Are you trying to decide between the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT and the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 for your vehicle? Selecting the right tire can dramatically affect both your car’s performance and your overall driving experience, especially when considering these two distinct types of high-performance summer tires.
The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 generally offers superior wet and dry performance, enhanced comfort, and better durability with a 30,000-mile warranty, making it a more versatile choice over the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT for diverse driving conditions.
In this article, you will find a comprehensive comparison of the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT and the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, exploring their performance in wet and dry conditions, comfort levels, durability, and how they stack up against other competitors in the high-performance summer tire category.
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.2 of 10
Wet Weather
8.3 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
7.3 of 10
Dry Weather
8.9 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.2 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 240
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
None
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.3 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.2 of 10
Cornering: 8.8 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.0 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.8 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 8.2 of 10
Road Noise: 8.2 of 10
The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tire is a contender in the high performance summer tire category, designed for passenger cars. This tire aims to offer a balance between wet and dry performance without compromising on comfort. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its performance metrics and what they imply for your driving experience.
Wet Performance
- Overall Wet Score: 8.3/10
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.3/10
- This score reflects the tire’s ability to prevent water from building under the tire, which can lead to losing contact with the road during wet conditions.
- Wet Traction: 8.2/10
- Indicates how well the tire grips on wet roads, influencing braking and cornering.
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.3/10
Dry Performance
- Overall Dry Score: 8.9/10
- Corner Stability: 8.8/10
- The tire provides stable handling and confidence while cornering at high speeds.
- Dry Traction: 9.0/10
- Represents the tire’s effectiveness in gripping dry surfaces, essential for acceleration and stable driving.
- Steering Response: 8.8/10
- This measures how quickly and accurately the tire responds to steering inputs, a critical factor in high-performance driving scenarios.
- Corner Stability: 8.8/10
Comfort
- Overall Comfort Score: 8.2/10
- Ride Quality: 8.2/10
- Describes the tire’s ability to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smoother ride.
- Noise: 8.2/10
- Assesses the sound level produced by the tire, which affects the noise inside the vehicle.
- Ride Quality: 8.2/10
Treadwear and Longevity
- Treadwear Score: 7.3/10
- Warranty Mileage: None
- The score suggests a moderate rate of tread wear, indicating how long the tires might last under normal driving conditions. However, there’s no mileage warranty, which might be a consideration for potential buyers.
- Warranty Mileage: None
Pros
- Strong Dry Performance: The Sport Maxx GT excels in dry conditions with outstanding traction and stable cornering capabilities.
- Decent Comfort: Balances performance with ride quality fairly well, making it suitable for daily driving in addition to sporty uses.
- Good Hydroplaning Resistance: Provides a level of safety and stability in wet conditions by effectively preventing hydroplaning.
Cons
- Moderate Wet Traction: While it handles wet roads adequately, it does not excel compared to some competitors in this category.
- No Treadwear Warranty: The absence of a warranty might be a concern for durability and overall value.
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.8 of 10
Wet Weather
8.8 of 10
Winter Weather
N/A
Tread Wear
8.1 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 340
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 30,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.9 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.3 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: N/A
Heavy Snow Grip: N/A
Ice Grip: N/A
Comfort Level: 8.9 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 is another notable option in the high performance summer tire segment, crafted for enthusiasts seeking a blend of wet and dry performance. This tire promises robust handling and comfort across various conditions. Let’s dissect its performance attributes and understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Wet Performance
- Overall Wet Score: 8.9/10
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.8/10
- This score illustrates the tire’s effectiveness at preventing water from trapping underneath, crucial for maintaining control during rainy drives.
- Wet Traction: 8.9/10
- Measures the tire’s ability to maintain grip on wet roads, impacting crucial functions like stopping and turning safely.
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.8/10
Dry Performance
- Overall Dry Score: 9.4/10
- Corner Stability: 9.4/10
- Reflects the tire’s capacity to handle corners at high speeds with minimal loss of control.
- Dry Traction: 9.4/10
- Assesses the grip on dry surfaces, essential for achieving optimal acceleration and braking performance.
- Steering Response: 9.3/10
- Indicates the tire’s responsiveness to steering commands, a vital factor for precision driving.
- Corner Stability: 9.4/10
Comfort
- Overall Comfort Score: 8.8/10
- Ride Quality: 8.9/10
- Evaluates how well the tire can smooth out road imperfections, contributing to a more comfortable ride.
- Noise: 8.8/10
- Assesses the level of noise generated by the tire, influencing the quietness of the cabin environment.
- Ride Quality: 8.9/10
Treadwear and Longevity
- Treadwear Score: 7.9/10
- Warranty Mileage: 30,000 Miles
- This score is slightly below average in this category, suggesting a quicker wear rate, but it comes with a mileage warranty, offering some peace of mind regarding lifespan.
- Warranty Mileage: 30,000 Miles
Pros
- Exceptional Dry Handling: The Sport 02 shines in dry conditions, providing excellent stability and grip that cater to performance-oriented driving.
- Superior Comfort Ratings: Among its class, it offers one of the best balances of ride quality and low noise, making it ideal for both spirited and everyday driving.
- Strong Wet Performance: With high marks in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction, it ensures safer and more confident wet weather driving.
Cons
- Average Treadwear Performance: Despite its strengths, the tire’s tread life might not meet the expectations of some drivers, especially considering the performance focus.
- Warranty Limitations: The 30,000-mile warranty, while beneficial, might not fully compensate for the faster wear rate compared to some peers.
Comparative Analysis
When choosing between the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT and the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, it’s essential to assess how each tire performs under various conditions and determine which aligns best with your driving needs. This section offers a detailed comparison based on key performance areas.
Wet Performance Comparison
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.3/10
- Wet Traction: 8.2/10
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.8/10
- Wet Traction: 8.9/10
Analysis: The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 outperforms the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT in wet conditions with higher scores in both hydroplaning resistance and traction. This makes the Continental a preferable choice for regions experiencing frequent rain or for drivers who prioritize safety and control in wet environments.
Dry Performance Comparison
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT
- Corner Stability: 8.8/10
- Dry Traction: 9.0/10
- Steering Response: 8.8/10
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02
- Corner Stability: 9.4/10
- Dry Traction: 9.4/10
- Steering Response: 9.3/10
Analysis: In dry conditions, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 again shows superior performance. It offers better corner stability, traction, and steering response, which are critical for high-speed driving and precision maneuvers.
Comfort and Noise
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT
- Ride Quality: 8.2/10
- Noise: 8.2/10
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02
- Ride Quality: 8.9/10
- Noise: 8.8/10
Analysis: The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 leads in comfort, providing a smoother and quieter ride compared to the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT. This advantage makes it an excellent choice for both daily commuting and long-distance travels where comfort is highly valued.
Treadwear and Durability
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT
- Treadwear Score: 7.3/10
- Warranty: None
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02
- Treadwear Score: 7.9/10
- Warranty: 30,000 Miles
Analysis: Although both tires do not boast the highest durability in their category, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 offers a slight edge with a better treadwear score and a 30,000-mile warranty, providing more value and reassurance over the lifespan of the tires.
The Verdict
Between the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT and the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, the Continental tire generally offers superior performance in both wet and dry conditions, alongside better comfort and a more reassuring warranty policy. It is a robust choice for drivers who need a reliable, high-performance tire that can handle a variety of road conditions comfortably.
However, if budget constraints are a consideration and the driving conditions are predominantly dry, the Dunlop may still represent a good value with its slightly lower cost and commendable dry performance metrics.
Other Competitors in the Market
While the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT and the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 are formidable contenders in the high performance summer tire category, several other tires are worth considering. This section will review some key competitors, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make a more informed decision.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Performance Overview
- Wet Traction: 8.9/10
- Dry Traction: 9.5/10
- Comfort: 8.8/10
- Treadwear: 8.1/10, with a 30,000-mile warranty
Pros
- Excellent dry traction and corner stability
- Strong performance in wet conditions
- High comfort levels and a good noise rating
Cons
- Premium price point
- Treadwear could be better given the cost
Market Position: The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is a top-tier tire known for its exceptional handling and durability. It is suited for drivers who do not mind spending more for premium performance.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
Performance Overview
- Wet Traction: 8.7/10
- Dry Traction: 9.2/10
- Comfort: 8.3/10
- Treadwear: 7.2/10, no warranty
Pros
- Excellent stability and traction in dry conditions
- Competitive wet performance
Cons
- Comfort and noise levels are average
- Treadwear is not the best, lacking a warranty
Market Position: Bridgestone’s Potenza Sport targets drivers seeking reliability and performance in dry and moderately wet conditions, though it may not be the best for those prioritizing comfort or longevity.
Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601
Performance Overview
- Wet Traction: 8.0/10
- Dry Traction: 9.0/10
- Comfort: 8.2/10
- Treadwear: 7.4/10, 25,000-mile warranty
Pros
- Solid performance in dry conditions
- Moderate comfort and noise levels
Cons
- Wet performance could be improved
- Treadwear is reasonable but not outstanding
Market Position: This tire is a mid-range option suitable for drivers who need dependable dry performance with some warranty protection but do not frequently drive in severe wet conditions.
The choice of high performance summer tires depends on your specific needs: whether you value longevity, comfort, wet or dry performance, or perhaps a balance of all. Each tire reviewed offers distinct advantages and limitations, making it crucial to align your tire selection with your driving habits and the conditions you most often encounter.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
Final Thoughts
When selecting between the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT and the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, it’s crucial to prioritize what aspects of tire performance are most important to you. The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 excels in both wet and dry conditions, offers higher comfort, and comes with the reassurance of a treadwear warranty. It stands out as the better overall tire, particularly for drivers who face a variety of weather conditions and want a mix of performance traits.
On the other hand, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT, while lacking a warranty and slightly underperforming in wet conditions, still provides commendable dry performance and might be considered by those who prioritize cost and primarily drive in dry climates.
Understanding these differences and how they affect your driving can ensure you choose the tire that best fits your needs and enhances your driving experience.
Good luck and happy motoring.
