Continental VikingContact 7 vs Michelin X Ice Snow
Across seven shared professional tests, the Continental consistently finishes higher overall (5 wins, 2 draws) and shows broader competence, especially in snow, ice handling, and dry/wet grip. The Michelin counters with standout aquaplaning resistance, low rolling resistance, and class-leading ice braking in several tests-traits that favor efficiency and straight-line security in deep water and on slick ice.
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 seven tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continental VikingContact 7 | five | |
| two draws in two tests | ||
While it might look like the Continental VikingContact 7 is better than the Michelin X Ice Snow 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
- Top-tier all-round performance with 5 overall test wins
- Consistently superior snow grip and control (braking/traction/handling)
- Strong wet and dry braking with composed handling
- Excellent ice handling and low noise/comfort refinement
- Class-leading aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved)
- Excellent ice braking and strong longitudinal ice/snow grip
- Lowest rolling resistance on test, aiding fuel economy
- Comfortable and stable everyday manners
Dry Braking
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 2.95% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Dry Braking: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 was 0.56% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 scored 0.87% more points than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 2.04% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Wet Braking: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 was 0.57% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow scored 4.63% more points than the Continental VikingContact 7.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin X Ice Snow
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow floated at a 4.03% higher speed than the Continental VikingContact 7.
Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin X Ice Snow
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow slipped out at a 8.93% higher speed than the Continental VikingContact 7.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin X Ice Snow
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during four snow braking tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 1.12% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Snow Braking: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during four snow traction tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 accelerated 1.08% faster than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Snow Traction: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during five snow handling [s] tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 was 1.16% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Snow Handling
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 and Michelin X Ice Snow performed equally well in subj. snow handling tests.
Best In Subj. Snow Handling: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Subj. Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow was 1.36% faster around a snow circle than the Continental VikingContact 7.
Best In Snow Circle: Michelin X Ice Snow
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during four ice braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow stopped the vehicle 1.91% shorter than the Continental VikingContact 7.
Best In Ice Braking: Michelin X Ice Snow
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Ice Traction
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two ice traction tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow accelerated 2.28% faster than the Continental VikingContact 7.
Best In Ice Traction: Michelin X Ice Snow
See how the Ice Traction winner was calculated >>
Ice Handling [s]
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during four ice handling [s] tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 was 3.77% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Ice Handling [s]: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Ice Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Ice Handling
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one subj. ice handling tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow scored 3.74% more points than the Continental VikingContact 7.
Best In Subj. Ice Handling: Michelin X Ice Snow
See how the Subj. Ice Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 and Michelin X Ice Snow performed equally well in subj. comfort tests.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during three subj. noise tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 scored 16.63% more points than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Subj. Noise: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during one noise tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 measured 0.67% quieter than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Noise: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during one noise tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 measured 0.32% quieter than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Noise: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one price tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow cost 3.56% less than the Continental VikingContact 7.
Best In Price: Michelin X Ice Snow
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow had a 3.52% lower rolling resistance than the Continental VikingContact 7.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin X Ice Snow
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 used 2.91% less fuel than the Michelin X Ice Snow.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Continental VikingContact 7
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Continental VikingContact 7 Driver Reviews
Continental VikingContact 7 earns largely positive feedback, with many drivers praising its excellent snow traction, strong wet/slush grip, quiet ride, and stable, predictable handling for a winter tire. High-scoring reviews consistently highlight confidence in mixed winter conditions and good steering feel, with several noting low noise and comfort at highway speeds. A minority report weaker ice braking versus top competitors and some concerns about faster treadwear in warmer or extended dry use. Overall, it's a confident, comfortable winter performer with a few trade-offs to watch.
Based on 23 reviews with an average rating of 73%
Michelin X Ice Snow Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Michelin X Ice Snow highly for confident winter performance, especially strong traction and braking on snow and generally solid grip on ice, with predictable handling. Comfort and noise are typically praised, and several note slow wear. A minority report weaker performance on wet or smooth/black ice and average dry/wet road grip versus all-season or studded options. Overall sentiment is strongly positive with durability and winter grip leading the praise.
Based on 16 reviews with an average rating of 84%
Snow traction is good, but ice traction is not nearly as good as a Blizzak ws-80. If you have ice, get Blizzak. Viking lasted longer than Blizzak, but was a worse performer in everything except soft snow. I would only buy these again if I lived in an area where the roads were always freshly... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
The Michelin X-Ice Snow shines where many buyers care most: ice braking, hydroplaning resistance, comfort, and rolling resistance. However, it trails the Continental in snow consistency, wet braking across tests, and dynamic handling on ice and wet-factors you'll notice when driving assertively or in mixed winter conditions.
If you want the safest all-rounder for varied Nordic winters and confident handling, pick the Continental. If your priorities are maximum ice stopping security, fuel efficiency, and strong aquaplaning margins for slush and standing water, the Michelin is compelling value.
Key Differences
- Overall results: Continental wins 5 tests versus 0 for Michelin (2 draws)
- Snow performance: Continental leads in braking, traction, and handling across most tests
- Ice profile: Michelin often stops shorter; Continental steers/handles better on ice
- Wet: Continental generally brakes shorter; Michelin resists aquaplaning better
- Efficiency: Michelin has consistently lower rolling resistance; Continental slightly higher fuel use
- Noise/comfort: Both quiet, but Continental often measures marginally lower interior noise
Overall Winner: Continental VikingContact 7
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Continental VikingContact 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
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Continental VikingContact 7 Top Comparisons
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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.