Bridgestone Potenza Race vs Continental ExtremeContact Force: Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! We’re here to present a high-octane, rubber-burning duel that performance driving enthusiasts won’t want to miss: Bridgestone’s Potenza Race vs Continental’s ExtremeContact Force. This is a street-legal, track-day specific face-off that brings top-tier engineering and unyielding performance straight from the racetrack to your driveway.
In one corner, we have the Potenza Race—a marvel from Bridgestone specifically developed for the roaring Lamborghini Huracán STO, but perfect for any sports car, hot hatchback, or supercar geared for track days. This tire is Bridgestone’s first-ever dedicated replacement tire for track days, and boy, does it come loaded. With a semi-slick tread pattern and a performance-focused profile, this bad boy is designed to grip the road like a falcon grabbing its prey. Long-lasting performance, astounding lap times, and outstanding dry grip are its battle cries. Its asymmetric tread and wall angles increase lateral stiffness, ensuring that cornering and braking hit the pinnacle of tire performance. It’s a tire that not only promises a race-inspired experience but also delivers it.
In the other corner, the Continental ExtremeContact Force brings a heritage of competition and engineering brilliance to the asphalt. Tailored for sports cars, performance sedans, and driving enthusiasts participating in high-performance events and endurance racing, this tire is a force to be reckoned with. It features an endurance-focused tread compound that guarantees consistent, predictable handling from the first lap to the last. With its solid center rib, this tire is all about quick steering response and longitudinal traction, giving you control like you’ve never felt before. Twin inboard circumferential grooves keep you stable even in wet conditions, while high-angle lateral notches are strategically designed to evacuate water and mitigate hydroplaning. This tire doesn’t just compete—it dominates, all while being perfectly suitable for everyday driving.
Two tire giants, two masterpieces of engineering, and one question: which will reign supreme on the track and the street? The stage is set for a duel that promises exhilarating speeds, breathtaking cornering, and unparalleled performance. The Potenza Race and the ExtremeContact Force are not just tires; they are the epitome of what extreme performance summer tires should be. Buckle up; it’s going to be a thrilling ride!
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Results: Bridgestone Potenza Race vs Continental ExtremeContact Force
Results below were taken from Tire Rack’s Testing Extreme Performance Summer Tires 2023 Test. A total of 4 tires were tested this time on Tire Rack’s South Bend track in Indiana. The graph below shows the comparison between Bridgestone Potenza Race vs Continental ExtremeContact Force based on the relevant performance category. The Potenza Race was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%. The tire size of interest is a 225/45R17 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 and Hyundai Elantra. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a powerful 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited.
Dry
In the high-stakes world of extreme performance summer tires, dry performance is the name of the game. Track-day aficionados and performance-driving enthusiasts know that when it comes to shaving off those vital milliseconds or gaining an edge in cornering, the rubber meeting the road can make all the difference. Let’s dig into the numbers for Bridgestone’s Potenza Race and Continental’s ExtremeContact Force and see how they stack up when it comes to dry performance metrics.
- Dry Braking
Braking distance can be a game-changer, especially when fractions of a second count. According to the numbers, the Bridgestone Potenza Race takes the lead here with a braking distance of 75.90 feet, marginally edging out the Continental ExtremeContact Force, which stops at 74.50 feet. Although both tires offer excellent stopping power, the Potenza Race demonstrates an edge in dry braking capabilities.
- Dry Handling (Subjective)
When it comes to subjective dry handling, it’s neck and neck, with both tires scoring an impressive 8.88 out of 10. This suggests that drivers feel equally confident and in control when maneuvering both the Potenza Race and the ExtremeContact Force in dry conditions. Whether it’s navigating through a series of complex chicanes or attacking a straightaway, both tires offer impeccable handling that leaves little to be desired.
- Dry Handling (Lap Time)
Lap times are the ultimate metric of tire performance for many enthusiasts, and here the competition gets incredibly tight. The Potenza Race clocks a lap time of 28.04 seconds, while the ExtremeContact Force is just a hair behind at 28.08 seconds. These timings indicate that both tires are virtually equal when it comes to the impact on your lap time. It’s so close that other variables like driving skill and car performance could easily tip the balance in favor of one tire or the other.
Here are highlights from the driver’s subjective feedback on dry handling:
Potenza Race:
The Potenza Race impressed with its high subjective scores and rapid lap times, particularly given its design for better track wear. The tire stood out for its front-end grip and precise steering, providing a satisfying driving experience at the limit. While it could benefit from a slight increase in grip, it essentially delivered on its promise for high performance.
Test driver feedback on Potenza Race
ExtremeContact Force:
The ExtremeContact Force, while nearly matching the Bridgestone in lap times, had a slight disadvantage in terms of overall traction. Yet, it made up for this with exceptional steering responsiveness. The tire responded almost telepathically to subtle inputs, allowing drivers to make the most out of the track and grip available. It required a more finessed driving style but rewarded this approach with a polished, enjoyable performance.
Test driver feedback on ExtremeContact Force
Summary
In summary, the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Continental ExtremeContact Force are remarkably comparable in terms of dry performance. The Potenza Race has a slight edge in dry braking, while both tires offer almost identical performance in subjective dry handling and lap times.
So, if you’re an enthusiast who lives for the thrill of the drive and is seeking top-tier dry performance, either of these tires will serve you exceedingly well. It’s all about minute preferences and brand loyalty at this level of performance. One thing’s for sure, though—either way, you’re in for a gripping experience on the track.
ExtremeContact Force:
- +1.9% in dry braking
- 0% in dry handling (subj)
- -0.1% in dry handling (lap time)
Wet
While the primary focus of extreme performance summer tires like the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Continental ExtremeContact Force is on dry conditions, let’s not forget that Mother Nature has her own plans. After all, even the most dedicated track-day enthusiasts have to navigate through the real world of variable weather. Although these tires aren’t designed to excel in wet conditions, it’s essential to know how they’ll hold up when you’re caught in an unexpected downpour on your drive home.
- Wet Braking
When it comes to wet braking, the Bridgestone Potenza Race clearly has the upper hand. With a stopping distance of 89.40 feet, it significantly outperforms the Continental ExtremeContact Force, which comes to a halt at 98.30 feet. The nearly 9-foot difference could be crucial in avoiding an accident or maintaining control in a tight spot.
- Wet Handling (Subjective)
On the subjective front, again, the Potenza Race pulls ahead with a rating of 8.63 out of 10, as opposed to the ExtremeContact Force’s 8.00. Although both tires offer reasonable wet handling capabilities, it’s clear that drivers feel a bit more secure and in control with the Potenza Race when the skies open up.
- Wet Handling (Lap Time)
Lap times in wet conditions further corroborate the Potenza Race’s wet performance advantage. With a wet lap time of 30.96 seconds, the Potenza Race again bests the ExtremeContact Force, which clocks in at 31.31 seconds. While the difference may appear marginal, every fraction of a second counts when you’re racing against the clock, making the Potenza Race the more reliable choice in wet conditions.
Potenza Race:
In wet track conditions, the Bridgestone Potenza Race took the lead with superior lateral grip and shorter stopping distances. Its front-end grip particularly stood out, facilitating more assured directional changes that inspired driver confidence. Even though it was slightly slower than the ADVAN A052 in terms of lap times, its overall handling and performance at the limit made it the clear favorite in our subjective evaluation.
Test driver feedback on Potenza Race
ExtremeContact Force:
On the other hand, the Continental ExtremeContact Force demanded a more nuanced approach in wet conditions. It showed a tendency to yaw when pushed beyond its traction limits, requiring drivers to exercise more throttle control and quick hand movements upon exiting turns. Despite its slightly lower grip levels, the tire’s excellent steering responsiveness remained a standout feature. While it lapped at a reasonable pace, it couldn’t match the Bridgestone’s performance in these wet conditions.
Test driver feedback on ExtremeContact Force
Summary
While wet performance isn’t the primary concern for these tires, it’s still a crucial aspect of daily driving. In all tested metrics, the Bridgestone Potenza Race displays a noticeable advantage over the Continental ExtremeContact Force. Whether you’re talking about braking distance, subjective handling, or lap times, the Potenza Race offers a safety and performance edge that could make all the difference when the road gets slick.
So, if you’re looking for a tire that not only excels in dry conditions but also offers some peace of mind for those wetter days, the Bridgestone Potenza Race seems to be the more well-rounded contender.
ExtremeContact Force:
- -9.1% in wet braking
- -3.2% in wet handling (subj)
- -1.1% in wet handling (lap time)
Noise & Comfort
In the realm of extreme performance summer tires, where speed and grip often steal the spotlight, the nuances of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) can sometimes be overlooked. However, these factors are incredibly important, particularly for those who intend to use these tires not just on the track but also for daily driving. Let’s delve into how the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Continental ExtremeContact Force measure up in terms of NVH performance.
- Ride Quality
Both tires are built for performance rather than plush comfort, but even within this specialized category, there are differences. The Bridgestone Potenza Race scores a 5.5 in ride quality, slightly edging out the Continental ExtremeContact Force, which comes in at 5. That half-point advantage may not seem like much, but it can be a noticeable difference on long drives or rougher roads.
- Noise
Here’s where the divide becomes more apparent. The Potenza Race scores a 5 on noise, which, while not luxurious, is still within acceptable bounds for a performance tire. The Continental ExtremeContact Force, however, lags behind with a score of 3.5. On the flip side, the noise from the Continental was remarkably loud, with unrelenting tones and grinds over most surfaces that seemed to serve as payment for the sublime handling. If a quieter ride is important to you, the Potenza Race offers a clear advantage.
- Steering and Handling
When it comes to steering and handling, both tires show their pedigree. The Continental ExtremeContact Force slightly takes the lead with a score of 9, compared to the Potenza Race’s 8.5. The sublime handling of the Continental may come at the expense of noise comfort, but for those who prioritize responsive and agile handling above all else, the Continental could be the better fit.
- Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality (Average)
Taking all these factors into account, the Potenza Race has an average score of 6.33 for noise, comfort, and ride quality, while the ExtremeContact Force falls a bit short with an average of 5.83.
Summary
While both the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Continental ExtremeContact Force excel in extreme performance capabilities, their NVH profiles reveal distinct priorities. The Potenza Race offers a more balanced package, providing reasonable noise levels and slightly better ride comfort. In contrast, the ExtremeContact Force prioritizes handling, seemingly at the expense of higher noise levels and a slightly harsher ride.
If you’re after a tire that offers a better blend of daily drivability and less auditory drama, the Bridgestone Potenza Race has a clear edge. However, if your focus is razor-sharp handling, and you’re willing to put up with the symphony of road noise, the Continental ExtremeContact Force might be your tire of choice.
ExtremeContact Force:
- -2.5% in Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality
UTQG rating
In the world of high-performance tires, the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system serves as a useful indicator for understanding a tire’s relative performance in treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. However, it’s worth mentioning upfront that neither the Bridgestone Potenza Race nor the Continental ExtremeContact Force comes with a tread wear warranty, which is standard for most on-road tires. This reflects their extreme performance focus, where maximum grip and handling are prioritized over long-term durability.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone | Potenza Race | All | 200 | A | A |
| Continental | ExtremeContact Force | All | 200 | A | A |
- Tread Wear
Both the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Continental ExtremeContact Force have a tread wear rating of 200. This is a relatively low number in the grand scheme of tire ratings, indicating that these tires are built for performance rather than longevity. The low tread wear number confirms that these are not the tires for you if long-term durability is a primary concern.
- Traction
When it comes to traction, both tires earn an ‘A’ rating, highlighting their exceptional grip on the road. This is a critical factor for any driving enthusiast who prioritizes handling and control, especially at high speeds or in challenging driving conditions.
- Temperature
In terms of temperature resistance, both tires again score an ‘A,’ suggesting that they can effectively dissipate heat even under the stress of high-speed driving. This is crucial for maintaining performance and safety during spirited driving or on-track events.
Summary
Both the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Continental ExtremeContact Force appear to be evenly matched according to their UTQG ratings, with identical scores in tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance. However, it’s crucial to remember that these values should be seen in the context of extreme performance driving rather than everyday, long-term use.
If you’re in the market for a tire that delivers unparalleled performance but still keeps you grounded in daily driving scenarios, you can’t go wrong with either of these options. Just keep in mind that you’re not getting a tread wear warranty, so the trade-off for that top-tier performance will be a more frequent replacement cycle.
Price
When it comes to extreme performance summer tires, budget is often a secondary concern to performance. However, it’s still an essential factor to consider, especially if you plan to frequently participate in high-performance driving events or track days, where tire wear can be accelerated.
- Price Comparison
The Bridgestone Potenza Race, priced at $264 per tire, is on the higher end of the spectrum for the 225/45 R17 size. On the other hand, the Continental ExtremeContact Force comes in at $231 per tire, making it 14% cheaper than its Bridgestone counterpart.
Tire size: 225/45 R17
- Potenza Race: $264
- ExtremeContact Force: $231
Difference: +14% more cheaper for ExtremeContact Force.
- Value for Money
Given that both tires have similar UTQG ratings, indicating comparable tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance, the lower price point of the ExtremeContact Force could make it a more appealing choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts. However, as earlier comparisons have shown, there are trade-offs in terms of noise levels and wet performance.
Summary
When you’re weighing your options, it’s crucial to consider what you’re getting for the price. If top-tier wet performance and a quieter ride are crucial for you, then the higher price tag of the Potenza Race might be justifiable. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a tire that offers exceptional dry handling and don’t mind the increased road noise, the ExtremeContact Force offers a more budget-friendly option without a significant compromise in performance.
Either way, the price difference, while noteworthy, is just one aspect of a larger picture that includes performance, comfort, and your specific driving needs. Choose wisely, and happy driving!
Conclusion: The Duel’s Victor – Bridgestone Potenza Race
In this high-octane face-off between two titans of extreme performance summer tires, the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Continental ExtremeContact Force, each has shown formidable strengths. From dry handling to wet performance and even in aspects of noise and comfort, both contenders have qualities that make them appealing to driving enthusiasts.
After a thorough review, the Bridgestone Potenza Race comes out on top in this track day showdown. While it may slightly lag behind in dry braking, it more than makes up for this with its superior performance in wet conditions. The Potenza Race not only boasts shorter wet braking distances and faster lap times, but it also offers a significantly quieter and more comfortable ride, particularly when compared to the jarring road noise of the ExtremeContact Force.
Dr. Edwin Pang
Ex R&D Tire Engineer
So, if you’re looking for a tire that offers not just superb dry performance but also an edge in wet conditions and overall comfort, the Bridgestone Potenza Race is the more well-rounded choice, according to expert analysis. It might come at a slightly higher price point, but the benefits it offers, both on the track and on the street, make it a worthy investment for the discerning driver.
In sum, for those seeking a tire that can transition seamlessly from track day heroics to daily driving, delivering high performance without compromising too much on comfort, the Bridgestone Potenza Race is the champion of this duel.