Comparison: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs. Continental PremiumContact 7

When it comes to summer tyres, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and the Continental PremiumContact 7 are two front-runners. Both models exhibit exceptional performance according to the data gathered from multiple tests. However, a comprehensive comparison of these two summer tyre giants reveals some crucial differences.

The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 succeeds the popular Pilot Sport 4 and 3 models, gaining a high esteem of 97% in our rating. Being renowned for its Ultra High Performance (UUHP), it secured 6^th and 4^th positions in tests by Autobild and Autozeitung respectively. The tyre stands out for its excellent mileage and wet braking abilities, along with superior wet circle cornering, and dry handling as seen in other tests. However, it was also noted for its high price and the need for improvement in wet conditions grip.

In contrast, the Continental PremiumContact 7, the successor of the PremiumContact 6 and ContiPremiumContact 5 models, rates slightly higher than its competitor with 99% in our rating. This model, made in multiple locations across Europe, excels in the touring subtype of summer tyres. In the same Autobild and Autozeitung tests, it secured the 5^th and 2^nd positions respectively, showing superior performance in aquaplaning resistance, rolling resistance, and wet braking. Notably, it also set high standards in dry braking and steering response. Nevertheless, as tests indicate, its performance decreases when worn, and loses some of its sporty appeal, making it less engaging for spirited drives.

In the mutual tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 consistently outperformed the Michelin Pilot Sport 5. It held the onus in the Sportauto test, ranking first, whilst the Michelin model ranked second.

To sum it up, both tyres have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is lauded for its excellent mileage, superior wet and dry handling, but lags a bit in the wet condition grip. Conversely, the Continental PremiumContact 7 excels in wet and dry braking, displays high aquaplaning resistance but shows moderate performance when worn. Overall, according to results, the Continental PremiumContact 7 performs slightly better in most tests.