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Last updated 7/12/2024 - Originally published 7/12/2024
Written by SimpleTire
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Here is a comparison between two of the best premium tires sold in the US market — the P Zero (PZ4-Luxury) and the Continental CrossContact UHP. The ultra-high-performance Pirelli tire, the P Zero (PZ4-Luxury), offers outstanding traction while maintaining comfort, akin to its name. Likewise is the case with the CrossContact UHP, another ultra-high-performance (UHP) tire that offers improved handling and steering response.
Both the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4-Luxury) and the Continental CrossContact UHP feature asymmetrical tread patterns with pitch sequences that are optimized to reduce rolling resistance and limit noise emissions. Features for improved wet traction and great handling performance are also available for the P Zero (PZ4-Luxury) tires. On the other hand, the Continental CrossContact UHP enhances steering ability without reducing comfort.
As UHP tires, both of them are built to deliver maximum grip and performance in warm weather (temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Without any further ado, let’s dive into the specifics of each tire.
Much like many premium tires, the high silica compound is the real hero for the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4-Luxury), offering tremendous grip. It ensures a safe ride on wet surfaces by way of suitable longitudinal grooves. We found the UHP tire good enough for an average SimpleScore of 8.8. You’ll love the attractive appearance these tires lend to your SUVs and cars. Expect low rolling resistance and limited noise for a comfortable and quiet ride. Pirelli’s motorsports pedigree, in combination with its alliances with top auto manufacturers, is useful in incorporating expertise into this product. This is a tire that offers solid performance on both dry and wet roads. Apart from the above, certain sizes of the P Zero (PZ4-Luxury) are available with Run Flat technology, meaning that they can be driven at about 50 mph for 50 miles in the event of a sudden air pressure loss.
Despite being a UHP, it offers a low rolling resistance design for high fuel efficiency, resulting in an average SimpleScore of 8.2. It generates a high amount of dry and wet grip due to its silica-enhanced rubber compound. As light truck tires and 4WD SUV tires, they enable easy handling on the open road. A tread depth that is slightly higher than that of the PZ4-Luxury enables it to be more comfortable over long distances.
Dry traction is better than wet traction for both the PZ4-Luxury and the CrossContact UHP. Both tires feature special rubber compounds for great dry and wet grip, and therefore, it’s the difference in the rubber type that determines the real ride quality. Additionally, both tires feature asymmetrical tread patterns, but you’ll find the PZ4-Luxury to be slightly better during light winters. However, the PZ4-Luxury does feature a siping design that improves grip on wet surfaces. Let the average traction SimpleScores be the deciding factor for you — 9.7 for the PZ4-Luxury and 8.9 for the CrossContact UHP.
ADVANTAGE: Pirelli P Zero PZ4-Luxury
Those familiar with UHPs will know about Pirelli tires and their association with motorsports and top manufacturers. While thinking about handling and braking performance, it is natural for them to consider the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4-Luxury) first. The ribbed pattern on this tire ensures optimal stability and a crisp steering response. On the other hand, the CrossContact UHP offers a combination of steering stability and comfort. Handling performance is good, and braking distances are short here. It also has greater tread depth (though marginally better), which could result in better stability on SUVs with a high center of gravity. Expect the Pirelli tire to get a higher average handling SimpleScore of 9.5 as compared to 8.9 for the former.
ADVANTAGE: Pirelli P Zero PZ4-Luxury
It is here that the Continental CrossContact UHP reigns supreme over the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4-Luxury), but only just. The main selling point for Continental CrossContact UHP tires is the German manufacturer’s Total Confidence Plan which includes a Mileage Warranty, Customer Satisfaction Trial, Flat Tire Roadside Assistance, and Road Hazard. The tread depth for these Continental tires is marginally higher, but both tires feature asymmetric tread patterns. A low rolling resistance design for high fuel economy is also visible on both products. The siping design on the PZ4-Luxury is also responsible for reducing irregular tread wear. While the Continental CrossContact UHP gets an average longevity SimpleScore of 7.7, the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4-Luxury) is suitable for a score of 7.1.
ADVANTAGE: Continental CrossContact UHP
Both, the P Zero (PZ4-Luxury) and the CrossContact UHP tires are suitable for use in warmer weather conditions, and should not be used in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. They aren’t optimized for use in wintry conditions and are also not made for use in off-road conditions. Since these tires are made for use in wet and dry conditions, they should not be mistaken as the typical all-season tires that are used year-round.
Continental definitely makes the more affordable tires between the two. While the Continental CrossContact UHP is priced at a starting price of at least $60.72 ($242.88 for a set of 4), expect the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4-Luxury) to be available at a starting price of at least $189.10 ($756.4 for a set of 4). That being said, you should buy the Pirelli P-Zero (PZ4-Luxury) if:
Compared to the above, you should buy a Continental CrossContact UHP if:
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, and our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.
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