Continental EcoContact 6 vs Bridgestone Turanza T005: In the tire world, where every tread and groove can dictate your journey’s comfort and safety, the clash between Continental EcoContact 6 and Bridgestone Turanza T005 emerges as a riveting battle of attributes and purposes. On one side, we have the Continental EcoContact 6, a champion of the summer comfort segment, engineered for those seeking a harmonious blend of fuel efficiency and durability during the warmer months. On the other, the Bridgestone Turanza T005 enters the arena, a stalwart from the touring segment, designed to offer a serene and reliable ride for long-distance travelers.
Despite their different segmentations, these titans of the tarmac share a significant overlap in sizes, presenting drivers with a tantalizing selection dilemma. As you weigh your options between the EcoContact 6’s summer agility and the Turanza T005’s touring endurance, prepare yourself for a decision that could redefine your driving experience. Brace for a showdown that’s not just about the miles, but about the journey’s quality and the promise of a destination reached in absolute comfort and safety. The stage is set, the contenders are ready – welcome to the gripping battle between Continental EcoContact 6 and Bridgestone Turanza T005!
Table of Contents
Results
The results below are from the 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test, which included a total of 21 tires. The graph compares the Continental EcoContact 6 vs Bridgestone Turanza T005 based on relevant performance categories. The EcoContact 6 was used as a reference, set at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is 215/55 R17 which is a common tire size for Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Passat Variant B8.
Wet
In the realm of wet performance, the Continental EcoContact 6 and Bridgestone Turanza T005 present a compelling comparison, each with its strengths and areas of dominance. When it comes to wet braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Bridgestone Turanza T005 takes the lead, stopping a notable 8.1 meters shorter than the Continental EcoContact 6. This difference could be crucial in emergency situations, offering a significant edge in safety.
On the wet handling track, the Turanza T005 again outshines its counterpart, averaging a lap time speed of 74.9 Km/H compared to the EcoContact 6’s 67.7 Km/H. This faster pace indicates a superior grip and control in wet conditions, making the Turanza T005 a more responsive choice for those seeking confidence in the rain. When navigating the wet circle, the Bridgestone Turanza T005 demonstrates greater lateral acceleration at 6.74 m/s², outperforming the EcoContact 6’s 5.68 m/s². This indicates a better ability to maintain speed and stability while cornering on wet surfaces, offering drivers a more dynamic and secure driving experience.
However, in straight aquaplaning scenarios, the Continental EcoContact 6 holds its own with a slipping speed of 81.5 Km/H, just slightly behind the Turanza T005’s 84.4 Km/H. Both tires provide commendable resistance to aquaplaning, ensuring a safer ride during heavy rain. In curved aquaplaning situations, the Turanza T005 again shows superiority with a lateral acceleration of 4.47 m/s² compared to the EcoContact 6’s 3.75 m/s². This indicates a better ability to resist aquaplaning in dynamic and turning situations, providing an extra layer of safety and control.
Overall, while the Continental EcoContact 6 offers reliable performance, the Bridgestone Turanza T005 consistently demonstrates superior wet handling and braking capabilities, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing safety and performance in wet conditions.
Turanza T005 :
- +19% in wet braking
- +11% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- +19% in wet circle
- +4% in straight aquaplaning
- +19% in curved aquaplaning
Dry
In the arena of dry performance, the Continental EcoContact 6 and Bridgestone Turanza T005 each showcase their capabilities with a close contest. When it comes to dry braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Bridgestone Turanza T005 has a slight edge, stopping 0.6 meters shorter than the Continental EcoContact 6. This marginal difference highlights the Turanza T005’s efficient stopping power in dry conditions, offering a bit more assurance when every meter counts.
Moving to dry handling, the Bridgestone Turanza T005 again takes the lead with an average lap time speed of 95.2 Km/H, compared to the EcoContact 6’s 93.8 Km/H. This difference suggests that the Turanza T005 provides a slightly quicker and more responsive handling experience, allowing drivers to navigate turns and maintain speed with more confidence.
Turanza T005 :
- +2% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (average lap speed)
Noise
In terms of exterior noise, the Continental EcoContact 6 and Bridgestone Turanza T005 both aim to deliver a quiet ride, but they do have their differences. The Continental EcoContact 6 produces less noise at 67.1 dB, making it the quieter option compared to the Bridgestone Turanza T005, which registers at 68.9 dB. This 1.8 dB difference might not seem substantial, but in the world of tire noise, it’s quite significant. The lower noise level of the EcoContact 6 could contribute to a more peaceful and comfortable driving experience, especially on long journeys where road noise can become more noticeable and potentially fatiguing.
Turanza T005 :
- -3% in exterior noise (+1.8 dB)
Wear
When it comes to wear, often considered the crown jewel of tire testing due to the significant costs involved, the Continental EcoContact 6 and Bridgestone Turanza T005 show a marked difference. Kudos to Auto Bild for conducting such an extensive and costly analysis to provide these insights. The Continental EcoContact 6 takes the lead with an impressive 41,480 km of wear, significantly outlasting the Bridgestone Turanza T005, which shows wear at 31,960 km. This substantial difference of 9,520 km means the EcoContact 6 offers a longer lifespan, potentially translating to fewer replacements and better value over time.
This comparison also highlights the classic trade-off between wear and wet braking performance. The Bridgestone Turanza T005, while excelling in wet braking, doesn’t last as long as the EcoContact 6. This illustrates the target conflict where a tire that performs exceptionally well in wet conditions may not have the longest wear life. Drivers must consider their priorities and driving conditions when choosing between these two, balancing the need for safety in wet conditions with the desire for longevity and overall value.
Turanza T005 :
- -23% in mileage
Rolling Resistance
As electric vehicles gain traction, tire rolling resistance becomes a pivotal factor in enhancing battery mileage. The Continental EcoContact 6, with a rolling resistance of 5.69 N/kN, outperforms the Bridgestone Turanza T005, which has a higher resistance of 6.94 N/kN. This difference of 1.25 N/kN means the EcoContact 6 is more efficient, potentially offering better battery life for EVs by reducing the energy needed for movement.
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency, the lower rolling resistance of the EcoContact 6 not only promises longer drives on a single charge but also reflects a thoughtful choice for environmentally conscious drivers. Meanwhile, the Turanza T005, though less efficient in this regard, still stands as a reliable option for those balancing various performance aspects. As EVs become the norm, the impact of such differences in rolling resistance will become even more pronounced.
Turanza T005 :
- -18% in rolling resistance
Price
In the comparison of prices for the size 215/55 R17, the Bridgestone Turanza T005 is priced at €133, while the Continental EcoContact 6 comes in at €150. This makes the EcoContact 6 about 11% more expensive than the Turanza T005.
Tire size: 215/55 R17
- Turanza T005 : € 133
- EcoContact 6: € 150
Difference: +11% more expensive for EcoContact 6.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve closely examined the Continental EcoContact 6 and Bridgestone Turanza T005. The EcoContact 6 impresses with its superior wear and lower rolling resistance, making it an efficient choice, particularly for electric vehicles. On the other hand, the Turanza T005 stands out with its exceptional wet performance and more affordable price, making it a strong contender in safety and value.
In my opinion, safety is the paramount consideration when choosing tires. Given its superior wet braking and handling, the Turanza T005 offers that critical edge in safety, which is crucial for everyday driving conditions. While the EcoContact 6 has its advantages, the enhanced safety features of the Turanza T005 make it my preferred choice. Thus, despite its slightly higher rolling resistance and faster wear, I would favor the Bridgestone Turanza T005 as the winner in this comparison. Safety, after all, should never be compromised.
Dr Edwin Pang