2013 A6 C7: Pirelli Cinturato P7 AS Plus --Or-- Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+

[jstarzy]

Hi all....

The original ContiProContacts are at 51K and one has a new bubble from a pot hole so time to replace them. I have narrowed the field down to Pirelli Cinturato P7 AS Plus and Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+. I'm mentioning this Michelin because Costco is offering them with a $150 discount for the next couple of weeks at a reasonable cost compared to the other Michelins they offer. The Costco buy will be simple and includes perks. The Perelli buy isn't as convenient but i could make it work. The Perellis seem to get excellent reviews on forums and from Tire Rack.

A6 2.0TQ 245-45-R18 100H. I would like an all season with a quiet, smooth ride with some handling capability but I am not an aggressive driver. I see good reviews for both but I don't want to be dissapointed. Both sets of 4 are only $25 apart. I did not think the original Contis were anything special and I wasn't impressed with their customer service. Pereilis are rated for 70K and the Michelins for 50K. I'll sacrifice a bit of treadwear for a better feeling, more responsive, comfortable, quieter tire....ha...if possible! Only moderate use in snow.

Any thoughts from all and opinions from owners of each tire would be much appreciated.

Thanks...Jim.

[gk1]

I would think based on your lean towards comfort the grand touring Pirelli might be better suited for you. The Michelin is generally considered the best UHP all-season tire on the market, but may not be more comfortable or quieter than a non UHP tire.
Unfortunately you can't compare treadwear between two different manufacturers. The best you can say is the Pirelli is warrantied for 70k miles and the Michelin is warrantied for 45k miles, but your Conti's new are warrantied for 60k miles (if H-speed rated) and you made it just over 50k.(Not sure how much tread is left.)
Personally I'd pick the Michelin since I lean toward the side of sport over comfort. Based on comments I've heard and reviews the AS3+ is as good as any summer tire with the added benefit of cold weather and light snow abilities.
If you wanted to stay in the grand touring category perhaps take a look at the Vredestein Quatrac Pro. I am heavily considering them to replace my dedicated snow tires since I run PS4S in the summer. The model is a bit of a newcomer but gets excellent reviews. They do only have a 40k mile warranty, not a concern for me, but perhaps is something to consider for you. (My bro recently put them on a Volvo and likes them very much.)
Also bear in mind it looks like Pirelli has a Cinturato P7 AS Plus II, I can only assume to replace the older outgoing model. Usually, but not always, the new model outperforms the old in several ways.
Full disclosure, I was once a Pirelli hater due to multiple bad experiences with OE Pirellis, but I am a recent convert as I have installed Scorpion Zero A/S Plus on my SQ5 and feel they are very good so far, especially for the price.
Hope that helps.

[jstarzy]

Thanks GK-1...

I just went through the Tirerack customer reviews again (not just the summary review table). So funny, they can be all over the place. Praise and hate for the same characteristics from different owners.

I think I can be happy with the Michelins as long as they are not too loud and "stiff". I had the previous version, Pilot Sport A/S on my 2001.5 A4 Sport package, loved them on that car, however, the A6 is a different ride. I'd like the tire to be quiet, smooth and have moderate handling.

[scsu]

I've had both. The Pirelli's were ok, but were worn out at 38,000. The AS3+ is a better tire, especially in wet. Feels a tad stiffer then the Pirelli. Both are quiet. I never had either in cold weather so can't comment on that.

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[jstarzy]

Thanks SCSU....

Is there a Tirerack moderator who can weigh in?...if I choose the Pirelli Cinturato P7 AS Plus, they'd be my source. Can the Tirerack rep comment on the Pirelli v Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+ for a 2013 A6 2.0T Quattro. NJ driving. I'll sacrifice a bit of treadwear for a better feeling, more responsive, comfortable, SMOOTH, QUIET tire....ha...if possible! Only moderate use in snow. Would like as much fuel efficiency, though. Thanks all and Tirerack.

Jim.

[gk1]

Thanks SCSU....

Is there a Tirerack moderator who can weigh in?...if I choose the Pirelli Cinturato P7 AS Plus, they'd be my source. Can the Tirerack rep comment on the Pirelli v Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+ for a 2013 A6 2.0T Quattro. NJ driving. I'll sacrifice a bit of treadwear for a better feeling, more responsive, comfortable, SMOOTH, QUIET tire....ha...if possible! Only moderate use in snow. Would like as much fuel efficiency, though. Thanks all and Tirerack.

Jim.

Sadly I'm doubtful this forum is even monitored by them any more. Last post I saw with an @tirerack user was 2018.

[scsu]

Thanks SCSU....

Is there a Tirerack moderator who can weigh in?...if I choose the Pirelli Cinturato P7 AS Plus, they'd be my source. Can the Tirerack rep comment on the Pirelli v Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+ for a 2013 A6 2.0T Quattro. NJ driving. I'll sacrifice a bit of treadwear for a better feeling, more responsive, comfortable, SMOOTH, QUIET tire....ha...if possible! Only moderate use in snow. Would like as much fuel efficiency, though. Thanks all and Tirerack.

Jim.

My MPG is the same on both 29 city and 33 highway. 2017 A4.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Audizine mobile app