Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Bridgestone Blizzak 6: The Continental WinterContact TS 870, launched in 2021, goes head-to-head with the new Bridgestone Blizzak 6, launched in 2024 to replace the highly successful LM005. With the LM005 having been a strong contender in multiple press tests, the question remains: does the Blizzak 6 have what it takes to dethrone the multi-test champion TS 870 in this highly competitive middle European winter tire battle?
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Results: Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Bridgestone Blizzak 6
Results below were taken from 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test with a total of 53 tires tested. Only 20 tires made it into the final round of testing with wet & dry braking being the evaluation criteria. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental WinterContact TS 870 vs Bridgestone Blizzak 6 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the middle European winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 205/55 R16 which is a common tire size for Toyota Corolla & Volkswagen Jetta. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
In terms of wet braking, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 stops 3.9 meters shorter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870, with a braking distance of 54 meters compared to 57.9 meters. For wet handling, the Blizzak 6 also has a slight edge with a handling speed of 76.01 km/h, just ahead of the TS 870’s 75.14 km/h. However, in straight-line aquaplaning resistance, the TS 870 holds the advantage, resisting aquaplaning at 84.3 km/h, compared to the Blizzak 6’s 81 km/h. Overall, the Blizzak 6 takes first blood in wet performances especially in wet braking.
Blizzak 6 :
- +5% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- -4% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stops 0.5 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, with a braking distance of 29.1 meters compared to 29.6 meters. For snow traction, the TS 870 also shows a slight edge, delivering 2520 newtons of pulling force, just 8 newtons more than the Blizzak 6’s 2512 newtons. When it comes to snow handling, the TS 870 again performs slightly better, achieving a speed of 60 km/h, compared to the Blizzak 6’s 59.2 km/h. Overall, the TS 870 has a minor advantage in snow performance.
Blizzak 6 :
- -2% in snow braking
- ~0% in snow traction
- -1% in snow handling (average lap speed)
Mileage
Previously, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 showed a 30% better mileage than the Bridgestone LM005. Although the Blizzak 6 has improved, the TS 870 still holds an advantage, lasting 8% longer or 3,670 km longer with a wear performance of 47,970 km compared to 44,300 km for the Blizzak 6. Despite the progress, the TS 870 remains ahead in terms of overall mileage.
Blizzak 6 :
- -8% in mileage
Dry
In dry braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 stops 0.2 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, with a braking distance of 43.9 meters compared to 44.1 meters. For dry handling, the TS 870 also has a slight edge, maintaining a speed of 110.6 km/h, just ahead of the Blizzak 6’s 110.2 km/h. Overall, the TS 870 shows a marginal advantage in dry performance.
Blizzak 6 :
- ~0% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (average lap speed)
Noise
In terms of exterior noise, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is quieter by 1.3 decibels compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, producing 71 decibels versus 72.3 decibels. This gives the TS 870 a slight advantage in reducing road noise.
Blizzak 6 :
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.3 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In terms of rolling resistance, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 outperforms the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, with a lower rolling resistance of 7.83 N/kN compared to 8.77 N/kN. This means the TS 870 is more efficient, requiring less energy to roll than the Blizzak 6.
Blizzak 6 :
- -11% in rolling resistance
Price
In the 205/55R16 size, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 is 21% more expensive than the Continental WinterContact TS 870, priced at €142 compared to €112 for the TS 870.
Tire size: 205/55R16
- Blizzak 6 : € 142
Difference: +21% more expensive for Blizzak 6
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
As a tire expert, I’m impressed with the new Bridgestone Blizzak 6’s performance in wet braking and wet handling, where it clearly leads the competition. However, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 still has significant advantages in snow performance, mileage, exterior noise and rolling resistance, making it a strong all-around winter tire.
Dr Edwin Pang