Continental Premium Contact 6 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4
- TR Score
- 9.1/10
- Owners say
- 81% · 139
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 357
In the 21 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 finished ahead 15 times and the Premium Contact 6 5 times, with one level. The Premium Contact 6 lasted 12.3% longer in the wear tests; the Pilot Sport 4 stopped 1.6% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin Pilot Sport 4 if you prioritize braking safety, wet confidence, and refined dynamics. Choose Continental PremiumContact 6 if you want a quieter, efficient, lower-cost tire with strong dry pace and excellent wear for daily touring.
Where the Premium Contact 6 is stronger
- Excellent value: frequently lower purchase price and strong price-to-performance
- Low rolling resistance and standout wear in multiple tests (efficient long-term running)
- Competitive dry handling pace with precise steering in some sizes
Where the Pilot Sport 4 is stronger
- Consistently short braking in dry and wet across most tests
- High wet grip and stability with strong aquaplaning resistance
- Direct, precise steering and balanced dynamics
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.
Premium Contact 6 vs Pilot Sport 4 at a glance
| Category | Premium Contact 6 | Gap | Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won21 shared tests | 5 | 1 level | 15 |
| Dry37 measurements | 13 | The Pilot Sport 4 stopped 1.8% shorter in the dry (17 tests) | 22 |
| Wet58 measurements | 12 | The Pilot Sport 4 stopped 1.6% shorter in the wet (17 tests) | 44 |
| Comfort16 measurements | 3 | The Pilot Sport 4 was 1.4 dB quieter (11 tests) | 13 |
| Value15 measurements | 8 | The Premium Contact 6 lasted 12.3% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 6 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.1/10 | The Pilot Sport 4 by 0.2 | 9.3/10 |
| Owner rating139 and 357 reviews | 81% | Too close to call | 82% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 73% | The Pilot Sport 4 by 6 points | 79% |
| Pricein the 9 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Pilot Sport 4 was dearer in 7 of 9 | +9% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 110 | 42 sizes made in both | 62 |
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 21 tests, 2017 to 2022
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.
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 21 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Premium Contact 6
Pilot Sport 4
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 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 1 measurement recorded in only one shared test is left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Premium Contact 6
Pilot Sport 4
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
Premium Contact 6
Pilot Sport 4
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Premium Contact 6 81% from 139 reviews and the Pilot Sport 4 82% from 357. 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.
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 Premium Contact 6 scores 9.1 and the Pilot Sport 4 9.3 out of 10.
| Premium Contact 6 | Category | Pilot Sport 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | Dry | 92 | ||
| 88 | Wet | 96 | ||
| 26 | Comfort | 66 | ||
| 74 | Value | 52 | ||
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
| Premium Contact 6 | Category | Pilot Sport 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.9 | Dry Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.5 | Wet Grip | 8.7 | ||
| 8.3 | Road Feedback | 8.1 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 8.4 | ||
| 7.5 | Wear | 7.4 | ||
| 7.8 | Comfort | 7.8 | ||
Owners rate the Premium Contact 6 81% from 139 reviews and the Pilot Sport 4 82% from 357. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental Premium Contact 6
- 81%from 139 reviews
- 73%would buy again
- 1,435,468 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners largely rate the Continental Premium Contact 6 for its strong all-round grip, with around half praising dry grip and a similar share highlighting reassuring wet performance, backed up by positive comments on handling and steering feel. The biggest recurring downsides are refinement and durability: roughly two in five mention road noise (more often as a complaint than a praise), and around a third report faster-than-expected wear. Comfort impressions are mixed but lean positive, with some owners enjoying a plush ride while others find it firm or harsh, particularly on rougher roads.
- Strong dry grip and traction
- Reassuring wet grip
- Comfortable ride for a performance-leaning tire
- Confident dry handling and control
- Noticeable road noise for many owners
- Wears quicker than expected
- Firm/harsh feel linked to sidewall stiffness
Summarised by AI from 118 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 139 Premium Contact 6 reviewsThe tires were used on a SEAT LEON TDI mostly on highway. Summer tires to a sunny country as Greece worked perfectly. Confidence in all circumstances especially high speed cornering. Economically speaking I wouldn't say so, but that is not my major concern which is safety atll times especially avoiding all kind of obstacles.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
- 82%from 357 reviews
- 79%would buy again
- 4,263,327 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 306 owner reviews averaging 78.9%, most drivers rate the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 for its standout grip: around half praise both wet and dry traction, often describing very high confidence and predictable handling. Comfort also lands well for many (around a third mention it positively), though opinions are more mixed on noise, steering feel and especially longevity. Tread life is the biggest point of disagreement (mentioned by 42% overall), with plenty reporting strong mileage while a similar number complain of faster wear; a smaller group also call out the sidewalls as too soft.
- Outstanding dry grip
- Very strong wet grip and confidence in rain
- Secure, predictable dry handling
- Comfortable ride for a performance tire
- Tread life can be inconsistent; some see rapid wear
- Road noise can be noticeable
- Steering feel/response can seem a bit vague to some
Summarised by AI from 306 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 357 Pilot Sport 4 reviewsdon't drive in the wet unless caught in it so can't answer wet question dry handling is really good. itend to do "spirited" driving.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 110 sizes of the Premium Contact 6 and 62 of the Pilot Sport 4, 42 of them made in both.
| Category | Premium Contact 6 | Pilot Sport 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 110 sizes, 15 to 22 inch | 62 sizes, 16 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 42 sizes 205/55 R16225/50 R16205/40 R17205/45 R17205/50 R17215/40 R17215/45 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17and 30 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A81%B19% | A88%B12% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C52%B39%A8%D1% | C52%D35%B10%A3% |
| EU label noise | 69-75 dB B99%A1% | 69-73 dB B99%A1% |
| On the market since | - | 2015 |
| Replaced | Continental Premium Contact 5 (2012) | Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 (2010) |
| Replaced by | Continental PremiumContact 7 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5 |
| Price in the shared tests | The Pilot Sport 4 was the dearer tire in 7 of the 9 tests that listed prices, by 9% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
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.
This head-to-head pits two proven summer benchmarks with different design intents: Continental's PremiumContact 6 (premium-touring) versus Michelin's Pilot Sport 4 (max-performance). Across 21 shared tests from 2017-2022, both consistently score well, but they prioritize different outcomes: comfort/efficiency/value for the Continental, and dynamic security and precision for the Michelin.
The data shows a clear trend. The Pilot Sport 4 dominates overall wins (15 vs 5) and repeatedly leads in wet and dry braking, wet handling, aquaplaning, and noise. The PremiumContact 6 counters with strong dry handling pace in some sizes, competitive rolling resistance, excellent wear in certain tests, and notably better pricing/value. Buyers choosing between them are essentially picking between all-weather confidence and sportier steering precision (Michelin) versus quieter touring manners and ownership value (Continental).
Conclusion
For outright safety margin and consistency, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is the more complete performer. It wins most braking metrics (dry and wet), is typically sharper and more confidence-inspiring in the wet, and is quieter. Even when not the fastest in subjective feel, it remains balanced and secure-key advantages in everyday and spirited driving.
The Continental PremiumContact 6 is a strong alternative if you value cost of ownership and comfort. It often matches or beats Michelin on dry handling laps in some sizes, shows lower rolling resistance, excellent wear in key tests (e.g., +35% vs PS4 in Auto Bild 2020), and usually costs less. However, its weaker wet braking/aquaplaning performance and higher noise in several tests make it less compelling for drivers prioritizing all-conditions confidence. In short: choose PS4 for dynamic safety and wet grip; choose PC6 for value, refinement, and efficiency without sacrificing too much performance.
Premium Contact 6 vs Pilot Sport 4: your questions
Is the Continental Premium Contact 6 or the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 the better tire?
In the 21 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 finished ahead 15 times and the Premium Contact 6 5 times, with one level. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Premium Contact 6 scores 9.1 and the Pilot Sport 4 9.3 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Premium Contact 6 or the Pilot Sport 4?
The Pilot Sport 4 led 44 of the 58 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.6% shorter in the wet across 17 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Pilot Sport 4 led 22 of the 37 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.8% shorter in the dry across 17 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Premium Contact 6 lasted 12.3% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) and had 1.6% lower rolling resistance (12 tests). Owners rate wear 7.5/10 for the Premium Contact 6 and 7.4/10 for the Pilot Sport 4.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Pilot Sport 4 was 1.4 dB quieter (11 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.8/10 for the Premium Contact 6 and 7.8/10 for the Pilot Sport 4.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Premium Contact 6 81% from 139 reviews and the Pilot Sport 4 82% from 357. 73% of Premium Contact 6 owners would buy it again, against 79% for the Pilot Sport 4.
Which is more expensive?
In the 9 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Sport 4 was the dearer tire in 7 of them, by 9% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Premium Contact 6 is made in 110 sizes (15 to 22 inch) and the Pilot Sport 4 in 62 (16 to 20 inch). 42 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Premium Contact 6 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Pilot Sport 4 A and C.
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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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