Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun: The battle in the touring tire segment is heating up with the arrival of the Bridgestone Turanza 6, freshly launched in 2023, challenging the established Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun, which has been a strong contender since its launch in 2017. The Turanza 6 brings the latest in tire technology and innovation, ready to take on the proven performance and eco-friendly credentials of the ZIEX ZE310. It’s a clash of new versus experienced, innovation versus reliability, promising an exciting showdown for drivers seeking the best in touring tires.
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Results
Results below were taken from the 2024 Auto Bild Summer independent Tire Test which includes 21 top tires in the market. The graph below shows the comparison between Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun based on the relevant performance category. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet & dry handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time & subjective rating. The tire size of interest is a 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf & Toyota Corolla . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf
Wet
In the touring segment, wet performance is crucial as it ensures safety and confidence for drivers in rainy conditions. When comparing the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun, the Turanza 6 exhibits slightly superior wet braking, stopping at 43.6 meters from 100 km/h compared to the ZIEX ZE310’s 43.7 meters. In wet handling, the Turanza 6 also edges out the ZIEX ZE310 with an average speed of 74.7 km/h versus 74.5 km/h.
For wet circle performance, the Turanza 6 achieves a higher speed of 6.29 m/s compared to the ZIEX ZE310’s 6.13 m/s. Additionally, in straight aquaplaning, the Turanza 6 maintains traction at a maximum slipping speed of 84.5 km/h, slightly better than the ZIEX ZE310’s 83.4 km/h. This marginal but consistent advantage in wet conditions underscores the Turanza 6’s strong performance, enhancing safety and control for touring drivers.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- ~0% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling (average speed)
- -3% in wet circle
- -1% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
When comparing dry performances, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun outperforms the Bridgestone Turanza 6 in some aspects. The ZIEX ZE310 has a shorter dry braking distance, stopping at 36.5 meters from 100 km/h, while the Turanza 6 stops slightly longer at 36.9 meters. In dry handling, the ZIEX ZE310 also takes the lead with an average speed of 116.2 km/h compared to the Turanza 6’s 114.7 km/h. Despite the Turanza 6’s strong showing in wet conditions, the ZIEX ZE310 demonstrates superior performance on dry roads, offering better braking and handling.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- +1% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (lap time)
Mileage
In terms of mileage performance, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 significantly outlasts the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun. The Turanza 6 offers a remarkable wear life of 34,400 kilometers, while the ZIEX ZE310 falls short with a wear life of 25,800 kilometers. This substantial difference of 8,600 kilometers highlights the Turanza 6’s superior durability, making it a more cost-effective and long-lasting option for drivers seeking extended tire life.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- -25% in mileage
Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is slightly quieter than the Bridgestone Turanza 6. The ZIEX ZE310 registers at 73.7 dB, whereas the Turanza 6 produces a slightly higher noise level of 74.1 dB. This difference of 0.4 dB indicates that the ZIEX ZE310 offers a marginally quieter ride, which can be an important factor for drivers seeking a more comfortable and less intrusive driving experience.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- +1% in exterior noise (-0.4 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In terms of rolling resistance performance, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 has a slight edge over the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun. The Turanza 6 exhibits a rolling resistance of 7.98 N/kN, while the ZIEX ZE310 has a slightly higher resistance of 8.22 N/kN. This difference indicates that the Turanza 6 is more efficient, potentially leading to better fuel economy and reduced energy consumption compared to the ZIEX ZE310.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun :
- -3% in rolling resistance
Price
When comparing tire prices for the 205/55 R16 size, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is significantly more affordable than the Bridgestone Turanza 6. The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun costs €69, while the Turanza 6 is priced at €92. This makes the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun approximately 33% cheaper than the Turanza 6, offering a more budget-friendly option for consumers.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Turanza 6 : € 92
- ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun : € 69
Difference: -33% more cheaper for ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun.
Summary
From a tire expert’s perspective, both the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun have distinct advantages. The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun impresses with its superior dry performance and quieter ride, all at a significantly lower price, making it a great value option. On the other hand, the Turanza 6 excels in wet performance, durability, and rolling resistance, ensuring safety, longevity, and fuel efficiency. While both tires have their strengths, the higher mileage and overall balanced performance of the Turanza 6 make it the winner in our eyes.
Dr Edwin Pang