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Comparison: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs. Continental SportContact 7

Table of contents:

Summary
Wet
Dry
Costs
Mutual tests
Dimensions and prices
Buy %

#	Michelin Pilot Sport 4S /0%	Continental SportContact 7 /100%

Dimensions	R17 - R23	R18 - R24
Price	Set dimension to see prices	Set dimension to see prices
Remove	Remove from comparison	Remove from comparison

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and the Continental SportContact 7 are two leading summer performance tyres frequently battling for top spots in independent tyre tests. Both deliver class‑leading dry handling, but test data shows slightly different strengths: the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is praised for its balanced, dynamic driving feel, while the Continental SportContact 7 scores outstanding wet braking and a high overall test rating.

Test summaries (ACE, AUTO BILD and later tests)

ACE: Michelin placed 1st (shared top dry handling) with a very balanced package; Continental came 2nd with the best wet braking and very good dry handling.

ACE 2026: Michelin noted as “Testsieger” for overall balance and top dry skills but without singular top values in braking or aquaplaning; Continental recorded the shortest wet braking distance (24.51 m) and good rolling resistance but weaker lateral aquaplaning.

AUTO BILD (multiple years): Continental often finishes 1st with consistent top scores for wet handling, wet braking and dry braking; Michelin typically ranks 2nd, lauded for direct steering, good feedback and balanced wet/dry performance but with some aquaplaning limitations.

Strengths & weaknesses

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

Strengths: Exceptional dry handling, precise steering, very balanced on wet and dry surfaces, quiet ride in many tests.

Weaknesses: Not the outright best in any single braking or aquaplaning metric — slight weaknesses in corner aquaplaning and no dominant top‑score in braking distances.

Continental SportContact 7

Strengths: Industry‑leading wet braking and convincing wet handling, excellent balance between grip and rolling resistance; frequent overall test winner with consistently top placings.

Weaknesses: Recorded the weakest lateral aquaplaning speed in one test (68.3 km/h) and slightly higher rolling/tyre noise in some AUTO BILD results.

Direct comparison — which tyre is better?
Across the combined test results, the Continental SportContact 7 holds a small overall edge because of its superior wet‑braking performance and repeated top placings in major tyre tests. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S remains an excellent choice if your priority is razor‑sharp dry handling and a more balanced feel across mixed conditions. In short: Continental is the safer bet for wet stopping performance and overall test dominance, while Michelin is the go‑to for pure dry driving dynamics and a refined balance.

Replacement status: neither tyre in this comparison is shown as replaced by a newer model in the provided data.

For more on the makers, see Michelin’s manufacturer page at Michelin and Continental’s manufacturer page at Continental. Choose the SportContact 7 if wet performance and top test scores matter most; choose the Pilot Sport 4S if you prioritise dry precision and a balanced, sporty ride.

Segment

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Premium

2. Continental SportContact 7 Premium

Number of sizes available

1. Continental SportContact 7 122

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 41

Number of tests

1. Continental SportContact 7 15x

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 3x

Best position in test

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 1.

2. Continental SportContact 7 1.

Worst position in test

1. Continental SportContact 7 2.

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 4.

Average position in tests

1. Continental SportContact 7 1.2

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 2.33

Year of the last test

1. Continental SportContact 7 2026

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 2026

Best rating in test

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Exemplary

2. Continental SportContact 7 Outstanding

Worst rating in test

1. Continental SportContact 7 Good

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ?

Wet

(Overall rating)

Continental
SportContact 7

81%

Michelin
Pilot Sport 4S

78%

Aquaplaning - longitudal

1. Continental SportContact 7 79%

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 71%

Wet braking

1. Continental SportContact 7 97%

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 80%

Wet handling

1. Continental SportContact 7 89%

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 83%

Aquaplaning - cross

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 75%

2. Continental SportContact 7 48%

Wet braking according to EU label

1. Continental SportContact 7 A

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S B

Dry

(Overall rating)

Continental
SportContact 7

86%

Michelin
Pilot Sport 4S

82%

Dry handling

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 95%

2. Continental SportContact 7 92%

Dry braking

1. Continental SportContact 7 90%

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 78%

Comfort

(Overall rating)

Michelin
Pilot Sport 4S

72%

Continental
SportContact 7

66%

Exterior noise

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 68%

2. Continental SportContact 7 63%

Comfort

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 75%

2. Continental SportContact 7 70%

Outside noise accoring to EU label

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ?

2. Continental SportContact 7 ?

Costs

(Overall rating)

Michelin
Pilot Sport 4S

79%

Continental
SportContact 7

75%

Rolling resistance

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 79%

2. Continental SportContact 7 75%

Fuel consumption according to EU label

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S C

2. Continental SportContact 7 C

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Dimensions and prices

Mutual Tests Available

These tyres were tested together in 3 test(s). Click to view detailed head-to-head results.

Mutual tests

ACE Summer tyre test 2026 225/40 R18

Name	Points total	Wet	Dry	Enviromental impact	Rolling resistance	Noise
Best values in test	141	68	55	23	16	7
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Rating: Highly recommended	141	68	53	20	15	5
Continental SportContact 7 Rating: Highly recommended	140	65	54	21	15	6
Show test details