Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3: In the fiercely competitive summer touring tire segment, the launch of Bridgestone’s Turanza 6 in 2023 has sparked a thrilling showdown. This newcomer is set to challenge the established champions, including the renowned Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3. Bridgestone’s latest offering promises to deliver unparalleled performance, safety, and comfort, aiming to redefine what drivers expect from their summer touring tires.
As these two titans go head-to-head, enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike are eagerly watching. The duel between Bridgestone Turanza 6 and Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 is not just a comparison of specifications; it’s a battle for the top spot in innovation and driving excellence in this new era of summer touring tires.
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Results: Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
Results below were taken from the 2023 AutoBild Summer Test while includes an amazing 50 tires from its preliminary braking rounds. Only 20 tires made it through to the final round and a full detail evaluation was completed with these 20 tires. The wet & dry handling performances are evaluated objectively using the average lap speed rather than the preferred subjective ratings.
The graph above shows the comparison between Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 based on the relevant performance category. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. The tire size of interest is 225/45 R18 which is a common tire size for Mercedes-Benz C 200 and Kia Stinger . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a BMW 3 series.
Wet
In the realm of wet performance, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 exhibit distinct characteristics that set them apart. When it comes to wet braking, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 requires 43.1 meters to come to a stop from 100 km/h, whereas the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 demonstrates superior stopping power, needing only 38.7 meters—a noticeable difference of 4.4 meters less. This advantage suggests the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 offers enhanced safety in critical braking scenarios on wet surfaces.
Turning our attention to wet handling, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 edges out its competitor with an average lap speed of 75.7 km/h, compared to the 73.9 km/h managed by the Bridgestone Turanza 6. This indicates that the Hankook tire provides slightly better agility and confidence around corners on wet roads, with a speed advantage of 1.8 km/h.
However, in conditions of straight aquaplaning, where water clearance and tire stability are paramount, both tires show strong performances but with the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 again taking the lead. It achieves a slipping speed of 104.3 km/h, marginally outperforming the Bridgestone Turanza 6, which registers at 102.3 km/h. This difference underscores the Hankook’s superior ability to maintain traction and control in straight-line wet conditions, albeit by a smaller margin of 2 km/h.
Overall, while both tires demonstrate commendable wet performance, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 consistently outperforms the Bridgestone Turanza 6 across various measures of wet road handling and safety.
Ventus S1 evo 3 :
- +11% in wet braking
- +2% in wet handling (lap speed)
- +2% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In the evaluation of dry performance, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 present a competitive landscape, each showcasing strengths in different aspects. Focusing first on dry braking, the comparison reveals that the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 has a notable edge. It takes only 33.3 meters for the Hankook tire to come to a complete stop from 100 km/h, while the Bridgestone Turanza 6 requires 35.7 meters. This indicates a significant difference, with the Hankook tire stopping 2.4 meters shorter than its Bridgestone counterpart, suggesting superior braking efficiency on dry surfaces.
When it comes to dry handling, both tires perform impressively, but again, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 slightly surpasses the Bridgestone Turanza 6. The Hankook achieves an average lap speed of 119.4 km/h, compared to the Bridgestone’s 118.2 km/h. This speed difference of 1.2 km/h may seem modest but highlights the Hankook’s slightly better capability to navigate corners and maintain stability at higher speeds on dry tracks.
Overall, in the domain of dry performance, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 consistently demonstrates a slight advantage over the Bridgestone Turanza 6, both in terms of braking distance and handling speed. This suggests that for drivers prioritizing dry performance, the Hankook might offer a marginally better option, especially in scenarios requiring sharp braking and agile handling.
Ventus S1 evo 3 :
- +7% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling
Wear
In the aspect of wear performance, the comparison between Bridgestone Turanza 6 and Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 reveals a clear difference in their longevity. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 shows superior durability with a projected mileage of 40,400 KM before the tires would need to be replaced. On the other hand, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 falls short of this mark, offering a projected lifespan of only 35,200 KM. This means that the Bridgestone Turanza 6 outlasts the Hankook by a significant 5,200 KM, indicating a better long-term value in terms of wear.
This comparison illuminates a common trade-off in tire design between wet braking performance and wear longevity. While both tires exhibit less optimal performance in wet braking when compared to the top competitor, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, which boasts an impressive projected mileage of 62,300 KM, they each present distinct advantages and disadvantages. The Bridgestone Turanza 6, despite its moderate wet braking capability, compensates with greater durability. Conversely, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, while providing better wet and dry performance metrics, does so at the expense of wear life.
For drivers prioritizing the longevity of their tires, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 emerges as the preferable choice between the two, offering thousands of kilometers more in usable life. This demonstrates the inherent balance manufacturers must strike between performance attributes and tire wear, highlighting the importance of aligning tire selection with individual driving preferences and priorities.
Ventus S1 evo 3 :
- -13% in mileage
Noise
In terms of exterior noise, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 are nearly identical, with the Bridgestone producing 72.4 dB and the Hankook slightly lower at 72.2 dB. This tiny difference of 0.2 dB means both tires offer similar levels of noise comfort, making either a quiet choice for drivers concerned with reducing road noise.
Ventus S1 evo 3 :
- ~0% in exterior noise (-0.2 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Bridgestone Turanza 6 showcases lower rolling resistance at 7.13 N / kN compared to the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, which has a rolling resistance of 8.09 N / kN. This difference means the Bridgestone tire requires less energy to maintain motion, translating to better fuel efficiency and a lighter environmental impact. The 0.96 N / kN lower rolling resistance of the Bridgestone Turanza 6 not only signifies a more economical choice but also hints at its enhanced performance in terms of energy conservation over the Hankook counterpart.
Ventus S1 evo 3 :
- -12% in rolling resistance
Price
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, priced at €119, is notably more affordable than the Bridgestone Turanza 6, which costs €146 for the same tire size (225/45 R18). This makes the Hankook tire 23% cheaper than its Bridgestone counterpart, presenting a significant price advantage for those looking for a cost-effective tire option without compromising on quality.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- Turanza 6 : €146
- Ventus S1 evo 3 : €119
Difference: -23% more cheaper for Ventus S1 evo 3.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve closely examined the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 across several key performance metrics. Both tires exhibit remarkable strengths that cater to different driver preferences. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 stands out for its superior wear performance, offering longer mileage and reduced rolling resistance, which translates to better fuel efficiency and environmental benefits. On the other hand, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 shines in wet and dry performance, providing shorter braking distances and higher handling speeds, alongside a slight edge in reducing exterior noise.
Price-wise, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 presents a more budget-friendly option without significant compromises in quality and performance, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious drivers.
Given the varied strengths of each tire, declaring a clear winner in this duel is not straightforward. The optimal choice depends on individual priorities—whether that’s longer tire life, performance in specific road conditions, or overall cost. Both tires offer compelling features, making the decision a matter of matching the tire’s attributes with your driving needs and preferences.
Dr Edwin Pang