Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS: When it comes to the ultra-high-performance all-season tire segment, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus has long been a benchmark for drivers seeking a perfect blend of performance, durability, and all-weather reliability. However, the landscape is shifting with the introduction of the 2023 Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS. This new challenger promises to elevate the standards of performance and precision, making it a formidable contender in this highly competitive market.
As these two titans gear up for a head-to-head battle, enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike are eagerly anticipating which tire will emerge as the ultimate all-season champion. Prepare for an epic showdown between the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS, where only one can reign supreme in the ultra-high-performance all-season category.
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Results: Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS
Results below were taken from Tire Rack’s Testing Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires 2023 test. A total of 4 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS based on the relevant performance category. The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are classified as an all season tire but without the 3 peak mountain logo, Tire Rack has included snow & ice in its testing portfolio. A detailed testing on snow including acceleration, braking & handling were evaluated. The tire size of interest is a 225/40R18 which is a common tire size for Honda NSX & Volkswagen Golf R. The testing vehicle is a powerful 2022 Subaru BRZ.
Wet
In the wet performance arena, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS go head-to-head with fairly close results. When it comes to wet braking from 50 to 0 mph, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS edges out the competition with a stopping distance of 96.20 feet, which is just 1.6 feet longer than the Continental’s 94.60 feet. This small difference might be crucial in certain situations, indicating that the Continental has a slight advantage in halting more quickly on wet surfaces.
In subjective wet handling, drivers rate the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS slightly higher at 8.25 out of 10 compared to the Continental’s 8.19. This suggests that drivers feel a tad more confidence and control with the Bridgestone in wet conditions, though the difference is minimal.
Looking at wet handling lap times, the Continental records a faster lap at 31.17 seconds, compared to the Bridgestone’s 31.44 seconds. Although the difference is slight, with the Continental being around 0.27 seconds quicker, it indicates that the Continental might offer a bit more agility and speed in wet conditions.
Potenza Sport AS :
Our team immediately noticed the steering of the Potenza Sport AS; it was sharp, substantial, and precise, leading with a firm hand. It smoothly navigated tight slalom courses thanks to its excellent side grip. While not the fastest on the track or the best at stopping quickly, it was still competitive and provided a very satisfying overall experience.
Test driver feedback on Potenza Sport AS
ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus :
The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, on the other hand, was nimble, fast, and managed power well. Its steering feel was just a bit less impressive, a small but noticeable difference. It didn’t communicate as well at the edge of its performance, but its strong traction made it a dependable choice in wet conditions, not easily outdone.
Test driver feedback on ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Overall, both tires demonstrate strong performances with some trade-offs. The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus shows a slight advantage in braking and lap time, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS is perceived slightly better in handling by drivers. These subtle differences could guide drivers based on what they value most in wet conditions.
Potenza Sport AS :
- -2% in wet braking
- 0% in wet handling (subj)
- -1% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry conditions, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS show distinct performances. For dry braking from 50 to 0 mph, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS takes 84.30 feet to stop, which is 2.6 feet longer than the Continental’s 81.70 feet. This means the Continental can stop more quickly and efficiently in dry conditions.
Drivers feel slightly better about the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS in dry handling, rating it 8.13 out of 10 compared to the Continental’s 7.94. This suggests that drivers find the Bridgestone a bit more responsive and enjoyable to handle when it’s dry.
Looking at lap times, the Bridgestone and Continental are very close, with the Bridgestone completing a dry lap at 29.37 seconds and the Continental at 29.47 seconds, only a 0.1-second difference. Both tires offer similar speeds and agility on a dry track, but the Continental has a slight edge in stopping power, while the Bridgestone is preferred for its handling feel.
Potenza Sport AS :
The Potenza Sport AS stood out for its steering, offering the right amount of heaviness, quick reactions, and sharp turns. It felt stable and comfortable taking charge with its front wheels.
Test driver feedback on Potenza Sport AS
ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus :
In dry conditions, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus was also impressive, having a slight edge in actual braking performance and good control from its front wheels with accurate and sharp steering. However, it felt a bit less engaging and more straightforward compared to the Potenza, yet without sacrificing any of its capability.
Test driver feedback on ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Potenza Sport AS :
- -3% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (subj)
- ~0% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS show slightly different performances. The Continental generally provides a better experience in ride quality, rated at 7 out of 10, compared to the Bridgestone’s 6.25. This suggests the Continental offers a smoother and more comfortable ride.
When it comes to noise, the Continental is also slightly quieter with a rating of 6.75 out of 10, versus the Bridgestone’s 6.25. This means the Continental is a bit better at keeping road noise down, making for a quieter ride.
In steering and road handling, however, the Bridgestone scores higher with 8 out of 10, compared to the Continental’s 7.5. This indicates that the Bridgestone might provide a more responsive and engaging driving experience, despite being a bit noisier and less comfortable.
Overall, considering noise, comfort, and ride quality together, the Continental averages a rating of 7.08 out of 10, slightly above the Bridgestone’s 6.83. This shows that while the Continental offers a more comfortable and quieter ride, the Bridgestone excels in providing more precise steering and road handling.
Potenza Sport AS :
- -1% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality
Snow
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus shows slightly better snow performance compared to the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS. Specifically, when it comes to snow braking, the Continental tire stops approximately 5.4 feet shorter than the Bridgestone tire, which could be crucial in avoiding accidents in snowy conditions. Both tires demonstrate nearly identical snow acceleration, with the Continental having a negligible 0.2 feet advantage over the Bridgestone.
It’s important to note that neither of these tires is equipped with the 3-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) logo, indicating that they are not specifically designed for severe snow conditions. For optimal winter performance, tires featuring the 3PMSF symbol, which are usually designated as winter or certain all-weather tires, are recommended.
Potenza Sport AS :
- +7% in snow braking
- ~0% in snow acceleration
Ice
On ice, the performance of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS is remarkably close. The Continental tire slightly outperforms the Bridgestone in ice braking, stopping about 1.1 feet shorter. Similarly, in ice acceleration, the Continental tire completes the acceleration test slightly quicker than the Bridgestone, with a difference of just 0.17 seconds. These marginal differences underscore how closely matched these tires are in terms of ice performance.
Potenza Sport AS :
- -2% in ice braking
- -3% in ice acceleration
UTQG rating
We have previously shown that UTQG tread wear rating can be a good indication of your expected mileage. Below are the UTQG values of both of the tirelines.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus | All | 560 | AA | A |
| Bridgestone | Potenza Sport AS | All | 500 | AA | A |
The UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) ratings for the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS provide insights into their performance, even though both offer a 50k mileage warranty. The Continental has a treadwear rating of 560, indicating it might last longer under typical driving conditions compared to the Bridgestone’s treadwear rating of 500. This suggests the Continental tire could offer slightly better durability.
Both tires have the same traction rating of ‘AA,’ which is among the highest, indicating excellent grip and stopping power on wet surfaces. They also share a temperature rating of ‘A,’ denoting a high ability to dissipate heat at speed, essential for maintaining performance and safety.
So, while both tires promise the same 50k mileage warranty and have excellent traction and temperature capabilities, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus shows a potential advantage in treadwear, potentially offering a bit more longevity than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS.
Price
The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is priced at $172, while the Potenza Sport AS is a bit more expensive at $197 for the size 225/40R18. This makes the Potenza Sport AS about 13% more expensive than the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus.
Tire size: 225/40R18
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus : $172
- Potenza Sport AS : $197
Difference: +13% more expensive for Potenza Sport AS.
Summary
As a tire expert, I find the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS to be equally matched in the ultra-high-performance all-season tire category. The Continental slightly edges out in wet & dry braking performance. Conversely, the Bridgestone excels with strong snow braking performance while matching Continental on wet handling capabilities. Both tires perform closely across various conditions, making either a solid choice depending on whether you prioritize better wet/dry braking or snow performances.
Dr Edwin Pang