Comparison: Continental SportContact 7 vs. Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 vs. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

The Continental SportContact 7 and the Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 are two high-end ultra-high-performance summer tyres produced by renowned manufacturers Continental and Pirelli, respectively. Numerous tests have been carried out on these tyres, and we have gathered and summarized the results for a comprehensive comparison.

Continental SportContact 7

The Continental SportContact 7, a successor to previous models such as the Continental SportContact 6 and 5, has consistently performed exceptionally well in tests. With an impressive rating of a 100%, it clearly outperforms the Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 averages.

It's noteworthy performance stems from its comprehensive range of top features, including comfort, dry braking, dry handling, wet braking, and wet circle cornering. Continental tyres are renowned for their very high dry and wet grip level while maintaining very stable, quick handling.

Some minor issues were reported such as slight shortcomings in wet cornering grip and increased passing noise. Nonetheless, the SportContact 7 was ranked at position 1 in several outlet tests, like AutoBild, SportAuto, and Autozeitung.

Pirelli P ZERO PZ4

The Pirelli P ZERO PZ4, on the other hand, scored an average rating of 85%. The tyre performed well in some features, particularly in aquaplaning - longitudinal, dry handling, exterior noise, and wet circle cornering. It is highly manageable and steerable, with a tendency to slightly understeer on wet surfaces.

However, the Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 had some deficiencies in its wet braking performance and was criticized for its increased rolling resistance. It also did not rank as high as the Continental tyre in most tests, placing at position 3 in AutoBild and 5 in SportAuto.

Verdict

Overall, both tyres deliver reliable performance, but the Continental SportContact 7 steps ahead with its outstanding ratings and positioning in the tests. This does not take away from Pirelli's build quality or performance, but to a more meticulous driver, the small disparities matter, with the higher wet grip and handling stability playing a decisive role.

In conclusion, if you’re after a tyre that offers exceptional performance for dry and wet conditions, consider the Continental SportContact 7 as the higher-ranking candidate.