When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for your vehicle, the options can be overwhelming.
That’s why I’m here to help you make an informed decision.
In this post, I’ll be delving into a comprehensive comparison between Continental and Nexen, two prominent tire brands.
We’ll explore their intriguing histories, evaluate their performance in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, analyze their mileage warranties, average lifespan, and prices.
By the end, we’ll uncover the ultimate question: which brand reigns supreme?
Continental vs Nexen – Comparison Table
| Continental | Nexen | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1871 | 1942 |
| Made In | mostly in Germany but they have manufacturing facilities in the United States and possibly China | Richfield, OH, Korea, China, or the Czech Republic |
| Parent | Schaeffler Group (Germany) | Nexen Tire Corporation (South Korea) |
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. Nexen
Nexen Tire is a renowned tire brand founded in 1942 in South Korea.
It has a rich history spanning several decades.
Initially, the company operated as Heung-A Tire, manufacturing bicycle tires and tubes.
Over time, it expanded its product range to include passenger car tires, light truck tires, and more.
In 2000, the company changed its name to Nexen Tire Corporation.
Throughout its history, Nexen Tire has focused on innovation and technological advancements.
It has established itself as a global player in the tire industry, with a reputation for producing high-quality and performance-driven tires.
The brand has invested in research and development, resulting in cutting-edge tire designs and technologies.
Nexen Tire Corporation, the parent company, continues to prioritize customer satisfaction, safety, and environmental consciousness.
It operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and has a strong global presence, supplying tires to various markets worldwide.
With a commitment to excellence and a legacy of over seven decades, Nexen Tire remains a trusted choice for drivers seeking reliable and high-performing tires.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- High-performance cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
- Light trucks
- All-terrain vehicles
- Commercial vans
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 Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
Based on my personal rating, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport tire receives a 4.6 for dry performance, exhibiting exceptional dry handling and good dry braking.
The SportPlus Technology and two-ply sidewall construction contribute to its impressive capabilities.
On the other hand, the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 tire receives a 4.2, showcasing good dry performance, precise handling, and high grip levels.
While it offers short braking distances and a quiet ride, it receives some criticism for understeering and average mileage.
Therefore, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport emerges 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 Nexen N’Priz AH8.
Based on my research and personal rating, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus receives a wet performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
It has faultless performance, magnificent wet performance, relentless grip, and great wet handling.
While it has slightly longer braking distances, it still outperforms many other tires.
On the other hand, the Nexen N’Priz AH8 receives a rating of 4.3 out of 5, offering good grip, stability, and reliable performance in wet conditions.
Therefore, I declare the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus as the superior tire for wet performance.
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 Nexen Winguard Ice Plus.
Based on my research and personal snow performance rating, both the Continental WinterContact SI and Nexen Winguard Ice Plus tires receive a score of 4.4 out of 5.
These ratings suggest that both tires offer commendable snow performance.
The Continental WinterContact SI boasts structured siping and an advanced tread compound, while the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus features a dual V-shaped tread design and effective water drainage grooves.
As a result, I would declare a tie between these two tires in terms of their snow performance capabilities.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Continental | Nexen | |
| 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. | On average, Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, both Continental and Nexen tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, ensuring a long-lasting performance.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, Continental tires tend to range from 20,000 to 70,000 miles, while Nexen tires typically last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles.
Therefore, Continental tires may provide a wider range of mileage, making them a suitable choice for those seeking longevity.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Continental vs Nexen.
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 | Nexen | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $81 to $614 /ea | $78 to $384 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Control Contact Tour A/S PLUS goes from $81 – $192 /ea | N Priz AH5 goes from $78 – $142 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Scandinavia HD3 goes from $614 /ea | Roadian AT PRO RA8 goes from $148 – $384 /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 |
Nexen
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good value for their price | ❌ Not as reputed as other premium tire brands |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and CUVs | |
| ✔ OEM supplier to big automakers such as Chrysler, Volkswagen, and Hyundai |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Continental:
- ExtremeContact DWS 06
- TrueContact Tour
- TerrainContact A/T
Some of Nexen’s best tires are shown below:
- N’Fera RU5
- N’Priz AH8
- Roadian AT Pro RA8
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After considering the key takeaways and comparing the dry, wet, and snow performance, as well as the mileage warranty and average lifespan, I have concluded that Continental is the better pick overall.
Continental’s ExtremeContact Sport tire excels in dry performance, while the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus showcases superior wet performance.
Both Continental and Nexen receive similar ratings for snow performance.
Additionally, Continental offers a wider range of mileage and has a strong reputation in the tire industry.
While Nexen provides good value for its price, Continental emerges as the winner in this comparison.
