Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5
The data shows a pattern: Continental consistently excels in wet braking and wet handling while remaining composed and comfortable, often with lower noise and rolling resistance. Michelin counters with sharper dry stopping, very balanced handling at the limit, and standout tread life-often leading overall where wear is weighted heavily. Price and value also diverge, with Continental typically cheaper to buy and to run per 1,000 km, while Michelin delivers more kilometers per set.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been eight tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continental PremiumContact 7 | five | |
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 | three |
While it might look like the Continental PremiumContact 7 is better than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Class-leading wet safety: repeated wins in wet braking and wet handling
- Lower noise and better comfort scores in multiple tests
- Stronger efficiency: regularly lower rolling resistance and better cost per 1,000 km
- Competitive dry performance close to UHP tires while remaining stable and predictable
- Outstanding tread life and durability (often 6-19% longer mileage)
- Sharp, balanced dynamics with precise steering and short dry stops
- Excellent overall consistency and top podiums in large comparative tests
- Strong aquaplaning resistance and stable behaviour at speed
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 0.53% less distance than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
| 2023 Summer Tire Market Overview 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:33.7M | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 34.1M |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:33.7M | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 34.1M |
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:33.41M | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 33.65M |
| 2024 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test 215/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:35.5M | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 35.5M |
| 2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:34.6M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 33.5M |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:33.6M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 33.5M |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:34.6M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 33.5M |
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 was 0.43% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:74.12s | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 74.44s |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:69.3s | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 69.6s |
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 was 0.2% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:120.3Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 119.1Km/H |
| 2024 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test 215/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:105.3Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 105.1Km/H |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:119.8Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 120.5Km/H |
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scored 5% more points than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:95 Points | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 100 Points |
Subj. Fun
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 performed equally well in subj. fun tests.
Best In Subj. Fun: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Subj. Fun winner was calculated >>
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:8 Points | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8 Points |
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during five wet braking tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 2.4% less distance than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Wet Braking: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
| 2023 Summer Tire Market Overview 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:25.3M | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 26M |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:39.5M | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 40.6M |
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:27.1M | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 29.1M |
| 2024 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test 215/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:29.8M | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 30.8M |
| 2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:28.3M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 27.7M |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:41.8M | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 44.4M |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:44.2M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 43.2M |
Wet Braking - Cool
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one wet braking - cool tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 9.12% less distance than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Wet Braking - Cool: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Wet Braking - Cool winner was calculated >>
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:27.9M | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 30.7M |
Wet Braking - Worn
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during one wet braking - worn tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 1.18% less distance than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Wet Braking - Worn: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Wet Braking - Worn winner was calculated >>
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:42.2M | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 41.7M |
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 was 1.95% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:92.06s | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 94.67s |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:70.2s | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 70.8s |
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 was 0.57% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:76.3Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 75.5Km/H |
| 2024 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test 215/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:80.2Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 79.6Km/H |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:73.2Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 73.3Km/H |
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 performed equally well in subj. wet handling tests.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:98 Points | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 98 Points |
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was 1.59% faster around a wet circle than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Wet Circle: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:11.52s | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 11.2s |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:14.94s | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 14.83s |
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 floated at a 0.84% higher speed than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:104Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 105.7Km/H |
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:80.9Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 80.5Km/H |
| 2024 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test 215/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:76.4Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 76.7Km/H |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:73.2Km/H | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 75.7Km/H |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:81.1Km/H | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 80.5Km/H |
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 slipped out at a 3.47% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:3.77m/sec2 | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 3.83m/sec2 |
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:6.31m/sec2 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 6.31m/sec2 |
| 2024 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test 215/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:8.45m/sec2 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 7.76m/sec2 |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:3.37m/sec2 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 3.25m/sec2 |
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two subj. comfort tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 scored 4.33% more points than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:100 Points | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 98 Points |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:10 Points | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 7 Points |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:5 Points | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 5 Points |
Noise
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during three noise tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 measured 0.82% quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Noise: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:74dB | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 73.8dB |
| 2024 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test 215/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:71.9dB | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 72.2dB |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:70dB | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 71dB |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:73dB | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 74.3dB |
Noise
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one noise tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 measured 1.24% quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Noise: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:71.9dB | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 72.8dB |
Wear
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four wear tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is predicted to cover 9.39% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Wear: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:51600KM | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 55600KM |
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:25802KM | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 30595KM |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:42500KM | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 45000KM |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:46250KM | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 52170KM |
Value
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during four value tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 proved to have a 4.54% better value based on price/1000km than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Value: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:12.11Price/1000 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 12.5Price/1000 |
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:3.3Price/1000 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 3.5Price/1000 |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:15.88Price/1000 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 16.67Price/1000 |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:8.22Price/1000 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.74Price/1000 |
Price
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two price tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 cost 11.47% less than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Price: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:625 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 695 |
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:85.2 | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 107.2 |
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 had a 3.16% lower rolling resistance than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:8.1kg / t | ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.09kg / t |
| The BEST Performance Tires Tested 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:8.4kg / t | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.6kg / t |
| 2024 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test 215/40 R18 |
Continental PremiumContact 7:8.2kg / t | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.2kg / t |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:8.25kg / t | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.85kg / t |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Continental PremiumContact 7:8.41kg / t | Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.94kg / t |
Abrasion
Best In Abrasion: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Continental PremiumContact 7 Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Continental PremiumContact 7 very highly for outstanding wet and dry grip, confident braking, and sharp, predictable handling, often calling it a major upgrade over prior tires including PC6 and Michelin PS4/Primacy. A minority report higher road noise, firm ride, and faster wear, with a few citing performance drop as tread wears; overall sentiment is strongly positive given the high proportion of top scores.
Based on 38 reviews with an average rating of 83%
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Driver Reviews
Across 75 reviews, drivers largely praise the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 for outstanding wet and dry grip, confidence-inspiring stability, and strong comfort/refinement for daily use. Many report very good to exceptional tread life, though a notable minority cite quicker wear, understeer/numb steering feel, and occasional out-of-round/noise issues; overall sentiment is strongly positive for road-focused performance.
Based on 83 reviews with an average rating of 86%
Conclusion
Drivers who value dynamic precision with excellent durability will prefer the Michelin Pilot Sport 5. It topped marquee shootouts, frequently posted the shortest dry and competitive wet stops, and reliably outlasted rivals by 6-19% in wear testing. You'll likely pay more up front, but you'll rotate less often. In short: Continental for wet-road assurance and value; Michelin for long-life, sporty feel, and consistent all-round performance.
Key Differences
- Wet performance edge to Continental: shorter wet braking (e.g., −5.9% vs PS5 in AZ) and repeated wet handling wins
- Dry braking often marginally better on Michelin (e.g., −3.2% in Auto Bild; ties or near-ties elsewhere)
- Wear/longevity clearly favours Michelin (typically +6-19% mileage)
- Value and purchase price favour Continental (lower price and better €/1,000 km in most tests)
- Noise/comfort trend favours Continental; Michelin can be a touch louder/bouncier
- Rolling resistance generally lower on Continental, aiding fuel efficiency
Overall Winner: Continental PremiumContact 7
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Continental PremiumContact 7 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.