Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive: Pirelli’s Cinturato WeatherActive, fresh from its recent launch, challenges the established Bridgestone WeatherPeak in an epic showdown. Bridgestone’s renowned reliability and performance in the 3-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) segment face off against Pirelli’s innovative ambition. This clash of titans will test every aspect, from wet grip to snow performance and tread life to comfort. Can Pirelli’s new contender dethrone Bridgestone? Fasten your seatbelts for this thrilling duel of giants. Welcome to the Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive showdown!
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Results: Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
Results below were taken from tire rack’s “Testing Grand Touring All-Season Tires 2023” test. A total of 4 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive based on the relevant performance category. The WeatherPeak was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires, Tire Rack has planned the snow & ice in its testing portfolio. A detailed testing on snow including acceleration, braking & handling will be available only at the end of the 2023 winter season. The tire size of interest is a 225/40R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 Sedan. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited.
Wet
In the wet braking test, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive stops at 114.30 feet, outperforming the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, which stops at 122.40 feet. This shows better grip and braking performance for the Pirelli tire on wet surfaces. For subjective wet handling, the Pirelli scores 7.31 out of 10, surpassing Bridgestone’s 6.56, indicating more responsive and reassuring handling in wet conditions. In the wet handling lap time test, the Pirelli completes a lap in 32.20 seconds, faster than the Bridgestone’s 33.51 seconds, demonstrating superior traction and stability in wet conditions.
Below is an in depth look on the wet handling evaluation by the test drivers:
WeatherPeak:
The WeatherPeak struggled with lateral grip, especially in braking, lagging behind its closest competitor. Although it required slower speeds for laps and corners, it offered balanced performance and easy handling at its limit. Testers wanted better steering response and wet grip, but its consistent behavior and adequate traction prevented it from being significantly outperformed.
Test driver feedback on WeatherPeak
Cinturato WeatherActive:
The Cinturato WeatherActive excelled in cornering, nearly matching the Vredestein’s performance, despite slightly longer braking distances. It compensated with exceptional wet condition steering, making it easy to maneuver through slalom and tight sections. The lively and responsive steering was well-received by drivers, leading to enjoyable and fast laps, just behind the Vredestein, which had a less lively performance.
Test driver feedback on Cinturato WeatherActive
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- +7% in wet braking
- +4% in wet handling (subj)
- +4% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In assessing dry performance, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive outperforms the Bridgestone WeatherPeak in key metrics. In dry braking, the Pirelli stops at 90.70 feet, much shorter than Bridgestone’s 100.10 feet, indicating better grip and braking efficiency. For subjective dry handling, the Pirelli scores 7.00 out of 10, slightly higher than Bridgestone’s 6.63, suggesting better driver confidence and response. In dry handling lap time, the Pirelli finishes in 30.46 seconds, faster than Bridgestone’s 31.02 seconds, showcasing superior speed and cornering performance.
Below is an in depth look on the dry handling evaluation by the test drivers:
WeatherPeak:
In terms of objective outcomes, the WeatherPeak lagged behind once more, with both its braking and lateral grip considerably trailing. Yet, akin to its wet performance, the tire was commendably manageable at its limit, albeit necessitating the driver to adapt their driving style by decelerating earlier and more considerably than required for the other tires in the evaluation.
Test driver feedback on WeatherPeak
Cinturato WeatherActive:
On the other hand, the Cinturato WeatherActive excelled in side traction during the skidpad tests and clocked laps that were on par with the Michelin, albeit requiring more effort to handle. In dry conditions, the drivers observed that the Pirelli struggled to synchronize different elements, and its rapid steering tended to overreach, resulting in understeer.
Test driver feedback on Cinturato WeatherActive
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- +10% in dry braking
- +2% in dry handling (subj)
- +2% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
When comparing the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive in steering and road handling, noise, and ride quality, the Pirelli consistently outperforms the Bridgestone. The Pirelli scores 7.5 in steering and road handling versus Bridgestone’s 7.13, suggesting better control and responsiveness. For noise, Pirelli achieves a 7.38 compared to Bridgestone’s 7.13, indicating a slightly quieter ride. In ride quality, Pirelli scores 8.13 against Bridgestone’s 7.88, implying a smoother and more comfortable experience. Overall, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive edges out the Bridgestone WeatherPeak across all categories.
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- +2% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
When comparing the snow performance of the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive, the Bridgestone outperforms the Pirelli in snow braking, with a stopping distance of 58.9 feet compared to 64.5 feet, a difference of 5.6 feet. In terms of snow acceleration, the Pirelli slightly edges out the Bridgestone, accelerating from 0 to 12 mph in 30.2 feet, whereas the Bridgestone takes 30.4 feet, a minor difference of 0.2 feet. For snow handling, the Bridgestone scores a subjective rating of 6.58 out of 10, marginally higher than the Pirelli’s 6.50 out of 10.
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- -9% in Snow Braking
- +1% in Snow Acceleration
- ~0% in Snow Handling (subj)
Ice
When comparing the ice performances the Pirelli performs better in ice braking, stopping in 46.2 feet compared to the Bridgestone’s 52.6 feet, a difference of 6.4 feet. In terms of ice acceleration, the Pirelli also has a slight edge, taking 5.01 seconds to cover 60 feet with traction control, while the Bridgestone takes 5.17 seconds, a difference of 0.16 seconds.
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- +14% in Ice Braking
- +3% in Ice Acceleration
UTQG rating
Both the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive have identical UTQG ratings: a treadwear rating of 700, a traction rating of A, and a temperature rating of A, indicating similar wear characteristics, traction, and heat resistance. However, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak offers a 70,000-mile warranty, which is 10,000 miles longer than the 60,000-mile warranty of the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive, suggesting slightly greater confidence in its long-term durability.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone | WeatherPeak | All | 700 | A | A |
| Pirelli | Cinturato WeatherActive | All | 700 | A | A |
Price
The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive is priced at $215, which is 6% less expensive than the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, which is priced at $228.
Tire size: 225/40R18
- WeatherPeak: $228
- Cinturato WeatherActive: $215
Difference: -6% more cheaper for Cinturato WeatherActive
Summary
From my expert perspective, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive emerges as the clear winner over the Bridgestone WeatherPeak. The Pirelli outperforms in wet and dry braking, with shorter stopping distances, and offers superior handling and lap times. It provides more responsive steering, quieter rides, and better comfort, all while being 6% cheaper. Despite Bridgestone’s longer mileage warranty, Pirelli’s overall performance makes it the champion in this duel.
Dr Edwin Pang