Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Dunlop Winter Sport 5: The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 has earned a strong reputation with impressive results in press tests, making it a standout in the middle European winter tire market. But with the launch of the all-new Bridgestone Blizzak 6 in 2024, a fresh challenger steps onto the scene. Can the proven Dunlop hold its ground against Bridgestone’s latest innovation? This clash promises to be a thrilling middle European winter battle—let’s dive in!
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Results: Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Dunlop Winter Sport 5
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 Bridgestone Blizzak 6 vs Dunlop Winter Sport 5 based on the relevant performance category. The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 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
Wet performance has always been a strong point for Bridgestone, as seen with its predecessor, the LM005, and the new Blizzak 6 continues that trend. In wet braking, the Blizzak 6 stops 4.5 meters shorter than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, a significant advantage. On wet handling, the Blizzak 6 leads with a speed of 76.01 km/h, 1.88 km/h faster than the Dunlop. Even in straight-line aquaplaning, the Blizzak 6 maintains its dominance, achieving 81 km/h compared to the Dunlop’s 77.5 km/h, showing Bridgestone’s continued strength in wet conditions.
Winter Sport 5 :
- -8% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- -4% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In snow performance, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5 deliver closely matched results. In snow braking, the Dunlop edges ahead, stopping 0.4 meters shorter than the Blizzak 6. For snow traction, the Dunlop also shows a slight advantage, generating 58 N more pulling force than the Blizzak 6. However, in snow handling, the Dunlop maintains a small lead, with a handling speed of 59.6 km/h, just 0.4 km/h faster than the Blizzak 6. Both tires demonstrate excellent snow capabilities with minimal differences.
Winter Sport 5 :
- +1% in snow braking
- +2% in snow traction
- +1% in snow handling (average lap speed)
Mileage
Wear has always been a weak point for Bridgestone, while Dunlop has consistently excelled in mileage performance, and this remains evident here. The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 lasts 4,390 km longer than the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, demonstrating its superior durability and strong mileage advantage over Bridgestone’s offering.
Winter Sport 5 :
- +10% in mileage
Dry
In dry performance, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 shows a clear edge over the Dunlop Winter Sport 5. In dry braking, the Blizzak 6 stops 1.9 meters shorter than the Dunlop. For dry handling, the Blizzak also leads with a speed of 110.2 km/h, outperforming the Dunlop by 1.3 km/h, showcasing its superior grip and control on dry roads.
Winter Sport 5 :
- -4% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (average lap speed)
Noise
In terms of exterior noise, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 is slightly quieter than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, producing 72.3 dB compared to the Dunlop’s 72.5 dB. The difference is minimal, but it gives the Blizzak a slight advantage in reducing road noise.
Winter Sport 5 :
- ~0% in exterior noise (+0.2 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 outperforms the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, with a lower resistance of 7.82 N/kN compared to the Blizzak’s 8.77 N/kN. This indicates the Dunlop is more efficient, potentially offering better fuel economy than the Bridgestone.
Winter Sport 5 :
- +12% in rolling resistance
Price
The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is priced at €132, making it 8% cheaper than the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, which costs €142 in the 205/55R16 size.
Tire size: 205/55R16
- Blizzak 6 : € 142
- Winter Sport 5 : € 132
Difference: -8% more cheaper for Winter Sport 5
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
As a tire expert, both the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5 have their strengths. The Blizzak 6 excels in wet and dry performance, with shorter braking distances and better handling, making it ideal for safety-conscious drivers in varied conditions. On the other hand, the Winter Sport 5 stands out with superior mileage, lower rolling resistance, and a more affordable price, offering great value and efficiency for long-term use. The choice ultimately depends on whether performance or longevity and cost-efficiency take priority.
Dr Edwin Pang