Continental VikingContact 7 vs Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2: In the fiercely competitive world of winter tires, two titans stand out in the studless/snow SUV segment: the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2. The VikingContact 7, a versatile juggernaut, offers a comprehensive range that caters to both passenger cars and SUVs, demonstrating Continental’s commitment to all-around excellence in winter traction and safety.
On the other side, Bridgestone’s Blizzak DM-V2 emerges as a specialized warrior, designed with a laser focus on SUVs, ensuring unparalleled performance and stability in the most challenging winter conditions. This epic showdown between these two industry giants isn’t just a comparison; it’s a battle for the crown of winter supremacy. Who will emerge victorious? Only the icy roads and heavy snowfalls of winter can decide. Get ready for an ultimate face-off where innovation meets specialization in the quest for the ultimate snow tire.
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Results: Continental VikingContact 7 vs Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
Ideally you would like to have a 1 v 1 test results to show its clear performance difference. However this time around as there is clear segmentation, there are no test results which ran these 2 products simultaneously. Lucky for us, consumer report has tested both tires separately and we would be able to use their ratings to judge how well both tires fared. Do note that the consumer report uses a maximum rating of 5 which means that a rating of 5/5 is the best possible achievement.
The graph above shows the comparison between Continental VikingContact 7 vs Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 based on the relevant performance category. The tire size of interest for this test is a 215/55R17 which is a common tire size for Honda HR-V.
Ice
When it comes to ice braking, both the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 perform equally well. Each tire has achieved the highest rating of 5 in this category. This test, conducted on a skating rink, measures how effectively the tires can bring a vehicle from 10 mph to a complete stop on ice. In this aspect, there is no difference between the two tires as they both excel in providing maximum safety and control during ice braking.
Ice Braking :
- VikingContact 7 : 5/5
- DM V2 : 5/5
Snow
In the category of snow traction, which is measured by how quickly a car can accelerate from 5 to 20 mph on moderately packed snow, both the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 have shown outstanding performance. They each earned a top score of 5, indicating that there’s no difference between the two tires in terms of their ability to provide traction and control on snowy surfaces. This means that both tires are equally efficient at helping a vehicle gain speed on snow-covered roads.
Snow Traction :
- VikingContact 7 : 5/5
- DM V2 : 5/5
Wet
For wet braking, which assesses the tire’s ability to stop from 60 to 0 mph, the Continental VikingContact 7 has a slight edge over the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2, scoring 2 compared to the Blizzak’s 1. This one-point difference suggests that the VikingContact 7 is slightly more effective in wet braking conditions.
In wet handling, which includes tests like swerving between lanes on a wet circuit and the overall steering feel, both tires perform equally, each scoring a 2. This means they offer similar levels of control and responsiveness when maneuvering in wet conditions.
Wet Braking:
- VikingContact 7 : 2/5
- DM V2 : 1/5
Handling (Wet) :
- VikingContact 7 : 2/5
- DM V2 : 2/5
Regarding hydroplaning, where the tire’s ability to prevent slipping at speed on water-covered roads is tested, the VikingContact 7 again leads with a score of 4, compared to the Blizzak DM-V2’s 3. This indicates that the VikingContact 7 is better at resisting hydroplaning, offering a more stable and secure drive in wet, slippery conditions.
Hydroplaning :
- VikingContact 7 : 4/5
- DM V2 : 3/5
Dry
In the test for dry braking, which measures the tire’s ability to stop from 60 to 0 mph, the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 performs better than the Continental VikingContact 7. The Blizzak DM-V2 scored a 4, indicating a higher level of effectiveness in dry conditions, while the VikingContact 7 scored a 3. This one-point difference shows that the Blizzak DM-V2 has a slight advantage in stopping more efficiently on dry roads.
Dry Braking :
- VikingContact 7 : 3/5
- DM V2 : 3/5
Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH)
In the category of ride comfort, which is based on how comfortable the tires feel on the road, both the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 scored equally, each receiving a 4. This means that both tires offer a similar level of comfort when driving.
Ride Comfort :
- VikingContact 7 : 4/5
- DM V2 : 4/5
However, when it comes to noise, which is also part of the ride comfort assessment, there is a difference. The VikingContact 7 scored a 4, indicating it is relatively quieter, while the Blizzak DM-V2 scored a 3, suggesting it is a bit noisier. This one-point difference indicates that the VikingContact 7 might provide a slightly quieter ride compared to the Blizzak DM-V2.
Noise :
- VikingContact 7 : 4/5
- DM V2 : 3/5
Rolling Resistance
In the category of rolling resistance, which is crucial for fuel efficiency and increasingly important for electric vehicles (EVs) to maximize their range, both the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 perform equally well, each scoring a 4. This means they both offer a similar level of efficiency in terms of energy used while rolling, which is particularly significant for EVs.
Since EVs rely on their batteries, tires with lower rolling resistance, like these, can help extend the driving range by reducing the amount of energy needed to keep the vehicle moving. The identical scores indicate that both tire models are equally well-suited for use on EVs in this respect, providing efficient performance without unnecessarily draining the battery.
Rolling Resistance :
- VikingContact 7 : 4/5
- DM V2 : 4/5
Price
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2, priced at $157, is more affordable than the Continental VikingContact 7, which costs $183 for the tire size 225/60R17. This price difference represents a 17% lower cost for the Blizzak DM-V2 compared to the VikingContact 7, making the DM-V2 a more budget-friendly option in this comparison.
Tire size: 225/60R17
- VikingContact 7 : $183
- Blizzak DM V2 : $157
Difference: -17% more cheaper for DM V2.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve closely observed the key differences between the Continental VikingContact 7 and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2. Both tires are exceptional in their own right, and there’s no outright winner in this duel. The VikingContact 7 stands out with its slightly better performance in wet braking and hydroplaning resistance, which could be crucial for drivers in regions with heavy rain and wet road conditions. Its lower noise level also adds to a more comfortable and quieter ride.
On the other hand, the Blizzak DM-V2 excels in dry braking, indicating a stronger performance in drier conditions. It’s also the more affordable option, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. Both tires score equally in snow traction, ride comfort, and rolling resistance, the latter being particularly important in the context of the rising popularity of electric vehicles.
Ultimately, the choice between these two tires will depend on specific driving conditions and individual priorities. For those prioritizing wet performance and a quieter ride, the VikingContact 7 is an excellent choice. However, for drivers who value better dry braking performance and a more budget-friendly option, the Blizzak DM-V2 is the way to go. As always, safety and performance tailored to your driving conditions should be the guiding factors in your decision.
Dr Edwin Pang