In this post, I’ll be delving into the fascinating world of tires, specifically the battle between Continental and Sumitomo.
Continental vs Sumitomo – two prominent tire brands, each with its own unique history and reputation.
Join me as we explore their past, dissect their dry, wet, and snow performances, analyze mileage warranties and average lifespan, compare prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll uncover the ultimate question: which brand reigns supreme?
Continental vs Sumitomo – Comparison Table
| Continental | Sumitomo | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1871 | 1909 |
| Made In | mostly in Germany but they have manufacturing facilities in the United States and possibly China | Japan and the United States |
| Parent | Schaeffler Group (Germany) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (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. Sumitomo
Sumitomo, a renowned tire brand, has a rich history that began in 1909 in Japan.
Founded by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the company has become a global leader in the tire industry.
With over a century of expertise, Sumitomo has established a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable tires for various vehicles.
Over the years, Sumitomo has continuously evolved its tire manufacturing techniques, incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative designs.
This commitment to innovation has allowed Sumitomo to offer a wide range of tire options suitable for diverse road conditions and vehicle types.
As a Japanese brand, Sumitomo has embraced the country’s ethos of precision engineering and meticulous attention to detail.
This commitment to excellence has earned the brand a loyal customer base worldwide.
Today, Sumitomo tires are known for their durability, performance, and excellent traction, providing drivers with a safe and comfortable driving experience.
With its longstanding history and affiliation with Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the Sumitomo brand remains a trusted choice for drivers seeking superior tires that combine Japanese craftsmanship, innovation, and reliability.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- High-performance and racing vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Agricultural applications
- Commercial 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 Sumitomo HTR Z5.
In my evaluation, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport earns a dry performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It has received high praise for its exceptional dry handling and braking capabilities.
The SportPlus Technology and two-ply sidewall construction further enhance its prowess on dry roads.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo HTR Z5 achieves a rating of 4.4 out of 5 for its commendable dry handling and focus on maximum summer performance.
While it exhibits excellent grip, stability, and control, it falls slightly short of perfection.
Taking these factors into account, I declare the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 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 Sumitomo HTR A/S P02.
Based on my research, as the one providing the wet performance rating, I would rate both the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tires with a 4.4 out of 5 for wet performance.
Both tires have received positive reviews, showcasing faultless performance, magnificent wet performance, relentless grip, and great wet handling.
Although the Continental tire has longer braking distances, its excellent grip, stability, and handling compensate for it.
The Sumitomo tire’s silica-enhanced tread compound and asymmetric tread pattern contribute to good wet traction.
Therefore, I declare a tie between the two 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 Sumitomo Ice Edge.
Based on my research and snow performance rating scale from 1 to 5, I would rate the Continental WinterContact SI tire at 4.4.
Its structured siping, advanced tread compound, and suitability for snowy and wet conditions contribute to its improved snow and ice traction.
On the other hand, the Sumitomo Ice Edge tire receives a rating of 4.5, showcasing reliable snow performance with advanced technology and excellent traction.
Both tires demonstrate commendable snow performance, making it difficult to declare a clear winner.
Therefore, it can be considered a tie between the Continental WinterContact SI and the Sumitomo Ice Edge tires.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Continental | Sumitomo | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Continental tires are expected to have a lifespan of 20,000 to 70,000 miles. | Overall, Sumitomo tires are known to have a relatively high lifespan, with most models lasting between 55,000 to 70,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the Continental tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while the Sumitomo tires offer a higher tread life warranty of up to 90,000 miles.
In terms of average lifespan, Continental tires are expected to last between 20,000 to 70,000 miles, while Sumitomo tires generally have a higher lifespan of around 55,000 to 70,000 miles.
Overall, both brands offer decent mileage warranties, but Sumitomo tires tend to have a slightly longer average lifespan.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Continental vs Sumitomo.
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 | Sumitomo | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $81 to $614 /ea | $84 to $475 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Control Contact Tour A/S PLUS goes from $81 – $192 /ea | HTR Enhance LX2 goes from $84 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Scandinavia HD3 goes from $614 /ea | Encounter AT goes from $146 – $475 /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 |
Sumitomo
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Generally considered to have good performance, including grip, handling, and braking | ❌ None |
| ✔ Sumitomo tires are known for their affordable prices | |
| ✔ Widely available |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Continental:
- ExtremeContact DWS 06
- TrueContact Tour
- TerrainContact A/T
Some of Sumitomo’s best tires are shown below:
- HTR A/S P02
- HTR Enhance L/X
- HTR Z5
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After analyzing the key factors, the winner for dry performance is the Continental ExtremeContact Sport.
For wet performance, both the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tires tie.
When it comes to snow performance, it’s a tie between the Continental WinterContact SI and the Sumitomo Ice Edge tires.
In terms of mileage warranty and average lifespan, Sumitomo tires have a slight advantage.
Considering all factors, I declare Sumitomo as the better pick overall due to its affordability, good performance, and longer average lifespan.