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Last updated 9/11/2025 - Originally published 9/11/2025
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
Continental is amongst the tire industry leaders and has its headquarters in Hanover, Germany. The tire manufacturer has been making tires since the 1870s, and for over a century, Continental has had a proven record of offering tires that showcase world-class technologies and cutting-edge features. In the US region, Continental offers tires for use on passenger cars, CUVs, SUVs, light trucks, commercial vehicles, industrial equipment, and farm applications. Its portfolio includes all-season, UHP summer, winter, UHP all-season, all-terrain, all-weather, and various other types of tires.
On the other hand, Pirelli is another world-class tire manufacturer with a long history of over 150 years. The Milan, Italy-based tire manufacturer has earned for itself various titles in Formula 1, Grand Prix, and other noteworthy racing championships. Thanks to its advanced technologies and features, Pirelli tires have a huge fan base in the country. Its tires are used on passenger cars, CUVs, SUVs, EVs, light trucks, commercial vehicles, and OTRs. The variety of tires offered by Pirelli in the US tire market includes UHP summer, UHP all-season, all-season, winter, all-terrain, all-weather, mud-terrain, track competition, and more.
Both manufacturers offer an exceptional range of winter tires on the market for confident driving in snowy and icy conditions. In this comparison, we have selected two capable winter tires from Continental and Pirelli – the VikingContact 8 and the Winter Sottozero 3. These winter tires are suitable for driving in sub-freezing temperatures, below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and they come with flexible tread and compound to offer optimal performance when you are driving through the layers of snow or ice. Both are studless winter tires and feature detailed tread patterns for enhanced winter weather performance.
Let’s take a look at their traction, handling, and longevity abilities in this VikingContact 8 vs Winter Sottozero 3 tires comparison to help you decide the best match for your winter driving needs using our proprietary tire rating system SimpleScore. Before we get into the specific details, let’s have a look at the overall abilities of these two winter tires.
Continental VikingContact 8 tires
The Continental VikingContact 8 is comparatively a new tire on the market and made its debut in February 2024. It is suitable for use on passenger cars, EVs, and plug-in hybrids, and sports many new-gen technologies and features. It is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, assuring confident driving in severe winter conditions, when the temperatures are consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Continental has offered an innovative tread design with an advanced rubber compound that adapts very well to the harsh Nordic winter conditions. Its pattern and construction also promote a quieter and more comfortable driving experience. Additionally, its low rolling resistance further reduces the energy consumption for better fuel efficiency and longer drive ranges.
Overall, the VikingContact 8 earns a great 8.8 SimpleScore because of its excellent traction, dependable handling, and long-lasting tread life.
Get Continental VikingContact 8 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tires
The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3, on the other hand, is a tried and tested winter tire that was introduced in November 2013. It is also accredited with a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, which means it also offers confident driving in wintry conditions. It is suitable for use on premium high-end sedans and CUVs and is specially optimized for strong winter performance, dependable snow traction, reduced braking distance, and enhanced winter grip. The pattern design and compound are engineered to outperform in freezing temperatures, and the great details on the footprint are a testament to its superior winter performance.
Overall, the Winter Sottozero 3 is accredited with an impressive 8.7 SimpleScore rating because of its sharper handling response, outstanding traction, and extended service life.
Get Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Continental VikingContact 8 vs Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tires on traction
Now, let’s try to analyze the traction performance of both tires, which relates to their surface biting ability, maintaining consistent grip on snow and ice, and offering the required force for smooth rolling in either direction.
First, let’s talk about the VikingContact 8, which scores an excellent 9.3 SimpleScore in traction. The advanced tread pattern of this tire with 3D sipes, snow edges, and three-layer sipes on the shoulder area provides exceptional traction and grip in wet, icy, slushy, and snowy conditions. The tread compound is optimized to maintain maximum flexibility in low temperatures for confident grip and high traction on snow and ice. Additionally, the new tread design with its lateral grooves keeps the footprint clean by forcing water and slush out of the contact patch for increased traction performance and hydroplaning resistance.
On the contrary, the Winter Sottozero 3 also scores an equally brilliant 9.3 score in traction, ensuring that the drivers enjoy confident driving on snow and ice in extreme winter conditions. There are wider grooves on the tread that ensure faster water and slush evacuation for increased grip and traction on wet and snowy surfaces. The directional double arrows pattern design also enhances traction in snow. Likewise, the high sipe density provides increased grip on snow, whereas the functionalized compound also boosts traction and grip in winter weather.
In traction, both tires achieve an equal rating, and we conclude this section with a tie!
ADVANTAGE: Tie
Continental VikingContact 8 vs Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tires on handling
Next, we will be analyzing the handling performances of both tires, which relate to steering response, braking efficiency, stability, control, and cornering.
The VikingContact 8 scores a great 8.8 SimpleScore in handling, assuring confident ride control and steering response in varying winter conditions. Its tread pattern reduces the tread noise levels and offers improved ride comfort. The sipes and other tread details contribute to improved braking performance on snow and ice, while the wider, flat footprint contributes to improved ride control and steering response. Additionally, the extended shoulders of this tire are reinforced to withstand the cornering pressures.
Comparatively, the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 scores an outstanding 9.1 SimpleScore in handling, ensuring commanding braking, steering response, and overall controllability in winter weather. Thanks to the 3D sipe technology, the Winter Sottozero 3 reduces braking distance and improves dry road handling in winter weather. Its wider grooves are also optimized for improved handling, especially in wet weather, and ensure better braking efficiency. The contact patch with flexible compound helps maintain ride control, while the flat footprint improves stability.
No doubt, the VikingContact 8 is fantastic on the handling front, but the Winter Sottozero 3 is even better and leads with a higher score in this area.
ADVANTAGE: Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
Continental VikingContact 8 vs Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tires on longevity
Now, let’s find out which of the two tires lasts longer and has the ability to resist wear better. As winter tires often have less tread life compared to standard all-season tires, this analysis will help you decide which one you should opt for if you want something that can be used for a decent number of miles.
Commencing with the VikingContact 8, the tire scores an 8.2 SimpleScore in longevity. Thanks to its energy-efficient construction, rolling resistance is remarkably reduced for efficient driving, increased mileage, and longer wear. The use of next-generation rubber compound prevents tire deformation, thus ensuring longer and even wear. Additionally, the flat contact patch further assists in ditching the premature wear for extended use.
Comparatively, the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 secures an 8.0 SimpleScore in longevity. Its wider base and contact patch can resist uneven wear, and the adequately strong construction and robust rubber compound also control tread wear and provide a decent service life.
This time, it was the Continental winter tire that surpassed the Winter Sottozero 3’s score and came out as a winner.
ADVANTAGE: Continental VikingContact 8
When to use each
The VikingContact 8 and the Winter Sottozero 3 are both winter tires, and they are specially optimized for driving on snow and ice in extreme winter conditions, in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you live in a region that witnesses severe snowfall or the roads are layered with snow or ice for more than 6 months a year, then either of these tires can be considered. Additionally, they are both Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, which makes them good for confident driving in winter weather conditions.
That being said, these tires are not suitable for off-road driving and also shouldn’t be used in warmer weather conditions, in temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
As far as the rim sizes are concerned, the VikingContact 8 is available in 15- to 22-inch rim sizes, while the Winter Sottozero 3 is offered in 16- to 21-inch rim choices.
Which one should you choose?
Based on the overall SimpleScore, the VikingContact 8 is better than the Winter Sottozero 3 (8.8 vs 8.7). However, they both come with their own merits, and therefore, you must consider them based on your budget, driving preferences, and needs.
As far as the prices are concerned, the VikingContact 8 is available at a starting price of at least $116 per tire, while the Winter Sottozero 3 is offered at an initial price of at least $210 per tire. This means that a set of four VikingContact 8 tires will cost you at least $464, while a set of four Winter Sottozero 3 tires is available at a starting price of at least $840.
Looking at SimpleScore, you should choose the Continental VikingContact 8 if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Chevrolet Cruze, Subaru Crosstrek, or Ford Escape.
- Need a tire that’s equally good in traction (9.3 vs 9.3).
- Need a tire that’s better in longevity (8.2 vs 8.0).
- Need a tire that’s compatible with vehicles having rim sizes in the range of 15- to 22-inch rims.
On the other hand, you should consider the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Tesla Model 3, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, or Mini Countryman.
- Want a tire that’s equally good in traction as its peer (9.3 vs 9.3).
- Want a tire that’s better in handling (9.1 vs 8.8).
- Want a tire in the rim size range of 16- to 21-inch.
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.