Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4: In the ultra-high-performance (UHP) tire arena, the launch of the Bridgestone Turanza 6 in 2023 has set the stage for an electrifying showdown against the well-regarded Pirelli P Zero PZ4. Bridgestone’s latest entry promises to redefine expectations in the UHP category, blending innovative technology with superior comfort and durability. This move signals Bridgestone’s ambition to challenge the dominance of Pirelli’s P Zero PZ4, a tire celebrated for its exceptional performance in both wet and dry conditions, as well as its precision handling.
As the Turanza 6 enters the fray, enthusiasts and experts alike are keenly anticipating the outcomes of this high-stakes duel, where each contender brings distinct advantages to the track. This face-off between Bridgestone and Pirelli is not just a comparison of technical specifications; it’s a battle for the heart of the UHP market, promising to push the boundaries of what drivers expect from their high-performance tires.
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Results
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 Pirelli P Zero PZ4 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
When comparing the wet performance of the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ4, there are notable differences across various tests. In wet braking, from 100 km/h to a complete stop, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 takes 43.1 meters to stop, whereas the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 stops sooner, requiring only 38.9 meters, making the Pirelli tire 4.2 meters more efficient in this critical safety aspect.
In terms of wet handling, which measures how fast a tire can go around a track under wet conditions, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 shows a higher average lap speed at 77.2 km/h compared to the Bridgestone Turanza 6’s 73.9 km/h. This indicates that the Pirelli tire offers better grip and control when cornering on wet surfaces, allowing for faster speeds.
Lastly, when looking at straight aquaplaning resistance, which tests a tire’s ability to maintain traction and control when driving through standing water at high speeds, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 again outperforms the Bridgestone Turanza 6. The Pirelli manages a slipping speed of 104.4 km/h, slightly higher than the Bridgestone’s 102.3 km/h, suggesting that the Pirelli tire is more effective at preventing aquaplaning in straight-line driving conditions under wet circumstances.
Overall, while both tires are designed for high performance, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 demonstrates superior wet performance in braking, handling, and resistance to aquaplaning compared to the Bridgestone Turanza 6.
P Zero PZ4 :
- +11% in wet braking
- +4% in wet handling (lap speed)
- +2% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In the realm of dry performance, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 showcase distinct capabilities. When it comes to dry braking, where the measurement is the distance required to come to a complete stop from 100 km/h, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 takes the lead. It requires only 34 meters to halt, in contrast to the Bridgestone Turanza 6, which needs 35.7 meters. This means the Pirelli tire can stop 1.7 meters shorter than the Bridgestone, indicating a stronger performance in dry braking situations.
For dry handling, which evaluates the average speed a tire can maintain around a track, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 again surpasses the Bridgestone Turanza 6. The Pirelli achieves an average lap speed of 121.3 km/h, compared to 118.2 km/h for the Bridgestone. This suggests that the Pirelli tire provides better grip and control on dry roads, allowing for a faster lap speed by 3.1 km/h.
These comparisons illustrate that in dry conditions, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 outperforms the Bridgestone Turanza 6 in both braking and handling. The Pirelli’s superior dry performance highlights its effectiveness in offering both safety and speed on dry pavements.
P Zero PZ4 :
- +5% in dry braking
- +3% in dry handling
Wear
When assessing wear performance between the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ4, there’s a clear difference that illustrates the target conflict between wet performance and tire longevity. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 demonstrates superior wear performance, offering a lifespan of 40,400 km, significantly outlasting the Pirelli P Zero PZ4, which can go up to 32,800 km before needing replacement. This difference of 7,600 km highlights the Bridgestone’s advantage in terms of durability and longevity.
This comparison brings to light the inherent trade-off often encountered in tire design – the conflict between optimizing for wet performance and maximizing wear life. While the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 shows better wet and dry performance capabilities, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 takes the lead in wear performance, suggesting it may be a more durable option over the long term. This trade-off is a critical factor for consumers to consider, depending on their priorities for performance versus longevity.
P Zero PZ4 :
- -19% in mileage
Noise
In terms of exterior noise performance, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 show a noticeable difference. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 produces less noise at 72.4 decibels, compared to the Pirelli P Zero PZ4, which is slightly louder at 73.7 decibels. This means the Bridgestone tire is quieter by 1.3 decibels.
This difference highlights the Bridgestone Turanza 6’s advantage in providing a more comfortable and quieter driving experience. While both tires aim to deliver high performance, the Bridgestone’s lower noise level indicates a superior ability to minimize road noise, which can enhance overall vehicle comfort during travel. The comparison underlines the importance of considering noise performance in addition to handling and durability when selecting tires.
P Zero PZ4 :
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.3 dB)
Rolling Resistance
When examining the rolling resistance performance of the Bridgestone Turanza 6 compared to the Pirelli P Zero PZ4, there’s a notable difference that affects fuel efficiency and environmental impact. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 has a rolling resistance of 7.13 N/kN, which is lower than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4’s rolling resistance of 8.33 N/kN. This means the Bridgestone tire is more efficient, with a difference of 1.2 N/kN in rolling resistance.
Lower rolling resistance, as demonstrated by the Bridgestone Turanza 6, indicates that less energy is needed to keep the tire moving. This efficiency can lead to reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, making the Bridgestone Turanza 6 a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option over time. This comparison showcases the significance of rolling resistance in tire selection, especially for drivers concerned with fuel economy and ecological impact.
P Zero PZ4 :
- -14% in rolling resistance
Price
Regarding the price comparison for the tire size 225/45 R18, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 is available at €149, while the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 is slightly more expensive at €157. This makes the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 about 5% more expensive than the Bridgestone Turanza 6. This price difference highlights that while the Pirelli tire may offer superior wet and dry performance, it comes at a slightly higher cost, which consumers may need to consider based on their budget and performance preferences.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- Turanza 6 : €149
- P Zero PZ4: €157
Difference: +5% more expensive for P Zero PZ4.
Summary
Choosing between the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 depends on individual preferences and driving needs, as both tires offer distinct advantages. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 excels in durability, offering a longer lifespan and better fuel efficiency due to its lower rolling resistance. It also provides a quieter ride. However, it doesn’t match the Pirelli in terms of wet and dry performance.
The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 shines with superior wet and dry handling and braking, making it ideal for those prioritizing performance. Yet, it comes with a higher price tag, shorter lifespan, and slightly more noise. No tire is the clear winner; it’s about what suits your requirements best: longevity and comfort from Bridgestone or performance and handling from Pirelli.
Dr Edwin Pang