When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for your vehicle, the decision can often be overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve decided to delve into a comprehensive comparison between two prominent tire brands: Continental vs Falken.
In this post, we’ll explore their fascinating histories, examine their performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, analyze their mileage warranties and average lifespans, compare their prices, and ultimately determine which brand reigns supreme.
Get ready to embark on a tire journey like no other!
Continental vs Falken – Comparison Table
| Continental | Falken | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1871 | 1983 |
| Made In | mostly in Germany but they have manufacturing facilities in the United States and possibly China | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand |
| Parent | Schaeffler Group (Germany) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) |
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. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
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 Falken Azenis FK510.
In my evaluation, as the one giving the dry performance rating, both the Continental ExtremeContact Sport and the Falken Azenis FK510 showcase exceptional dry performance capabilities, receiving a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
The Continental tire boasts superior dry handling and good dry braking with SportPlus Technology and two-ply sidewall construction.
Similarly, the Falken tire excels in short braking distances, handling speed, grip, and traction, while maintaining consistent performance at high speeds.
Considering the similar ratings, I declare it a tie between the two tires for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus vs the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S.
Based on my research and personal evaluation, I would rate the wet performance of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus at 4.4 out of 5.
Reviews consistently praise its faultless wet performance, magnificent grip, and great handling.
However, it does have slightly longer braking distances on wet roads.
On the other hand, the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S receives a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It is commended for its good wet traction, all-season performance, and resistance to hydroplaning.
Given the close ratings, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner.
Both tires offer impressive wet performance capabilities.
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 Falken Espia EPZ II.
As the one providing the snow performance ratings from 1 to 5, I would rate the Continental WinterContact SI tire at 4.4 and the Falken Espia EPZ II tire at 4.7.
Both tires exhibit impressive snow performance, with improved traction and suitability for snowy and wet conditions.
The Continental WinterContact SI stands out with its structured siping, advanced tread compound, and design as a friction Nordic-type winter and studless ice and snow tire.
Similarly, the Falken Espia EPZ II impresses with its latest technology in tread design, compound, and construction, along with its superb traction in harsh weather conditions.
Considering their closely matched ratings, I declare it a tie between the two tires for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Continental | Falken | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Continental tires are expected to have a lifespan of 20,000 to 70,000 miles. | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. |
After conducting research, I found that both Continental and Falken tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles.
However, in terms of average lifespan, Continental tires typically last between 20,000 and 70,000 miles, while Falken tires generally have a lifespan ranging from 20,000 to 80,000 miles.
This means that Falken tires have a slightly wider range in terms of expected longevity compared to Continental tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Continental vs Falken.
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 | Falken | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $81 to $614 /ea | $67 to $579 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Control Contact Tour A/S PLUS goes from $81 – $192 /ea | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Scandinavia HD3 goes from $614 /ea | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /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 |
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Continental:
- ExtremeContact DWS 06
- TrueContact Tour
- TerrainContact A/T
Some of Falken’s best tires are shown below:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Considering the evaluation of dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, average lifespan, and the pros and cons of both Continental and Falken tires, I declare the overall winner to be Falken.
While both brands offer exceptional performance in various conditions, Falken stands out with its slightly higher wet performance rating, wider range of expected lifespan, and generally more affordable prices.
Additionally, Falken tires are praised for their off-road performance, making them a well-rounded and cost-effective choice.
