Continental VikingContact 7 vs Michelin X Ice Snow

In this article we will be looking at independent tire test data, and real world driver reviews of the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Michelin X Ice Snow to find out which tire is best for your own driving.

The good news is that both the Continental VikingContact 7 and Michelin X Ice Snow are Premium Touring Winter tires designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars, which means comparing the two tires is relatively simple.

Both tires are hugely popular in the market place with drivers, and both have been featured in independent tire tests.

In This Article
Introduction Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion
VikingContact-7 VS X-Ice-Snow

Test Results

Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been seven tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these seven tests:

  • Continental VikingContact 7 finished ahead of the Michelin X Ice Snow in five of the tests
  • The Continental VikingContact 7 and Michelin X Ice Snow drew in two of the tests

While it might look like the Continental VikingContact 7 is better than the Michelin X Ice Snow purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.

Dry Braking

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 2.95% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
33.59M
Michelin X Ice Snow
34.61M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Continental VikingContact 7

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:30.3M Michelin X Ice Snow: 31.2M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:29.64M Michelin X Ice Snow: 31.49M
2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:31.8M ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 31.5M
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:45.87M Michelin X Ice Snow: 47.88M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:30.32M Michelin X Ice Snow: 30.96M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 was 0.56% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
72.6s
Michelin X Ice Snow
73.01s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental VikingContact 7

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:72.6s Michelin X Ice Snow: 73.01s

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 scored 0.87% more points than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
28.75 Points
Michelin X Ice Snow
28.5 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Continental VikingContact 7

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:7 Points ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 8 Points
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:4 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 4 Points
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:100 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 98 Points
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental VikingContact 7:4 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 4 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 2.04% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
37.01M
Michelin X Ice Snow
37.78M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Continental VikingContact 7

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:38.5M Michelin X Ice Snow: 38.6M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:38.39M Michelin X Ice Snow: 40.23M
2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:33.8M Michelin X Ice Snow: 36.1M
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:35.03M Michelin X Ice Snow: 35.59M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental VikingContact 7:39.31M ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 38.4M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 was 0.57% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
47.5s
Michelin X Ice Snow
47.77s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental VikingContact 7

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:34.7s Michelin X Ice Snow: 35s
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:44.99s ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 44.71s
2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:35.6s ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 35.5s
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:80.8s Michelin X Ice Snow: 81.55s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:41.4s Michelin X Ice Snow: 42.1s

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during zero subj. wet handling tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 scored 4.63% more points than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
51.5 Points
Michelin X Ice Snow
54 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:8 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 8 Points
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:95 Points ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 100 Points

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during zero straight aqua tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 floated at a 4.03% higher speed than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
67.31Km/H
Michelin X Ice Snow
70.14Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:64.1Km/H ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 65.3Km/H
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:75.12Km/H ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 80.11Km/H
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental VikingContact 7:62.7Km/H ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 65Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during zero curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 slipped out at a 8.93% higher speed than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
58.1m/sec2
Michelin X Ice Snow
63.8m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:58.1m/sec2 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 63.8m/sec2

Snow Braking

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during four snow braking tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 1.12% less distance than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
28.15M
Michelin X Ice Snow
28.47M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Continental VikingContact 7

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:50.2M Michelin X Ice Snow: 50.4M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:11.46M Michelin X Ice Snow: 11.61M
2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:51.1M Michelin X Ice Snow: 52.3M
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:15.63M Michelin X Ice Snow: 15.81M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental VikingContact 7:12.34M ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 12.21M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during four snow traction tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 accelerated 1.08% faster than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
5.47s
Michelin X Ice Snow
5.53s
Snow acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Snow Traction: Continental VikingContact 7

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:5.9s Michelin X Ice Snow: 6s
2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:5.8s Michelin X Ice Snow: 5.9s
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:5.62s Michelin X Ice Snow: 5.66s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:4.55s Michelin X Ice Snow: 4.57s

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during five snow handling [s] tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 was 1.16% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
67.41s
Michelin X Ice Snow
68.2s
Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Continental VikingContact 7

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:48.3s Michelin X Ice Snow: 48.7s
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:72.25s Michelin X Ice Snow: 73.44s
2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:52.7s Michelin X Ice Snow: 53.6s
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:88.08s Michelin X Ice Snow: 88.56s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:75.7s Michelin X Ice Snow: 76.7s

Subj. Snow Handling

Continental VikingContact 7
52 Points
Michelin X Ice Snow
52 Points
Subjective Snow Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Snow Handling:

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:9 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 9 Points
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:95 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 95 Points

Snow Circle

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow was 1.36% faster around a snow circle than the Continental VikingContact 7.

Continental VikingContact 7
29.49S
Michelin X Ice Snow
29.09S
Snow Circle Time in Seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Circle: Michelin X Ice Snow

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:29.49S ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 29.09S

Ice Braking

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during four ice braking tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow stopped the vehicle 1.91% shorter than the Continental VikingContact 7.

Continental VikingContact 7
22.98M
Michelin X Ice Snow
22.54M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:43.2M ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 42.7M
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:3.06M Michelin X Ice Snow: 3.39M
2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:46M ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 44.4M
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:10.34M ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 10.14M
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental VikingContact 7:12.32M ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 12.09M

Ice Traction

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during two ice traction tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow accelerated 2.28% faster than the Continental VikingContact 7.

Continental VikingContact 7
6.13s
Michelin X Ice Snow
5.99s
Ice acceleration time, lower is better

Best In Ice Traction: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:5.5s ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 5.3s
2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:5.1s Michelin X Ice Snow: 5.2s
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:6.1s Michelin X Ice Snow: 6.12s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 Continental VikingContact 7:7.82s ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 7.32s

Ice Handling [s]

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during four ice handling [s] tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 was 3.77% faster around a lap than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
54.3s
Michelin X Ice Snow
56.43s
Ice handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Ice Handling [s]: Continental VikingContact 7

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:61s Michelin X Ice Snow: 61s
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:48.82s Michelin X Ice Snow: 52.54s
2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:65s Michelin X Ice Snow: 68.6s
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:52.17s Michelin X Ice Snow: 52.92s
2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:44.5s Michelin X Ice Snow: 47.1s

Subj. Ice Handling

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during one subj. ice handling tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 scored 3.74% more points than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
51.5 Points
Michelin X Ice Snow
53.5 Points
Subjective Ice Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Ice Handling: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:8 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 7 Points
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:95 Points ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 100 Points

Subj. Comfort

Continental VikingContact 7
95 Points
Michelin X Ice Snow
95 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin X Ice Snow

Subj. Noise

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during three subj. noise tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 scored 16.63% more points than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
8 Points
Michelin X Ice Snow
6.67 Points
Subjective in car noise levels, higher is better

Best In Subj. Noise: Continental VikingContact 7

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:9 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 8 Points
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:5 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 3 Points
2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:10 Points Michelin X Ice Snow: 9 Points

Noise

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during one noise tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 measured 0.67% quieter than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
74dB
Michelin X Ice Snow
74.5dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Continental VikingContact 7

2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:74dB Michelin X Ice Snow: 74.5dB

Noise

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during one noise tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 measured 0.32% quieter than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
61.9dB
Michelin X Ice Snow
62.1dB
Internal noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Continental VikingContact 7

2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:61.9dB Michelin X Ice Snow: 62.1dB

Price

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during one price tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow cost 3.56% less than the Continental VikingContact 7.

Continental VikingContact 7
1110.5
Michelin X Ice Snow
1071
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:1621 ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 1542
2021 Studless and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:600 Michelin X Ice Snow: 600

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin X Ice Snow was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin X Ice Snow had a 4.96% lower rolling resistance than the Continental VikingContact 7.

Continental VikingContact 7
5.24kg / t
Michelin X Ice Snow
4.98kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin X Ice Snow

2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:2.1kg / t ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 1.8kg / t
2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:6.05kg / t ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 5.89kg / t
2022/23 Tire Reviews Studless Winter Tire Test
205/55 R16		 Continental VikingContact 7:7.56kg / t ✓ Michelin X Ice Snow: 7.25kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental VikingContact 7 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Continental VikingContact 7 used 2.91% less fuel than the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Continental VikingContact 7
5l/100km
Michelin X Ice Snow
5.15l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Continental VikingContact 7

2023 Studless Friction Winter Tire Test
225/45 R17		 ✓ Continental VikingContact 7:5l/100km Michelin X Ice Snow: 5.15l/100km

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Continental VikingContact 7 and Michelin X Ice Snow.

In total the Continental VikingContact 7 has been reviewed 13 times and drivers have given the tire 68% overall.

The Michelin X Ice Snow has been reviewed 13 times and drivers have given the tire 83% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Michelin X Ice Snow.

Best Review for the Continental VikingContact 7
Given 63% 225/50 R17 T on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
Best studless winter tire i have ever had.
Good allround. Low noise. Just take it a little easier on very wet tarmac, or very warm dry tarmac, as with all nordic winter tires.

Not as good as studded tire on ice, say for example nokian hakka 8, but what tire are??

Dont know wear rate yet. Continental are usually worn down after 1, tops 2 years. So that is the bad side. Will report later.
Helpful 105 - tire reviewed on October 4, 2018
View all Continental VikingContact 7 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Michelin X Ice Snow
Given 93% 225/45 R17 on mostly country roads for 10,000 spirited miles
Previously owned the Michelin alpin 4a on a volkswagen tiguan. Fantastic tires, Decided to choose the new version for my Fiat Panda cross. The x ice snow is an amazing tire. It has been raining and snowing for the last month, i leave for work every morning in -10c and come home at night in -3c. Fresh snow, sludge, rain and ice. The tire is amazing. I feel confident while driving In all conditions. Recently went offroading in a few mountain trails. Parked the car up and iced road, jumped out with the kids, and we could not walk without falling over, Completely iced over. I did not even... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 182 - tire reviewed on December 5, 2020
View all Michelin X Ice Snow driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Continental VikingContact 7 performed better in dry braking, dry handling [s], subj. dry handling, wet braking, wet handling [s], snow braking, snow traction, snow handling [s], ice handling [s], subj. noise, noise, noise and fuel consumption, while the Michelin X Ice Snow performed better in subj. wet handling, straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, snow circle, ice braking, ice traction, subj. ice handling, price and rolling resistance.

Interestingly, both tires performed equally well in subj. snow handling, showing that they are closely matched in these areas.

Which tire is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tire. Comparing all the data in the tire reviews database, on balance Continental VikingContact 7 seems to be the best tire overall.

However, it's important to note that both tires have their strengths.

Remember, the best tire for you might depend on which of these factors are most important for your specific driving needs and conditions.

Overall Winner: Continental VikingContact 7

Overall Winner: Continental VikingContact 7

Footnote

This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.

Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.