Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 72
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 39
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the PremiumContact 7 finished ahead 7 times and the Cinturato P7 C2 not once. The PremiumContact 7 stopped 6.2% shorter in the wet; the Cinturato P7 C2 had 1.3% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Continental PremiumContact 7 for maximum safety and precision-frequent rain, enthusiastic driving, and mixed conditions. Choose Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 for quieter, more economical motoring-urban/commuter use, comfort focus, and fuel-saving priority.
Where the PremiumContact 7 is stronger
- Outstanding wet braking and wet handling consistency (often 4-11% advantage)
- Class-leading dry braking and precise, confidence-inspiring steering
- Good wear and overall value in broader test scoring
Where the Cinturato P7 C2 is stronger
- Low rolling resistance for better fuel economy
- Lower external noise and good ride comfort
- Predictable, easy-to-drive handling with strong dry grip
Conclusion
Across multiple sizes and test houses, the Continental PremiumContact 7 is the stronger driver's tire and the safer bet in challenging conditions. It wins all seven shared tests, leads most dry metrics by fractions, and opens meaningful gaps in wet braking (often 4-11% shorter) and wet handling. It also shows solid longevity and value in comprehensive evaluations. The trade-offs are higher noise and typically higher rolling resistance and price.
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 counters with quieter operation, better comfort, and consistently lower rolling resistance-translating to reduced fuel use and often a friendlier price tag. Its dry and wet grip is close to the best in class, but it can lag in wet braking and aquaplaning margins, which is where Continental builds its advantage. If you prioritize safety headroom and steering precision, pick Continental; if you want a calm, efficient, and refined daily driver at a keener cost, Pirelli fits better. The practical takeaway: Continental for performance and wet security, Pirelli for efficiency and comfort.
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
PremiumContact 7 vs Cinturato P7 C2 at a glance
| Category | PremiumContact 7 | Gap | Cinturato P7 C2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 7 | 0 | |
| Dry14 measurements | 13 | The PremiumContact 7 stopped 1.8% shorter in the dry (7 tests) | 0 |
| Wet27 measurements | 20 | The PremiumContact 7 stopped 6.2% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 5 |
| Comfort7 measurements | 0 | The Cinturato P7 C2 was 0.9 dB quieter (5 tests) | 7 |
| Value7 measurements | 2 | The Cinturato P7 C2 had 1.3% lower rolling resistance (6 tests) | 5 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.5/10 | The PremiumContact 7 by 0.6 | 8.9/10 |
| Owner rating72 and 39 reviews | 83% | Too close to call | 83% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 74% | The Cinturato P7 C2 by 8 points | 82% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +6.6% | The PremiumContact 7 was dearer in 3 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 56 | 1 size made in both | 2 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 7 tests, 2023 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | PremiumContact 7 | Field | Cinturato P7 C2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Summer and All Season Combined Tire Test | P2 of 14 | P3 of 14 | |
| 2024 Motorhome Summer Tire Test | P1 of 10 | P5 of 10 | |
| 2024 AZ Summer Tire Test | P1 of 9 | P2 of 9 | |
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tire Test | P2 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2024 Summer Tire Market Overview | P1 of 55 | P9 of 55 | |
| 2023 Motor Summer Tire Test | P1 of 8 | P4 of 8 | |
| Tire Reviews Best Summer Touring Tires | P1 of 13 | P2 of 13 |
Performance profile
13 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
PremiumContact 7
Cinturato P7 C2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 4 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
PremiumContact 7
Cinturato P7 C2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
PremiumContact 7
Cinturato P7 C2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 83% from 72 reviews and the Cinturato P7 C2 83% from 39. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | PremiumContact 7 | Gap | Cinturato P7 C2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | 1.8% | 117 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60.74 | 1.1% | 61.39 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60.5 | 0.7% | 60.1 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 8.2% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 123 | 6.2% | 131 | 6-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 80.46 | 0.8% | 81.15 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 44.7 | 1% | 44.2 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14.6 | 7.4% | 13.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.6 | 1.6% | 11.79 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.5 | 0.3% | 50.3 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 22.1 | 1.3% | 22.7 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 3.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 12.5% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.04 | 0.9 dB | 70.1 | 0-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 19,107 | 23.5% | 15,472 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.96 | 1.3% | 6.86 | 1-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the PremiumContact 7 scores 9.5 and the Cinturato P7 C2 8.9 out of 10.
| PremiumContact 7 | Category | Cinturato P7 C2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 85 | ||
| 97 | Wet | 81 | ||
| 36 | Comfort | 71 | ||
| 67 | Value | 44 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| PremiumContact 7 | Category | Cinturato P7 C2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2 | Dry Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 9.2 | Wet Grip | 7.8 | ||
| 8.3 | Road Feedback | 8.3 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 8.3 | ||
| 7.3 | Wear | 8.1 | ||
| 7.5 | Comfort | 8.6 | ||
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 83% from 72 reviews and the Cinturato P7 C2 83% from 39. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental PremiumContact 7
- 83%from 72 reviews
- 74%would buy again
- 720,352 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners are largely impressed with the Continental PremiumContact 7, rating it 82.9% on average with no outright negative reviews, and the standout theme is strong, confidence-inspiring grip in both dry and wet conditions. Nearly half of owners mention excellent dry and wet grip, often backed up by praise for secure handling and stability. The main drawback is refinement: around a quarter to a third of owners report notable road noise, and a similar share are disappointed by tread life, with wear sometimes described as quicker than expected. Comfort is generally viewed positively overall, though opinions vary, and steering feel is more mixed than the outright grip levels suggest.
- Strong dry grip and traction
- Very confident wet grip
- Secure, planted handling in the dry
- Comfortable ride over bumps and on longer runs
- Noticeable road noise, especially on coarse surfaces
- Tread life can be disappointing for a premium tire
- Steering feel/precision can be inconsistent (some find it vague)
Summarised by AI from 58 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 72 PremiumContact 7 reviewsThe PremiumContact 7 offers a great balance of touring longevity, comfort, and sufficiently precise handling to keep you safe at higher speeds and in unexpected situations. These tires provide near-perfect grip across various conditions, performing exceptionally well on both dry and wet roads. On the other hand, they can get a bit noisy on rough surfaces.
Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2
- 83%from 39 reviews
- 82%would buy again
- 318,600 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 highly overall (83% average), most often praising its very comfortable, refined ride and low road noise. Dry performance is a clear strength, with many reporting strong dry grip and reassuring handling, plus good efficiency from low rolling resistance. Opinion is more mixed in the wet, with around one in five owners describing wet grip as mediocre or confidence-sapping, and a similar number noting steering feel can be a bit numb or lacking feedback.
- Very comfortable, supple ride
- Low road noise and a quieter cabin
- Excellent dry grip
- Secure dry handling
- Wet grip can feel mediocre or less confidence-inspiring
- Steering feel can be numb with limited feedback
- Cold-weather grip can drop off
Summarised by AI from 32 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 39 Cinturato P7 C2 reviewsAfter the first negative impressions, i've got used to the difference in feeling and feedback they give in weather changes. Even when they feel soft, or rock hard (same pressure, different ambient temperature) they handle well and give adequate road feedback. You need to be aware when a cold, rainy day comes after a warm, sunny one, they will be terrible in the first wet drive. After that, they will be dependable and informative as usual.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 56 sizes of the PremiumContact 7 and 2 of the Cinturato P7 C2, 1 of them made in both.
| Category | PremiumContact 7 | Cinturato P7 C2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 56 sizes, 16 to 21 inch | 2 sizes, 16 to 16 inch |
| Made in both | 1 size 205/55 R16 | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | B100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%B26% | C100% |
| EU label noise | 71-73 dB B100% | 72 dB C100% |
| On the market since | 2022 | 2026 |
| Replaced | Continental Premium Contact 6 | Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue (2012) |
| Replaced by | - | Pirelli Cinturato C3 |
| Awards | Recommended: Best Tires for Family Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Winner: Summer Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2024) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The PremiumContact 7 was the dearer tire in 3 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 6.6% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits two top-tier summer touring tires with very different personalities: Continental's PremiumContact 7, the class benchmark for grip and control, versus Pirelli's Cinturato P7 C2, a comfort- and efficiency-leaning all-rounder. Across seven shared professional tests from 2023-2025, the Continental consistently set the pace, especially in the wet, while the Pirelli kept pressure on with quieter manners and lower fuel consumption.
Expect a tight contest in dry braking and handling, with the Continental usually edging it by small margins, and a clearer gap in wet safety where the PremiumContact 7 repeatedly posts shorter stops and quicker laps. Conversely, if cabin quietness, comfort and rolling resistance matter most, the P7 C2 regularly scores better, often at a lower purchase price.
PremiumContact 7 vs Cinturato P7 C2: your questions
Is the Continental PremiumContact 7 or the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 the better tire?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental PremiumContact 7 finished ahead 7 times and the Cinturato P7 C2 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the PremiumContact 7 scores 9.5 and the Cinturato P7 C2 8.9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the PremiumContact 7 or the Cinturato P7 C2?
The PremiumContact 7 led 20 of the 27 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 6.2% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The PremiumContact 7 led 13 of the 14 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.8% shorter in the dry across 7 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Cinturato P7 C2 had 1.3% lower rolling resistance (6 tests). Owners rate wear 7.3/10 for the PremiumContact 7 and 8.1/10 for the Cinturato P7 C2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Cinturato P7 C2 was 0.9 dB quieter (5 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.5/10 for the PremiumContact 7 and 8.6/10 for the Cinturato P7 C2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the PremiumContact 7 83% from 72 reviews and the Cinturato P7 C2 83% from 39. 74% of PremiumContact 7 owners would buy it again, against 82% for the Cinturato P7 C2.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the PremiumContact 7 was the dearer tire in 3 of them, by 6.6% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The PremiumContact 7 is made in 56 sizes (16 to 21 inch) and the Cinturato P7 C2 in 2 (16 to 16 inch). 1 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the PremiumContact 7 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Cinturato P7 C2 B and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The Cinturato P7 C2 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2026, the PremiumContact 7 in 2022. The PremiumContact 7 replaced the Continental Premium Contact 6. The Cinturato P7 C2 replaced the Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue.
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Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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