Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Falken Azenis FK510 tires

Continental tires and Falken tires are two top tire manufacturers in the world that offer a range of tires in different categories for different vehicle fitments. Both brands focus on offering high-quality tires that are durable and performance-oriented. While Continental is a premium tire brand and one of the top tire manufacturers globally, Falken is a high-performance radial tire brand under Ohtsu Tire and Rubber. Both brands offer tires in various categories such as all-season, all-terrain, performance, summer, ultra-high-performance, and so on.

UHP summer tires are generally used on sports and performance-oriented vehicles and are built to deliver excellent performance when driving at higher speeds, with consistent traction, reliable handling, and durable tread life. These tires are designed to be used in warmer weather conditions and should not be used in temperatures consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Today, we will be comparing two leading tires from the brands - Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, and Falken Azenis FK510. Both these tires are designed to be used in sports, luxury, and performance-oriented vehicles and offer excellent performance. We will be discussing the similarities and differences between these two tires in this Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Falken Azenis FK510 tire comparison.

Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 tires

The Continental ExtreemContact Sport 02 is a UHP summer tire designed for use on sports, luxury performance, and muscle cars that offers drivers superb traction, braking, and handling performance in wet, and dry conditions. The tire comes with a 30,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, three wide, and one narrow groove, and is backed by Continental’s Total Confidence Plan. The tires are tested and proven on track, and are one of the best UHP summer tires in the market.

The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 scored an excellent SimpleScore of 9.3 out of 10.

Falken Azenis FK510 tires

The Falken Azenis FK510 is a UHP summer tire designed for drivers of premium vehicles and offers drivers excellent grip, and performance on dry or wet road conditions when driving at higher speeds. The tire comes with wide shoulder blocks, wide grooves within the tread, an adaptive tread design, and other tire elements, ensuring a great overall performance from the tire.

The Falken Azenis FK510 scored a great overall SimpleScore of 8.4 out of 10.

Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Falken Azenis FK510 tires on traction

Traction is an important factor to consider when purchasing any set of tires as it determines the tire’s ability to drive on wet and dry roads without losing control. Traction helps determine the braking distance of the tire, and its ability to resist hydroplaning, and offers great turning and cornering performance. A tire’s traction is determined by a variety of factors such as tread pattern, tire design, rubber compound formulation, and so on.

The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 truly excels in traction, and scored an excellent score of 9.8, as the tire features three wide and one narrow groove that helps drain water out of the tread to reduce the risk of hydroplaning in wet weather conditions. Additionally, the SPORTPlus+ technology provides responsive handling, a better wet grip, and longer tread life.

The Falken Azenis FK510 also excels in traction with a great SimpleScore of 8.8 out of 10. The tire comes with wide grooves within the tread that help channel water out of the tread, paired with a high-siped design that bites into the road for enhanced traction.

While both tires offer consistent traction, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 is the clear winner based on SimpleScore. However, the Falken Azenis FK510 also offers reliable traction in wet or dry road conditions when driven at higher speeds.

ADVANTAGE: Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02

Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Falken Azenis FK510 tires on handling

Handling of a tire is another important factor to consider when purchasing a tire as it determines the ease of control of your vehicle at higher speeds. This factor determines how easily, and comfortably you can maneuver, turn, and switch lanes when driving at higher speeds. The handling of a tire is determined by various factors such as tread design, rubber formulation, and underlying technology.

The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 scored an excellent score of 9.7 in handling thanks to the asymmetric tread pattern, and optimized design that allows for faster acceleration and handling performance. While the SPORTPlus+ technology further boosts the handling performance of the tire.

In handling, the Falken Azenis FK510 scored a great score of 8.7, thanks to the wide shoulder blocks that help turn at higher speeds. Additionally, the center of Azenis FK510 gives the driver added stability paired with an adaptive design that reduces braking distance.

The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 wins in handling as well, based simply on the SimpleScore rating, and tire design. However, both tires offer responsive handling and will be a great fit for your vehicle.

ADVANTAGE: Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02

Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 vs Falken Azenis FK510 tires on longevity

Longevity is the most common factor that drivers consider when purchasing a tire as it determines how many miles you can get out of a set of tires. As the tread wears off with regular use, it is important to ensure that you get good longevity out of your tire as it can affect the handling and traction of the tire. Longevity is determined by various factors such as tread pattern, rubber compound formulation, and tire design.

The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 scored a good score of 8.5 out of 10, which is lower than that of traction, and longevity, but still strong, considering it is paired with a 30,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. The handling of the tire is boosted by the SPORTPlus+ technology, and the asymmetrical tread pattern. Additionally, the tire comes with Tuned Performance Indicators which gives drivers a visual understanding of the health of their tire’s tread.

The Falken Azenis FK510 scored a good score of 7.6 in longevity, which is low but expected from a summer UHP tire, that is designed for performance. However, the symmetrical tread pattern of the tire with its unique design helps ensure good longevity for the tire.

As clear from the SimpleScore, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 wins in longevity as well, which is paired with a limited manufacturer tread life warranty.

ADVANTAGE: Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02

When to use each

Both Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and Falken Azenis FK510 tires are excellent summer UHP tires and will deliver great performance for your luxury, sports, and performance vehicles in wet and dry road conditions. However, as these tires are summer tires, their tread is not designed to withstand extreme cold temperatures and should not be used in weather consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, both these tires are designed for performance and will pair well with any sports or performance-oriented vehicle.

Which one should you choose?

So, which summer UHP tire might be the right choice for you? Well, the answer depends on your personal preference as both tires have their set of advantages and disadvantages. While the Continental Tire is one of the best UHP summer tires in the market and excels in performance, the Falken Tire is more suited for older vehicles. Additionally, there are key factors that you can look at to help you make a smart decision. Based on SimpleScore, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 wins in overall score, traction, longevity, and handling, but Falken Azenis FK510 is better priced.

The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 costs $202.99 per tire or $811.96 for a set of tires, whereas the Falken Azenis FK510 costs $696 for a set and $174 per tire. This vast price difference can be a determining factor when picking the right tires for your vehicle.

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 if you:

• Drive a sports car like the 2022 Toyota Supra or something like the 2018 Porsche 911
• Want a tire that offers better performance in Traction (9.8 v 8.8), Handling (9.7 v 8.7), and longevity (8.5 v 7.7)
• Want a tire with a 30,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty and Continental’s Total Confidence plan
• Are willing to pay more for a better set of tires

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Falken Azenis FK510 if you:

• Drive a muscle car like the 2021 Ford Mustang, or a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
• Have an older vehicle, and do not want to go for the top-of-the-lines tires
• Want a set of affordable tires that offers great overall performance

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.