Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Bridgestone Blizzak 6: The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, launched in 2023, squares off against the all-new 2024 Bridgestone Blizzak 6, which carries forward the legacy of the highly successful LM005. With the Blizzak 6 aiming to dethrone Goodyear’s latest winter tire, the question is—does it have what it takes to claim the crown in this middle European winter tire showdown? Get ready for an intense battle where only the best in snow, wet, and dry conditions will prevail!
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Results: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 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 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 vs Bridgestone Blizzak 6 based on the relevant performance category. The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 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 wet braking, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 stops 3.7 meters shorter than the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, with distances of 54 meters and 57.7 meters, respectively. For wet handling, the Blizzak 6 maintains an average speed that is 1.2 km/h faster, at 76.01 km/h compared to 74.81 km/h for the UltraGrip Performance 3. However, in straight-line aquaplaning, the UltraGrip Performance 3 slips at a slightly higher speed of 82.2 km/h versus 81 km/h for the Blizzak 6. Overall, the Blizzak 6 comes out strong in wet conditions.
Blizzak 6 :
- +5% in wet braking
- +2% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- -1% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stops 0.2 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, with distances of 29.4 meters and 29.6 meters, respectively. Both tires deliver identical snow traction with a force of 2512 newtons. For snow handling, the UltraGrip Performance 3 holds a slight edge, maintaining an average speed of 59.9 km/h compared to 59.2 km/h for the Blizzak 6. In the end, it’s too close to call!
Blizzak 6 :
- -1% in snow braking
- ~0% in snow traction
- -1% in snow handling (average lap speed)
Mileage
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 outlasts the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 by 3,200 kilometers, offering a mileage of 47,500 km compared to 44,300 km for the Blizzak 6. While the Blizzak 6 has partially addressed its predecessor’s weakness in mileage performance, it still falls short.
Blizzak 6 :
- -7% in mileage
Dry
In dry braking, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stops 0.2 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, with distances of 43.9 meters and 44.1 meters, respectively. However, the Blizzak 6 takes the lead in dry handling, maintaining an average speed 0.6 km/h faster at 110.2 km/h compared to 109.6 km/h for the UltraGrip Performance 3.
Blizzak 6 :
- ~0% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (average lap speed)
Noise
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 runs quieter than the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, producing 1.1 decibels less noise at 71.2 dB compared to 72.3 dB for the Blizzak 6.
Blizzak 6 :
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 offers lower rolling resistance, with a value of 8.2 N/kN compared to 8.77 N/kN for the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, making it more efficient in terms of fuel consumption.
Blizzak 6 :
- -6% in rolling resistance
Price
In the 205/55R16 size, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is priced at €102, while the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 costs €103. This makes the Blizzak 6 just 1% more expensive.
Tire size: 205/55R16
- Blizzak 6 : € 103
Difference: +1% more expensive for Blizzak 6
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
From my perspective as a tire expert, both the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and Bridgestone Blizzak 6 bring strong performance to the table. The UltraGrip Performance 3 excels with better mileage, lower rolling resistance, and quieter operation, making it a great all-around choice. On the other hand, the Blizzak 6 shows impressive wet performance, with a noticeable upgrade in wear over its predecessor, the LM005. While the Blizzak 6 still trails slightly in mileage, it’s clear that Bridgestone has addressed some of its past weaknesses, creating a more balanced winter tire.
Dr Edwin Pang