Continental AllSeasonContact 2 vs Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: Clash of the All-Season Titans –> As the tides shift and the seasons evolve, the tire industry stays ablaze with innovation. Today, we stand on the precipice of another monumental clash — the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 versus the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6. This is not just a battle; it’s an exhilarating showcase of two of the newest all-season products crafted with sheer engineering prowess.
From the stables of Continental, the AllSeasonContact 2 promises an impeccable balance between wet and dry road performances. Known for its enhanced tread pattern, this tire ensures a reduced braking distance, providing safety irrespective of the weather. Its optimized sidewall flexing capacity ensures a comfortable ride, all year round.
On the other side, we have Bridgestone’s Turanza All Season 6. Bridgestone has always been synonymous with reliability, and with this latest product, they’ve taken it up a notch. Boasting an advanced compound mix, the Turanza offers extended tread life and impressive fuel efficiency. Its asymmetrical pattern provides improved hydroplaning resistance, ensuring a smooth drive even during those unexpected downpours.
Now, some may recall the electrifying duel between the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Continental AllSeasonContact 2. A battle where both contenders were neck-and-neck in performances, pushing boundaries and setting benchmarks. As we gear up for today’s face-off, the anticipation is palpable. Will history repeat itself, or will one emerge as the undisputed champion?
Hold onto your seats, folks! The latest battle of all-season supremacy is here, and it promises to be nothing short of epic!
Table of Contents
Results: Continental AllSeasonContact 2 vs Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
Results below were taken from the 2023 Auto Bild All Season Test. A whopping 35 tires were tested this time around with only 16 tires making it into the final round. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental AllSeasonContact 2 vs Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Auto Bild did the full range of test including snow & the expensive wear test. The tire size of interest is a 225/45 R17 which is a common tire size for Volvo S60 & BMW 3 Series. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a BMW 3 series.
Wet Showdown
When discussing all-season tires, the true mettle is often tested on slick, rain-soaked roads. The transition from dry to wet surfaces poses a myriad of challenges for these tire types. But it’s these very challenges that set the stage for our next wet performance comparison: Continental AllSeasonContact 2 against Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6. Let’s find out which one edges out its competitor.
Wet Braking:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 45.4 meters
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 45 meters
The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 marginally outshines the Continental, with a stopping distance of 45 meters, just 0.4 meters less than the latter.
Wet Handling:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 74.6 Km/H (lap time average speed)
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 74.7 Km/H (lap time average speed)
Almost neck and neck in the wet handling test, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 nudges ahead by a mere 0.1 Km/H, making it a close contest.
Wet Circle:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 11.96 seconds
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 11.86 seconds
The wet circle challenge saw the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 sprint ahead, beating the Continental by a tenth of a second – the lower the time, the better the performance.
Straight Aquaplaning:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 76.1 Km/H (slipping speed)
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 79.8 Km/H (slipping speed)
In the face of straight aquaplaning, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 reigns supreme, with a commendable 3.7 Km/H lead over the Continental before experiencing slippage.
Curved Aquaplaning:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 2.95 m/sec^2 (max centripetal acceleration)
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 3.14 m/sec^2 (max centripetal acceleration)
Navigating curved aquaplaning, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 showcases a stronger grip, with a higher centripetal acceleration before losing its grip.
Summary: The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 demonstrates consistent superiority across most wet tests, particularly shining in straight and curved aquaplaning scenarios. However, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 is not far behind, with commendable performances, particularly in wet braking and handling. It’s clear that both tires are stellar in their class, but in this wet showdown, the Bridgestone has a slight edge.
Turanza All Season 6 :
- +1% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling
- +1% in wet circle
- +5% in aquaplaning
- +6% in lateral aquaplaning
Snow
The chill of winter brings with it the captivating allure of snow-covered landscapes. However, for drivers, the snow introduces a layer of complexity that can be both thrilling and challenging. Thus, the performance of all-season tires on snow is of paramount importance. Today, we bring the icy cold battle between the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6, assessing their prowess on the snowy tarmac.
Snow Braking:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 23.2 meters
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 23.1 meters
In the critical realm of snow braking, both tires exhibit incredibly close performances. The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 has a marginally better stopping distance by just 0.1 meters.
Snow Traction:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 2744 N pulling force
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 2660 N pulling force
When it comes to traction on snow-covered roads, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 pulls ahead, demonstrating a force that’s 84 N stronger than the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6.
Snow Handling:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 57.4 Km/H (average lap time speed)
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 57.6 Km/H (average lap time speed)
Again, a neck-and-neck showdown in snow handling sees the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 slightly ahead by a mere 0.2 Km/H in lap time speeds.
Snow Slalom:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 4.23 m/sec^2 (max centripetal acceleration)
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 4.16 m/sec^2 (max centripetal acceleration)
For the agile challenges of the snow slalom, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 exhibits a slightly stronger grip, outpacing the Bridgestone by 0.07 m/sec^2 in max centripetal acceleration.
Summary: The snowy battleground presents a tight contest between the two all-season giants. While the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 marginally outperforms in braking and handling, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 shows superior traction and agility in the slalom. Each tire has its moments of triumph on the snow, making this battle one of close margins and exceptional performances. Choosing between them comes down to the specific nuances a driver values most in snowy conditions.
Turanza All Season 6 :
- ~0% in snow braking
- -3% in snow traction
- ~0% in snow handling
- -2% in snow slalom
Wear
Tire longevity is often one of the most sought-after metrics by drivers. While grip, braking, and other performance parameters are essential, wear performance stands as a testament to a tire’s durability, overall quality, and the value it offers over its lifespan. Today, the stage is set for a wear performance showdown between the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6.
Wear Performance:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 58,923 KM
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 49,794 KM
The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 clearly takes the lead in the longevity race, offering nearly 9,000 KM more in wear performance compared to the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6.
It’s noteworthy to mention the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6’s lineage. As the successor to the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, the Turanza has witnessed a significant improvement in mileage. Bridgestone has taken strides to enhance wear performance, reflecting their dedication to continuous evolution and meeting the demands of the modern driver.
However, despite this commendable progression, Bridgestone’s offering doesn’t seem to match the wear longevity standards set by some of the industry’s premium manufacturers. The Continental AllSeasonContact 2, for instance, is a clear indication of this difference.
Summary: Wear performance stands as a balancing act between the material composition, design, and engineering innovation. The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 showcases exceptional wear longevity, overshadowing the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 by a significant margin. Yet, Bridgestone’s efforts in enhancing wear from its predecessors are evident, even if there’s still a journey ahead in competing toe-to-toe with the industry’s top-tier brands in this domain.
Turanza All Season 6 :
- -15% in mileage
Dry
As much as all-season tires are praised for their versatility in handling various terrains, their performance on dry roads remains a primary concern for most drivers. After all, a significant chunk of driving happens on dry tarmacs. In this context, we’re comparing the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 with the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6, focusing on their prowess in dry conditions.
Dry Braking:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 40.4 meters
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 38.5 meters
When it comes to halting in dry conditions, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 is a clear winner. It takes less distance to come to a stop, beating the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 by nearly 2 meters.
Dry Handling:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 87.8 Km/H (average lap time speed)
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 88.8 Km/H (average lap time speed)
Navigating through bends and turns, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 again edges out its competitor. It maintains a slightly higher average lap time speed by 1 Km/H, indicating better handling and grip on dry surfaces.
Summary: In the dry conditions matchup, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 showcases superior performance, outpacing the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 in both braking and handling. While both tires exhibit commendable prowess on dry tarmac, the Bridgestone consistently comes out on top, reflecting its optimized design and engineering for dry road situations.
Turanza All Season 6 :
- +5% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling
Noise
The hum of tires against the road surface isn’t just a background noise; for many, it’s an important factor in ensuring a comfortable and serene driving experience. Exterior tire noise can affect not only the driver and passengers but also pedestrians and the surrounding environment. With this in mind, we’re putting the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 to the test, evaluating which offers a quieter ride.
Exterior Noise Performance:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 72.3 dB
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 73.3 dB
The results reveal a noticeable difference between the two contenders. The Continental AllSeasonContact 2, emitting noise levels at 72.3 dB, provides a marginally quieter experience compared to the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6, which stands at 73.3 dB. Although the difference of 1 dB might seem subtle, in the realm of acoustics, even small variations can be perceptible, especially over long durations or at higher speeds.
Summary: Prioritizing tranquility and serenity on the road, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 takes the lead in this noise performance duel. By offering a slightly quieter ride, it stands as the preferred choice for those who value reduced tire noise, whether for personal comfort or environmental considerations. The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6, while not far behind, will need to dial down its decibels to match its competitor in this aspect.
Turanza All Season 6 :
- -1% in exterior noise (+1.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance & Fuel Consumption Showdown:
Rolling resistance and fuel consumption are intertwined, each influencing the other. Lower rolling resistance usually hints at improved fuel efficiency. However, sometimes results might surprise us, raising eyebrows and triggering questions about the intricate dynamics at play. Let’s delve into the comparison between the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 in these two pivotal parameters.
Rolling Resistance Performance:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 7.68 N / kN
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 7.86 N / kN
The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 takes the edge in this department, boasting a slightly lower rolling resistance compared to its Bridgestone counterpart.
Fuel Consumption Performance:
- Continental AllSeasonContact 2: 5.56 l/100km
- Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6: 5.46 l/100km
However, things take an intriguing turn when we consider fuel consumption. Despite having a higher rolling resistance, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 consumes marginally less fuel, contrasting the conventional wisdom linking rolling resistance and fuel efficiency.
The differential, though, is minuscule: a mere 0.43 l/100km separates the first and last positions in the fuel consumption test. Such a close range indeed suggests that the differences between the two tires might lie within the realms of statistical and testing variability. This narrow gap essentially means that, in real-world conditions, both tires might offer virtually identical fuel efficiency.
Summary: While on the surface the results appear counterintuitive, a closer inspection reveals that the performances are neck-and-neck. The tight contest in fuel consumption, with an almost negligible difference of 0.43 l/100km, indicates that both tires are highly competitive in this domain. Though the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 demonstrates a slight advantage in rolling resistance, the practical implications on fuel economy appear to be minimal. For drivers, this translates to both options being essentially equivalent when it comes to fuel efficiency, emphasizing the nuanced complexities of tire design and performance.
Turanza All Season 6 :
- -2% in rolling resistance
- +2% in fuel consumption
Price
When choosing tires, both performance and price matter. Comparing the two models sized at 205/55 R16:
Tire size: 205/55 R16
Difference: +8% more expensive for Turanza All Season 6.
The Bridgestone model is 8% pricier. Buyers should weigh this against the performance, features, and brand reputation of each tire.
Expert’s Perspective on Continental AllSeasonContact 2 vs Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
Having been deeply entrenched in the tire industry for many years, I’ve witnessed the evolution of tire technology and the rise and fall of numerous models. The showdown between the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 and the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 has been particularly intriguing.
The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6, while showcasing commendable aquaplaning and dry performance, still seems to grapple with achieving that premium wear level we’ve come to expect from top-tier all-season tires. This can significantly impact long-term value and overall satisfaction for consumers.
On the other hand, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 has slightly edged out its competitor in key metrics like snow traction, noise levels, and rolling resistance. These results underline the tire’s versatility, confirming its capacity to perform optimally in diverse conditions.
But, what truly stands out for me, especially from a long-term ownership perspective, is wear performance. Tires are an investment, and wear directly impacts return on that investment. The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 outshines with a significant 15% better wear performance compared to the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6. At the end of the day, when considering all factors – from performance in diverse terrains to longevity and wear – my professional inclination leans towards the Continental AllSeasonContact 2. It’s the more balanced, all-around performer, and its wear advantage just adds an extra layer of appeal. Happy driving, and always remember: the right tire choice can significantly transform your driving experience.
Dr Edwin Pang