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Between Pirelli vs Continental tires, which brand produces the best-quality tires for different types of automobiles? If we should conclude Consumer Reports’ ratings, Continental tires have higher positive ratings than Pirelli tires.
But then, here’s a detailed Pirelli and Continental Tires comparison that explains different factors that distinguish the various tire models from these two top brands.
Continental tires are typically known to have longer tread life, while Pirelli tires offer better handling in different road conditions. Tires from Pirelli and Continental are relatively cost-friendly when compared with Michelin and Goodyear.
Pirelli Tires Overview
Pirelli is an Italian tire manufacturer ranked as the 6th-largest tire manufacturer worldwide. The company manufactures different types of tires for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. Tires from this brand are considered among the best-quality options in the market.
Also, Pirelli tires are used as OE tires by some top auto manufacturers, which include Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche, Maserati, McLaren, and Lamborghini. No doubt, Pirelli tires are reliable, deliver good performance, and they are not noisy on the roads.
Continental Tires Overview
Continental Tire is a German tire manufacturing brand based in Hanover, Germany. Tires from this brand are sold globally, and they are really good. The brand is the fourth-largest tire manufacturer worldwide; it also has headquarters in Fort Mill, South Carolina, United States.
Interestingly, Continental manufactures different types of tires SUVs, trucks, vans, limos, and other types of cars. More so, the brand manufactures OE seasonal tires and all-season tires for top auto brands like Audi, Tesla, and Porsche.
Continental tires typically have longer tread life compared with tires within their specific ranges.
The brand is focused on producing eco-friendly tires that deliver good performance on all roads types.
Pirelli Vs Continental Tires
Tire Brand | Pirelli | Continental |
Wet Road Performance | 4.2/5.0 | 4.4/5.0 |
Dry Road Performance | 4.3/5.0 | 4.3/5.0 |
Tread Life Rating | Up to 65,000 mile | Up to 70,000 miles |
Size Varieties | All tire sizes | All tire sizes |
Road Noise | Normal | Almost Silent |
Price | More expensive | Expensive |
This comparison is based on the general performance of Pirelli tires and Continental tires – all models.
1. Wet Performance
Both Pirelli and Continental tires perform well on wet roads. They provide good traction and balance. Generally, while the Pirelli tires rate 4.2/5.0, Continentals tires rate 4.4/5.0 in wet performance – the difference isn’t significant.
A comparison by Cardekho rated Pirelli CINTURATO P1 at 4.1/5.0 in wet performance and Continental ContiMaxContact MC5 at 4.2/5.0 in wet performance.
2. Dry Performance
Driving in the summertime? Pirelli tires and Continental tires deliver good performance on dry roads. Continental summer tires are manufactured using a dedicated rubber compound that delivers excellent grip and handling on dry roads; the tires also perform well on wet roads.
Pirelli tires are built with premium tread compounds that guarantee better traction and grip on dry and snowy roads. They also deliver good performance on dry roads – almost as perfect as Michelin tires.
3. Tire Variety
Again, there’s no winner here. Both Pirelli and Continental manufactures different types of tires, which include summer tires, winter tires, and all-seasonal tires. Also, both brands produce tires of different sizes, so you can find the perfect tire that fits your vehicle.
4. Tire Tread Life
Generally, Continental tires have the highest tread life warranty of all premium tire brands. Most Continental tires have a tread warranty of 70,000 miles. In contrast, Pirelli tires’ tread-life warranty is between 50,000 and 65,000 miles for most of its tires.
5. Price
Continental and Pirelli are premium tire brands, so their tires come with high price tags. However, between the two brands, Pirelli tires cost more. While you can get Continental tires from $70 to $500 per tire, Pirelli tires cost from $95 upwards per tire.
6. Road Noise
Old Pirelli tires manufactured before 2019 are noisy; however, from 2019, the brand started making tires with PNCS (Pirelli Noise Canceling System) to reduce road noise by 3 decibels. This noise cancellation technology really works – newer Pirelli tires are less noisy than the old ones.
On the other hand, Continental tires are among the quietest on roads. The brand makes its tires with patented ContiSilent noise-reducing technology, which uses an inner tire absorber to reduce road noise up to 9 decibels.
What More?
This Pirelli vs Continental tires comparison takes a lot at all tire models produced by these two top brands. Overall, Pirelli tires are more expensive than Continental tires and they perform well on wet and dry roads.
Continental tires are also expensive, but not as expensive as Pirelli tires. They perform well on dry and wet roads and come with a longer tread life warranty. Both brands have different types of tires for different seasons and vehicle types.
Pirelli and Continental are among the top 6 best tire brands in the world, and they produce OE tires for some notable auto manufacturing brands.
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