranking, both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 emerged among the top 5, further solidifying their positions as frontrunners in the industry.
Let’s delve into the wear performance of these two tire models:
Michelin CrossClimate 2:
- Wear: 57,046 KM
- Chart Position: 5th The Michelin CrossClimate 2 demonstrates commendable wear performance, lasting up to 57,046 KM before needing a replacement, earning it the 5th position on the wear chart.
Continental AllSeasonContact 2:
- Wear: 58,923 KM
- Chart Position: 3rd The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 slightly surpasses the CrossClimate 2 in terms of wear, offering a lifespan of 58,923 KM, and clinching the 3rd spot on the wear chart.
Summary:
Both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 exhibit exceptional wear performance, landing them in the top 5 of the wear chart. While the CrossClimate 2 provides a notable wear distance of 57,046 KM, it is the AllSeasonContact 2 that has a slight edge with its 58,923 KM lifespan. These results not only highlight the value proposition of these tires but also their contributions towards sustainable motoring by potentially reducing tire waste.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- +3% in mileage
Dry Duel:
When assessing the performance of all-season tires, their capability on dry roads remains a benchmark. After all, the majority of driving for many occurs in dry conditions. Within this realm, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 has carved a reputation for itself, raising the question: can any tire dislodge the CrossClimate 2 as the dry master with its unique ‘one sipe per block‘ concept? Let’s delve into a comparative analysis between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 based on their dry performance metrics.
- Dry Braking:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: 37.7 meters
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 40.4 meters
The CrossClimate 2 showcases a clear advantage in dry braking, requiring a shorter distance of 37.7 meters to come to a stop, in contrast to the AllSeasonContact 2’s 40.4 meters.
- Dry Handling:
- Michelin CrossClimate 2: 89.2 Km/H (average lap time speed)
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 87.8 Km/H (average lap time speed)
Further solidifying its dominance in dry conditions, the CrossClimate 2 also outperforms in dry handling, clocking an average lap time speed of 89.2 Km/H, whereas the AllSeasonContact 2 trails behind at 87.8 Km/H.
Summary:
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 consistently showcases its prowess in dry conditions, outperforming the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 in both dry braking and handling. These super-strong performances of the CrossClimate 2 not only uphold its position as a leader in dry conditions but also accentuate its advantage over its peers, solidifying its reputation as the “dry master”.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- -7% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling
Noise
Pass-by noise is a critical metric in assessing the acoustic comfort provided by tires. A tire that produces less noise contributes to a quieter and more comfortable driving experience, especially at higher speeds. It’s also an essential factor for urban areas and densely populated zones, where road noise can contribute to overall environmental noise pollution. Let’s evaluate the pass-by noise performance of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2.
Michelin CrossClimate 2:
- Exterior Noise: 72.6 dB
Continental AllSeasonContact 2:
- Exterior Noise: 72.3 dB
The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 produces a slightly lower pass-by noise level at 72.3 dB, whereas the Michelin CrossClimate 2 records a level of 72.6 dB.
Summary:
Both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 are closely matched in terms of their noise output, with only a minuscule difference of 0.3 dB between them. The AllSeasonContact 2 does have a marginal advantage with its slightly quieter performance, but both tires fall within a similar acoustic range, indicating that they both offer commendable noise control during pass-by.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- ~0% in exterior noise (-0.3 dB)
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance plays a vital role in determining a tire’s efficiency. Lower rolling resistance can lead to reduced fuel consumption, subsequently benefitting both the environment and the pocketbook. A comparison between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 in terms of rolling resistance reveals:
Michelin CrossClimate 2:
- Rolling Resistance: 7.69 N/kN
- Fuel Consumption: 5.48 l/100km
Continental AllSeasonContact 2:
- Rolling Resistance: 7.68 N/kN
- Fuel Consumption: 5.56 l/100km
Upon evaluation, it becomes apparent that there’s virtually nothing between them when it comes to rolling resistance. With a mere 0.01 N/kN difference, they are effectively the same. However, the CrossClimate 2 edges slightly ahead in terms of fuel consumption, but the difference is still minimal.
Summary:
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 are remarkably similar in terms of rolling resistance, underscoring their comparable efficiency. While there is a slight variation in their fuel consumption, with the CrossClimate 2 being marginally more efficient, the overall difference between the two tires in this domain remains negligible.
AllSeasonContact 2 :
- ~0% in rolling resistance
- -1% in fuel consumption
Price
Price Comparison: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs. Continental AllSeasonContact 2 (205/55 R16)
In addition to performance attributes, price can be a significant factor when deciding between tire options. Let’s compare the costs of our two contenders:
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- CrossClimate 2: €100
- AllSeasonContact 2: €88
Difference: -14% more cheaper for AllSeasonContact 2.
For many consumers, a difference of €12 per tire can influence the buying decision, especially when purchasing a full set. While the Michelin CrossClimate 2 might boast superior performance in some areas, budget-conscious consumers may find the AllSeasonContact 2’s combination of price and performance compelling.
However, as always, it’s essential to weigh the cost against the desired performance attributes and individual needs. The right choice is often a balance between price, performance, and personal preference.
Expert’s Perspective on Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs. Continental AllSeasonContact 2
Having closely analyzed countless tires over the years, I can confidently say that the competition between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 stands out as one of the closest I’ve seen. The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 has indeed come a long way, with its slight edge in wet performance and wear, showcasing the brand’s dedication to continuous improvement.
On the other hand, the Michelin CrossClimate 2, while being marginally ahead in snow conditions, undisputedly retains its title as the “dry king,” reflecting Michelin’s prowess in optimizing for dry conditions.
However, through the lens of an expert, it’s evident that there’s barely a hair’s breadth between these two top-notch all-season tires. They both bring a plethora of strengths to the table, with only minute differences setting them apart. For consumers, it truly boils down to what minor details matter most to them in their driving conditions. It’s a great time to be in the market for tires, as such fierce competition only pushes the boundaries of what’s possible further, guaranteeing outstanding products for the end-user.
Dr Edwin Pang