Continental SportContact 7 vs Falken Azenis FK520
Expect the SportContact 7 to dominate objective grip and control-especially in dry braking, dry/wet handling, and overall safety margins-while the FK520 counters with better curved/straight aquaplaning in several tests, lower exterior noise, and a compelling cost proposition. The nuances: Falken can occasionally nip the Continental in specific wet braking or aquaplaning metrics, but the broader pattern favors the SC7 for drivers seeking precision and pace.
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 nine tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continental SportContact 7 | nine |
While it might look like the Continental SportContact 7 is better than the Falken Azenis FK520 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
- Class-leading dry braking and dry handling across all tests
- Consistently short wet braking and fast wet handling with strong feedback
- Engaging, precise steering and balanced dynamics
- Competitive rolling resistance and efficiency for the performance on offer
- Compelling value with lower purchase price and good wear
- Low exterior noise and good ride comfort
- Strong straight and curved aquaplaning performance in multiple tests
- Solid all-round grip that feels safe and stable in everyday driving
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during seven dry braking tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 3.64% less distance than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Dry Braking: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during three dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 was 1.13% faster around a lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during three dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 was 1.04% faster around a lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during two subj. dry handling tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 scored 14.89% more points than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during five wet braking tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 4.57% less distance than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Wet Braking: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 stopped the vehicle in 9.28% less distance than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 was 0.86% faster around a wet lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during three wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 was 2.74% faster around a wet lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during two subj. wet handling tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 scored 15.15% more points than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 had 2.77% higher lateral wet grip than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Wet Circle: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 floated at a 0.36% higher speed than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Straight Aqua: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during four curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 slipped out at a 2.48% higher speed than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 scored 5% more points than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 scored 14.29% more points than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Subj. Noise: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during four noise tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 measured 1.05% quieter than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Noise: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one wear tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 is predicted to cover 7.07% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Wear: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one value tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 proved to have a 23.16% better value based on price/1000km than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Value: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during four price tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 cost 19.98% less than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Price: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during five rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 had a 2.35% lower rolling resistance than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental SportContact 7 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Continental SportContact 7 used 1.79% less fuel than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Continental SportContact 7
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 emitted 2.37% less particle wear matter than the Continental SportContact 7.
Best In Abrasion: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Continental SportContact 7 Driver Reviews
Drivers rate the Continental SportContact 7 very highly overall, most often praising outstanding wet grip (often described as nearly dry-like), very strong dry traction, and excellent braking/handling that boosts confidence on both road and occasional track use. Many also feel it offers strong value versus Michelin/Pirelli rivals, with good feedback and stability once up to temperature. The most consistent downside is rapid wear/short lifespan-especially on heavy, high-torque cars or with spirited/track driving-with a secondary theme of higher noise and a firmer ride or slightly less sharp steering feel than some competitors.
Based on 93 reviews with an average rating of 84%
Falken Azenis FK520 Driver Reviews
Drivers report the Falken Azenis FK520 delivers excellent dry grip, very strong wet braking/traction, and predictable, progressive handling, while remaining comfortable and relatively quiet. Value for money is a standout, with several users comparing its performance favorably to premium brands, and wear generally viewed as good for a UHP tyre. A minority note that steering precision/feedback isn't as sharp as top-tier UUHP options, and it's not the best choice for track days or prolonged hard driving due to some heat fade. Overall sentiment is strongly positive given the performance-to-price ratio.
Based on 38 reviews with an average rating of 83%
Conclusion
Falken's Azenis FK520 is the pragmatic alternative. It brings strong value, lower noise, solid straight and curved aquaplaning in many tests, and good wear-ideal for everyday use and long motorway stints. If you prioritise price, refinement, and wet-weather hydroplaning security over ultimate lap time or steering precision, the FK520 makes sense. Otherwise, for maximum confidence and capability in spirited or mixed-weather driving, the SportContact 7 is the clear pick.
Key Differences
- Overall results: SC7 wins all 8 shared tests; FK520 has no test wins
- Dry performance: SC7 uniformly ahead in braking and handling (e.g., up to ~8% shorter dry braking)
- Wet performance: SC7 leads most categories; FK520 occasionally edges wet braking or aquaplaning
- Subjective feel: SC7 is sharper and more dynamic; FK520 feels secure but less engaging
- Noise/refinement: FK520 is typically quieter; SC7 can be louder in some sizes
- Value/longevity: FK520 usually cheaper with better wear/value scores; SC7 focuses on peak performance
Overall Winner: Continental SportContact 7
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Continental SportContact 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.Similar Comparisons
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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.