Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Continental VikingContact 8: The Michelin CrossClimate 2, a versatile 3-peak mountain certified all-season tire, faces off against the dedicated studless winter specialist, the Continental VikingContact 8. Can the CrossClimate 2’s year-round capability compete with the VikingContact 8’s specialized winter performance? Is an all-season tire enough for harsh winter conditions, or does the VikingContact 8 dominate where it matters most? It’s versatility versus specialization—who wins this showdown?
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Results: Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Continental VikingContact 8
Results below were taken from 2024 Vi Bilagare Friction Tire Test with a total of 7 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Continental VikingContact 8 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 being the older tire was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for subjective ratings, 1 point is equivalent to 10%. So if tire A has a 4 point rating & tire B has a 3 point rating, tire A is better than tire B by 10%. The tire size of interest is a 225/45 R17 which is a common tire size for Audi S3 and BMW 1 series. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Ice
In ice performance, the Continental VikingContact 8 dominates the Michelin CrossClimate 2 by a significant margin. During ice braking from 25 to 5 km/h, the VikingContact 8 stops in 11.97 meters compared to the CrossClimate 2’s 18.39 meters, creating a difference of over 6 meters. In ice acceleration, the VikingContact 8 reaches the target speed in 8.44 seconds, much faster than the CrossClimate 2’s 13 seconds. On an ice handling lap, the VikingContact 8 completes it in 64.6 seconds, beating the CrossClimate 2’s 67.8 seconds by more than 3 seconds.
VikingContact 8 :
- +54% in ice braking
- +54% in ice traction
- +5% in ice handling (lap time)
Snow
In snow performance, the Continental VikingContact 8 shows a clear advantage over the Michelin CrossClimate 2, but the margin is smaller compared to ice. During snow braking from 35 to 5 km/h, the VikingContact 8 stops in 12.72 meters, only slightly better than the CrossClimate 2’s 13.28 meters, a difference of just over half a meter. In snow acceleration, the VikingContact 8 reaches 35 km/h in 4.19 seconds, marginally quicker than the CrossClimate 2’s 4.46 seconds. On a snow handling lap, the VikingContact 8 completes it in 79.7 seconds, a 5-second advantage over the CrossClimate 2’s 84.7 seconds. While the VikingContact 8 remains superior, the smaller gap in snow indicates notable improvements in all-season tire capabilities.
VikingContact 8 :
- +4% in snow braking
- +6% in snow traction
- +6% in snow handling (lap time)
Wet
In wet performance, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 clearly outshines the Continental VikingContact 8. It stops over 12 meters shorter in wet braking, completes the wet handling lap nearly 3 seconds faster, and maintains grip at 86 km/h in aquaplaning compared to the VikingContact 8’s 59.8 km/h. This demonstrates the well-known tradeoff for studless tires in wet conditions.
VikingContact 8 :
- -31% in wet braking
- -7% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- -30% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 significantly outperforms the Continental VikingContact 8. It stops in 25.85 meters from 80 to 5 km/h, while the VikingContact 8 takes 31.2 meters, creating a difference of over 5 meters. In dry handling, the CrossClimate 2 achieves a perfect subjective score of 5, compared to the VikingContact 8’s 4. This shows the CrossClimate 2’s clear advantage in dry performance.
VikingContact 8 :
- -17% in dry braking
- -5% in dry handling (subjective)
Noise
In terms of noise, the Continental VikingContact 8 outperforms the Michelin CrossClimate 2. The VikingContact 8 achieves a perfect subjective noise score of 5, compared to the CrossClimate 2’s 1. In exterior noise, it measures slightly quieter at 67.4 decibels versus the CrossClimate 2’s 68.8 decibels. This advantage is due to the VikingContact 8’s soft compound, which dissipates energy more effectively, reducing air vibration and enhancing overall comfort.
VikingContact 8 :
- +20% in subjective noise
- +2% in exterior noise (-1.4 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In terms of fuel consumption, the Continental VikingContact 8 has a slight edge over the Michelin CrossClimate 2. The VikingContact 8 consumes 5.3 liters per 100 km, while the CrossClimate 2 uses 5.45 liters per 100 km. This minor difference highlights the VikingContact 8’s slightly better efficiency in fuel consumption.
VikingContact 8 :
- +3% in fuel consumption
Price
The Continental VikingContact 8 is significantly more expensive than the Michelin CrossClimate 2. At €253, the VikingContact 8 costs 89% more than the CrossClimate 2, which is priced at €134 for the same size (225/40 R18).
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- CrossClimate 2 : € 134
- VikingContact 8 : € 258
Difference: +89% more expensive for VikingContact 8
Conclusion
As a tire expert, I’d say the Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers excellent versatility with solid dry and wet performance, making it a great year-round option for moderate winter conditions. It’s cost-effective and delivers impressive all-season reliability. On the other hand, the Continental VikingContact 8 shines as a specialized winter tire, providing superior grip and control on ice and snow, while maintaining remarkable comfort and lower noise levels. Although more expensive, it’s the go-to choice if harsh winter conditions are a primary concern. Both tires serve their distinct purposes excellently, depending on your driving needs.
Dr Edwin Pang