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Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun

This head-to-head pits Continental's latest-generation PremiumContact 7 against Falken's long-serving ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun in the premium-touring summer segment. Across seven shared tests from ADAC, Auto Express, AutoBild, and others, the Continental consistently sets the pace in core safety metrics, while the Falken leans on comfort, aquaplaning security, and price to make its case.

Expect a clear contrast: the PremiumContact 7 dominates wet and dry grip with repeatedly shorter braking distances and sharper handling, whereas the ZE310 EcoRun tends to be quieter, more comfortable, and stronger in both straight-line and curved aquaplaning, often at a meaningfully lower purchase price.
PremiumContact-7 VS ZIEX-ZE310-EcoRun

Test Results

Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been seven tests which compare both tyres directly!

Summary of seven total tests comparing both tyres directly
TyreTest WinsPerformance
Continental PremiumContact 7seven
seven wins

While it might look like the Continental PremiumContact 7 is better than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.

Key Strengths

  • Outstanding wet and dry braking (e.g., up to ~8-13% shorter in wet vs Falken across tests)
  • Precise, confidence-inspiring handling with strong steering feedback
  • Good wear and abrasion performance (e.g., +19-30% projected mileage in key tests)
  • Competitive rolling resistance for the class
  • Excellent aquaplaning resistance (often wins straight and curved tests)
  • Low cabin noise and good comfort/refinement
  • Lower purchase price and solid value scores
  • Decent dry dynamics for everyday driving when not pushed

Dry Braking

Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during six dry braking tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 4.19% less distance than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
35.21M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
36.75M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
35.27M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
36.7M (+1.43M)
Continental PremiumContact 7
35.4M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
36.5M (+1.1M)
Continental PremiumContact 7
35.4M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
37.7M (+2.3M)
Continental PremiumContact 7
35.4M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
36.5M (+1.1M)
Continental PremiumContact 7
32.9M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
34.3M (+1.4M)
Continental PremiumContact 7
36.9M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
38.8M (+1.9M)

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 was 1.09% faster around a lap than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
63.52s
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
64.22s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
51.73s
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
52.04s (+0.31s)
Continental PremiumContact 7
75.3s
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
76.4s (+1.1s)

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 was 0.1% faster around a lap than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
97.35Km/H
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
97.25Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
115.5Km/H (-0.7Km/H)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
116.2Km/H
Continental PremiumContact 7
79.2Km/H
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
78.3Km/H (-0.9Km/H)

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 scored 10% more points than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
100 Points
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
90 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
100 Points
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
90 Points (-10 Points)

Wet Braking

Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during six wet braking tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 8.18% less distance than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
34.23M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
37.28M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
31.58M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
33.88M (+2.3M)
Continental PremiumContact 7
25.8M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
28M (+2.2M)
Continental PremiumContact 7
28.5M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
32.6M (+4.1M)
Continental PremiumContact 7
40.3M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
43.7M (+3.4M)
Continental PremiumContact 7
39.5M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
43.2M (+3.7M)
Continental PremiumContact 7
39.7M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
42.3M (+2.6M)

Wet Braking - Concrete

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 11.85% less distance than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
32M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
36.3M
Wet braking on Concrete in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
32M
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
36.3M (+4.3M)

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 was 1.94% faster around a wet lap than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
81.28s
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
82.89s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
84.85s
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
86.58s (+1.73s)
Continental PremiumContact 7
77.7s
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
79.2s (+1.5s)

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 was 1.53% faster around a wet lap than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
71.95Km/H
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
70.85Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
75.5Km/H
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
74.5Km/H (-1Km/H)
Continental PremiumContact 7
68.4Km/H
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
67.2Km/H (-1.2Km/H)

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 scored 5% more points than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
100 Points
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
95 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
100 Points
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
95 Points (-5 Points)

Wet Circle

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 had 6.13% higher lateral wet grip than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
6.53m/s
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
6.13m/s
Lateral wet grip in m/s squared, higher is better

Best In Wet Circle: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
6.53m/s
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
6.13m/s (-0.4m/s)

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun floated at a 1.07% higher speed than the Continental PremiumContact 7.

Continental PremiumContact 7
81.52Km/H
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
82.4Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun

Continental PremiumContact 7
74.91Km/H (-4.01Km/H)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
78.92Km/H
Continental PremiumContact 7
74Km/H (-3.4Km/H)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
77.4Km/H
Continental PremiumContact 7
82.5Km/H (-0.9Km/H)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
83.4Km/H
Continental PremiumContact 7
82.3Km/H
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
79.2Km/H (-3.1Km/H)
Continental PremiumContact 7
93.9Km/H
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
93.1Km/H (-0.8Km/H)

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during four curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun slipped out at a 7.41% higher speed than the Continental PremiumContact 7.

Continental PremiumContact 7
5.75m/sec2
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
6.21m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun

Continental PremiumContact 7
3.3m/sec2 (-0.26m/sec2)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
3.56m/sec2
Continental PremiumContact 7
2.8m/sec2 (-0.5m/sec2)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
3.3m/sec2
Continental PremiumContact 7
4.51m/sec2 (-0.26m/sec2)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
4.77m/sec2
Continental PremiumContact 7
12.4m/sec2 (-0.8m/sec2)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
13.2m/sec2

Subj. Comfort

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun scored 8% more points than the Continental PremiumContact 7.

Continental PremiumContact 7
92 Points
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
100 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun

Continental PremiumContact 7
92 Points (-8 Points)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
100 Points

Noise

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during three noise tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun measured 0.59% quieter than the Continental PremiumContact 7.

Continental PremiumContact 7
72.48dB
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
72.05dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun

Continental PremiumContact 7
72.2dB (+0.6dB)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
71.6dB
Continental PremiumContact 7
71.3dB
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
71.4dB (+0.1dB)
Continental PremiumContact 7
74.1dB (+0.4dB)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
73.7dB
Continental PremiumContact 7
72.3dB (+0.8dB)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
71.5dB

Noise

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during one noise tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun measured 1.39% quieter than the Continental PremiumContact 7.

Continental PremiumContact 7
72dB
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
71dB
Internal noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun

Continental PremiumContact 7
72dB (+1dB)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
71dB

Wear

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during two wear tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 is predicted to cover 20.81% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
45525KM
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
36050KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
60300KM
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
46300KM (-14000KM)
Continental PremiumContact 7
30750KM
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
25800KM (-4950KM)

Value

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during one value tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun proved to have a 9.49% better value based on price/1000km than the Continental PremiumContact 7.

Continental PremiumContact 7
12.85Price/1000
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
11.63Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun

Continental PremiumContact 7
12.85Price/1000 (+1.22Price/1000)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
11.63Price/1000

Price

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was better during three price tests. On average the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun cost 22.03% less than the Continental PremiumContact 7.

Continental PremiumContact 7
222.9
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
173.8
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun

Continental PremiumContact 7
99.69 (+10.3)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
89.39
Continental PremiumContact 7
174 (+42)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
132
Continental PremiumContact 7
395 (+95)
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
300

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during four rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 had a 2.84% lower rolling resistance than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
8.22kg / t
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
8.46kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
8.38kg / t
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
8.72kg / t (+0.34kg / t)
Continental PremiumContact 7
8.08kg / t
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
8.22kg / t (+0.14kg / t)
Continental PremiumContact 7
8.6kg / t
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
8.9kg / t (+0.3kg / t)
Continental PremiumContact 7
7.82kg / t
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
8kg / t (+0.18kg / t)

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 used 1.67% less fuel than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
5.9l/100km
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
6l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
5.9l/100km
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
6l/100km (+0.1l/100km)

Abrasion

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental PremiumContact 7 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Continental PremiumContact 7 emitted 16.53% less particle wear matter than the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.

Continental PremiumContact 7
60.1mg/km/t
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
72mg/km/t
Weight of Tyre Wear Particles Lost (mg/km/t), lower is better

Best In Abrasion: Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7
60.1mg/km/t
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
72mg/km/t (+11.9mg/km/t)

Real World Driver Reviews

Continental PremiumContact 7 Driver Reviews

Drivers of the Continental PremiumContact 7 overwhelmingly praise its outstanding wet and dry grip, strong braking, and confidence-inspiring handling, often noting clear improvements over the PC6. Many also report solid comfort and better aquaplaning resistance, though experiences vary by car. The most frequent drawbacks are higher road noise on coarse asphalt and, for a subset of users, faster tread wear; a few enthusiasts note soft sidewalls that reduce steering precision. Overall sentiment is strongly positive given the high number of top-scoring reviews.

Based on 48 reviews with an average rating of 83%

Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun Driver Reviews

Across 104 reviews, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is most often described as a strong value summer tyre with confident wet and dry grip (including good aquaplaning resistance) and notably low road noise. Many drivers also praise its predictable, safe handling and generally good wear for the money, with a high rate of repeat purchases. The main recurring downside is higher rolling resistance leading to increased fuel consumption, and some users note a softer sidewall/less sharp steering response that makes it feel less sporty or a bit vague when pushed.

Based on 113 reviews with an average rating of 80%

Best Review for the Continental PremiumContact 7
Given 99% 205/55 R16 on a combination of roads for 600 spirited miles
Fantastic tyres. Previous tyres were Michelin ps4. These 7s are possibly better in every department. Highly recommend them. Very impressed.
Helpful 1491 - tyre reviewed on February 21, 2023
View all Continental PremiumContact 7 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
Given 78% 195/65 R15 H on a combination of roads for 500 average miles
New silica and new model tyre. I have bought them a few days ago.
Very silent. Most silent tyres I had the last 20 years.
Nice handling.

Cheaper than most other brands.
(30euro cheaper than dunlop and 50 euro cheaper than michelin)

Euro label - C A A 67db for 195 65 15
Helpful 1266 - tyre reviewed on March 9, 2018
View all Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun driver reviews >>

Conclusion

Across multiple independent tests, the PremiumContact 7 delivers class-leading safety: shortest wet and dry braking in nearly every test, stable and precise handling, and strong wear performance. Its few drawbacks are higher purchase price and average refinement/noise. In contrast, the ZE310 EcoRun shines in aquaplaning resistance and cabin refinement and is usually cheaper, but it lags notably in wet and dry braking and objective handling-gaps that are meaningful for everyday safety.

For drivers prioritizing braking performance and confidence in mixed weather, the Continental is the clear winner. Budget-focused buyers who value quietness and high aquaplaning margins on straight or curved water may find the Falken acceptable, provided they accept longer stopping distances and older-generation efficiency. If value means performance per pound, the Continental's superior grip and longevity often justify the premium; if sticker price and comfort rule, the Falken remains a sensible, but compromised, alternative.
Key Differences
  • Safety-critical braking: Continental consistently stops shorter in wet and dry (often 4-12% advantage).
  • Handling precision: Continental offers sharper steering and higher limit stability; Falken can understeer and respond slower in the wet.
  • Aquaplaning: Falken typically leads in both straight and curved aquaplaning; Continental ranges from competitive to average.
  • Noise/comfort: Falken is quieter and more refined; Continental can be noisier on rough surfaces.
  • Wear/longevity: Continental shows notably better tread life (e.g., +19-30% mileage in major tests).
  • Price/value: Falken is usually cheaper upfront; Continental offsets with superior safety performance and durability.
Continental PremiumContact 7

Overall Winner: Continental PremiumContact 7

Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Continental PremiumContact 7 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.

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Footnote

This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.

Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.