Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Falken ZIEX ZE320
The pattern is clear: the ZE320 is frequently exceptional in dry braking (winning 5 of the shared dry-braking comparisons and posting headline numbers like 33.0 m from 100 km/h in multiple 225/40 R18 tests), and it can feel agile and confidence-inspiring in handling. The PremiumContact 7, however, builds its advantage where most drivers can't afford weaknesses-wet braking and wet safety margins-backed up by stronger aquaplaning performance and typically better life/efficiency outcomes.
Test Results
Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been seven tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continental PremiumContact 7 | five | |
| Falken ZIEX ZE320 | two |
While it might look like the Continental PremiumContact 7 is better than the Falken ZIEX ZE320 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.
Key Strengths
- Wet braking advantage is consistent and sometimes decisive (wins 6/7 shared wet-braking comparisons; e.g., 30.1 m vs 34.3 m in 2026 ADAC, 35.5 m vs 36.6 m in 2026 Vi Bilagare)
- Stronger aquaplaning safety margins in both straight and curved tests (e.g., ADAC straight aqua 79.7 vs 75.2 km/h; curved 3.7 vs 3.1 m/s²; similar lead in multiple other tests)
- Better longevity and overall cost-per-km where measured (e.g., 46,250 vs 35,520 km in Auto Bild; 44,700 vs 37,500 km in ADAC; also wins the Auto Bild value metric €8.22 vs €10.47 per 1,000 km)
- Balanced, predictable handling with strong subjective security at the limit; often also competitive on noise depending on test surface (e.g., quietest rough-surface noise in Vi Bilagare: 72.8 vs 73.2 dB)
- Exceptional dry braking performance across most shared comparisons (wins 5/7; repeated 33.0 m results in 225/40 R18 tests and best-in-test dry braking in ADAC at 33.9 m vs 35.0 m)
- Sporty, agile handling character and strong lap/handling pace in several tests (e.g., fastest wet-handling speed in Auto Bild: 73.9 km/h; also edges dry handling in 'Best Touring Tyres' by 0.22%)
- Comfort/refinement can be a real plus versus the firmer Continental in some evaluations (wins subjective comfort in Vi Bilagare; ties on comfort in Auto Bild; quieter in multiple noise readings such as 71.2 vs 73.2 dB in 'Best Touring Tyres')
- Often strong 'all-round' feel at the limit (easy to manage in emergency manoeuvres in Vi Bilagare; praised as well balanced and confidence-inspiring in Die Reifentester where it won overall)
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during five dry braking tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 stopped the vehicle in 1.78% less distance than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Dry Braking: Falken ZIEX ZE320
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was 0.22% faster around a lap than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Falken ZIEX ZE320
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 was 0.33% faster around a lap than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 scored 4.88% more points than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Falken ZIEX ZE320
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during six wet braking tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 4.87% less distance than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Wet Braking: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 7.43% less distance than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 was 1.06% faster around a wet lap than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was 0.95% faster around a wet lap than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Falken ZIEX ZE320
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 scored 5.7% more points than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Falken ZIEX ZE320
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was 0.23% faster around a wet circle than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Wet Circle: Falken ZIEX ZE320
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 floated at a 1.47% higher speed than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Straight Aqua: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 slipped out at a 13.71% higher speed than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during two subj. comfort tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 scored 2.58% more points than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Falken ZIEX ZE320
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two subj. noise tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 scored 5.39% more points than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Subj. Noise: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was better during two noise tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE320 measured 1.98% quieter than the Continental PremiumContact 7.
Best In Noise: Falken ZIEX ZE320
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Rough Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one rough noise tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 measured 0.55% quieter than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Rough Noise: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Rough Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two wear tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 is predicted to cover 19.71% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Wear: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one value tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 proved to have a 21.49% better value based on price/1000km than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Value: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 had a 2.54% lower rolling resistance than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 used 1.8% less fuel than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 emitted 2.82% less particle wear matter than the Falken ZIEX ZE320.
Best In Abrasion: Continental PremiumContact 7
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Continental PremiumContact 7 Driver Reviews
Drivers generally rate the Continental PremiumContact 7 very highly for strong dry and especially wet grip, confident braking, and stable, planted handling that makes the car feel secure at speed. The most consistent drawbacks are higher-than-expected road noise (particularly on rough asphalt) and a softer sidewall feel that can reduce steering precision for some drivers. A meaningful minority also report faster wear than expected or a noticeable performance drop (especially in the wet) once tread depth gets lower, suggesting it prioritizes grip over ultimate longevity.
Based on 51 reviews with an average rating of 82%
Falken ZIEX ZE320 Driver Reviews
Drivers report the Falken ZIEX ZE320 delivers strong wet and dry grip with confident cornering and improved steering response, often described as sporty for a touring tyre. Most reviews also note low road noise and generally good comfort, with several owners saying they would buy it again and praising overall value. A smaller subset of users mention increased fuel consumption compared with some rival tyres, suggesting efficiency may vary by vehicle and baseline tyre choice.
Based on 9 reviews with an average rating of 86%
Conclusion
The Falken ZIEX ZE320 is still a strong buy if your driving is mostly dry-biased and you value sharp stopping power and a sporty feel for the money. It repeatedly delivers class-leading dry braking (e.g., 33.9 m vs 35.0 m in ADAC; 35.47 vs 36.54 m in Die Reifentester) and can be extremely quick in handling (fastest wet-handling speed in Auto Bild: 73.9 km/h vs 73.2 km/h). But the trade-offs show up as less reliable wet safety headroom in some tests and consistently weaker aquaplaning reserves and wear. The practical takeaway: ZE320 can feel like a “near-premium” performer on a dry road; PremiumContact 7 is the tyre that keeps its advantage when the weather, standing water, and ownership costs start to matter.
Key Differences
- Wet braking is the biggest safety separator: Continental wins 6 of 7 shared wet-braking results, including a large ADAC gap (30.1 m vs 34.3 m) that is meaningful in real emergency stops.
- Dry braking often swings the other way: Falken wins 5 of 7, with small-to-moderate margins (e.g., 33.0 m vs 34.6 m in the 225/40 R18 tests; 33.9 m vs 35.0 m in ADAC).
- Aquaplaning reserves repeatedly favor Continental, especially in curved aquaplaning (Falken is flagged as weak here in multiple summaries; e.g., ADAC 3.7 vs 3.1 m/s²; 'Best Touring Tyres' 2.57 vs 2.27 m/s²).
- Wear/mileage consistently favor Continental by a wide margin where measured (e.g., +30% in Auto Bild; +19% in ADAC), improving long-term value even if purchase price is higher.
- Comfort/noise are mixed by test: Falken can be quieter and plusher (e.g., 71.2 vs 73.2 dB in 'Best Touring Tyres'; Vi Bilagare comfort points 4 vs 3), while Continental can be impressively quiet on coarse surfaces (Vi Bilagare rough noise 72.8 vs 73.2 dB) but may ride firmer.
- Overall rankings show consistency vs volatility: Continental places 1st/1st/2nd/4th/8th across major tests, while Falken ranges from 1st to 13th depending on wet behaviour and test emphasis-great on a good day, but less uniformly strong.
Overall Winner: Continental PremiumContact 7
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Continental PremiumContact 7 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.Similar Comparisons
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Footnote
This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.
Why is this important? Tyre 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 tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tyre 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 tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.
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