Continental SportContact 7 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- TR Score
- 9.7/10
- Owners say
- 84% · 134
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 135
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental SportContact 7 finished ahead 4 times and the Pilot Sport 5 once. The SportContact 7 stopped 3.1% shorter in the dry; the Pilot Sport 5 held 16.9% more grip in curved aquaplaning.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Continental SportContact 7 for maximum grip, shortest dry stops, and the most engaging handling-ideal for spirited road driving and occasional trackdays. Choose Michelin Pilot Sport 5 for daily performance with superior aquaplaning safety, lower fuel use, and much longer life-best for high-mileage drivers and wet-weather regions seeking strong value.
Where the SportContact 7 is stronger
- Class-leading dry braking and consistently strong wet braking
- Sharp steering, high precision, and engaging handling
- Low noise and often lower price versus PS5 in tests
Where the Pilot Sport 5 is stronger
- Excellent straight and curved aquaplaning resistance
- Very low rolling resistance and outstanding wear/longevity
- Stable, composed wet behavior with short wet stops in several 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.
SportContact 7 vs Pilot Sport 5 at a glance
| Category | SportContact 7 | Gap | Pilot Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won5 shared tests | 4 | 1 | |
| Dry9 measurements | 9 | The SportContact 7 stopped 3.1% shorter in the dry (5 tests) | 0 |
| Wet21 measurements | 8 | The Pilot Sport 5 held 16.9% more grip in curved aquaplaning (3 tests) | 13 |
| Comfort6 measurements | 3 | The SportContact 7 was 1.5 dB quieter (3 tests) | 0 |
| Value7 measurements | 3 | 4 | |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.7/10 | The SportContact 7 by 0.3 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating134 and 135 reviews | 84% | Too close to call | 85% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 80% | The Pilot Sport 5 by 3 points | 83% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Pilot Sport 5 was dearer in 4 of 4 | +9.2% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 123 | 35 sizes made in both | 66 |
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 5 tests, 2023 to 2025
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 | SportContact 7 | Field | Pilot Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tire Test | P3 of 8 | P5 of 8 | |
| 2025 Auto Express Summer Tire Test | P8 of 9 | P4 of 9 | |
| 2025 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P1 of 18 | P3 of 18 | |
| 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test | P1 of 10 | P5 of 10 | |
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test | P1 of 13 | P3 of 13 |
Performance profile
10 measurements from the 5 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
SportContact 7
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. 9 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
SportContact 7
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
SportContact 7
Pilot Sport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the SportContact 7 84% from 134 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 | SportContact 7 | Gap | Pilot Sport 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 111 | 3.1% | 114 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 90.5 | 1.2% | 91.6 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.6 | 0.5% | 71.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 25% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 108 | 0.4% | 108 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 112 | 3.1% | 116 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 80.5 | 1.3% | 79.5 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 52.6 | 0.1% | 52.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 66.7% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 17.65 | 0.1% | 17.62 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.4 | 0.9% | 49.8 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.5 | 16.9% | 7.4 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.6 | 1.5 dB | 71.13 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 26,968 | 30% | 35,045 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.29 | 0.4% | 8.33 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.5 | 1.8% | 5.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 63.4 | 11.5% | 56.1 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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 SportContact 7 scores 9.7 and the Pilot Sport 5 9.4 out of 10.
| SportContact 7 | Category | Pilot Sport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | Dry | 93 | ||
| 98 | Wet | 96 | ||
| 29 | Comfort | 22 | ||
| 39 | 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
| SportContact 7 | Category | Pilot Sport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5 | Dry Grip | 9 | ||
| 9.1 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.7 | Road Feedback | 8.1 | ||
| 9 | Handling | 8.3 | ||
| 6.7 | Wear | 8 | ||
| 7.7 | Comfort | 8.2 | ||
Owners rate the SportContact 7 84% from 134 reviews and the Pilot Sport 5 85% from 135. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental SportContact 7
- 84%from 134 reviews
- 80%would buy again
- 1,308,502 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Continental SportContact 7 very highly overall (average 83%), with the strongest agreement around outstanding dry and wet grip, backed up by confident handling and strong steering response. Comfort and noise are often described as better than expected for a UHP summer tire, though experiences vary by car and set-up. The main recurring drawback is wear: around a third of owners who mention tread life report rapid wear, meaning running costs can be high if you drive hard or run a heavier, high-torque car.
- Exceptional dry grip and traction
- Very strong wet grip and confidence in rain
- Sharp, secure dry handling
- Good steering feel and feedback
- Rapid tread wear and short life for many drivers
- Ride can feel harsh or uncomfortable on some set-ups
- Road noise can be intrusive on rough surfaces
Summarised by AI from 117 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 134 SportContact 7 reviewsIn comparison with non sport tires like the Continental PremiumContact 6 the grip in dry conditions is outstanding and better like other tires I have driven (e.g. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric). The Wet-Grip is surprisingly good and did not fade with lower tread depth (yet). No disturbing noise while driving.
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
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 123 sizes of the SportContact 7 and 66 of the Pilot Sport 5, 35 of them made in both.
| Category | SportContact 7 | Pilot Sport 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 123 sizes, 18 to 24 inch | 66 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 35 sizes 215/40 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18225/50 R18235/40 R18245/40 R18245/45 R18255/35 R18265/35 R18225/40 R19235/35 R19235/40 R19and 23 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A85%B15% | A89%B11% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C61%D16%A14%B9% | C82%B10%A9% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B98%A2% | 70-75 dB B100% |
| On the market since | - | 2022 |
| Replaced | Continental Sport Contact 6 (2015) | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (2015) |
| Awards | Highly Recommended: Best Tires for High Performance Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Highly Recommended: Best Tires for Hot Hatches (Compact Sports Cars) (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Commended: Best Tires for High Performance Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Highly Recommended: Best Tires for Hot Hatches (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Best Tires for Large Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Supersports Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2024) Winner: Supersports Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2023) Winner: Supersports Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2022) Winner: Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2022) | Winner: Best Tires for Hot Hatches (Compact Sports Cars) (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Winner: Best Tires for Hot Hatches (DriverReviews, 2024/25) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Pilot Sport 5 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 9.2% 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 flagship max-performance summer tires with different priorities: Continental's SportContact 7 aims for outright grip and precision, while Michelin's Pilot Sport 5 leans toward balanced performance with strong wet security and standout longevity. Across five shared tests, the Continental generally set the pace in dry and braking-focused metrics, while the Michelin frequently rose to the top in aquaplaning resistance and efficiency-related measures.
Results vary by test, but a pattern emerges. The SportContact 7 consistently delivers shorter dry stops and sharper handling feel, and often leads wet braking-though select 2025 UK-test conditions exposed a rare wet weakness. The Pilot Sport 5 counters with excellent aquaplaning performance, competitive wet manners, the best wear rates, and low rolling resistance, delivering a more touring-oriented, refined drive.
Conclusion
Synthesizing the data, the Continental SportContact 7 is the dynamic benchmark: it wins 4 of 5 tests, dominates dry braking (5/5 wins) and dry handling (3/3), and is typically top-tier in wet braking. If you prize incisive steering, confident stopping, and track-adjacent road performance, the SC7 is the sharper tool. Just note its recurring relative weakness in aquaplaning versus the Michelin.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is the smarter long-haul choice: it frequently tops straight and curved aquaplaning, posts excellent rolling resistance, and massively outlasts the Continental in wear (+30% in ADAC), improving total cost of ownership. It feels composed and stable, though not as razor-sharp. For daily performance with strong wet safety margins in deep water and better value over time, the PS5 is compelling.
SportContact 7 vs Pilot Sport 5: your questions
Is the Continental SportContact 7 or the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 the better tire?
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental SportContact 7 finished ahead 4 times and the Pilot Sport 5 once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the SportContact 7 scores 9.7 and the Pilot Sport 5 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the SportContact 7 or the Pilot Sport 5?
The Pilot Sport 5 led 13 of the 21 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 16.9% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The SportContact 7 led 9 of the 9 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.1% shorter in the dry across 5 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The SportContact 7 was 1.5 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.7/10 for the SportContact 7 and 8.2/10 for the Pilot Sport 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the SportContact 7 84% from 134 reviews and the Pilot Sport 5 85% from 135. 80% of SportContact 7 owners would buy it again, against 83% for the Pilot Sport 5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Sport 5 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 9.2% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The SportContact 7 is made in 123 sizes (18 to 24 inch) and the Pilot Sport 5 in 66 (16 to 22 inch). 35 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the SportContact 7 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Pilot Sport 5 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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