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The Continental PremiumContact 7 and the Firestone Roadhawk 2 are both modern summer tyres recommended by their manufacturers for electric vehicles, but their performance profiles — and their standing in independent tests — differ considerably. The Continental PremiumContact 7 is the third generation of its line, succeeding the PremiumContact 6 and the original ContiPremiumContact 5. The Firestone Roadhawk 2 follows in the footsteps of the well-regarded original Firestone Roadhawk.
Test Rankings: A Consistent Gap
Across four major independent tests, the pattern is unmistakable. The
Continental PremiumContact 7 finished 1st in three tests — ADAC (1st of 16), Netzwelt (1st of 6), and Autozeitung (1st of 9) — and 2nd in Autobild (out of 8). The Firestone Roadhawk 2, by contrast, placed 4th, 3rd, 5th, and 6th in the same tests respectively. With our rating of
98% vs 80%, the Continental leads by a wide margin on aggregate performance.
Wet Weather: Continental's Defining Edge
The most decisive area is
wet performance. In the ADAC 2026 test, the Continental PremiumContact 7 recorded the
shortest wet braking distance of 47.1 metres and topped the wet handling rankings. Autozeitung awarded it best-in-test honours across wet braking, wet handling, wet safety, and wet circle cornering. Autobild similarly singled it out for wet handling and wet braking excellence.
The Firestone Roadhawk 2 struggles here. ADAC rated its wet handling below average (grade 2.9), and its wet braking distance of 51.1 metres was notably longer than the Continental's. Autobild placed it 6th out of 8 tyres in this category. In mixed or wet conditions, the gap between these two tyres is significant.
Aquaplaning: Firestone's Standout Strength
Where the
Firestone Roadhawk 2 genuinely shines is
aquaplaning resistance. It earned best-in-test marks for both longitudinal and cross aquaplaning in the Autobild test, and ADAC rated its longitudinal aquaplaning at an excellent 1.7. Autobild 2025 specifically highlighted its "excellent aquaplaning reserves." Interestingly, the Continental PremiumContact 7 received a rare criticism in this area — ADAC noted below-average cornering aquaplaning, its only meaningful weakness across all tests.
Dry Performance and Tread Life
On dry roads, both tyres perform well, though the
Continental PremiumContact 7 again holds the upper hand. ADAC recorded the
shortest dry braking distance at 35.2 metres, and Autozeitung awarded it top marks for dry braking and dry handling. The Firestone Roadhawk 2 delivers solid dry performance — Autobild 2025 and ADAC 2026 both noted its competent dry behaviour — but it doesn't lead any category in this area.
A notable long-term consideration: Autobild 2025 flagged the Firestone Roadhawk 2 for significantly limited tread life, while the Continental PremiumContact 7 earned praise for good longevity (with only a slight rolling resistance penalty noted).
Verdict
The
Continental PremiumContact 7 is one of the strongest summer tyres currently available — a test winner with exceptional wet grip, short braking distances, and impressive all-round dynamics. Its 98% rating reflects genuine excellence across nearly every performance dimension. The only caveat is its premium price point.
The Firestone Roadhawk 2 is a competent mid-range option with a specific strength in aquaplaning resistance and adequate dry performance. However, its below-average wet handling, longer wet braking distances, and reduced tread life make it a clearly weaker choice for drivers who prioritise safety and longevity. It suits budget-conscious buyers who drive primarily in dry conditions.
