Head-to-head Updated

Continental PremiumContact 6 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5 — Compared

Relative Score (0–100): 60% professional tests, 40% owner reviews.

Pilot Sport 5 is ahead, 82–77

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Tests 82 · 42 tests Owners 73 · 2,343 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 50 in 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test (dry braking)

“Well having 4 tyres to change on the Polestar 2 at the same time - and the OE spec Continental Premium Contact 6 tyres being $1020 each!!! (wtf are they made from?) I went with Pirelli Dragon Sports - same 99YXL weight rating - higher speed rating. Noise - no difference at all. Efficiency - nothing I can see from a week of driving. The car's trip average kWh/100km hasn't budged. Wear? Well the Contis lasted 22k km on the front and 44k km on the rear so who knows? Couldn't be worse, could it? Traction - same in the dry and I haven't noticed any difference in the wet but haven't been hooning it...Oh - and they were $290 each balanced and fitted.”

Tire BMichelin

Pilot Sport 5

Summer

Tests 84 · 23 tests Owners 82 · 6,414 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 4 in Michelin CrossClimate 3 & 3 Sport vs Pilot Sport 5 vs Primacy 5 (dry handling)

“The Tire Rack no longer has the selection with the major name brands it once did. I can order the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 in 225/45R18 from Costco but the Tire Rack doesn't offer it in that size. I can order the Continental Sport Contact 7 at Discount Tire in 225/45R18 but not at the Tire Rack. When my wife and I had a Corolla Hybrid, it took a 195/65R15. Michelin quit offering the CC2 in that size so the next best all-weather tire at the time that fit was the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 750. The Tire Rack never offered that tire but Discount Tire had it in stock locally. None of the tires I mentioned are exclusive tires for certain retailers. I enjoy the Tire Rack website and the testing they do, but they are no longer the go to merchant when buying tires like they once was.”

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

  1. 82

    Dry

    Pilot Sport 5 +6
    88
    Why this score
    SourcePremiumContact 6Pilot Sport 5
    Professional tests (TWG score)8691
    Reviews found online7684
    Dry Braking (% of best)100%98%
    Dry Handling (% of best)100%100%
    Dry (% of best)98%93%
  2. 83

    Wet

    Pilot Sport 5 +7
    90
    Why this score
    SourcePremiumContact 6Pilot Sport 5
    Professional tests (TWG score)8792
    Reviews found online7887
    Longitudinal Aquaplaning (% of best)70%94%
    Transverse Aquaplaning (% of best)90%100%
    Wet (% of best)96%99%
    Wet Braking (% of best)100%99%
    Wet Braking - Concrete (% of best)100%97%
    Wet Circle (% of best)97%99%
    Wet Handling (% of best)98%99%
  3. 73

    Snow

    No comparison
    –
    Why this score
    SourcePremiumContact 6Pilot Sport 5
    Reviews found online76–
  4. 77

    Comfort

    PremiumContact 6 +2
    75
    Why this score
    SourcePremiumContact 6Pilot Sport 5
    Professional tests (TWG score)8271
    Reviews found online7080
  5. 52

    Noise

    PremiumContact 6 +7
    45
    Why this score
    SourcePremiumContact 6Pilot Sport 5
    Professional tests (TWG score)3930
    Reviews found online71–
    Exterior Noise (% of best)60%71%
  6. 76

    Treadwear

    Pilot Sport 5 +6
    82
    Why this score
    SourcePremiumContact 6Pilot Sport 5
    Professional tests (TWG score)8487
    Reviews found online6575
  7. 75

    Handling

    Pilot Sport 5 +8
    83
    Why this score
    SourcePremiumContact 6Pilot Sport 5
    Reviews found online7583
Scores at a glance
Continental PremiumContact 6 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5: scores by category (0–100)
CategoryContinental PremiumContact 6Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Relative Score 77 82
Dry 82 88
Wet 83 90
Snow 73 –
Comfort 77 75
Noise 52 45
Treadwear 76 82
Handling 75 83

Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.

Weight the categories that matter to you

Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.

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Neutral
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Neither tire has a score here yet, so this weight changes nothing.

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Important
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Recomputed
Headline score

PremiumContact 6

Pilot Sport 5

Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.

The professional test results behind the scores

Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.

DisciplineCategoryPremiumContact 6Pilot Sport 5ΔBoth?
Curved Aquaplaning Curved 90% #6/8 · 2021 Camper Van / SUV Tyre Test 94% #6/20 · 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test −4.2 Different tests
Dry Braking Dry 100% #1/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 98% #6/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test +2.0 Different tests
Dry Handling Dry 100% #1/10 · 2019 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test 100% #1/4 · Michelin CrossClimate 3 & 3 Sport vs Pilot Sport 5 vs Primacy 5 0.0 Different tests
Dry Dry 98% #3/8 · 2022 Al Volante Summer Tire Test R16 93% #5/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 +5.4 Different tests
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 80% #2/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 90% #6/8 · 2024 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test −10.2 Different tests
Fuel Consumption Fuel 96% #6/10 · 2022 ViBilagare Eco vs Normal Tyre Test 95% #8/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test +1.8 Different tests
Exterior Noise Noise 60% #10/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 71% #7/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 −11.4 Different tests
Abrasion Other 50% #10/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 83% #5/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test −32.9 Different tests
Noise Other 96% #10/11 · 2020 AMS 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test 97% #16/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test −1.3 Different tests
Price Other 41% #9/10 · 2021 Motor Summer Tyre Test 65% #9/10 · 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test −24.5 Different tests
Value Other 80% #2/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 70% #10/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test +10.4 Different tests
Wear Other 100% #1/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 93% #2/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test +6.5 Different tests
Overall Ranking Overall 25% #4/10 · 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test 20% #5/10 · 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test +5.0 Different tests
Straight Aqua Straight 96% #4/10 · 2022 ViBilagare Eco vs Normal Tyre Test 100% #1/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test −4.4 Different tests
Subj. Comfort Subj 89% #3/10 · 2021 Auto Zeitung Summer UHP Tyre Test 92% #6/6 · 2024 TopTireReview Best UHP Tyres for Asia Test −2.7 Different tests
Subj. Dry Handling Subj 87% #5/20 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test 100% #1/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test −13.3 Different tests
Subj. Noise Subj 60% #6/8 · 2021 ViBilagare Summer Tyre Test 80% #5/8 · 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test −20.0 Different tests
Subj. Wet Handling Subj 90% #2/11 · 2020 AMS 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test 92% #8/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test −2.0 Different tests
Total Cost of Ownership Total 0% #2/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 0% #13/20 · 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test 0.0 Different tests
Longitudinal Aquaplaning Wet 70% #4/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 94% #2/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 −24.1 Different tests
Transverse Aquaplaning Wet 90% #2/9 · 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 100% #1/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 −10.0 Different tests
Wet Wet 96% #5/8 · 2022 Al Volante Summer Tire Test R16 99% #2/9 · 2023 ACE/ARBÖ/GTÜ 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 −2.6 Different tests
Wet Braking Wet 100% #1/10 · 2021 Motor Summer Tyre Test 99% #5/52 · 2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout +1.1 Different tests
Wet Braking - Concrete Wet 100% #1/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test 97% #3/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test +3.1 Different tests
Wet Circle Wet 97% #8/10 · 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test 99% #3/8 · 2024 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test −2.1 Different tests
Wet Handling Wet 98% #3/9 · 2017 EVO Summer Tyre Test 99% #2/6 · 2024 Sport Auto Summer Tyre Test −1.3 Different tests

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A PremiumContact 6

Pros

  • Exceptional grip and short braking distances on both dry and wet road surfaces
  • Precise steering response and predictable handling near the limit
  • High level of high-speed stability and driver confidence

Cons

  • Faster tread wear and shorter lifespan reported by spirited drivers
  • Increased road noise and harshness on coarse or rough asphalt
  • Softer sidewalls can result in less immediate turn-in sharpness compared to dedicated ultra-high-performance tires
All owner themes in the PremiumContact 6 review

Tire B Pilot Sport 5

Pros

  • Outstanding wet and dry traction with high resistance to aquaplaning
  • Superior tread life and longevity compared to competitors and previous generations
  • Noticeable improvements in ride comfort and a quieter cabin over rough road surfaces

Cons

  • Softer sidewalls can lead to initial steering vagueness or understeer during hard cornering
  • Higher price point compared to some tier-one competitors
  • Performance and grip degrade significantly under intense track heat or heavy circuit use
All owner themes in the Pilot Sport 5 review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Continental PremiumContact 6

Positive

Community feedback for the Continental Premium Contact 6 is largely positive, with drivers consistently praising its strong wet and dry grip, safety, and braking performance. Some users note softer sidewalls compared to dedicated ultra-high-performance tires and express concerns regarding premium pricing or wear rates. Overall, it is viewed as a capable, high-performing summer tire that balances comfort and traction effectively.

z4-forum.com ·2022-09-26

“In the case of summer tyres nope at the part of the market things haven't changed THAT MUCH... But there are now better tyres, smoother, quieter better handling..the Conti Premium Contact 6 on my cars was a noticeable improvement.. Price can be a major variable..not sure how they price out.. Assy 6 and PS5s are both in the same space as the Conti Premium 6.. Again had Assy 5 and it was a very good tyre..the Assy 6 is even better.. Each turn of the design just keeps getting better..the R+Ts are just old designs..things have moved on..BUT NOT THAT MUCH!”

r/TyreReviews ·6 upvotes ·2026-09-01

“Pirelli PZero PZ5 too stiff for my like, Continental PremiumContact 6 too soft... I had some cheap 225/45/18 tyres for my older 3.0L RWD car with a quite stiff sport suspension. Replaced them with 225/40/18 Pirelli PZero PZ5. I realized these had a 5 % smaller sidewall, but 225/40 is the basic size. These were way too stiff for me! Roads here have plenty of imperfections and the bumps were giving me a headache. I managed to sell the old PZ5 for a good price and replaced them with Continental PremiumContact 6s, now with larger sidewall 225/45/18. It's alright, but there's definitely less road feedback than PZ5s. So I'm not really that happy with either. What would have been the best compromise between PZ5 and PC6? Goodyear Assymetric 6? Or maybe my fault was going for 40 % sidewall, PZ5 with 45 may had been suitable? It's just that the 45s cost way much more as a more rare size. Read more”

r/tires ·1 upvote ·2025-05-04

“Continental PremiumContact 6 Bought in 2020. new, first picture is front, second is back, I rotated them 2 years ago. I see some dry rot, but they could be good for this and another year? Škoda Octavia 1.9TDI 110hp, tire size 195-65-15”

Top themes
#wet weather grip#braking and safety#sidewall stiffness and comfort#tread wear and longevity#price and value comparison#road noise levels

Based on 16 community posts

Tire B

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Positive

Community opinion on the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is overwhelmingly positive for daily street driving, praising its exceptional wet grip, tread longevity, and quiet comfort compared to run-flats and older performance tires. However, several enthusiasts note downsides for aggressive or track use, specifically citing softer sidewalls, muted steering feedback, and poor heat resistance leading to delamination under track conditions. Most drivers consider it an outstanding premium all-rounder for sporty street cars rather than a dedicated track or extreme-performance tire.

r/TeslaUK ·3 upvotes ·2026-03-27

“Pilot sport 5? Hi, after replacement tyres for M3. Just touched 30k miles and all 4 need doing. Michelin 235/45 ZR18 (98Y) XL TL PILOT SPORT 5 I was looking at these 154 pounds from Costco. Only they’re not T rated. Was comparing them with the original 235/45 ZR 18 PILOT SPORT 4 XL TO TESLA these are 204 pounds at Costco. Thoughts on whether the PS5 will be ok please? Visited a couple of independent tyre shops yesterday, 1 quoted budget 100 each through to PS4s at 230 each. The second wouldn’t quote on non Tesla approved, so just quoted the PS4 T0s at 203 each. Cheers”

r/CarsAustralia ·8 upvotes ·2025-09-10

“In my experience they are quite long wearing tires and well worth the cost. I used to get around 40k out of most tyres. My first set of ps4’s lasted 55k and now the ps5’s are trending to beat it. I'm a pretty spirited driver around the roundabouts of Canberra too, though I only have a hatch so experiences may vary. As to performance I've driven them on my i30 n-line and other people’s i30N, BRZ, tesla 3, and stinger and the tyres have more grip than I have guts to push them on public roads. In both wet and dry they are very confidence inspiring and a hell of a lot of fun.”

r/ft86 ·2 upvotes ·2026-07-21

“PS5 is a very good allround, comfortable but grippy tire. PS4S has a stiffer sidewall and is way sportier but harsher. There is to date no successor for the PS4S. I switched from PS4S to PS5 on my mustang and its a way better fit for a daily tire. I would remommend to get PS5 for the rear aswell.”

Top themes
#wet grip performance#tread wear longevity#daily driving comfort#track heat delamination#soft sidewall steering feedback#road noise levels#comparison with ps4s

Based on 174 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Continental PremiumContact 6 B · Michelin Pilot Sport 5
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available11366
Rim diameters15″ – 22″16″ – 22″
Tread depth8 - 9/32″—
UTQG280 A - AA A—
SidewallBlack Side Wall—
Max pressure50 - 51 psi—

Which one should you actually buy?

Continental PremiumContact 6

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 — better handling, wet and dry. Pick the Continental PremiumContact 6 if noise matters most to you.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 83 vs 75 on handling.

Pick tire A You want a quieter cabin

Continental PremiumContact 6 scores 52 vs 45 on noise.

Pick tire B Your priority is wet-weather safety

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 90 vs 83 on wet.

Pick tire B You want the most grip on dry roads

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 88 vs 82 on dry.

Tire A · Continental PremiumContact 6
Tire B · Michelin Pilot Sport 5

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How do we compare tires?

Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.

Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.

82

Leads

Pilot Sport 5

Amazon