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Head-to-head Updated

Continental SportContact 7 vs Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) — Compared

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 + 33 road tests and 1,629 + 2,625 owner reviews. How we score

SportContact 7 is ahead, 84–66

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Continental SportContact 7
Tire AContinental

SportContact 7

Summer

± 5

Tests 84 · 22 tests Owners 83 · 1,629 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.”

Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)
Tire BPirelli

P Zero (PZ4)

Summer

± 5

Tests 68 · 33 tests Owners 62 · 2,625 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test (wet handling)

“Pirelli P Zero Tyres But if a rant. Brought my i4 edrive 40 about 14 months ago from a main dealer here in the UK. The front tyres (Hankook) had decent tread, obviously the rears did not, so the dealer swapped them for brand new Pirelli PZero (PZ4) tyres at the rear. Honest to god I have never driven tyres so dam trash in my life. Anything other than a perfect warm dry day, there is little to no grip and car struggles to put its power down. I assume the Zero in P Zero refers to the grip levels. Just wondered if anyone else had any experience with Pirelli’s? Read more”

Category by category

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

Key facts

  • In 9 tests that measured dry braking for both, SportContact 7 won 9 and P Zero (PZ4) won 0 (average 100% vs 95% of the best).
  • In 9 tests that measured wet braking for both, SportContact 7 won 9 and P Zero (PZ4) won 0 (average 100% vs 86% of the best).
  • In 9 tests that measured rolling resistance for both, SportContact 7 won 9 and P Zero (PZ4) won 0 (average 89% vs 79% of the best).
  • In 8 tests that measured dry handling for both, SportContact 7 won 6 and P Zero (PZ4) won 1 (average 100% vs 99% of the best).
  • In 8 tests that measured straight aquaplaning for both, SportContact 7 won 5 and P Zero (PZ4) won 1 (average 97% vs 95% of the best).
  1. 97

    Dry

    SportContact 7 +14
    83
    Why this score
    SourceSportContact 7P Zero (PZ4)
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 21 / 30 tests10089
    Reviews found online9273
    Dry Braking (% of best) · 9 shared tests · wins 9–0100%95%
    Dry Handling (% of best) · 8 shared tests · wins 6–1100%99%
    Dry Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 3–0100%82%
    Dry (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%92%
    Subj. Elk Test (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%90%
    Dry Subj. Steering Response (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–190%100%
    Subj. Wet Circle (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%80%
    Dry Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%94%
    Dry Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%99%

    SportContact 7: 60% × 99.9 + 40% × 91.5 = 97

    P Zero (PZ4): 60% × 89.3 + 40% × 73 = 83

  2. 95

    Wet

    SportContact 7 +15
    80
    Why this score
    SourceSportContact 7P Zero (PZ4)
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 22 / 31 tests9687
    Reviews found online9370
    Curved Aquaplaning (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 1–492%93%
    Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 8 shared tests · wins 5–197%95%
    Wet Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–197%93%
    Wet (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%81%
    Wet Lateral Stability (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–080%80%
    Lateral Stability (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%99%
    Wet Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%95%
    Wet Handling (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%99%
    Wet Braking (% of best) · 9 shared tests · wins 9–0100%86%
    Wet Circle (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 1–193%93%
    Wet Handling (% of best) · 7 shared tests · wins 3–498%98%

    SportContact 7: 60% × 95.5 + 40% × 93.3 = 95

    P Zero (PZ4): 60% × 86.7 + 40% × 69.6 = 80

  3. 70

    Comfort

    SportContact 7 +7
    63
    Why this score
    SourceSportContact 7P Zero (PZ4)
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 5 / 9 tests5668
    Reviews found online7960
    Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–185%91%

    SportContact 7: 40% × 55.8 + 60% × 78.8 = 70

    P Zero (PZ4): 40% × 68.5 + 60% × 59.5 = 63

  4. 62

    Noise

    P Zero (PZ4) +8
    70
    Why this score
    SourceSportContact 7P Zero (PZ4)
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 19 / 19 tests5972
    Reviews found online≈ 66 (est.)≈ 66 (est.)
    Interior Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–090%90%
    Noise (% of best) · 7 shared tests · wins 2–498%99%
    Exterior Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–160%80%
    Noise (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0100%96%
    Internal Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–198%100%

    SportContact 7: 60% × 59.2 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 62

    P Zero (PZ4): 60% × 71.6 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 70

    No owner ratings of noise for SportContact 7 or P Zero (PZ4). The owner half is the owners’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.

  5. 69

    Treadwear

    SportContact 7 +36
    33
    Why this score
    SourceSportContact 7P Zero (PZ4)
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 5 tests7228
    Reviews found online6442

    SportContact 7: 60% × 72 + 40% × 63.9 = 69

    P Zero (PZ4): 60% × 27.7 + 40% × 41.7 = 33

  6. 91

    Handling (owners)

    SportContact 7 +21
    70
    Why this score
    SourceSportContact 7P Zero (PZ4)
    Reviews found online9170
  7. 72

    Efficiency

    SportContact 7 +44
    28
    Why this score
    SourceSportContact 7P Zero (PZ4)
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 21 / 21 tests7228
    Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 9 shared tests · wins 9–089%79%
Scores at a glance
CategoryContinental SportContact 7Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)
Relative Score 84 66
Dry 97 83
Wet 95 80
Comfort 70 63
Noise 62 70
Treadwear 69 33
Handling (owners) 91 70
Efficiency 72 28

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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Recomputed
Headline score
± 5

SportContact 7

± 5

P Zero (PZ4)

The professional test results behind the scores

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 12 tests that ran both, Continental SportContact 7 finished ahead 12 times and Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) 0 times.

DisciplineCategorySportContact 7P Zero (PZ4)ΔHead-to-head
Dry Dry 100% 92% +8.2 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 · 225/40R18
Dry Braking Dry 100% 95% +5.1 9–0 in 9 shared tests Newest: 2025 Sport Auto UUHP Tyre Test · 275/35 R19
Dry Braking Dry 100% 94% +6.1 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 · 235/35R19
Dry Handling Dry 100% 99% +1.0 6–1 in 8 shared tests Newest: 2025 Sport Auto UUHP Tyre Test · 275/35 R19
Dry Handling Dry 100% 99% +0.6 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 · 235/35R19
Dry Handling (tester's mark) Dry 100% 82% +18.1 3–0 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2025 AutoView Sports Tyre Test · 275/35R19
Dry Subj. Steering Response Dry 90% 100% −10.0 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 · 225/40R18
Subj. Elk Test Dry 100% 90% +10.0 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 · 225/40R18
Subj. Wet Circle Dry 100% 80% +20.0 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 · 225/40R18
Curved Aquaplaning Wet 92% 93% −1.1 1–4 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2025 Sport Auto UUHP Tyre Test · 275/35 R19
Lateral Stability Wet 100% 99% +1.2 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 · 235/35R19
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 97% 95% +1.2 5–1 in 8 shared tests Newest: 2025 Sports Cars Tyre Test · 245/35 R19
Wet Wet 100% 81% +18.9 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 · 225/40R18
Wet Braking Wet 100% 95% +5.2 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 · 235/35R19
Wet Braking Wet 100% 86% +13.7 9–0 in 9 shared tests Newest: 2025 Sport Auto UUHP Tyre Test · 275/35 R19
Wet Circle Wet 93% 93% +0.2 1–1 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 · 225/40R18
Wet Handling Wet 100% 99% +1.2 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 · 235/35R19
Wet Handling Wet 98% 98% −0.1 3–4 in 7 shared tests Newest: 2025 Sport Auto UUHP Tyre Test · 275/35 R19
Wet Handling (tester's mark) Wet 97% 93% +4.3 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2024 EVO Summer Tyre Test · 235/35 R19
Wet Lateral Stability Wet 80% 80% 0.0 0–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 · 225/40R18
Comfort (tester's mark) Comfort 85% 91% −5.6 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2025 Sports Cars Tyre Test · 245/35 R19
Exterior Noise Noise 60% 80% −20.0 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 · 225/40R18
Interior Noise Noise 90% 90% 0.0 0–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 AUTO Straßenverkehr 2023 Summer Tire Test R18 · 225/40R18
Internal Noise Noise 98% 100% −2.1 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 Auto Express UUHP Summer Tire Test R19 · 235/35R19
Noise Noise 98% 99% −0.5 2–4 in 7 shared tests Newest: 2025 Sport Auto UUHP Tyre Test · 275/35 R19
Noise (tester's mark) Noise 100% 96% +4.1 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2024 EVO Summer Tyre Test · 235/35 R19
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 89% 79% +10.3 9–0 in 9 shared tests Newest: 2025 Sport Auto UUHP Tyre Test · 275/35 R19
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Price Cost 71% 71% +0.6 1–3 in 4 shared tests Newest: 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18
Overall Ranking Overall #2/7 #6/7 – 12–0 in 12 shared tests Newest: 2025 Moottori EV Summer Tire Test R19 · 255/45R19

Pros, cons & observations

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

Tire A SportContact 7

Pros

  • Phenomenal wet and dry grip with high cornering limits
  • Precise steering response and excellent road feedback
  • Strong braking performance and high stability at speed

Cons

  • Faster-than-average tread wear, especially with spirited driving or track use
  • Stiff sidewalls can contribute to a harsher, bumpier ride
  • Elevated road noise reported on certain road surfaces
All owner themes in the SportContact 7 review

Tire B P Zero (PZ4)

Pros

  • Outstanding dry grip and handling performance
  • Precise steering feedback and agile cornering stability
  • Low road noise and high comfort on smooth tarmac

Cons

  • Rapid tread wear, especially on performance or rear-wheel-drive vehicles
  • Subpar performance and susceptibility to aquaplaning in cold or heavy wet weather
  • Stiff ride quality that can transmit harsh impacts on rough roads
All owner themes in the P Zero (PZ4) review

What real owners are saying

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

Tire A

Continental SportContact 7

Positive

The community generally regards the SportContact 7 as an excellent ultra-high-performance tire, praised for exceptional dry and wet grip, direct steering, quick warm-up, and good rim protection. Many rank it at or above the Michelin PS4S and ahead of the PS5 and Goodyear Asymmetric 6 for outright performance. The main criticisms are fast tread wear (often about 10–15k miles), low starting tread depth, softer sidewalls, some tramlining and noise, and poor durability on track.

r/seat ·2 upvotes ·2026-04-21

“Had the same dilemma, went for PremiumContact 7 in the end for my Cupra ST300 4drive. Both have great traction when wet and dry, SC7 is more for an overall aggresive driving, while PC7 are bit more comfy, for a mix of sport and city daily cruising. Both are very quiet on the highway.”
r/Corvette ·2 upvotes ·2024-11-20

“Not a C7 but Continental SportContact 7, similar or better than PilotSport 4S in most aspect but a bit noisier, wears faster too”
mustang7g.com ·1 upvote ·2024-08-26

“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)”
Top themes
#Exceptional grip#Fast tread wear#Comparison with PS4S#Wet performance#Track durability#Comfort and noise#Rim protection#PremiumContact 7 alternative

Based on 115 community posts

Tire B

Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)

Negative

Community sentiment regarding the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) is largely critical, with users reporting extremely rapid tread wear and severe grip issues outside of warm, dry conditions. While some drivers consider them for OEM run-flat availability, multiple posts highlight concerns over poor longevity and lackluster wet and cold weather performance compared to competitors like Michelin.

r/lamborghini ·71 upvotes ·2026-03-29

“Urus Performante: Pirelli P Zero gone after 5.5k miles — normal or switch? My stock Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) on my Urus Performante are already done after just 5,500 miles (~9,500 km), mostly highway driving, no speeding, no track. Pretty disappointed with the lifespan. Got quoted $5,000 for the same Lamborghini-certified set. Alternatives are Michelin ($3,500), Nankang or any other options? Is this normal wear for this car? And are the OEM-certified tires actually worth that price, or better to switch?”
Top themes
#rapid tread wear#cold and wet grip#run flat availability#comparison to Michelin#OEM tire lifespan#luxury versus sport variants

Based on 7 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Continental SportContact 7 B · Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available123193
Rim diameters18″ – 24″17″ – 24″
Tread depth8 - 9/32″—
UTQG240 AA A—
SidewallBlack Side Wall—
Max pressure50 - 51 psi—
Sizes in common115115

Which one should you actually buy?

Continental SportContact 7

Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)

Winner: Continental SportContact 7 — better efficiency, treadwear and handling. Pick the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) if noise matters most to you.

Pick tire A You want lower fuel or energy use

Continental SportContact 7 scores 72 vs 28 on efficiency.

Pick tire A You want the longest tread life

Continental SportContact 7 scores 69 vs 33 on treadwear.

Pick tire A You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Continental SportContact 7 scores 91 vs 70 on handling.

Pick tire A Your priority is wet-weather safety

Continental SportContact 7 scores 95 vs 80 on wet.

Pick tire B Your priority is curved aquaplaning

Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) won 4 of 6 shared curved aquaplaning tests.

Tire A · Continental SportContact 7
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Tire B · Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)
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SportContact 7 or P Zero (PZ4)?

Which is better in the wet, SportContact 7 or P Zero (PZ4)?

Continental SportContact 7, 95 vs 80 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, SportContact 7 or P Zero (PZ4)?

Continental SportContact 7, 97 vs 83 on our dry score.

Which is quieter, SportContact 7 or P Zero (PZ4)?

Pirelli P Zero (PZ4), 70 vs 62 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, SportContact 7 or P Zero (PZ4)?

Continental SportContact 7, 70 vs 63 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, SportContact 7 or P Zero (PZ4)?

Continental SportContact 7, 69 vs 33 on our treadwear score.

Which rolls more easily, SportContact 7 or P Zero (PZ4)?

Continental SportContact 7, 72 vs 28 on our efficiency score.

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.

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