Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 22 + 19 road tests and 1,611 + 3,366 owner reviews. How we score
SportContact 7 is ahead, 84–68
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Tests 84 · 22 tests Owners 84 · 1,611 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 18 in 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test (wet braking)
“On my 2nd set. Got decent mileage from them. 15k miles from the first set of rears and i've 11k on the 2nd set with 4.5mm still left on them.”
Tests 78 · 19 tests Owners 56 · 3,366 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 45 in 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout (wet braking)
“Tire preferences? My MK8 has a little over 18,000 miles now and the stock tires look like they’ve already gone to sh*t? Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 aren’t as good as they advertise? What do you recommend for tires?”
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
| Source | SportContact 7 | Ventus S1 evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 21 / 18 tests | 100 | 86 |
| Reviews found online | 92 | 60 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 3–0 | 100% | 97% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–0 | 100% | 98% |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 | 100% | 60% |
SportContact 7: 60% × 99.6 + 40% × 92.1 = 97
Ventus S1 evo3: 60% × 85.5 + 40% × 60 = 75
| Source | SportContact 7 | Ventus S1 evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 22 / 18 tests | 96 | 90 |
| Reviews found online | 94 | 68 |
| Curved Aquaplaning (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 | 93% | 85% |
| Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 3–0 | 98% | 96% |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 | 100% | 80% |
| Wet Braking (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 2–1 | 96% | 98% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 | 100% | 98% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 | 97% | 99% |
SportContact 7: 60% × 96.3 + 40% × 93.6 = 95
Ventus S1 evo3: 60% × 90.2 + 40% × 67.5 = 81
| Source | SportContact 7 | Ventus S1 evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 5 / 4 tests | 56 | 65 |
| Reviews found online | 80 | 56 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 80% | 100% |
SportContact 7: 40% × 56.4 + 60% × 80.1 = 71
Ventus S1 evo3: 40% × 64.7 + 60% × 55.5 = 59
| Source | SportContact 7 | Ventus S1 evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 19 / 14 tests | 59 | 77 |
| Reviews found online | ≈ 67 (est.) | ≈ 67 (est.) |
| Noise (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–1 | 99% | 99% |
| Noise (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 80% | 100% |
SportContact 7: 60% × 59.1 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 62
Ventus S1 evo3: 60% × 77.3 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 73
No owner ratings of noise for SportContact 7 or Ventus S1 evo3. The owner half is the owners’ average (67): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
| Source | SportContact 7 | Ventus S1 evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 4 tests | 72 | 61 |
| Reviews found online | 64 | 40 |
SportContact 7: 60% × 72.1 + 40% × 63.6 = 69
Ventus S1 evo3: 60% × 60.7 + 40% × 40.3 = 53
| Source | SportContact 7 | Ventus S1 evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews found online | 92 | 58 |
| Source | SportContact 7 | Ventus S1 evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 21 / 15 tests | 72 | 68 |
| Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 3–0 | 92% | 90% |
| Category | Continental SportContact 7 | Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 84 | 68 |
| Dry | 97 | 75 |
| Wet | 95 | 81 |
| Comfort | 71 | 59 |
| Noise | 62 | 73 |
| Treadwear | 69 | 53 |
| Handling (owners) | 92 | 58 |
| Efficiency | 72 | 68 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
SportContact 7
Ventus S1 evo3
Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.
In the overall rankings of 3 tests that ran both, Continental SportContact 7 finished ahead 3 times and Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 0 times.
| Discipline | Category | SportContact 7 | Ventus S1 evo3 | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 100% | 97% | +2.6 | 3–0 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 100% | 98% | +1.6 | 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) | Dry | 100% | 60% | +40.0 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Curved Aquaplaning | Wet | 93% | 85% | +8.1 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 AutoBild 19 Inch Summer UHP Tyre Test · 245/40 R19 |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 98% | 96% | +1.8 | 3–0 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 96% | 98% | −2.0 | 2–1 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 100% | 98% | +1.3 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 97% | 99% | −1.4 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) | Wet | 100% | 80% | +20.0 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 80% | 100% | −20.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Interior Noise | Noise | 90% #2/10 · 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 | 94% #6/8 · 2024 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Noise | Noise | 99% | 99% | −0.1 | 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Noise (tester's mark) | Noise | 80% | 100% | −20.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Wear | Treadwear | 58% #9/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 56% #13/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 92% | 90% | +1.8 | 3–0 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 55% | 66% | −11.1 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Value | Cost | 33% #15/18 · 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 58% #15/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #3/8 | #6/8 | – | 3–0 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2025 Die Reifentester UHP Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Community members widely praise the Continental SportContact 7 for outstanding dry and wet grip, sharp steering precision, and strong value compared to key rivals like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. However, users frequently highlight faster tread wear, reduced initial tread depth, and occasional issues with road noise and comfort as main drawbacks.
“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.”
“I have Continental Sport Contact 7's on my S550 and the are better than the PS4S in my view (plus they stack up well in independent reviews as well)”
“Just took the factory SC7’s off my gfs puma ST, they are super grippy, they feel even stickier than the PS4S on my car but I’d say they are less predictable at the limits and I always felt like they tramlined a bit too much and they weren’t a very comfortable tyre. Fronts have just under half their tread left after 11000 miles. Swapped em out for conti all season contact 2’s as she needs to be able to go out during any conditions and she doesn’t want to have two sets.”
Based on 114 community posts
Community sentiment toward the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 is mixed, with users frequently praising its strong dry and wet grip, comfort, and competitive pricing. However, notable drawbacks include relatively fast tread wear, reports of increasing road noise over time, and mixed experiences with OEM specs versus premium competitors like Michelin.
“You will love the Ventus S1 EVO3's, I purchased a set back in May 2020 for $473 delivered. In your climate driving at Texas speeds (75-85) efficiency is gonna be about 270-295 Wh/m. I just ordered a set of the iON EVO AS to try out as I have a need for snow use but not bad enough for snow tires.”
“Which tire should I choose? I’m currently looking for new summer tires, but this time I’m finding it surprisingly difficult to choose. My previous set were Bridgestone T005s, which honestly didn’t impress me much. On my earlier car I’ve driven on Michelin PS4S, Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, and Pirelli (don’t remember the exact model). The Michelins were by far my favorite — excellent grip and overall a fantastic tire. The Hankooks were above average and perfectly fine, but the Pirellis were a big disappointment. This time I’m considering the following three options: • Michelin Pilot Sport 5 • Continental SportContact 7 • Kumho Ecsta Sport S PS72 If I hadn’t done any research, I would have gone for the Michelins without hesitation. However, after digging a bit deeper, I added the Continentals as a strong competitor, and the Kumhos because they’re significantly cheaper while still getting quite positive reviews. I drive a Cupra Formentor 2.0 AWD with around 430 hp. I never take the car to the track, but I do enjoy sporty driving and quick launches at traffic lights. Now I’m finding the final decision harder than expected. Taking both price and performance into account, which of these three would you recommend? Read more”
“F/S Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 235/35 R19 Hi Guys Selling a full set (4) Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 235/35 R19 summer tires, with 9/32 tread depth which is exactly the same depth when these ultra high performance tires are new. No punctures anywhere. Tires came of my 2024 VW GTI with less than 3k miles on the odometer. The production date on the tires is 3324 which means 33rd week of 2024.This translates to late August 2024. $500/obo but no shipping. Local pick up only. I am in Long Island NY. Message if interested. Read more”
Based on 33 community posts
| Attribute | A · Continental SportContact 7 | B · Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 123 | 110 |
| Rim diameters | 18″ – 24″ | 17″ – 22″ |
| Tread depth | 8 - 9/32″ | — |
| UTQG | 240 AA A | — |
| Sidewall | Black Side Wall | — |
| Max pressure | 50 - 51 psi | — |
| Sizes in common | 75 | 75 |
Continental SportContact 7
Hankook Ventus S1 evo3
Winner: Continental SportContact 7 — better handling, dry and treadwear. Pick the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 if noise matters most to you.
Continental SportContact 7 scores 92 vs 58 on handling.
Continental SportContact 7 scores 97 vs 75 on dry.
Continental SportContact 7 scores 69 vs 53 on treadwear.
Continental SportContact 7 scores 95 vs 81 on wet.
Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 won 2 of 2 shared wet handling tests.
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Continental SportContact 7, 95 vs 81 on our wet score.
Continental SportContact 7, 97 vs 75 on our dry score.
Hankook Ventus S1 evo3, 73 vs 62 on our noise score.
Continental SportContact 7, 71 vs 59 on our comfort score.
Continental SportContact 7, 69 vs 53 on our treadwear score.
Continental SportContact 7, 72 vs 68 on our efficiency score.
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.
Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology
