Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 vs Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+

Which one is better: Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 vs Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+? This one’s a bit tricky, since both tires offer different things, specializing in one aspect over another.

However, we have to give it to the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ on this one. But don’t get me wrong, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 is still a tremendous tire, but the Pilot Sport A/S3+ just edges it out by a small fraction.

So, let’s see how we’ve come to our decision. And it wasn’t an easy one.

Before we go in-depth into these two products, here’s a quick comparison table to keep you in the loop.

Now that we’ve covered both tire specifications, let’s get into the thick of things and see what these tires are and how they compare.

What Are They?

Continental ExtremeContact DWS06

Founded in 1871 in Hanover, Germany, Continental has been pushing the limits in tire performance for the last 150 years.

One of Continental’s best tire products is the ExtremeContact DWS06, the successor to the brand’s DWS model. The DWS featured excellent tread design, and as its successor, the DWS06 adapted its already sound tread configuration.

Not only is the ExtremeContact DWS06 an ultra-high performance tire, but it’s also an all-season one. In other words, adverse weather conditions like rain and light snow won’t be an issue for the DWS06. This is due to its numerous sipes aimed at enhancing traction.

The ExtremeContact DWS06 is fitted with Continental’s proprietary tire technology and materials. The ExtremeContact DWS06’s secret lies in its +Silane and Silica combination, both of which provide tremendous traction on snowy roads.

It also comes equipped with Traction Grooves technology to expel water as efficiently as possible and X-Sipes and SportPlus to improve stability, especially on wet roads or in light snowy weather.

Aside from these features, the DWS06 improved upon its predecessor by enhancing durability, particularly in the sidewalls at about 35%. The DWS was infamously known for its flexing sidewalls, which the DWS06 patched right away.

However, for even greater performance, the DWS06 plus may be worth considering. When comparing the DWS06 VS DWS06 plus, the latter improves upon its predecessor by providing higher control in dry, wet, and snowy weather and improving speed.

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+

Michelin is a French tire company that’s been around since 1888. In those 130 years, it has established itself as one of the premier tire companies in the world. It’s also worth noting that Michelin is the world’s second-largest tire manufacturer, behind only Bridgestone.

The Pilot Sport A/S 3+ is one of Michelin’s high-performance all-season tires developed for sports cars, coupes, and sedans. It features the Helio+ Technology, which uses sunflower oil and Extreme Silica to improve traction in cold weather, such as rain or light snow.

Additionally, traction under dry weather conditions is excellent, especially during cornering, mainly attributed to its asymmetric 4-, 5-, or 6-rib designs.

If high pressures and temperatures are a concern, the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ has got you covered. Another proprietary technology, the Variable Contact Patch 3.0, limits their effects on tire treads.

Lastly, the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ also comes with Michelin’s Total Performance technology, which emphasizes safety, durability, and fuel efficiency.

Differences between Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 vs Continental Extremecontact DWS 06

Now, it’s off to the differences. The Continental Extremecontact Vs Michelin Pilot Sport debate has been going on for a while.

Since both tires come from reputable premium tire companies, and both are all-season models, finding contrasts between the two won’t be easy.

But, upon closer inspection, we’ve slowly unraveled how these two tires differ. First, let’s start with performance.

1. Performance

When it comes to performance, both tires perform tremendously well. However, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ definitely takes the cake when it comes to dry weather conditions. It grips the road amazingly well, which makes cornering feel too easy.

There’s a reason why F1 drivers used Michelins, and it’s largely due to their excellent grip, which led to improved lap times.

So, if you’re into racing, the Continental Extremecontact Sport vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4s or the Continental Extremecontact Sport Vs Michelin Pilot Super Sport are good debates to look out for.

In wet conditions, the DWS06 is a little better, especially when it comes to braking distance, which could go a long way in terms of safety.

When cornering, The Pilot Sport A/S 3+ feels marginally better. However, the levels are so small that you’ll barely notice the difference.

Interestingly enough, hydroplaning isn’t much of an issue for the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ when compared to the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06. So, between the two, Michelin comes out as the winner.

However, don’t be so concerned as the ExtremeContact DWS06 is still great in terms of stability on wet surfaces.

We could say that it’s a tie on this one, but safety is one of the biggest concerns when driving on wet roads, and the Continental’s braking distance gives it a hair of an edge.

While it’s true that both tires are all-season tires, they’re not exactly in their element in snow and ice and are not replacements for proper snow tires. However, they’re fairly decent regarding braking distances and traction, with the DWS06 faring slightly better.

But when it comes to handling, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ is the far better option. So, it’s really up to you and your preferences when picking between these models.

3. Comfort, Noise, and Ride Quality

Ultra high-performance tires are built for the race track, so comfort and noise levels can be somewhat overlooked.

Humming from UHP tires is relatively normal, but the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06’s noise is loud enough to get noticed, especially on highways where you’re driving at much higher speeds.

However, the ExtremeContact DW06 provides a much smoother ride. Still, when it comes to everyday driving, touring tires are a far better alternative.

Note: If you want a quieter ride from Continental, a comparison between the Continental Procontact Vs Extremecontact can be considered, wherein the ProContact falls slightly behind in handling but makes up for it with better noise reduction.

4. Price

Since the two tires are from premium companies, expect high costs for both products. Still, Continental tires have been known to provide slightly better prices, especially when compared to Michelin. So, expect a $20-30 difference on smaller tires and $50 on larger ones.

Pros and Cons

Continental ExtremeContact DW06

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+

Related: Let’s see the reasons why Michelin tires are expensive here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is best Continental or Michelin?

Both tire brands are excellent, but Michelin edges out Continental in some tire categories, so it has a steeper price point. Conversely, Continental tires are a little bit cheaper, but only marginally, since it’s also a premium brand. The choice is definitely up to you.

Are Continental DWS06 good in Snow?

Yes, but only on light snow. In reality, many tires can outperform the DWS06, especially when comparing the Goodyear Assurance Weatherready Vs Continental Extremecontact Dws06 or the Michelin Crossclimate 2 Vs Continental Extremecontact DWS06.

How many miles do DWS06 last?

Continental tires can last for about 6 years or 50,000 miles. However, this can depend on usage, how you usually travel with your vehicle, and how well you maintain your tires.

What does DWS mean on Continental tires?

The DWS on Continental’s product lines is an acronym that means Dry for D, Wet for W, and Snow for S—hence, DWS.

Does a Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ run flat?

No, but its variant, the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ ZP (Zero Pressure), does. It gives your tires so much more leeway in puncture accidents, which buys you some time until you get to your local auto shop for repairs.

Is the DWS06 good for racing?

Race cars typically use ultra-high performance tires, but when it comes down to it, the Michelin line has far better results on track roads, especially when making comparisons like the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 Vs Continental Extremecontact Dws06.

Conclusion

In this debate between the Continental Extremecontact Dws06 vs Michelin Pilot Sport a/s 3+, it’s hard to pick a clear winner as both tires perform in very specialized conditions. For us, though, it’s the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ due to its more well-rounded features.

However, it’s up to you to decide which tire is better. Also, a quick look through Reddit can give you an idea of other people’s day-to-day experiences with both models.