Drivers generally describe the Continental Sport Contact 5 as a confidence-inspiring UHP tire with strong dry and wet grip, sharp steering response, and secure braking-especially praised in rain and at speed. However, the dominant complaint is very fast wear (often on the front axle), which many feel makes it poor value despite the premium price. A smaller but recurring theme is increased road noise and a firmer/harsh ride as the tire ages or on coarse surfaces.
What owners mention most counted across 195 reviews
The worst tires I've ever had on my company VW Passat. The sides are too soft and at low speed the car feels wobbly, not stable at high speeds and cornering; didn't feel safe with them anytime. Couldn't wait for them to wear out, which was the only "good" thing - I didn't have to wait too long - they were gone after 14000 miles of mostly motorway driving. In summary - don't buy; think twice if they are given you as a present. Can't believe the guys at Conti made such a flop with these tires and launched them on the market.
Well, much happier now with Goodyear Eagle F1 - can't compare at all. My car's got tires now.
I am going to reiterate what another reviewer said about these tires as it seems to be the norm on the clio 197.
The tires are very good at coping with the stresses put on them by the car, this being said though, they are not progressive, at all..... you get them to a limit of good grip, but if you try and push past it(which the car will do) you will not feel what your doing, they over heat and lose feeling, fast.
Wet weather, they're very good. You can push hard in the wet and not lose grip, this is where the overheating helps. Even at the wear marker they continue to handle just fine. Despite other comments about rubbish handling when worn down.
Finally wear, mine have lasted just 6000 miles, of mixed, hard, motorway and town driving. If you want a tire that performs good-ish and dosnt last, look no further! Otherwise..... Look else where..... I am!!
Check out how the BEST all seasons tires perform against premium summer and winter tires!
Fitted on the rear of my Merc CLK350. Lasted just 6,700 miles!!
Pretty good grip in dry, just moderate in wet - very little 'feel' overall.
They would be a moderate to good tire if not for the wear - mine have gone back to continental for testing as the have worn SO quickly.
Don't believe the hype - these tires aren't that great - and wear makes them a definite 'No' in the future. There's far better available for the money.
Which tires do you drive?
Researching the Continental Sport Contact 5? Rate the tires you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.
I made a review for these Continental Sport Contact 5 M0 XL tires back in May this year 2013, I live in the UK. I have noticed from several reviews people from other countries/UK who have different cars and different driving temperatures, driving conditions would affect the tires on each car, giving different reviews. 1st review I covered from new 375 miles in my F1 R26 Megane, since then tires have done around an extra 3,000 miles. I can say they definitely suit my car, good fuel economy still remains the same, very low wear compared to previous tires fitted which was Avon's at that time. Handling in dry weather I would still say excellent. I don't push my car in the wet. Handling for the tire control is very close to some top of the range tires out there. I still recommend and would buy again the Continental Sport Contact 5 M0 XL tires. This is based on my driving behavior and experience for these tires.
68%
Member
Kia Motors
215/45 R17
20,000 miles
A Combination of Roads
Average
Comparing this with my previous Goodyear Eagle F1A2:
Pros: Quieter(only for first 15000km, after that it is damn noisy), slightly more supple ride, good wet braking and very good aquaplaning resistance. Have driven at 180km/h in the rain on this and it is very stable. Rolling resistance is also very low because of its relatively lower weight.
Cons: Very lousy dry grip with almost no feedback compared to F1A2. The noise after 15000km is so unbearable that I feel like changing to Dunlop Sport Maxx RT even though my CSC5 still have more than 70% thread life.
Summary: A very good wet weather and smooth tire, with some elements of comfort. If you are looking for all-out grip in wet/dry, go for the F1A2 which is much better in terms of ultimate grip.
Recently got these on a 330i 07 M Sport Saloon. Had a pair of Bridgestone run flats beforehand, got these tires and wow... Run flats were very poor handling generally, but worst in the rain! Loving the handling and grip, so much quieter when on the motorway. I plan to get rid of the front run flats I have, then maybe use that extra money to get a spare tire. Cant comment on the wear yet, but I would favor the handling for sure and comfort for sure.
I had these on my Octavia vRS tdi and only got 7000 miles out of them. This was after been told they were the newest and best tire out there. I contacted Continental to ask what tire life I should expect, they fobbed me off sying they do not have a figure.... but surely if they advertise better tire life than previous tire there must be a bench mark to base that on? But no Continental just make S**t up and charge premium prices for utter rubbish tires. Advise to any Octavia driver .. Do Not use Continental tires
Fitted CSC5 to replace OE Dunlop SP Sport 270. Both models are considered good overall. Honestly I never thought it would be this different. New CSC5s are very comfort (supple but not mushy) and quiet. They are so quiet that I notice the engine noise and wind noise much more than before. The braking performance is super both dry and wet (experiencing a big typhoon now in Shanghai). Studied mechnical engineering at Uni but I never realised tires could make such a big difference to the handling and comfort for a car. I would strongly recommend these tires to SUV users mostly driving and communting in town and on motorways.
Has any body elses front tires worn down on there octavia vrs tdi cr after just 10000miles.
Took my car to my local skoda dealer and all they could tell me it was the way i drive my car,and we have some new tires here at £155.00 each fitted shall we fit them for you. Not good service!!!!!!
89%
Member
Subaru
235/45 R17
2,500 miles
A Combination of Roads
Spirited
Great Tires. I bought them as a cheaper alternative to the Bridgestone and Dunlop top of the range tires and glad i did so. At $140 AUS each i saved myself a few 100 dollars and the performance is fantastic. I had Toyo teo plus tires on before and they where horrible. I have never herd a screech out of these new ones even when pushing hard through corners and taking off hard at the lights.
I would defiantly recommend these and buy them again.
