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Last updated 5/31/2024 - Originally published 5/31/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Pirelli and Continental are two globally popular premium tire manufacturers dominating with their top-notch range of tires. Both the manufacturers started their tire manufacturing journey around the same time. While Pirelli was established in 1872 in Milan, Italy, Continental was founded in 1871 in Hanover, Germany.
So technically, both Pirelli and Continental have been serving customers for over 150 years. Across the globe, they are known for their cutting-edge technologies and high-value tires. The technological advancements, innovations, and sense of driving a sense of premiumness are highly visible in the Pirelli Cinturato P7 and the Continental ContiSportContact 5P tires. These two are ultra-high-performance tires and are suitable for use in summer conditions, when the temperature typically remains above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Both of them are primarily suitable for use on sports cars, performance cars, and coupes. If you plan to buy either of these tires for your drive, you would want to know which of the two is better. So, to find that out, let’s compare the Pirelli Cinturato P7 vs Continental ContiSportContact, using SimpleScore and find a tire that meets your expectations.
Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 was launched in 2009 and since then, this ultra-high-performance (UHP) summer tire has been applauded for its key attributes: low rolling resistance, enhanced driving comfort, and longer mileage. It is Pirelli’s first “Green Performance” tire and utilizes a new-gen compound, unique construction, and innovative tread pattern that boosts braking and handling performances. The tire is suitable for use on sports sedans, coupes, and CUVs, and is available in 15- to 19-inch rim sizes. In warmer weather conditions, on dry and wet surfaces, the Cinturato P7 promises an exceptional performance.
Overall, the Cinturato P7 scores an excellent SimpleScore rating of 9.0 out of 10 because of its outstanding traction performance, superior handling, and longer tread life.
Continental ContiSportContact 5P tires
Introduced in 2010, the Continental ContiSportContact 5P is a German tire manufacturer’s ultra-high-performance tire that is engineered for use in warmer weather and offers solid performance in dry and wet conditions. This tire is also suitable for use in temperatures above 45 degrees and can be used on performance sedans, coupes, and sports cars. The ContiSportContact 5P is optimized to offer responsive handling, excellent grip, and a noise-free driving experience, making a good companionship with the premium vehicles on the market. Continental offers this UHP summer tire in 18- to 22-inch rim sizes.
Overall, the ContiSportContact 5P scores a great 8.8 SimpleScore rating on a scale of 10, thanks to its solid traction performance, better handling response, and longer service life.
Pirelli Cinturato P7 vs Continental ContiSportContact 5P tires on traction
Ultra-high-performance tires are designed and engineered to deliver great performance in dry and wet conditions, and to achieve worthy performance, traction needs to be on the good side as it correlates with various areas including acceleration ability, braking, surefootedness, high-speed control, and so on. So, let’s find out how good are the Cinturato and ContiSportContact tires on the traction front!
The Cinturato P7 sports an exceptional 9.7 out of 10 SimpleScore in traction and features an optimized asymmetrical tread pattern that provides outstanding traction in dry and wet conditions. Its four longitudinal grooves force water out of the footprint for increased traction in wet conditions and prevent the chances of hydroplaning. There are sipes across the profile that extend from one shoulder block to the other on both sides, covering the center ribs so that a solid grip is maintained while driving in wet and dry conditions, during warmer weather. The rubber compound used on the tread also contributes to boosting contact with the surface, which ultimately results in increased traction and grip.
Contrarily, the ContiSportContact 5P scores an 8.8 in traction. This Continental UHP summer tire is built using a Black Chili compound that improves road grip in both wet and dry conditions. The four grooves present on the tread of the ContiSportContact 5P help in evacuating water from the contact patch area to reduce the risk of hydroplaning and improve wet traction. The sharper edges on the shoulders and ribs allow the tire to bite the dry surface and offer better traction performance.
When we compared the traction scores, we found that there was a big gap in the scores of both these tires, and it was the Cinturato P7 that excelled the ContiSportContact 5P.
ADVANTAGE: Cinturato P7
Pirelli Cinturato P7 vs Continental ContiSportContact 5P tires on handling
Handling plays an important role in the case of UHP tires. That’s because they run at faster speeds and must have great control to offer a confident driving experience. Additionally, these tires are typically known for their turning ability, high-speed stability, and quick accelerations, which makes handling one of the most important purchase factors.
Starting with the Cinturato P7 first, the tire is awarded an outstanding 9.6 out of 10 SimpleScore in handling. The tread of this tire sports compact central blocks and a solid external area that improves steering response and cornering control. The wider footprint of this tire allows a larger contact patch area to come in contact and ensures better ride control and quick lane-changing. While the wider profile and shorter sidewalls allow the tire to run at high speeds, the optimized tread compound and design reduce the braking distance.
On the other hand, the ContiSportContact scores 8.8 in handling, which is achieved because of the tire’s optimized Black Chili compound that improves grip for better handling and turning performance. The tread and compound work together to reduce the stopping distance in both dry and wet conditions. To further boost steering response and handling, Continental has utilized a Zero Degree Hybrid Belt in construction. This tire also has a wider footprint that contributes to high-speed stability, faster lane changes, and confident cornering.
While both tires are engineered for better handling performance, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 scored better than the Continental ContiSportContact 5P in the handling area.
ADVANTAGE: Cinturato P7
Pirelli Cinturato P7 vs Continental ContiSportContact 5P tires on longevity
Ultra-high-performance tires are used for high-speed driving and bear faster accelerations, quick lane changes, and sudden braking. That’s why they comparatively wear faster than the standard tires. It becomes very important the UHP tires you purchase are very well optimized for wear resistance and longer service life.
The Cinturato P7 has a SimpleScore of 8.0 in longevity, which is quite a good score from a UHP tire standpoint. Thanks to its reinforced construction that utilizes innovative and advanced hybrid material, which helps in balanced pressure distribution for even wear. Along with robust construction, the tire also sports the patented SEAL INSIDE technology, which helps maintain air pressure even after the tire is punctured and keeps the tire in shape for even and longer wear. Additionally, select sizes of this tire also come with a run-flat design, which further extends the tire’s use in case of air pressure loss or punctures, by allowing the drivers to drive for up to 50 miles at a speed of mph. The inner construction and casing of the Cinturato tire are also reinforced to hold the tire’s shape in the long run for an extended service life.
Conversely, the ContiSportContact 5P scores a 7.8 SimpleScore rating in longevity, which indicates the buyers about the tire's longer service life. The tire utilizes a reinforced construction and solid rubber compound that reduces the wear rate and promotes longevity. Likewise, the wider footprint evenly distributes the driving pressures for an even wear. This Continental UHP tire also sports solid sidewalls that help in keeping the tire always in shape to reduce the chances of uneven wear or premature wear.
We found that on the longevity front, the Cinturato P7 could marginally surpass the Continental ContiSportContact 5P, assuring the buyers a comparatively longer tread life than the latter.
ADVANTAGE: Cinturato P7
When to use each
Both, the Cinturato and the ContiSportContact fall in the ultra-high-performance summer tire category, which means they are designed and engineered for use in warmer weather conditions and offer traction and performance in dry and wet weather. These tires should not be used when the temperature remains below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or in winter weather when the roads are covered with thick ice or snow. Additionally, these tires are made for paved road driving, and shouldn’t be used on rough roads.
Which one should you choose?
Now, as a buyer, you would want to know which one to buy. So, let’s talk about that.
When we compared the overall SimpleScores of both the Cinturato and the ContiSportContact, we found that the Cinturato P7 was slightly ahead with an overall score of 9.0 vs 8.4. However, it must be understood that both tires differ slightly and have their own strengths, which must be compared against each other to find out which one is the right choice for you.
Coming to the pricing, the Cinturato P7 is available at a starting price of at least $91.97 per tire, while the ContiSportContact 5P is offered at a starting price of at least $158.97 per tire. This means a set of four Cinturato tires will cost you at least $376.88, while a set of four ContiSportContact tires will cost you at least $635.88.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Cinturato P7 if you:
- Drive a two-seater sports car like the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, an EV like the Tesla Model 3, a coupe like the Toyota GR Supra, or an older sports car like the Ferrari 456.
- Need an ultra-high-performance tire that offers better traction performance (9.7 vs 8.8 in traction).
- Need a tire that offers better handling (9.6 vs 8.8 in handling).
- Need a tire that lasts longer (8.0 vs 7.8 in longevity)
- Need a tire that’s affordable yet better performing.
Conversely, you should consider the ContiSportContact 5P if you:
- Drive a luxury SUV like the Lamborghini Urus, a hand-built limousine like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, or a sports car BMW Z4.
- Need a high-end tire that’s also available for rim sizes of up to 22 inches.
- Are comfortable paying more to buy a set of premium performance-centric tires.
When you look at the pricing, the Cinturato P7 and ContiSportContact 5P might not look like close rivals, but when you compare their scores for handling, traction, and longevity, and even match their characteristics, they both look like close competitors. But, before buying, you must check each other’s advantages and performance in handling, longevity, and traction to conclude with a decision. Additionally, your tire selection must also depend on how and where you drive and your inclination toward buying an expensive or value-offering premium tire.
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.