When it comes to tires, choosing the right brand can make all the difference in your driving experience.
That’s why I’m here to delve into the world of Continental vs Dunlop tires.
In this post, I’ll take you on a journey through their fascinating histories, examine their performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, weigh their mileage warranties and average lifespan, explore their prices, and ultimately determine which brand reigns supreme.
So fasten your seatbelts, because the ultimate tire showdown is about to begin!
Continental vs Dunlop – Comparison Table
| Continental | Dunlop | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | United Kingdom |
| Year Founded | 1871 | 1889 |
| Made In | mostly in Germany but they have manufacturing facilities in the United States and possibly China | Germany or Japan |
| Parent | Schaeffler Group (Germany) | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) |
About the Brands
1. Continental
Continental, a renowned tire brand, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in Germany in 1871.
Originally known as Continental-Caoutchouc und Gutta-Percha Compagnie, the company started as a rubber manufacturer and soon diversified into producing bicycle tires.
Over the years, Continental expanded its product range, delving into automobile tires and becoming a leading tire manufacturer globally.
Under the umbrella of its parent company, Schaeffler Group, the brand has continued to innovate and excel.
Renowned for its commitment to safety, performance, and quality, Continental has become a trusted choice for drivers worldwide.
With a legacy spanning over a century and a half, Continental has earned a reputation for excellence and has become synonymous with German engineering and precision.
Today, it stands as one of the world’s leading tire brands, offering a wide range of products for various vehicles, from passenger cars to motorcycles and commercial vehicles.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- Buses
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Vans
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
2. Dunlop
The Dunlop tire brand, founded in 1889 in the United Kingdom, has a rich and storied history.
It was established by John Boyd Dunlop, who invented the first practical pneumatic tire.
Dunlop quickly gained popularity and became a leading tire manufacturer, known for its innovative designs and high-quality products.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations globally, offering a wide range of tires for various applications.
In 1999, Dunlop became a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a prominent American tire manufacturer.
This acquisition brought together two industry giants, combining their expertise and resources.
Under Goodyear’s ownership, Dunlop continued to thrive, benefiting from the parent company’s global reach and advanced technologies.
Today, Dunlop remains a trusted and respected brand in the tire industry, known for its commitment to performance, durability, and safety.
It continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge tire technologies, catering to the diverse needs of drivers worldwide.
With its strong legacy and the backing of Goodyear, Dunlop continues to be a symbol of excellence in the tire market.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Motorcycles
- Commercial trucks
- ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Continental ExtremeContact Sport vs the Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2.
In my assessment, I would rate the dry performance of the Continental ExtremeContact Sport at 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has received highly positive ratings for its superior dry handling and good dry braking.
The inclusion of SportPlus Technology and the two-ply sidewall construction further enhance its dry performance capabilities.
On the other hand, the Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2 scores slightly lower at 4.4 out of 5.
While it offers excellent grip, handling, and short braking distances on dry surfaces, it also boasts optimal handling for both wet and dry roads.
Based on these ratings, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport edges out as the better tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus vs the Dunlop Signature HP.
Based on my research and ratings, both the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and Dunlop Signature HP have impressive wet performance.
I give them both a rating of 4.4 out of 5.
The Continental tire showcases faultless performance, magnificent wet performance, and relentless grip, with only slightly longer braking distances.
Similarly, the Dunlop tire receives positive feedback for good wet traction and all-season performance.
Since both tires offer similar levels of wet performance, I declare it a tie.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Continental WinterContact SI vs Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02.
In my evaluation, I rate the Continental WinterContact SI tire’s snow performance at 4.4 out of 5.
Its structured siping, advanced tread compound, and suitability for snowy and wet conditions contribute positively to its score.
Designed as a friction Nordic-type winter and studless ice and snow tire, it excels in snow and ice traction.
Similarly, the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 tire receives a 4.6 rating.
Its rubber compound and asymmetric tread design provide reliable traction on snowy surfaces.
With reviews praising its confident traction and excellent grip, it proves effective in various winter conditions.
As both tires offer similar levels of snow performance, I declare a tie between them.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Continental | Dunlop | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Continental tires are expected to have a lifespan of 20,000 to 70,000 miles. | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. |
After comparing the mileage warranty and average lifespan of Continental and Dunlop tires, it is clear that Continental offers a better mileage warranty.
With up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty, Continental tires outperform Dunlop tires, which have a treadwear warranty of up to 60,000 miles.
Additionally, the average lifespan of Continental tires ranges from 20,000 to 70,000 miles, while Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles.
Therefore, if you are looking for longer-lasting tires, Continental seems to be the better choice.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Continental vs Dunlop.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Continental | Dunlop | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $81 to $614 /ea | $86 to $857 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Control Contact Tour A/S PLUS goes from $81 – $192 /ea | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Scandinavia HD3 goes from $614 /ea | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Continental
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Advanced technologies that provide maximum fuel-saving, noise reduction, and performance | ❌ Fewer options compared to other brands |
| ✔ Strong reputation in the tire industry | |
| ✔ They are known for their reliability, comfort, and quietness |
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Continental:
- ExtremeContact DWS 06
- TrueContact Tour
- TerrainContact A/T
Some of Dunlop’s best tires are shown below:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After carefully considering the dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, average lifespan, pros, cons, and prices, I declare that Continental is the better pick overall.
With its superior dry performance, impressive wet performance, and longer mileage warranty, Continental tires offer excellent quality and reliability.
While both brands have their strengths, Continental’s positive reputation, advanced technologies, and comfortable driving experience make it the winner in this comparison.