Continental MaxContact MC7 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- TR Score
- 9.6/10
- Owners say
- 84% · 17
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 135
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental MaxContact MC7 finished ahead 3 times and the Pilot Sport 5 once. The MaxContact MC7 stopped 2.3% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Continental MaxContact MC7 if you prioritize outright dry performance (especially braking) and want a fast, confidence-readable tire that can also ride quietly and comfortably-accepting potential efficiency penalties and some variability in wet results depending on test conditions. Choose the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 if you want the most consistently 'benchmark' all-rounder with excellent wet braking/steering feel and premium refinement, and you're willing to pay the price premium and keep an eye on efficiency (and, for hard/track use, potential shoulder-wear behavior noted in one report).
Where the MaxContact MC7 is stronger
- Class-leading dry braking across all shared tests (wins 4/4), typically ~2-3% shorter stopping distances
- Strong objective performance and pace (multiple wins in dry handling and circle speed; frequent overall test wins: 3/4)
- Comfort/refinement stands out for a max-performance tire (wins 3/4 for subjective comfort; often described as the most comfortable/quietest)
Where the Pilot Sport 5 is stronger
- Often the wet-safety and wet-feel benchmark in these reports (e.g., 28.3 m wet braking vs 31.7 m in Top Tire Review UHP test)
- Very rounded subjective dynamics: natural steering response, balanced chassis behavior, gentle progression past the limit
- Refinement focus: frequently near the top for ride comfort and perceived quality/steering feel in UHP tests
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
MaxContact MC7 vs Pilot Sport 5 at a glance
| Category | MaxContact MC7 | Gap | Pilot Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 3 | 1 | |
| Dry13 measurements | 10 | The MaxContact MC7 stopped 2.3% shorter in the dry (4 tests) | 3 |
| Wet12 measurements | 5 | 6 | |
| Comfort7 measurements | 4 | 2 | |
| Value2 measurements | 1 | The MaxContact MC7 had 1.2% lower rolling resistance (2 tests) | 0 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.6/10 | The MaxContact MC7 by 0.2 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating17 and 135 reviews | 84% | Too close to call | 85% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 87% | The MaxContact MC7 by 4 points | 83% |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 4 tests, 2024 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | MaxContact MC7 | Field | Pilot Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 AutoView Sport Tire Test | P1 of 7 | P2 of 7 | |
| Top Tire Review 2026 UHP Tire Test: Big Brands vs Challengers | P4 of 7 | P1 of 7 | |
| 2026 AutoView Value Sport Tire Test | P1 of 4 | P3 of 4 | |
| 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tires for Asia Test | P1 of 6 | P3 of 6 |
Performance profile
11 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
MaxContact MC7
Pilot Sport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 97%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 2 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
MaxContact MC7
Pilot Sport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
MaxContact MC7
Pilot Sport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the MaxContact MC7 84% from 17 reviews and the Pilot Sport 5 85% from 135. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | MaxContact MC7 | Gap | Pilot Sport 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114 | 2.3% | 116 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 59.86 | 0.7% | 60.54 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 1.4% | scored | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 45.2 | 1% | 44.8 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 91 | 2.6% | 88 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 55.53 | 0.4% | 55.67 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 0.1% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 2.1 | 2.9% | 2.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 47.8 | 0.1% | 47.8 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 10.2 | 6.8% | 10.9 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 3.3% | scored | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 60.2 | 0.2 dB | 60.36 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 8.42 | 1.2% | 8.52 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the MaxContact MC7 scores 9.6 and the Pilot Sport 5 9.4 out of 10.
| MaxContact MC7 | Category | Pilot Sport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98 | Dry | 93 | ||
| 96 | Wet | 96 | ||
| 50 | Comfort | 22 | ||
| 35 | Value | 59 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| MaxContact MC7 | Category | Pilot Sport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.9 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 7.8 | Road Feedback | 8.1 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 8.3 | ||
| 7.3 | Wear | 8 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8.2 | ||
Owners rate the MaxContact MC7 84% from 17 reviews and the Pilot Sport 5 85% from 135. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental MaxContact MC7
- 84%from 17 reviews
- 87%would buy again
- 56,325 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers rate the Continental MaxContact MC7 very highly overall, describing it as a well-balanced UHP tire with standout wet grip, strong dry grip, and excellent braking that boosts confidence in rain and spirited driving. Many also report improved comfort and reduced road noise versus their OEM tires, with steering/handling generally praised as stable and responsive. The most consistent trade-off is higher rolling resistance, with several EV/PHEV users noting reduced efficiency/range; a smaller but recurring theme is a slightly softer sidewall/less feedback at the limit compared to more track-focused options.
- Excellent wet grip and strong hydroplaning resistance
- Strong dry grip and confident cornering/handling
- Short, stable braking performance
- Comfortable ride quality and good bump absorption
- Reduced fuel efficiency/EV range due to higher rolling resistance
- Slightly softer sidewalls or reduced steering feel for very aggressive driving
Summarised by AI from 17 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 17 MaxContact MC7 reviewsReview after 12000km:
Wet and dry grip: Superb. Dry and wet braking are awesome. Most importantly, the wet grip is phenomenal! Absolutely no aquaplaning in heavy downpour.
Handling: Excellent. Sidewall is firmer than stock turanza but compared to UHP tire it's on softer side, but the handling is still very very good.
Noise: Noise increases (around 10%) after 10000km on a coarse road. On smooth road, I barely find a difference.
Wear: When new, all four tires at around 8.5mm to 8.6mm tread depth. With 5000km rotation interval, now it's sitting at 6.3mm front tire and 6.5mm rear tire. I would say it's pretty decent.
Fuel efficiency: First 5000km already noticed a minor drop in fuel efficiency compared to stock turanza. After 10000km, I noticed a slightly bigger drop in fuel efficiency. I normally drive at 110kmh to 130kmh on highway. Rarely rev high and pushes over 140kmh unless I needed to overtake cars quickly.
Overall, I would say MC7 is a very balanced UHP tire. Hopefully they can improve on their fuel efficiency in the next gen MC8 while keeping the grip, handling and comfort of MC7. Still, very satisfied with my purchase.
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- 85%from 135 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 1,150,326 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 very highly overall, with most highlighting standout grip in both the dry and wet and plenty of confidence for fast road driving. Comfort and refinement are also frequently praised for a UHP tire, with many finding it quiet and easy-going day to day. Wear is more divisive: many report strong mileage, but around one in ten complain of quicker wear than expected (and a smaller group mention uneven wear). Around one in eight owners also wish for sharper, more precise steering feel compared with sportier rivals.
- Outstanding wet grip and confidence in the rain
- Very strong dry grip with big reserves
- Comfortable, compliant ride for a performance tire
- Refined, relatively quiet motorway manners (especially when new)
- Steering feel can be a bit vague or slower to respond than rivals
- Can wear quicker than expected for some drivers
- Not happy when pushed hard on track; can overheat and lose grip
Summarised by AI from 121 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 135 Pilot Sport 5 reviewsI have driven on PS5 for the first season in my 150HP car (Cupra Leon ST).
The grip both in dry and in the wet is excellent - I tried to push them to the limit many times and have never been able to lose the grip so far.
Although I have to mention that they feel very soft close at the limit - even though the grip always delivers in the end, the tire often „floats” when turning that you may start wondering if the tire will make it out of the corner.
Due to their softness, I find them comfortable as for the summer tire on small bumps.
Summing up - the grip is excellent, very safe and stable, breaking is sharp and… the tire itself looks amazing.
Something worth mentioning is that the rim protector doesn’t exist in this tire - if that’s something you care about, the PS5 is not for you.
Although I can’t find any cons in terms of safety in PS5, as a tire geek, I think about replacing them for the next season for something with more sharp/sporty steering (I would appreciate any recommendations).
Sizes, EU label and lineage
| Category | MaxContact MC7 | Pilot Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer Run flat | Summer |
| On the market since | - | 2022 |
| Replaced | - | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (2015) |
| Awards | - | Winner: Best Tires for Hot Hatches (Compact Sports Cars) (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Winner: Best Tires for Hot Hatches (DriverReviews, 2024/25) |
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
Continental's MaxContact MC7 and Michelin's Pilot Sport 5 sit in the same “max-performance summer” space, but the shared tests show they get to their results in different ways. Across four head-to-head comparisons in popular 18-inch sizes (225/45 R18 and 235/40-45 R18), the MC7 more often posts the faster objective numbers, while the Pilot Sport 5 more consistently delivers the polished, confidence-building feel Michelin is known for.
What makes this matchup genuinely interesting is that the headline positions don't always align by outlet: AutoView places the MC7 first twice (including a 1/7 win), while Top Tire Review crowns the Pilot Sport 5 (1/7) and is far more critical of the Continental in wet conditions. The result is a comparison where you need to decide whether you prioritize outright dry performance and test-winning pace (often MC7) or the “benchmark” all-round safety/feel package with known trade-offs in price and efficiency (often PS5).
Conclusion
On the balance of the shared data, the Continental MaxContact MC7 is the more frequent “numbers winner” and the more common overall test winner (3 wins vs 1). It swept dry braking in every shared test (4/4), typically by ~2-3% (e.g., 34.378 m vs 35.128 m in AutoView Sport; 34 m vs 35 m in the 2024 Asia test), and it repeatedly converts that grip into pace (faster dry handling times and higher circle speeds where measured). AutoView also credits the MC7 with a particularly readable limit and strong ride/quietness, reinforcing that its performance is not just peak grip but accessible control.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 remains the more “complete” reference tire when wet performance and subjective refinement are weighted heavily-especially in the Top Tire Review UHP test where it dominates wet braking (28.3 m vs 31.7 m, a meaningful ~10.7% gap) and leads comfort/steering feel. It also shows a recurring theme of being easier and more natural at the limit in subjective scoring, even when it doesn't top the stopwatch. However, the PS5's recurring knocks in these reports are value and efficiency: it's repeatedly cited as the most expensive, and one test flags the worst rolling resistance; there's also a noteworthy (though sample-limited) note of abnormal shoulder wear after repeated limit running.
Practical takeaway: if your priority is maximum dry-road stopping power and track-day style pace with strong comfort, the MC7 is the more compelling “performance buy” in this dataset-accepting that efficiency can be a weak point and that wet results vary by test. If you want the safest-feeling, most consistently confidence-inspiring all-rounder-particularly for frequent wet driving-the Pilot Sport 5 is still the bet you choose when you're willing to pay for that polish (and keep an eye on efficiency and potential hard-use wear behavior).
MaxContact MC7 vs Pilot Sport 5: your questions
Is the Continental MaxContact MC7 or the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 the better tire?
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental MaxContact MC7 finished ahead 3 times and the Pilot Sport 5 once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the MaxContact MC7 scores 9.6 and the Pilot Sport 5 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the MaxContact MC7 or the Pilot Sport 5?
The Pilot Sport 5 led 6 of the 12 wet measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in the dry?
The MaxContact MC7 led 10 of the 13 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.3% shorter in the dry across 4 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The MaxContact MC7 had 1.2% lower rolling resistance (2 tests). Owners rate wear 7.3/10 for the MaxContact MC7 and 8/10 for the Pilot Sport 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the MaxContact MC7 and 8.2/10 for the Pilot Sport 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the MaxContact MC7 84% from 17 reviews and the Pilot Sport 5 85% from 135. 87% of MaxContact MC7 owners would buy it again, against 83% for the Pilot Sport 5.
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Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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