Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Continental EcoContact 6 (OE): In the world of tires, it’s not every day that we witness a head-to-head between such distinct contenders. Today, we’re lining up the replacement-spec Michelin Pilot Sport 5 against the OE-rated Continental EcoContact 6—two titans in their respective segments. The Pilot Sport 5, hailing from the ultra-high-performance domain, promises adrenaline-pumping grip and precision.
On the other end of the spectrum, the EcoContact 6 champions the comfort segment, offering a smooth and efficient ride. Despite their different arenas of expertise, both challengers have crossed paths in the iconic 235/45R18 size. It’s a battle of purpose against comfort, performance versus poise. Get ready for an exciting clash as the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and the Continental EcoContact 6 vie for supremacy on the tarmac.
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Continental EcoContact 6 (OE)
Results below were taken from the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs OE competitor test. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Continental EcoContact 6 (OE) based on the relevant performance category. The Pilot Sport 5 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is 235/45 R18 which is a common tire size for Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Passat.
Wet
When it comes to wet performance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and the Continental EcoContact 6 reveal a stark contrast. In wet braking, the Pilot Sport 5 brings the vehicle to a halt from 80 km/h in just 29 meters, while the EcoContact 6 takes a further 5.2 meters to stop. This significant distance can be the difference between a safe stop and a potential hazard.
Similarly, in wet handling, the Michelin completes a lap notably faster, clocking in at 58.96 seconds, while the Continental trails behind by 5.44 seconds, a gap that highlights the Pilot Sport 5’s superior grip and agility in challenging wet conditions.
Continental EcoContact 6 (OE) :
Switching to Continental EcoContact 6 tires made the car feel better. The front tires stick to the road more, and the back of the car is more stable, making the whole car feel more balanced. This improved how the car felt to drive and made it go around the track faster.
Test driver feedback on Continental EcoContact 6 (OE)
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 :
After putting on the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires, wow, the grip was amazing! The tires didn’t slip when the car sped up, and the anti-lock brake system didn’t need to work as hard. It felt like the tires could grip the road endlessly, especially when turning. Even when driving the same way I did with the other tires, the Michelin tires seemed to have grip to spare.
The car drove smoothly, with no understeer or oversteer because the tires held the road so well. The car also became quicker to respond to steering. This level of control and grip felt like a big step up, making the car over 10% faster on the track. This much improvement makes a big difference in how it feels to drive the car.
Test driver feedback on Michelin Pilot Sport 5
EcoContact 6 (OE) :
- -15% in wet braking
- -9% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 outperforms the Continental EcoContact 6. The Michelin tire stops the car in 35 meters, while the Continental needs an extra 2.5 meters to come to a complete stop. This shows that the Michelin tire is better at braking in dry conditions, providing a shorter stopping distance.
Continental EcoContact 6 (OE) :
After putting on the Continental EcoContact 6 tires, the most noticeable improvement was how much better the back of the car stuck to the road, making the car more stable when turning. The front tires also gripped the road more, enhancing the car’s overall grip. The steering felt slightly more responsive and firmer in the middle position, and the car’s handling felt much steadier compared to the previous Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance tires.
Test driver feedback on Continental EcoContact 6 (OE)
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 :
In testing the Michelin PS5, the tires provided a more connected steering feel and quicker response even at lower speeds (30-40 kph). At higher speeds (80-90 kph), while small adjustments felt slightly delayed, larger turns brought rapid and intense responsiveness. The PS5’s minor issue with smooth steering at small angles is notable, but its grip remains superior. It stays stable and controlled under conditions that unsettle other tires, up to speeds of 200 kph. Overall, the PS5 delivers excellent performance and stability, living up to high-performance sports tire standards.
Test driver feedback on Michelin Pilot Sport 5
EcoContact 6 (OE) :
- -6% in dry braking
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and the Continental EcoContact 6 have different rolling resistance (RR) values, which is a measure of how much energy is lost as the tire rolls and affects fuel efficiency. The Pilot Sport 5 has a higher rolling resistance of 8.6 N/kN compared to the EcoContact 6’s 6.5 N/kN. This means the EcoContact 6 is more efficient and requires less energy to keep rolling, likely due to OE requirements for low rolling resistance and good handling.
However, there’s a trade-off. Tires with lower rolling resistance often have less grip on wet roads, which can increase braking distances. In contrast, the Pilot Sport 5, despite its higher rolling resistance, excels in handling as demonstrated in various tests, showing that it prioritizes grip and performance, especially in challenging conditions. While it might lag behind the EcoContact 6 in terms of rolling resistance, its superior handling capabilities often make it a preferred choice for those prioritizing performance.
EcoContact 6 (OE) :
- +32% in rolling resistance
Price
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and the Continental EcoContact 6, both sized 235/45 R18, differ notably in price. The Pilot Sport 5 costs €199, while the EcoContact 6 is priced at €160, making the EcoContact 6 about 24% cheaper than the Pilot Sport 5.
Tire size: 235/45 R18
- Pilot Sport 5: € 199
- EcoContact 6 (OE) : € 160
Difference: -24% cheaper for EcoContact 6
Summary
As a tire expert, my analysis concludes that the clear winner between these two contenders is the Michelin Pilot Sport 5. Its outstanding performance in both wet and dry conditions sets it apart. While it’s true that the Pilot Sport 5 doesn’t quite match the Continental EcoContact 6 in terms of rolling resistance, which is an important factor for fuel efficiency, it more than compensates for this with its superior handling and grip.
Dr Edwin Pang
In challenging conditions where precise control and safety are paramount, the Pilot Sport 5 demonstrates remarkable prowess, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize performance. In the grand scheme of things, while the EcoContact 6 offers commendable efficiency and value, the Pilot Sport 5’s exceptional performance across various metrics clearly establishes its dominance in this comparison.