Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 and the Sport Contact 6 are both max-performance summer tires built to provide better traction at high temperatures. However, upon comparing the size 265/35R19 of both the tires, we found certain differences.
Continental Sport Contact 6 offers better dry and wet traction due to its higher contact patch, compact shoulders, and numerous sipes. On the other hand, the hydroplaning resistance of Evo3 is far more superior due to its higher void ratio.
In addition to this, there are some other major differences between the performances of both these tires that we have discussed below. So, let’s check them out!
Table of Contents
Tread Pattern Comparison
Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3
Continental Sport Contact 6
Featuring an asymmetrical tread design, the S1 Evo3 has a total of four deep grooves.
There are 3D sipes present on the shoulder blocks and the central part. However, they are lesser in number as compared to its competitor.
The tread block column is also divided into separate blocks with the sipes running through it. Talking about the shoulders of these tires, they are quite wide and the shoulders blocks are placed farther apart.
The Sport Contact 6 also features an asymmetrical tread design with narrower and shallower grooves as compared to the Evo3.
The grooves divide the tire into three columns and two shoulder rows. The shoulders of these tires are scarce and the shoulder blocks are closely packed.
Talking about the sipes, they are numerous in number. This is what makes a huge difference in the performance of both tires.
Grip Comparison
The grip of a tire depends upon the contact between the road’s surface and its tread. Here, the contact patch of the Evo3 is lower as compared to the Contact 6. As a result, its braking distance is increased. The sipes of a tire also play a major role in determining its performance on wet roads. The sipes on the central block and the shoulders of this tire are also lesser. They will not be efficient and this will increase the braking distance on wet roads as well. Thus, the grip of these tires on dry and wet roads is compromised.
On the other hand, the Contact 6 features a higher contact patch in comparison. Therefore, its braking distance on dry roads will be reduced leading to better performance on dry surfaces. When it comes to performance on wet roads, it is surrounded by numerous sipes. As a result, the wet braking distance becomes shorter than their competitor. So, in short, the overall grip of the Sport Contact 6 is superior.
Handling Comparison
The handling capabilities of a tire depend upon its shoulders. In this case, the Evo3, it features relatively broader shoulders. This will result in more time to finish a lap and as a result, its dry handling capabilities will be reduced. The same can be said for wet handling as well. The lesser number of sipes and broad shoulders increase the time required to finish a lap on wet roads.
In comparison, the Sport Contact 6 offers remarkable handling on dry roads due to its compact shoulders. The shoulder pattern of these tires helps them finish a lap much quicker than their counterpart. This is what makes their performance superior on dry roads. The same performance is translated into wet roads as well. The numerous sipes present on these tires make the handling incredibly well on wet roads. As a result, the time required to finish a lap on wet surfaces will reduce.
Comparison of Hydroplaning Resistance
When it comes to hydroplaning resistance, Evo3 features a higher void ratio because of its wider grooves. As a result, the tire’s capability of evacuating a considerable amount of water increases. Even though the sipes on these tires are less in number, they are quite deep. This further aid them in providing superb hydroplaning resistance.
Conversely, the Sport Contact 6 possesses narrower grooves as compared to its competitor. So, despite having numerous sipes, their hydroplaning resistance is not much effective. That’s why we would not recommend using these tires when there are chances of heavy rain as the vehicle will be unable to maintain its stability.
Comparison of Rolling Resistance
A tire’s rolling resistance is the amount of friction between the road and its tread. The more the tire will come in contact with the road, the higher the rolling resistance will be. As a result, the fuel required to tackle the friction will also increase. Since the Evo3 features a lower contact patch in comparison, its rolling resistance will also be much lower. Due to the lower rolling resistance of these tires, the fuel efficiency will also increase.
However, the contact patch of Sport Contact 6 is much higher due to its lower void ratio. This indicates that more amount of tread will come in contact with the surface of the road. This will lead to a higher rolling resistance as well. The fuel efficiency of these tires will also decrease due to the higher rolling resistance.
Comfort Comparison
One of the major focus of buyers while buying a tire is the amount of noise it produces. Since the Evo3 possesses wider grooves as compared to its competitor, its noise level will be much higher as well. That’s because the air particles will get a lot of space inside the grooves to strike back and forth. This will produce a lot of noise and as a result, the overall comfort will reduce.
On the other hand, Contact 6 is a much quieter tire because of its lower void ratio. Due to the narrower grooves of these tires, there isn’t much space left for the air particles to get stuck inside. Therefore, they become much better option when it comes to the comfort comparison.
Treadwear & Durability
Due to the higher void ratio of the Evo3, its contact patch decreases. As a result, the rolling resistance of these tires is also reduced. The lower rolling resistance leads to lower treadwear. Other than that, the manufacturing of these tires is done using a special silica tread-based compound. This is what makes the carcass of these tires stiff and adds to their durability. Due to lower treadwear and higher durability, the drivers get a higher mileage as well.
Talking about the treadwear and durability of the Sport Contact 6, it features a higher contact patch. This leads to the higher rolling resistance of these tires and more treadwear. Even though they are manufactured using durable materials, they are not as durable as their counterpart. This is what makes the Evo3 a much better option in terms of tread wear and durability.
Price
When we compared the price of both the tires, we found the Evo3 a higher-priced option due to its better hydroplaning resistance and lower rolling resistance, lower treadwear, and more durability. But, if you are looking for best traction, then we would suggest opting for Sport Contact 6. They do not only offer better traction but are more affordable and comfortable as well.
Summary
- Both are summer tires.
- The dry and wet grip of the Contact 6 is better.
- Sport 6 performance is more effective in terms of handling as well.
- The hydroplaning resistance of the Evo3 is much better.
- The S1 Evo3 has a lower rolling resistance leading to better fuel efficiency.
- Sport Contact 6 is a more comfortable option because it produces less noise.
- Evo3 has a lower treadwear rate and offers more durability.
- Continental Sport Contact 6 is a lower-priced tire.
