Comparison: Pirelli Cinturato (C3) vs. Continental UltraContact NXT vs. Michelin Primacy 4+ vs. GoodYear Efficientgrip Performance 2

Premium

Pirelli

Cinturato (C3)

VS

Also compare with

Ventus Evo

PremiumContact 7

Pilot Sport 5

Pirelli bites harder; Continental runs quieter, cleaner, and further.

Two premium Italian and German summer tyres, one choice — but Pirelli Cinturato (C3) and Continental UltraContact NXT have strikingly different personalities. The Pirelli is a driver's tyre at heart: aggressive on braking, grippy in the wet, and built around safety and performance. The Continental is the refined engineer's answer — quieter, more economical, gentler on the road, and already winning tests on its debut. Both carry EU A-rated wet grip and sit at the top of the premium summer category, but they reward different priorities. In the one shared test they've contested — the AvD 2026 — the Pirelli took first and the Continental a very close second, which tells you how tight the gap really is.

Cinturato (C3)

Good for

Drivers prioritising short braking distances Wet-weather confidence on flooded roads Sporty everyday driving on varied roads Those upgrading from Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2

Not ideal for

Drivers prioritising cabin quietness Those focused on maximum fuel economy Buyers sensitive to road noise on long journeys

UltraContact NXT

Good for

Motorway commuters wanting low noise Fuel-conscious drivers seeking maximum efficiency Eco-aware buyers valuing recycled materials Comfort-focused family car drivers

Not ideal for

Drivers needing sizes outside current 19-size range Those who prioritise dry braking sharpness Drivers regularly encountering standing water

Test Profile

Cinturato (C3)

UltraContact NXT

Primacy 4+

Efficientgrip Performance 2

Number of tests

7

3

13

4

Best position

#1

#2

Average position

2.7

1.3

4.3

3.3

Latest test

2026

2025

2026

Available sizes

31

23

123

40

Verdict

The Pirelli Cinturato (C3) suits drivers who want to feel genuinely in control — it rewards those who value sharp braking, wet grip, and an engaged driving experience over pure refinement. It is the safety-first, performance-oriented choice, and a worthy successor to the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2. The Continental UltraContact NXT is the tyre for drivers who spend more time on motorways than mountain roads — those who value a quiet cabin, low running costs, and a composed, unflustered character. Its 65% recycled materials and perfect fuel efficiency label also appeal to the environmentally conscious. The only real caveat for the Continental is its narrower size range of just 19 dimensions so far, against the Pirelli's 31 — so availability may make the decision for some buyers before performance data even enters the picture.