Comparison: Continental PremiumContact 7 vs. Hankook Ventus Prime 4 vs. Kumho Ecsta HS52 vs. Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs. Vredestein ULTRAC

For this comparison, we will be looking at the Continental PremiumContact 7 and the Hankook Ventus Prime 4, two very popular summer tyres. Continental and Hankook are both well-established tyre manufacturers, and Hankook has been setting a higher bar with each new model.

Our rating for the Continental PremiumContact 7 is at a staggering 99%, while the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 has received a solid score of 81%. Both tyres demonstrate impressive features, however, there is a dominance by Continental in terms of test performance.

Test Positions

Across multiple tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 consistently outperformed the Hankook Ventus Prime 4. Continental came first in tests conducted by Vibilagare, Autobild, ADAC and Autoklub, while Hankook struggled to get within the top five. However, it's worth noting that Continental did come second in a test by Aftonbladet, hinting that there might be stiffer competition for the top spot.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Continental PremiumContact 7 excelled at dry handling and braking, wet handling and braking, and was praised for its comfort, good fuel efficiency and high projected mileage. However, it did show some weakness with rolling resistance and aquaplaning behaviour.

On the other hand, Hankook Ventus Prime 4 showcased dynamic handling on wet and dry surfaces, short dry braking distances and low rolling resistance. But where it gains in performance, it loses in tyre lifespan, as various tests indicated below average projected mileage.

Verdict

After comparing varying test results and customer feedback, it's clear that the Continental PremiumContact 7 is the standout. Despite its strong performance in certain areas, the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 doesn't quite measure up to Continental's well-rounded total package. With its superbly balanced features and consistent results, the Continental tyre is the preferable option for everyday activities and demanding conditions alike.

It's worth noting that both these tyres are successors to highly praised predecessors. The Continental PremiumContact 7 replaced the PremiumContact 6 and ContiPremiumContact 5, while the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 is an improvement over the Ventus Prime3 K125. Both manufacturers have shown commitment to continuous improvement in their product lines.

In conclusion, while both tyres offer outstanding performance, the Continental PremiumContact 7 has the upper hand. It provides excellent performance on wet and dry roads alike, is expected to last longer and excels in comfort, making it an all-round excellent choice.