Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive: Ladies and gentlemen, the tarmac has been set ablaze as the tire industry’s gladiators have donned their armor for an epic battle that’s about to unfold! After witnessing the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive valiantly joust against the mighty Michelin CrossClimate 2 in our previous coverage, and falling just short of dethroning the reigning champion, the rubberized ring beckons once more. Today, Pirelli’s new steed must prove its mettle against a stalwart adversary – the revered Bridgestone WeatherPeak.
Bridgestone, a name synonymous with unrelenting performance and unwavering reliability, enters the fray with its WeatherPeak tires – a set that has become a beloved choice among the 3-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) all-weather tire segment. This time, Pirelli’s Cinturato WeatherActive, with its recent launch in 2023, has set its sights on the throne, eager to prove that innovation and technology can redefine the landscape.
With a twister of rubber and a roar of tread, this tire face-off is not just another clash; it’s a clash between titans, between two legacies – the Bridgestone WeatherPeak representing years of dominance and expertise in the 3PMSF segment, and the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive symbolizing cutting-edge innovation and the ambition to craft the future.
The ultimate question here is: Can Pirelli tame the formidable beast that is Bridgestone in this classic duel? We will be scrutinizing every aspect – from wet grip to snow performance, and from tread life to comfort – leaving no stone unturned in our quest to find the true king of the all-weather tire world. Fasten your seatbelts and grab the popcorn, because the tire treads are about to fly in this thrilling duel of the giants. The battlefield is the open road, the weapons are rubber and technology, and the glory is eternal. 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 evaluating the wet performance of the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive tires, three key factors have been considered: wet braking, subjective wet handling, and wet handling lap time. Let’s take a closer look at how each tire fared in these tests.
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- +7.1% in wet braking
- +3.8% in wet handling (subj)
- +4.1% in wet handling (lap time)
In the wet braking test, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive comes out ahead. With a stopping distance of 114.30 feet, it outperforms the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, which has a stopping distance of 122.40 feet. This indicates that the Pirelli tire has better grip and braking performance on wet surfaces, leading to a shorter stopping distance.
When it comes to subjective wet handling, which measures the perceived handling characteristics and driver’s confidence in wet conditions, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive again takes the lead. Scoring 7.31 out of 10, it surpasses the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, which scores 6.56 out of 10. This suggests that drivers may find the Pirelli tire to be more responsive and reassuring when navigating through wet roads. Finally, in the wet handling lap time test, which is a measure of how quickly a tire can complete a lap in wet conditions, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive once again outshines the Bridgestone WeatherPeak. With a lap time of 32.20 seconds, it is significantly faster than the Bridgestone’s 33.51 seconds. This performance difference can be attributed to better traction and stability in wet conditions.
Below is an in depth look on the wet handling evaluation by the test drivers:
WeatherPeak:
The WeatherPeak appeared to have some difficulty maintaining lateral grip, particularly in braking, where there was a significant disparity between it and its nearest competitor. However, despite the necessity to approach laps and corners at slower speeds compared to the other tires, the WeatherPeak displayed a well-balanced performance and was effortless to handle at its threshold. The testers desired a more responsive steering and improved wet grip, but the tire’s consistent behavior and adequate traction ensured that it was not overwhelmingly outperformed in the group.
Test driver feedback on WeatherPeak
Cinturato WeatherActive:
The Cinturato WeatherActive demonstrated commendable cornering, coming close to the performance of the Vredestein, although it had slightly longer braking distances. However, the Pirelli made up for this with exceptional steering qualities in wet conditions, making it easier to maneuver through the slalom and tighter sections. Its lively and responsive steering seemed to resonate well with the drivers, resulting in enjoyable and notably fast laps, just trailing the Vredestein, which had a somewhat more subdued performance.
Test driver feedback on Cinturato WeatherActive
Conclusion:
Based on these results, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive exhibits superior performance in wet conditions compared to the Bridgestone WeatherPeak. With shorter braking distances, better subjective handling scores, and faster lap times, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive sets a high standard in wet performance, making it a formidable option for those seeking enhanced safety and performance on wet roads.
Dry
As we move on to assessing the dry performance of the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive tires, we will again focus on three key metrics: dry braking, subjective dry handling, and dry handling lap time. Here is how each tire stacks up:
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- +10.4% in dry braking
- +1.9% in dry handling (subj)
- +1.8% in dry handling (lap time)
In the dry braking test, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive takes the lead with a stopping distance of 90.70 feet, which is noticeably shorter than the 100.10 feet recorded by the Bridgestone WeatherPeak. The shorter stopping distance of the Pirelli tire indicates superior grip and braking efficiency on dry surfaces.
When considering subjective dry handling, which gauges the handling characteristics and driver’s confidence on dry roads, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive edges out the Bridgestone WeatherPeak. With a score of 7.00 out of 10, the Pirelli tire slightly surpasses the Bridgestone, which comes in at 6.63 out of 10. This reflects that drivers may feel the Pirelli offers a marginally better response and control during dry conditions. Lastly, in the dry handling lap time test, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive continues its winning streak with a lap time of 30.46 seconds, as opposed to the 31.02 seconds clocked by the Bridgestone WeatherPeak. This demonstrates the Pirelli tire’s capability to maintain higher speeds and better cornering performance on dry tracks.
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
Conclusion:
In terms of dry performance, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive maintains an edge over the Bridgestone WeatherPeak in all three categories – dry braking, subjective dry handling, and dry handling lap time. With its shorter braking distances, higher handling scores, and faster lap times, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive emerges as the more potent option for those prioritizing performance on dry roads.
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
Let’s analyze the comparison between the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive tires in terms of steering and road handling, noise, and ride quality. The first score in each category belongs to the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, while the second score is for the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive.
Steering and Road Handling:
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak: 7.13
- Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive: 7.5
In the domain of steering and road handling, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive holds a slight advantage over the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, scoring 7.5 compared to 7.13. This suggests that the Pirelli tire might offer slightly better control and responsiveness in steering, contributing to a more engaging driving experience.
Noise:
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak: 7.13
- Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive: 7.38
When it comes to noise levels, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive again takes the lead, albeit by a slim margin. With a score of 7.38 against the 7.13 of the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, the Pirelli tire appears to offer a marginally quieter ride. This difference might be subtle but can contribute to a more comfortable and less tiring driving experience, especially during long journeys.
Ride Quality:
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak: 7.88
- Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive: 8.13
Regarding ride quality, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive continues to outperform the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, scoring 8.13 compared to Bridgestone’s 7.88. This indicates that the Pirelli tire may offer a slightly smoother and more comfortable ride, possibly due to better absorption of road imperfections and vibrations.
Conclusion:
Cinturato WeatherActive:
- +1.5% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Across all three categories – steering and road handling, noise, and ride quality – the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive edges out the Bridgestone WeatherPeak by narrow margins. While the differences are not vast, they indicate that the Pirelli tire might be the more well-rounded option, offering a combination of slightly better control, lower noise levels, and superior ride comfort.
Ice & Snow
As we continue to compare the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive, it’s time to shift our focus to a crucial aspect of these all-weather tires – their performance under harsh winter conditions. The upcoming winter testing by Tire Rack in 2023 aims to scrutinize these tires under icy and snowy conditions, which will play a significant role in determining their overall capabilities.
Can the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive demonstrate a superior winter performance that will help it gain an edge over the Bridgestone WeatherPeak? Or will the Bridgestone WeatherPeak hold its ground and show its mettle in these testing conditions? This is not just another comparison, but a crucial assessment that could set one tire apart as the more comprehensive all-weather option.
The anticipation is high as we prepare for this winter testing. Keep an eye out for the results as we put these tires through their paces in challenging winter conditions. The performance of Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive on ice and snow will undoubtedly be a key factor in our final verdict. It’s Bridgestone vs. Pirelli, with winter as the ultimate proving ground!
UTQG rating
Let’s compare the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) values and mileage warranties for the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive tires:
UTQG Treadwear:
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak: 700
- Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive: 700
Both the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive have a UTQG treadwear rating of 700. This suggests that both tires are expected to have comparable wear characteristics and durability over time.
UTQG Traction:
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak: A
- Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive: A
Both tires also share the same UTQG traction rating of A. This means that they are expected to provide similar levels of traction, particularly in wet conditions.
UTQG Temperature:
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak: A
- Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive: A
In terms of UTQG temperature rating, both tires again have the same rating of A, indicating comparable resistance to heat generation and similar abilities to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions.
Mileage Warranty:
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak: 70,000 Miles Warranty
- Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive: 60,000 Miles Warranty
When it comes to the mileage warranty, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak offers a slightly longer warranty of 70,000 miles, compared to the 60,000 miles warranty provided by the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive. This suggests that Bridgestone has slightly more confidence in the long-term durability of their tire.
Conclusion:
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone | WeatherPeak | All | 700 | A | A |
| Pirelli | Cinturato WeatherActive | All | 700 | A | A |
In summary, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive have identical UTQG values in terms of treadwear, traction, and temperature. However, when considering the mileage warranty, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak edges ahead with a warranty that covers an additional 10,000 miles compared to the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive. This could make the Bridgestone WeatherPeak a more appealing option for those looking for extended coverage and peace of mind regarding tire longevity.
Price
When comparing the prices of the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive tires in size 225/40R18:
Tire size: 225/40R18
- WeatherPeak: $228
- Cinturato WeatherActive: $215
Difference: -6% more cheaper for Cinturato WeatherActive
The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive is priced at $215, which is 6% less expensive than the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, which is priced at $228. In terms of affordability, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the Bridgestone WeatherPeak. This price difference may be a consideration for consumers looking for a cost-effective all-weather tire, without compromising on performance.
Summary
In summary, during our comparison of the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive tires, the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive displayed clear dominance in the summer performance criteria. From wet to dry conditions, the Cinturato WeatherActive consistently outperformed the WeatherPeak in braking, handling, and lap times. Additionally, it scored higher in steering and road handling, noise reduction, and ride quality, and also proved to be more cost-effective, being priced 6% lower than the Bridgestone WeatherPeak.
However, it’s important to remember that as all-weather tires, their performance in winter conditions is a crucial aspect. Winter performance can often differ significantly from summer performance, and for many drivers, the ability to handle snow and ice is a key consideration in selecting an all-weather tire.
As such, it’s essential to keep an eye on the upcoming winter testing results, which will assess how these tires fare under icy and snowy conditions. The winter performance could be a game-changer and is integral to providing a more comprehensive understanding of these tires’ true all-weather capabilities.
Stay tuned for the winter testing results, as they will play a significant role in the final verdict between the Bridgestone WeatherPeak and Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive.