Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Bridgestone Blizzak 6: Previously, we dove into the fierce competition between Continental and Bridgestone in the passenger tire market within the middle European winter segment. Now, it’s the SUVs’ turn! In this epic showdown, the well-established Continental WinterContact TS 870 P faces off against Bridgestone’s latest launch, the Blizzak 6. Can the Blizzak 6 throw down the gauntlet and claim victory in the SUV winter tire arena? Let’s hype up this heavyweight battle to see which tire reigns supreme in the cold!
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Results: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Bridgestone Blizzak 6
Results below were taken from 2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test with a total of 13 tires tested including 1 reference summer tire. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Bridgestone Blizzak 6 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the middle European winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 245/55 R18 which is a common tire size for Hyundai Genesis. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a SUV vehicle in the form of CUPRA Formentor.
Wet
In the previous passenger car battle, Bridgestone’s Blizzak 6 led with a 5% edge in wet braking. But this time, the roles have reversed in the SUV segment. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stops at 31 meters in wet braking, beating the Blizzak 6 by a solid 1.4 meters. On the wet handling track, the Blizzak 6 regains a slight lead, hitting 84.7 km/h compared to Continental’s 83.9 km/h. However, in straight-line aquaplaning, the WinterContact TS 870 P excels with a speed of 78.5 km/h, outpacing the Blizzak 6 by 3.3 km/h.
Blizzak 6 :
- -4% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- -4% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In the previous passenger car battle, Continental held a slight edge in snow performance, but the tables have turned in the SUV segment. The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 now leads in snow braking, stopping at 21.3 meters—0.7 meters shorter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P’s 22 meters. For snow traction, the Blizzak 6 also pulls ahead with a force of 2819 N, surpassing Continental’s 2723 N. However, in snow handling, Continental takes a slight advantage, reaching 64 km/h, just 0.5 km/h faster than the Blizzak 6.
Blizzak 6 :
- +3% in snow braking
- +4% in snow traction
- -1% in snow handling (average lap speed)
Dry
Last time, the dry performance was neck and neck, but now there’s a clear edge. In dry braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stops at 41.2 meters, beating the Blizzak 6 by 1.3 meters. On dry handling speed, Continental holds a slight lead, reaching 105.4 km/h compared to Bridgestone’s 105 km/h.
Blizzak 6 :
- -3% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (average lap speed)
Noise
In terms of exterior noise, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P has a slight advantage, registering 74.1 dB compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak 6’s 74.3 dB—a difference of 0.2 dB, making Continental marginally quieter on the road.
Blizzak 6 :
- ~0% in exterior noise (+0.2 dB)
Rolling Resistance
Previously, in the passenger car segment, Continental had an 11% advantage in rolling resistance. Now, the gap has narrowed. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P records a rolling resistance of 7.27 N/kN, just slightly better than the Blizzak 6’s 7.49 N/kN—a difference of only 0.22 N/kN.
Blizzak 6 :
- -3% in rolling resistance
Price
In the 245/45R18 size, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is priced at €201, making it 18% more expensive than the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, which costs €171.
Tire size: 245/45R18
- Blizzak 6 : € 171
Difference: -18% more cheaper for Blizzak 6
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
From an expert’s perspective, both the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Bridgestone Blizzak 6 bring unique strengths to the SUV segment compared to their passenger car counterparts. The WinterContact TS 870 P excels in wet and dry braking, providing reliable control and efficiency, while also maintaining a slight edge in rolling resistance, although the gap has narrowed.
On the other hand, the Blizzak 6 shows strong improvements in snow traction and braking for SUVs, along with a quieter ride than before. Both tires have clearly adapted to the demands of the SUV segment, with Continental leaning toward versatile all-weather performance and Bridgestone prioritizing winter traction and affordability.
Dr Edwin Pang