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Continental Sport Contact 3 View Gallery (1)
195-285/35-55 R16-20 32 sizes 2012

Continental Sport Contact 3

The Continental Sport Contact 3 is a Max Performance Summer tire designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

7.5
Tire Reviews Score Based on User Reviews
Limited Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
87%
Wet Grip
80%
Road Feedback
81%
Handling
77%
Wear
62%
Comfort
74%
Buy again
68%
245 Reviews
76% Average
3,249,837 miles driven
12 Tests (avg: 3rd)
Continental Sport Contact 3

Continental Sport Contact 3

Summer Premium
BETA
7.5 / 10
Based on User Reviews · Limited Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tire Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tire scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 12
Publications: 6
Period: 2010 - 2012
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 245
Avg Rating: 75.6%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.24
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tire tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2012 EVO Max Performance Tire Test EVO 2012 235/40 R18 1/10 0 metrics
2011 EVO Winter Tire Test EVO 2011 225/45 R17 10/10 0 metrics
2011 Auto Express Ultra High Performance Tire Test Auto Express 2011 225/45 R17 6/10 0 metrics
2011 AMS Ultra High Performance Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2011 225/45 R17 2/11 0 metrics
2011 Autobild Max Performance Summer Tire Test Auto Bild 2011 225/40 R18 3/10 0 metrics
2011 Auto Zeitung Max Performance Tire Test Auto Zeitung 2011 225/45 R17 6/14 0 metrics
2010 Auto Express Ultra High Performance Tire Test Auto Express 2010 225/45 r18 1/11 0 metrics
2010 Autocar Tire Test - RWD 2010 225/45 r17 1/6 0 metrics
2010 European Summer Tire Test ADAC 2010 225/45 r17 3/16 0 metrics
2010 AMS Premium Brand Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2010 245/45 R17 4/10 0 metrics
2010 EVO Tire Test EVO 2010 205/45 r17 1/9 0 metrics
2010 Auto Zeitung Ultra High Performance Summer Tire Test Auto Zeitung 2010 235/40 R18 2/9 0 metrics
12
Tests
3rd
Average
1st
Best
10th
Worst
Latest Tire Test Results
1st/10
The ContiSportContact 3s only weakness was a little subjective feel on the road. It dominated the wet tests and was extremely strong in the dry. EVO commented as "an impressively complete performance". The Sport Contact 3 has now been replaced by the Sport Contact 5, which should be an even more impressive tire.
Even with the new Sport Contact 5P available, the 3 still performs extremely well
Last years test king, and the now super-seeded Continental Sport Contact 3 had its joint worst result ever finishing in 6th. Like the Bridgestone it was extremely strong in the dry tests with excellent dry braking and a sharp turn in during the handling lap, but was let down by it’s wet performance finishing last during wet cornering. The new Conti Sport Contact 5 should reverse this trend when featured in tire tests next year.
Size Fuel Wet Noise
18 inch
245/40 R 18 97 Y XL D B 72
245/40 R 18 93 Y D B 71
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Continental Sport Contact 3 >>

Questions and Answers for the Continental Sport Contact 3

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August 23, 2022

Are these standard tires or they run flat or self sealing.

The Sportcontact 3 was made in certain runflat sizes, it will be denoted on the sidewall and at point of sale whether you're shopping for a runflat version.
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Size Price Range  
225/45 R17 $79.62 - $79.62 (1 Price) Compare Prices >>
Available in 12 tire sizes - View all.

Review Summary

Based on 197 user reviews

Drivers generally describe the Continental Sport Contact 3 as a strong-performing UHP summer tire with confident handling, strong braking, and notably good wet-road grip with good resistance to aquaplaning. The most consistent complaint is rapid tread wear (especially on front axles/FWD cars), with many also reporting higher road noise/firm ride and premium pricing. A smaller but recurring theme is tramlining/steering pull on certain cars or as the tire wears, and some note wet/cold performance can deteriorate later in the tire's life.

Strengths
  • Strong dry grip and cornering traction
  • Very good wet grip and braking confidence
  • Good handling/steering precision and progressive breakaway
  • Good high-speed stability
  • Strong resistance to aquaplaning/standing water
Areas for Improvement
  • Fast tread wear/short lifespan (especially on front axles)
  • Road noise increases
  • Often worse as they wear
  • Firm/harsh ride comfort for some vehicles
  • High price/value-for-money concerns
  • Tramlining/steering pull on certain road surfaces or fitments
  • Wet/cold performance can worsen as the tire wears

Top 3 Continental Sport Contact 3 Reviews

Given 61% while driving a Honda Civic 1.8 (245/40 R18) on mostly motorways for 1,000 spirited miles
Good tires with good grip but worst comfort wise. They are extremely noisy and you feel each and every minor road Crack in your car and steering. Not good experience comfort wise. But handling and grip is good.
June 6, 2025
Given 83% while driving a Vauxhall Astra GTC (240/45 R20) on a combination of roads for 52,000 spirited miles
They were great tires for the rear of a front wheel drive car. They only lasted 12000 miles on the front but have lasted 52,000 on the rear. Fantastic tires. Would buy again but only for the rear axle.
January 23, 2020
Given 40% while driving a Renault Megane RS250 CUP (235/35 R19 W) on a combination of roads for 6,000 spirited miles
Got a puncture and when having it replaced found a bubble in another tire, at such short notice, there where the only "premium " tire that were available I could afford...

I usually only use pilot sport tires (recently started using eagle f1)

I was expecting them to be close to the mps.
I was very disappointed in the dry they are decent but nothing special the comfort road noise and rim protection are all in the same level as budget tires, the wet performance is beyond appalling... yes the car is 300bhp + fwd but it has an lsd and Renault rs cars are the best handling cars point blank ... it was amusing sliding about and good practice for car control but for the price and brand these tires are a joke and I would not recommend anyone using them for anything but off road tire shredding....
They lasted 6k miles on front wheels
Pay the extra for pilot sports or the same for eagle f1.... if you cant afford these tires god old rainsports will serve u well.

I will use another continental tire again... avoid
January 8, 2020

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Latest Continental Sport Contact 3 Reviews

Given 100% while driving a Vauxhall Insignia CDTI 160 (245/45 R18) on mostly motorways for 10,000 easy going miles
the best all round premium tires that ive ever bought , great grip in all weathers , good tread ware last for years
April 24, 2020
Renault (205/45 R17 V) on a combination of roads for 12,000 spirited miles
This tires have not enough grip specially in curve, you can feel how the tire moves on the road outside of curve does not exactly a sport tire
April 25, 2019
Given 69% while driving a Honda Prelude 2.2vtec (215/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 8,000 average miles
Bought them used for my vehicle, but despite that they have showed great wet and especially dry grip. For normal everyday driving wear was OK. If you would push them everytime they would go out very quick.
February 22, 2019
Given 76% while driving a Renault Clio 172 Cup (195/45 R16 W) on mostly country roads for 10,000 spirited miles
These came on my Clio when I bought the car. They are a great all round tire.

They did not last a very long time however, around 9,000 miles on the front. However, they were very good up front, and gripped very well in the dry, with a good subjective feel. Clios don't tend to be great with steering communication and these Contis weren' too bad.

The wet performance was interesting. It felt like it wouldn't grip in the wet at all, especially when they wore close to the limit. However, push on with them and the tires would surprisingly grip very well in the wet, alot better than the Toyo T1-Rs did with plenty of tread left.

195/45R16 is a size that has a limited choice for tires, so for that reason, I'd buy these again. I would next try Uniroyal RainSport 3s in 195/50R15 guise and preferred the car on the Contis straight away.
November 2, 2018
Given 74% while driving a Opel Vectra C GTS (215/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 7,000 spirited miles
So as i was looking for some new tires on my opel vectra c gts, searched ar checked diferent tires, found these continental contisport contact 3 tires. Checked some reviews and made a decision to buy it, because of the performance they make. Tires perform very well on dry and specially on wet road (had aquaplaning at 120-130 km/h and almoust hadn't felt, no steering wheel pulling). The grip is very well, at sharp corners goes without any squeek or scream, accelerating from a green light (depending on an engine) will make some spin but immediately grips and pulls away. Now searching for some pilot sport 4's, but would defenitely recommend and buy again.
October 17, 2018
Given 81% while driving a Audi (225/45 R17) on mostly town for 15 miles
Very agressive sporty tire.I have never seen such a good grip on the wet.I had them in december in Germany and it very cold,time for winter tires but they surprised me,they were very good.For people who like sporty agresive drive I would recomend.They are little bit noisy and sidewalls are very stiff but dry braking and grip unseen before.Wear is quite high but nothing special
February 25, 2018
Given 91% while driving a Volkswagen Golf Mk4 V6 4Motion (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 12,000 spirited miles
12k on my Golf V6 - they will need replacing at round about 15k - cant fault them - surefooted even in the wet. Probably the best car tire I have used.
December 15, 2017
Given 71% while driving a Toyota Mark X (240/45 R17 W) on a combination of roads for 28,000 spirited miles
Decent UHP tire but already old model and therefore comparatively not as good performance anymore compared to F1D5, F1A2, and CSC5. Dry & wet performance is not as good as those others I've used/am using now, but still pretty decent and still is a true UHP tire and better than many other tires in the lower performance categories or those cheapo brands, certainly still well beyond most normal drivers ability to push, and reasonably well controlled over the limit. Comfort wise, it's good ride quality, maybe a bit noisy only. Wear rate is the same as CSC5, so it wore out a bit faster, lasting over 40k km for my driving but with minimal chipping only, not as much as the F1D5.
November 14, 2017
Given 61% while driving a Audi A4 Quattro 220 bhp TFSI (255/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 0 average miles
Tires were fine when new but over time because way too noisy as they wore down. Ended up changing them early due to noise.
November 5, 2017
Given 50% while driving a Audi Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TDI Quattro (255/45 R19 W) on for 10,000 easy going miles
Almost down to the indicators after 10k on an Audi A6 Allroad and not driven hard. About half motorway miles. Tramlines alarmingly on road markings and odd cambers.

Would not buy these again.
October 30, 2017
Given 53% while driving a BMW m2 (265/35 R19 W) on mostly country roads for 7,000 spirited miles
Had these fitted on my car from new ,not many are .i can say these just about do the job .I am now needing to change and i am not happy with 7000 miles from 2 rear tires i am a 'spirited driver' but these are not great on any level.Front tires have possibly 2000 left in them, the car now tramlines terribly i would not recomend or buy again conti sport6 or mich 4s for me.
October 25, 2017
Given 84% while driving a Ford Falcon BFII XR6 (245/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 16,000 spirited miles
Great tire, punctures easily.
August 12, 2017
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