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Last updated 7/17/2024 - Originally published 7/16/2024
Written by SimpleTire
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Ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires, anticipate a sportier ride, smoother handling, and enhanced steering precision. UHP tires contribute to improved vehicle traction, better cornering potential, and efficient heat dissipation. Pirelli and Continental are two names that excel in delivering great tires, especially in the UHP category delivering the best. Both the Pirelli P Zero and the Continental ContiSportContact 5P tires are renowned for their innovative design, aiming to exceed customer expectations. These high-performance tires cater to passenger vehicles, offering exceptional features and quality. While the Pirelli P Zero emphasizes precise steering and comfort, the Continental ContiSportContact 5P focuses on traction and responsiveness.
Their commitment to excellence is evident in their tire offerings. While both tires offer great performance, one has to be better than the other, right? Let’s compare Pirelli P Zero vs Continental ContiSportContact 5P tires using SimpleScore to show where each tire excels and which one might be right for you.
The Pirelli P Zero which is designed for ultimate sporting performance, is an ultra-high-performance tire that offers drivers maximum performance, improved braking, and enhanced handling. You get three solid center ribs that improve braking and traction at higher speeds. With this tire, you get low rolling resistance as the tread design improves fuel efficiency and its computer-optimized design reduces road noises so that drivers and passengers receive a quiet, comfortable ride.
Additionally, three wide grooves within the tread remove water to give drivers control in hydroplaning situations and assist with braking, straightaways, and cornering. These features have earned this tire an average SimpleScore of 8.3, thanks to its great handling (8.7), longevity (7.7), and traction (8.7).
Continental ContiSportContact 5P, is an ultra-high-performance tire that's designed for use on sports cars and performance sedans and coupes, and offers drivers precise steering response, improved handling, and shorter braking distances. With features such as Continental's special Black Chili compound in the tread, you get an improved grip for better turning and handling performance. Additionally, its special Zero Degree Hybrid Belt enhances steering precision and handling, and the tire's low rolling resistance design strengthens fuel efficiency so that drivers spend less at the pumps.
This tire boasts a great average SimpleScore of 8.4. Handling and traction are the key features here, as the tire scored 8.8 and a solid 8.8, respectively, in these fields. Long-lasting, while pleasing, is at par with tire averages a score of 7.8.
Traction is a critical aspect of tire performance. These tires are designed to provide grip across various weather conditions. These tires aim to strike a balance between performance in dry, wet, and light snowy conditions. Comparing the above two based on traction, you will see that the Pirelli P Zero is designed with an asymmetrical tread pattern that includes an outer area featuring an optimized pitch sequence, and the P Zero features three solid center ribs for reliable grip. This has helped this tire to reach an average traction SimpleScore of 8.8 which is great when it comes to performance.
The Continental ContiSportContact 5P, on the other hand, also has a solid score of 8.8 out of 10 in traction. This is thanks to Continental's Black Chili compound that maximizes grip to reduce braking distances in wet and dry conditions. You get considerate traction with this tire and can depend on it for your all-season great traction performance.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
UHP tires are designed to provide a balance of performance and the handling of a tire is improved by different elements of the tire’s tread pattern, in addition to the tire’s overall design.
The Pirelli P Zero sports a great 8.7 SimpleScore for handling, which is largely driven by the tire’s ribbed pattern that ensures crisp steering response and optimal stability continuously, allowing it to be more durable and improving its handling.
On the flip side, the Continental ContiSportContact 5P is a step ahead of the Pirelli P Zero for handling as the tire comes in with an elevated SimpleScore of 8.8. Featuring a special Zero Degree Hybrid Belt that enhances steering precision and handling, and the tire's low rolling resistance design strengthens fuel efficiency.
ADVANTAGE: Continental ContiSportContact 5P
The longevity aspect is equally important to traction and handling when purchasing a tire. The longevity of a tire depends on several factors, including the quality of the tire, driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance.
Starting with the Pirelli P Zero, the tire offers a SimpleScore of 7.7 out of 10 on the longevity front. The tire’s tough, rugged rubber compound and reinforced construction work together to increase handling which allows for a longer tread life.
Conversely, the ContiSportContact 5P’s 7.8 SimpleScore in longevity shows that it scores ahead. The Continental ContiSportContact 5P also features reinforced construction, and its innovative tread design gives drivers a quiet, comfortable ride, plus even wear to extend the tire's tread life.
Here again, you will notice a little progress in terms of longevity for the Continental ContiSportContact 5P over Pirelli P Zero.
ADVANTAGE: Continental ContiSportContact 5P
Ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires are used in sports, supercars, and performance-oriented vehicles. These tires excel in warmer weather conditions, offering benefits such as sporty handling, rapid acceleration, shorter braking distances, and precise steering. Typically, UHP tires boast a speed rating of V or higher and often feature a wide footprint and low-profile design. They allow drivers to experience the power and capabilities of their vehicles fully.
Both the Pirelli P Zero and Continental ContiSportContact 5P may not provide optimal performance in extreme winter weather conditions. For example, dedicated winter tires might be necessary for improved traction and safety in areas with heavy snowfall. That said, all-season tires are an excellent choice if you live in an area that only gets light snow. Additionally, cautious driving habits and avoiding harsh conditions can help preserve the tread and overall integrity of the tires.
So, which UHP tire is the right option for you? When looking at SimpleScore, the Pirelli P Zero stands neck to neck with the Continental ContiSportContact 5P with an overall score of 8.3 for both. As noted above, there are key differences between the two tires and these need to be weighed against each other to determine what’s best for you. Finally (and maybe, most importantly), pricing on these two tires is a bit different as Pirelli P Zero tires cost at least $161.97 per tire while Continental ContiSportContact 5P tires cost at least $158.97 per tire. That means a set of four Pirelli P Zero tires will cost you at least $647.88 for a set of four, while a set of four Continental ContiSportContact 5P tires will cost you at least $635.88.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Pirelli P Zero if you:
Conversely, you should choose the Continental ContiSportContact 5P if you:
Pirelli P Zero vs Continental ContiSportContact 5P tires might not seem a close comparison on the surface, but the above clearly shows that either is a great option. Remember, both of the tire brands are some of the best tire manufacturers on the market, and that tradition continues with the Pirelli P Zero and Continental ContiSportContact 5P. At the end of the day, the decision to buy one or the other depends on your vehicle, where (and how) you drive, and what you care more about in terms of traction, handling, longevity, and price.
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.
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