Segment
1. Continental PremiumContact 7 Premium2. Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Premium3. Nokian Powerproof 2 Upper-middle
Comparison: Continental PremiumContact 7 vs. Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs. Nokian Powerproof 2
When comparing the Continental PremiumContact 7 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, test results and lab summaries point to two of the best summer tyres available — but with clear, consistent differences. Our aggregated rating gives the PremiumContact 7 97% and the Pilot Sport 5 95%, and independent tests mostly place the Continental narrowly ahead.
Test positions across major magazines show a repeating pattern: SportAuto ranked the PremiumContact 7 1st and the Pilot Sport 5 2nd; AutoZeitung placed Continental 2nd vs Michelin 4th; ACE and AutoBild also put Continental one rank above Michelin in their comparisons (Autobild: 5 vs 6; ACE: 2 vs 3). These consistent placements underline that the Continental is the marginal overall winner in mixed test conditions.
Strengths — Continental PremiumContact 7
- Wet performance and aquaplaning: repeatedly highlighted as one of the best in wet braking and aquaplaning resistance (both longitudinal and cross) in SportAuto, AutoBild and TyreReviews.
- Low rolling resistance and efficiency: excellent economy figures and low noise in independent labs.
- Balanced ride and comfort: praised for precision, predictable handling and good comfort levels — a very well-rounded touring summer tyre.
Weaknesses — Continental PremiumContact 7
- Performance drop as the tyre wears: some tests (TyreReviews) noted wet braking falls off more when worn compared with rivals.
- Slightly less “sporty” steering feel than the predecessor for drivers seeking raw engagement.
- Higher price vs average competitors.
Strengths — Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- Durability and tread life: consistently the longest-wearing tyre in comparative tests (TyreReviews), making it a great choice if mileage and longevity matter.
- Dry performance and progressive handling: shortest dry braking distances in some tests and excellent steering precision; very engaging on dry roads.
- Very consistent across conditions with a solid balance between grip and comfort.
Weaknesses — Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- Marginally weaker wet grip and corner aquaplaning resistance versus the Continental — some testers report less reserve in wet cornering.
- Generally higher purchase cost; in a few evaluations reviewers also noted a firmer, slightly harsher rolling feel and occasional “prelling” sensation.
Practical verdict: if your priority is all‑round safety in wet conditions, the Continental PremiumContact 7 is the safer pick — it narrowly wins more head‑to‑head tests and offers superior aquaplaning resistance and wet braking. If you prioritise tread life, consistent dry performance and a more sporting character, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is an excellent alternative that rewards high-mileage drivers.
Neither tyre has an announced replacement model at this time. Read more on each tyre pages: Continental PremiumContact 7 and Michelin Pilot Sport 5. Manufacturer info: Continental and Michelin.
Number of sizes available
Number of tests
Best position in test
Worst position in test
Average position in tests
Year of the last test
Best rating in test
1. Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Test winner2. Continental PremiumContact 7 Test winner3. Nokian Powerproof 2 Recommended
Worst rating in test
3. Nokian Powerproof 2 Recommended
Wet
(Overall rating)Aquaplaning - longitudal
Wet braking
Wet handling
Aquaplaning - cross
Wet circle cornering
Wet braking according to EU label
Dry
(Overall rating)Dry handling
Dry braking
Costs
(Overall rating)Rolling resistance
Mileage
Price/value
Fuel consumption according to EU label
Comfort
(Overall rating)Comfort
Exterior noise
Outside noise accoring to EU label
Add to comparison
Mutual Tests Available
These tyres were tested together in 9 test(s). Click to view detailed head-to-head results.
9
Mutual tests
| Name | Stopping distance on dry | Stopping distance on wet | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best values in test | 32.8 | 25.2 | |||||
| Continental PremiumContact 7 | 34.3 | 27.3 | |||||
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 | 34.4 | 27.7 | |||||
| Nokian Powerproof 2 | 34.4 | 28.1 | |||||
| Show test details | |||||||
| Name | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental PremiumContact 7 Rating: Exemplary | |||||||
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Rating: Exemplary | |||||||
| Show test details | |||||||
| Name | Points total | Wet | Dry | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best values in test | 279 | 141 | 139 | ||||
| Continental PremiumContact 7 Rating: Highly recommended | 274 | 141 | 133 | ||||
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Rating: Highly recommended | 260 | 132 | 128 | ||||
| Show test details | |||||||
| Name | Stopping distance on dry | Stopping distance on wet | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best values in test | 32.6 | 27.4 | |||||
| Continental PremiumContact 7 | 34.6 | 28.3 | |||||
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 | 33.5 | 27.7 | |||||
| Show test details | |||||||
| Name | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental PremiumContact 7 Rating: Test winner | |||||||
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Rating: Very good | |||||||
| Show test details | |||||||
| Name | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best values in test | 1 | ||||||
| Continental PremiumContact 7 Rating: Test winner | 1 | ||||||
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Rating: Highly recommended | 1 | ||||||
| Show test details | |||||||
| Name | Wet | Dry | Rolling resistance | Noise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best values in test | 71 | 54 | 19 | 7 | |||
| Continental PremiumContact 7 Rating: Highly recommended | 71 | 52 | 19 | 4 | |||
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Rating: Highly recommended | 70 | 50 | 18 | 5 | |||
| Show test details | |||||||
| Name | Wet | Dry | Running costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best values in test | 2+ | 1- | 1 | ||||
| Continental PremiumContact 7 Rating: Outstanding | 2+ | 2+ | 2+ | ||||
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Rating: Outstanding | 2+ | 2+ | 1- | ||||
| Show test details | |||||||
| Name | Stopping distance on dry | Stopping distance on wet | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best values in test | 58.1 | 24.8 | |||||
| Continental PremiumContact 7 | 59 | 25.3 | |||||
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 | 60.1 | 26 | |||||
| Show test details | |||||||
