Continental vs Nitto: Two tire brands that have captured the attention of car enthusiasts and drivers alike.
In this post, I’ll delve into the depths of their histories, performances on dry, wet, and snow-covered roads, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and ultimately, determine which brand reigns supreme.
Get ready for an in-depth comparison that will leave you with a clear winner.
Let’s dive in!
Continental vs Nitto – Comparison Table
| Continental | Nitto | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1871 | 1949 |
| Made In | mostly in Germany but they have manufacturing facilities in the United States and possibly China | Bartow County, GA, China, Japan, and Malaysia |
| Parent | Schaeffler Group (Germany) | Toyo Tire Corporation (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. Nitto
Nitto is a renowned tire brand with its roots in Japan.
Founded in 1949, it is now a subsidiary of the Toyo Tire Corporation since the acquisition in 1979.
Nitto has built a solid reputation for producing high-quality tires that deliver exceptional performance and reliability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition globally for its innovative tire technologies and cutting-edge designs.
Nitto offers a diverse range of tires, catering to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
With a commitment to excellence, Nitto consistently emphasizes research and development to meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive industry.
Today, Nitto tires are sought after by drivers who seek superior traction, handling, and durability.
With its Japanese heritage and affiliation with Toyo Tire Corporation, Nitto continues to be a trusted and respected name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Crossovers
- High-performance cars
- Off-road vehicles
- Side by side 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 Nitto NT555 G2.
In my evaluation of the dry performance of the Continental ExtremeContact Sport and the Nitto NT555 G2 tires, I rate the Continental at 4.6 out of 5, while the Nitto receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
The Continental tire impresses with its SportPlus Technology, providing exceptional dry handling and good dry braking.
Similarly, the Nitto showcases remarkable cornering grip, responsive steering feel, and dependable handling in dry and hot conditions.
Though both tires offer commendable dry performance, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport edges slightly ahead, making it the superior choice for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus vs the Nitto Motivo.
In my opinion, as the one giving the wet performance rating from 1 to 5, I find the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus to have a slightly better wet performance with a rating of 4.4.
While both tires offer good wet traction and handling, the Continental tire has received consistently positive reviews for its faultless performance, magnificent wet performance, and relentless grip.
Although it may have longer braking distances on wet roads, its excellent grip, stability, and handling in wet conditions make it a strong performer.
Therefore, I declare the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus as the better 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 Nitto SN2 Winter.
In my own assessment, I would rate the snow performance of both the Continental WinterContact SI and Nitto SN2 Winter tires as 4.4 on a scale of 1 to 5.
The Continental WinterContact SI tire impresses with its structured siping, advanced tread compound, and suitability for snowy and wet conditions.
On the other hand, the Nitto SN2 Winter tire demonstrates reliable snow performance with its silica-enhanced tread compound, symmetrical tread pattern, and lower freezing temperature technology.
In conclusion, both tires offer similar levels of snow performance, resulting in a tie.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Continental | Nitto | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 75,000 mile tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Continental tires are expected to have a lifespan of 20,000 to 70,000 miles. | On average, Nitto tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the mileage warranty for Continental tires is up to 80,000 miles, while Nitto tires offer a warranty of up to 75,000 miles.
In terms of average lifespan, Continental tires can last between 20,000 to 70,000 miles, while Nitto tires typically have a lifespan of 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Therefore, Continental tires generally have a wider range of possible mileage, both in terms of warranty and average lifespan, compared to Nitto tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Continental vs Nitto.
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 | Nitto | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $81 to $614 /ea | $97 to $1,447 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Control Contact Tour A/S PLUS goes from $81 – $192 /ea | Neo Gen goes from $97 – $352 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Scandinavia HD3 goes from $614 /ea | Trail Grappler M/T goes from $279 – $1,447 /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 |
Nitto
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks | ❌ Some of their tires can get very expensive |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of good quality, offering durability and reliability | |
| ✔ Solid performance tires |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Continental:
- ExtremeContact DWS 06
- TrueContact Tour
- TerrainContact A/T
Some of Nitto’s best tires are shown below:
- NT555 G2
- Terra Grappler G2
- Motivo
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After analyzing the dry, wet, and snow performance, as well as the mileage warranty and average lifespan, the Continental tire brand emerges as the better pick overall.
With its exceptional dry handling, good dry braking, faultless wet performance, and commendable snow performance, Continental offers a well-rounded package.
Additionally, their advanced technologies for fuel-saving, noise reduction, and performance, along with their strong reputation in the industry, make them a reliable and comfortable choice.
While Nitto also offers solid performance, Continental’s wider range of mileage options and lower price range on Discount Tire give it the edge.