Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Michelin Alpin 6: When it comes to mastering the icy and snowy roads of a harsh European winter, the tire battle heats up with two formidable contenders: the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and the Michelin Alpin 6. On one side, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, renowned for its exceptional grip and handling in winter conditions, promises to turn every cold, slippery road into a secure and enjoyable driving experience.
On the other, the Michelin Alpin 6, a tire that boasts cutting-edge technology designed to enhance durability and traction, even as the mercury drops. This head-to-head battle in the middle European winter tire segment is not just about getting from A to B—it’s about doing so with confidence, safety, and unparalleled performance. Who will emerge as the winter warrior on Europe’s frosty roads? The stage is set, and the icy tarmac awaits!
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Results: Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Michelin Alpin 6
Results below were taken from 2023 ADAC winter tire test with a total of 16 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Michelin Alpin 6 based on the relevant performance category. The Winter Sport was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, the snow & ice performance was tested. The tire size of interest is a 205/60 R16 which is a common tire size for Mazda 3 & Volkswagen Jetta. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen T-Roc.
Wet Performance Showdown
In the critical arena of wet performance, a key requirement for Middle European winter tires, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and Michelin Alpin 6 exhibit closely matched capabilities, yet with notable differences. For wet braking, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stops at a distance of 37.2 meters when decelerating from 80 to 0 km/h, while the Michelin Alpin 6 slightly outperforms it, requiring only 36.4 meters to come to a halt under the same conditions. This marginal difference of 0.8 meters can be crucial in emergency braking scenarios on wet roads.
When it comes to handling aquaplaning in a straight line, the scenario reverses. The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 holds an edge with a higher slipping speed of 82.3 km/h, compared to the Michelin Alpin 6 which starts to slip at 81.5 km/h. This indicates that the Dunlop tire may offer slightly better resistance to aquaplaning in straight-line situations, an important factor in maintaining control on wet and slushy winter roads.
Overall, both tires demonstrate strong performances in wet conditions, which alongside snow performance, is a top priority for drivers in the Middle European winter tire segment.
Alpin 6:
- +2% in wet braking
- -1% in straight aquaplaning
Snow Performance Duel
In the Middle European winter tire segment, where both snow and wet performance are equally crucial, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and Michelin Alpin 6 present a competitive picture in snow conditions.
For snow braking, which measures the ability to stop on snow-covered surfaces, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 has a slight edge. It stops at 9.6 meters when decelerating from 30 to 0 km/h, whereas the Michelin Alpin 6 takes a bit longer, stopping at 10.5 meters. This difference of 0.9 meters could be significant in real-world snowy conditions, giving the Dunlop tire a slight advantage in terms of safety and control.
When it comes to snow traction, which indicates how well the tires can grip and pull through snowy terrain, the difference is minimal. The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 offers a pulling force of 260.1 Newtons, while the Michelin Alpin 6 is almost on par with 260.9 Newtons. This negligible difference suggests that both tires are nearly equivalent in terms of their ability to maintain grip and momentum on snow.
Overall, in the critical areas of snow braking and traction, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 shows a minor advantage in braking, while both tires are virtually tied in their ability to grip and move on snowy surfaces.
Alpin 6:
- -9% in snow braking
- 0% in snow traction
Mileage & Abrasion
In the context of wear and abrasion, two key performance aspects especially relevant with the impending implementation of Euro 7 abrasion limits, the Michelin Alpin 6 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5 show distinct differences.
The Michelin Alpin 6 leads in terms of wear, lasting up to 53,300 kilometers, whereas the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 shows a slightly lower durability with a lifespan of 47,700 kilometers. This difference of 5,600 kilometers means that the Michelin Alpin 6 potentially offers better long-term value and requires fewer replacements over the same distance, an important factor for cost-conscious drivers.
In terms of abrasion, which is directly linked to environmental impact and the amount of tire material worn off per kilometer, the Michelin Alpin 6 again demonstrates superior performance. It registers an abrasion rate of 51 mg/km/t, lower than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5’s rate of 69 mg/km/t. This lower abrasion rate not only means less tire material is worn away, contributing to its longer lifespan, but also indicates a reduced environmental impact. With the Michelin Alpin 6, there’s less tire material polluting the environment per kilometer, making it a more eco-friendly option in line with the upcoming Euro 7 standards.
Overall, considering both wear and abrasion, the Michelin Alpin 6 stands out as a more durable and environmentally friendly choice, offering better longevity and less pollution per kilometer compared to the Dunlop Winter Sport 5. These attributes are increasingly important given the heightened focus on environmental impacts in the automotive industry.
Alpin 6:
- +12% in mileage
- +35% in abrasion
Dominance on Dry
In terms of dry performance, specifically focusing on dry braking, there’s a notable difference between the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and the Michelin Alpin 6. When braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 comes to a stop at 44.4 meters. In comparison, the Michelin Alpin 6 shows a slightly better performance, requiring only 43 meters to halt under the same conditions. This difference of 1.4 meters indicates that the Michelin Alpin 6 could provide a marginally safer and more responsive braking experience on dry roads. Such a difference, while not substantial, can be crucial in emergency braking situations where every meter counts.
Alpin 6:
- +3% in dry braking
Efficiency in Motion
In the aspect of fuel consumption, an increasingly important factor especially with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) where rolling resistance can significantly impact range, both the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and Michelin Alpin 6 demonstrate identical performance. Each tire records a fuel consumption rate of 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers.
This parity in fuel consumption means that neither tire has a distinct advantage when it comes to efficiency and the impact on a vehicle’s fuel economy. In the context of EVs, where lower rolling resistance can extend the driving range, both tires would likely offer similar performance benefits.
Overall, for drivers concerned about fuel efficiency or the driving range of their EVs, choosing between the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and the Michelin Alpin 6 wouldn’t make a difference in this particular aspect, as both tires provide the same level of fuel consumption efficiency.
Alpin 6:
- 0% in fuel consumption
Quiet Comfort: Exterior Noise
Regarding exterior noise performance, an area where winter tires generally excel due to their soft compounds, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and Michelin Alpin 6 show a slight variation. The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 produces a noise level of 72.4 decibels, whereas the Michelin Alpin 6 is a bit quieter at 71.2 decibels.
This difference of 1.2 decibels, while not substantial, indicates that the Michelin Alpin 6 may offer a slightly more peaceful and quieter driving experience. It’s important to note, however, that in the middle European winter tire segment, noise is typically not a significant issue due to the soft compounds used in these tires, which inherently reduce noise levels.
Overall, both tires are relatively quiet, which is a common characteristic of winter tires, but the Michelin Alpin 6 has a slight edge in terms of producing less external noise.
Alpin 6:
- +2% in exterior noise (-1.2 dB)
Price
When comparing the prices of the Michelin Alpin 6 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for the tire size 225/45 R18, the Alpin 6 is priced at £160, while the Winter Sport 5 is slightly more expensive at £167. This makes the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 about 4% more expensive than the Michelin Alpin 6. Despite the relatively small price difference, it’s an important consideration for budget-conscious buyers looking for value in their tire purchases.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- Alpin 6: £ 160
- Winter Sport 5: £ 167
Difference: +4% more expensive for Winter Sport 5
Expert Conclusion
As a tire expert, I’ve closely examined the performances of both the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and the Michelin Alpin 6. Each tire presents a compelling case in its own right. The Dunlop shines in snow braking, a critical factor in the middle European winter tire segment, offering a slightly better stopping distance on snowy surfaces. This is an essential aspect for those who prioritize safety and performance in harsh winter conditions.
On the other hand, the Michelin Alpin 6 excels in terms of higher mileage and lower abrasion rate. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option and potentially more cost-effective over the long term due to its increased durability. These qualities are especially appealing in the context of the upcoming Euro 7 standards and for drivers concerned about their environmental footprint.
In conclusion, there isn’t a clear winner between these two. It really comes down to what you prioritize in a winter tire. If snow performance is your top concern, the Dunlop might be your choice. But if you’re looking for longevity and environmental consideration, then the Michelin could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and what you value most in a tire for winter driving.
Dr Edwin Pang