Continental SportContact 7 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4
The PZ4 counters with strong subjective refinement, competitive wet handling pace on certain tracks, and better comfort and noise scores in multiple tests. There are also OE-specific PZ4 variants that can shift behavior, as seen in Sport Auto's M4 test. Still, the pattern is clear: the SC7 dominates objective stopping distances and rolling resistance, while the PZ4 appeals with civility and balanced, slightly understeery handling feel.
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 SportContact 7 | eight |
While it might look like the Continental SportContact 7 is better than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 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 dry and wet braking across all shared tests
- Precise, stable handling with strong wet control
- Lowest rolling resistance in most tests (efficiency advantage)
- Consistently top overall scores and test wins
- Refined ride with lower noise in multiple tests
- Competitive wet handling and curved aquaplaning performance
- Predictable, balanced steering with easy control at the limit
- Often sharper value/pricing in several sizes
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during seven dry braking tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 3.5% less distance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Dry Braking: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 was 0.63% faster around a lap than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during five dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 was 0.93% faster around a lap than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 scored 8.2% more points than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during seven wet braking tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 9.23% less distance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Wet Braking: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 2.46% faster around a wet lap than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during three wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 was 0.73% faster around a wet lap than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 scored 2.59% more points than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.33% faster around a wet circle than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during six straight aqua tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 floated at a 1.09% higher speed than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Straight Aqua: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during five curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 slipped out at a 1.25% higher speed than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 scored 14.29% more points than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 scored 4.08% more points than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Subj. Noise: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during four noise tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 measured 0.32% quieter than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Noise: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three price tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 cost 0.53% less than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Price: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during seven rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 had a 12.36% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Continental SportContact 7 Driver Reviews
Across 87 reviews, the Continental SportContact 7 is overwhelmingly praised as a top-tier UUHP summer tire, with standout dry grip, exceptional wet traction, and very strong braking that inspires high confidence on road and occasional track use. Many drivers also highlight predictable handling and good feedback, often comparing it favourably to Michelin and Pirelli alternatives. The most consistent drawback is fast tread wear (and resulting cost-per-mile), with a notable minority also reporting higher road noise/harshness or slightly less sharp steering response than their preferred benchmark tires.
Based on 94 reviews with an average rating of 83%
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Driver Reviews
Drivers generally describe the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 as a sporty, high-grip summer tire with excellent dry performance, sharp steering response, and strong braking/feedback when warm. Wet grip is often rated good in light rain or when up to temperature, but many report reduced confidence in cold conditions and a notable weakness in standing water/aquaplaning, especially as tread depth drops. A frequent theme is fast wear and a performance drop-off (more noise and less wet security) as the tire wears, making running costs feel high for some owners.
Based on 86 reviews with an average rating of 74%
Replace very very good Yokohama V105 one year old.
To try them out.
First-class comfort (top) + rolling silence
A little above the Yoko on the dry,
In the rain, they are incredible ! Well above all that I have tried :
Dunlop RT, PS3, Yoko V105, Hankook V12 K110.
No idea about wear again ... The +:
- Braking (this is a big highlight)
- Motricity
- Handling
They are equipped with protections of the rims although the option is not specified (in France).
The sides are stiffer than the PS3 for... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
The P Zero PZ4 remains a very good choice if you value refinement and calm, predictable responses, and it can edge the SC7 in curved aquaplaning and noise in several tests. However, its recurring wet-braking deficits versus the Continental (often multiple meters) are meaningful for safety. Unless you prioritize comfort, OE tuning compatibility, or specific aquaplaning performance, the SC7 is the safer, faster, and better-value pick.
Key Differences
- Braking: SC7 stops shorter in both dry and wet in every test (e.g., -5-21% in wet braking in some sizes).
- Handling balance: SC7 feels more direct; PZ4 leans toward gentle understeer and easier control.
- Aquaplaning: PZ4 often leads in curved aquaplaning; SC7 usually leads in straight-line aquaplaning.
- Noise/refinement: PZ4 is typically quieter and more comfortable; SC7 can be louder.
- Efficiency: SC7 has markedly lower rolling resistance in nearly all tests.
- Value/price: PZ4 can be cheaper in some markets/sizes; however, SC7's performance margin often justifies its cost.
Overall Winner: Continental SportContact 7
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Continental SportContact 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.