I am using 225/55 r16 and 235/45 r17 versions of these tires. Having this range I thing gives me a unique ability to see them perform under different conditions.
A couple of things to consider about these tires when compared to others:
1 - Weight - These generally come in 1-3lbs lighter than other brands.
2 - Contact - The width of these tires is actually larger than others. The data is not available to prove this gives more contact with the road, but may explain their ability to grip.
3 - UTQG - This is high and is important to tire wear and plays a part in the temperature it can handle. Something that is important in my neck of the desert. This generally equates to how the tire was made so its iot uncommon that many tires have similar ratings in the same class.
4 - Price - Make no mistake price is important. These tires generally come in between $20 to $60 per tire than the top rated brand. That savings could lead one to make the mistake purchase the local tire shops extended road hazard warranty...
5 - Warranty - This only matters when things go wrong. Continental's warranty is greater than others (excluding their other brand) which includes roadside assistance and 3-6 year protection against defects. Other tire companies may give you one year if you are lucky and no roadside assistance (if you even need this). These are perks typically only available through the local store road hazard warranty and that won't even be as good.
6 - Tread depth - This ultimately provides your wear and longevity of the tire. Be sure the tire you are purchasing has the average for the class you are purchasing. Continentals have 10/32's which is great. I've had some with higher and lower and had them wear accordinly. This is your dip-stick of when you will need to replace the tires. In California the turning axel should have no less than 4/32's and others can get as low as 2/32. So subtract those numbers from the totals to get your actual tread life. Manufacturers base their mileage on 2/32 tread remaining.
In the end it all boils down to what's most important to you: Performance or Price.
The Ultra High Performance all season is the highest performance (UHP) class is the highest performance you can get for an all year round tire. If fuel economy were also a factor going to a seasonal tire may be beneficial. Going to a higher level of tire will impact fuel economy. Again the trade off between price and performance. The Michellin Pilot Sport A/S is the only others available on tire rack I would recommend for the range of performance these cars provide. However they provide only a performance increase with a few concerns that would detract me, primarily being price keeping me from recommending them. Personally if performance were an issue, I'd be looking at another class and would likely be deciding between the same two companies and going with the same one again... This is all just my opinion based on what factors are available through internet research and over 30 years of family interest in the two companies...
