Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 vs Bridgestone Blizzak LM005: When winter approaches, the decision on what kind of tires to equip your vehicle with becomes critical. Two standout options in the winter tire market are the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005. The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, launched in early 2021, promises enhanced grip on snow and wet surfaces, aiming to provide a balanced performance across a variety of winter conditions. Meanwhile, Bridgestone’s Blizzak LM005, which debuted in late 2019, focuses on achieving superior traction and stability, particularly on icy and snow-covered roads.
Both tires boast state-of-the-art technologies to deliver top-notch performance during the cold months. The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 employs advanced silica compounds and specialized tread patterns to offer an efficient braking system and improved fuel economy. On the other hand, Bridgestone’s Blizzak LM005 utilizes its unique NanoPro-Tech™ polymer and a high-silica content to enhance wet grip and reduce the stopping distance.
Choosing between these two tire models will inevitably come down to your specific needs and preferences, but both are designed to offer reliable and safe options for winter driving. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into a comprehensive comparison between these two leading winter tire options.
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Results: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 vs Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Results below were taken from 2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test with a total of 10 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 vs Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 based on the relevant performance category. The Cinturato Winter 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, the objective & subjective snow performance was tested. The tire size of interest is a 225/45 R17 which is a common tire size for Volvo S60 & BMW 3 Series. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
Wet performance is a key parameter for winter tires, particularly relevant in regions like middle Europe where wet conditions are prevalent. The ability to maintain control and stop effectively on wet roads is crucial for driver safety. Let’s dive into how the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 compare in terms of wet performance:
- Wet Braking
Braking distance is a critical factor when driving on wet surfaces, and every meter counts when it comes to stopping in an emergency. In this category, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 has a slight advantage, with a stopping distance of 27.3 meters, compared to the Cinturato Winter 2’s 30.4 meters. This shorter braking distance for the Blizzak LM005 can be crucial in avoiding collisions during sudden stops.
- Wet Handling
When it comes to the lap time on wet tracks, both tires are closely matched. The Blizzak LM005 comes in at 97 seconds, whereas the Cinturato Winter 2 lags just a bit behind with a time of 99 seconds. Both times suggest that the tires offer commendable control and responsiveness when driving on wet roads.
- Subjective Wet Handling
Subjective wet handling refers to the driver’s impression of the tire’s overall performance on wet surfaces. Both the Cinturato Winter 2 and the Blizzak LM005 received a perfect score of 10 points in this category. This indicates that from a driver’s perspective, both tires offer excellent wet handling capabilities.
- Straight Aquaplaning
Aquaplaning can be a dangerous situation where the tire loses contact with the road due to a layer of water between them. Both tires performed well in straight aquaplaning tests, but the Blizzak LM005 has a slight edge with a slipping speed of 80 Km/H compared to the Cinturato Winter 2’s 78.9 Km/H. The higher the speed before slipping, the better the tire resists aquaplaning.
In wet conditions, both the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 offer solid performance. However, the Blizzak LM005 demonstrates a slight edge in wet braking and straight aquaplaning resistance, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize these aspects. The Cinturato Winter 2, although slightly trailing in certain tests, still offers a strong overall performance, solidifying its position as a reliable choice for winter driving.
Blizzak LM005:
- +11% in wet braking
- +2% in wet handling (lap time)
- 0% in wet handling (subjective)
- +1% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
Snow performance is a defining factor when evaluating winter tires, particularly for drivers who frequently encounter snowy conditions. Both the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 claim to offer exceptional performance in snow, but how do they actually compare in critical tests? Here’s a breakdown:
- Snow Braking
When it comes to stopping on snow-covered roads, shorter is better. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 shows a slight edge with a snow braking distance of 27.2 meters, compared to the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2’s 29.3 meters. In real-world situations, this shorter distance could make the difference in avoiding a collision.
- Snow Traction
Traction on snow is measured by acceleration time from 5 to 40 km/h. Interestingly, both tires clocked the same time of 5.1 seconds, indicating that both offer robust and comparable traction on snowy surfaces.
- Snow Handling
Snow handling, gauged through lap time on a snow-covered track, was slightly better for the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, registering a time of 114.9 seconds as opposed to the Blizzak LM005’s 116.2 seconds. This suggests that the Cinturato Winter 2 may offer a bit more agility and responsiveness in snow-covered conditions.
- Subjective Snow Handling
When it comes to the driver’s overall impression of handling on snow, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 scores a perfect 10 out of 10 points, indicating a high level of driver confidence. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 also performs admirably, albeit slightly lower with a score of 9 out of 10. This suggests that although both tires offer good handling characteristics, drivers may find the Cinturato Winter 2 a bit more reassuring on snowy roads.
In snowy conditions, both the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 offer solid performance metrics. However, they each have their strengths: the Blizzak LM005 excels in snow braking, whereas the Cinturato Winter 2 shines in snow handling and subjective driver experience. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on your specific driving conditions and what you prioritize in a winter tire.
Blizzak LM005:
- +8% in snow braking
- 0% in snow traction
- -1% in snow handling (lap time)
- -5% in snow handling (subjective)
Dry
While winter tires are primarily designed for wet and snowy conditions, their performance on dry roads can’t be ignored. After all, not every day in winter will see snow or rain. Here’s how the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 stack up in terms of dry performance:
- Dry Braking
Effective braking on dry surfaces is vital for overall safety. The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 has a leg up in this area, requiring a braking distance of 37.6 meters compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s 39.4 meters. This shorter distance suggests that the Cinturato Winter 2 would be more effective at preventing accidents when roads are dry.
- Dry Handling
Handling is assessed through lap times on a dry track, and both tires are closely matched. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 finishes slightly ahead with a lap time of 79.8 seconds, whereas the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is hot on its heels at 80.4 seconds. The difference is minimal, suggesting that both tires offer excellent control and responsiveness in dry conditions.
- Subjective Dry Handling
Subjective dry handling gives an indication of the driver’s impression of the tire’s performance. Here, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 scores a perfect 10 out of 10, implying a high level of satisfaction and confidence when driving on dry roads. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is just a step behind with a score of 9 out of 10, also indicating very good performance but slightly less satisfactory from the driver’s perspective.
In dry conditions, both the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 perform commendably, each with its own advantages. The Cinturato Winter 2 takes the lead in dry braking and subjective handling, suggesting it may offer a more confident driving experience on dry roads. Meanwhile, the Blizzak LM005 edges ahead slightly in lap time, hinting at a marginally superior handling capability. Your choice between the two could depend on whether you prioritize braking performance or agile handling when the roads are dry.
Blizzak LM005:
- -5% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (lap time)
- -5% in dry handling (subjective)
Mileage
Mileage performance is a critical factor to consider when evaluating winter tires, as it can significantly impact the long-term value and overall cost of ownership.Let’s see how the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 compare in this aspect based on the data retrieved from the “2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test.”
- Mileage
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 significantly outperforms the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 in terms of mileage. With a robust 63,622 KM lifespan, it offers a considerably longer road life compared to the Blizzak LM005, which clocks in at 50,254 KM. This extended mileage for the Cinturato Winter 2 translates to fewer tire changes and potentially lower long-term costs, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking for durability along with performance.
When it comes to mileage, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 clearly stands out as the more durable option, offering around 13,000 KM more than the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005. This added longevity can be a crucial factor for many drivers, contributing to lower maintenance costs and a longer interval between tire replacements. Therefore, if mileage is a priority for you, the Cinturato Winter 2 appears to be the more cost-effective choice over the long run.
Blizzak LM005:
- -21% in mileage
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance is a critical factor in determining a tire’s fuel efficiency, as lower values translate to better fuel economy. In this regard, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 performs slightly better, registering a rolling resistance value of 8 kN/N compared to the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2’s 8.9 kN/N. This lower rolling resistance suggests that the Blizzak LM005 could offer drivers a marginal advantage in fuel efficiency over its Pirelli counterpart.
In summary, if you’re looking for a winter tire with a focus on fuel economy, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 seems to be the better option due to its lower rolling resistance. However, the difference is relatively minor, so it’s important to consider this metric in conjunction with other performance attributes to make a comprehensive decision.
Blizzak LM005:
- +11% in rolling resistance
Comfort & Noise
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) are important factors when it comes to the overall driving experience. A quiet and comfortable ride can make all the difference on long journeys or even during daily commutes. Let’s examine how the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 compare in terms of NVH performance.
- Subjective Comfort
Both the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 score a perfect 10 out of 10 points in the category of subjective comfort. This suggests that both tires provide an excellent level of ride comfort, contributing to a pleasant driving experience. Drivers can expect a smooth ride whether they opt for the Cinturato Winter 2 or the Blizzak LM005.
- Noise Levels
When it comes to noise levels, both tires are quite similar, but the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 has a slight edge. It registers a noise level of 68.5 dB, compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s 68.9 dB. While this difference may seem negligible, even a small reduction in noise can contribute to a quieter, more enjoyable ride, especially on longer trips.
In terms of NVH performance, both the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 excel in delivering a comfortable driving experience. They both score equally well in subjective comfort, indicating high levels of ride smoothness. However, the Cinturato Winter 2 has a slight advantage in noise levels, making it the marginally quieter option. Both tires are excellent choices for those prioritizing a comfortable and quiet ride, but if minimal noise is of utmost importance to you, the Cinturato Winter 2 may be the better choice.
Blizzak LM005:
- 0% in comfort
- -1% in noise (+0.4 dB)
Price
When it comes to pricing for the 205/55 R16 tire size, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 offers a more budget-friendly option at £102, compared to the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 priced at £115. This makes the Blizzak LM005 approximately 13% cheaper, offering potential cost savings for those looking for an economical choice in winter tires.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Cinturato Winter 2: £ 115
- Blizzak LM005: £ 102
Difference: -13% more cheaper for Blizzak LM005
Summary
In a head-to-head comparison between the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, each tire exhibits specific strengths that make them favorable for different driving conditions and priorities. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 shows clear advantages in wet and snowy conditions, notably excelling in wet braking and snow braking tests. These attributes make the Blizzak LM005 a particularly strong choice for drivers who prioritize safety and performance in wet and wintry conditions.
On the other hand, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 shines in dry performance, particularly in dry braking, where it outperforms the Blizzak LM005. Additionally, it scored better in subjective snow handling, indicating a higher level of driver confidence and comfort when navigating snowy terrains. In terms of other factors such as mileage, NVH performance, and pricing, the Cinturato Winter 2 offers longer mileage and slightly quieter operation but comes at a higher price point. Meanwhile, the Blizzak LM005 is more budget-friendly and offers slightly better fuel efficiency due to its lower rolling resistance.
Both tires present strong options, but your ultimate choice may depend on specific driving conditions and what attributes you prioritize in a winter tire.