Goodyear vs Bridgestone: In the competitive landscape of the tire industry, Bridgestone and Goodyear are two of the leading names. According to the 2023 worldwide sales rankings, Bridgestone holds the second spot with €27 billion in tire sales, closely trailing behind Michelin, while Goodyear is ranked third, with sales amounting to over €19 billion. This positions Bridgestone ahead of Goodyear in terms of revenue, highlighting its strong market presence.
Despite Goodyear’s strategic move to acquire Cooper Tires in 2021, which aimed to bolster its product lineup and competitive edge, Bridgestone continues to maintain a significant lead in sales. Both companies have demonstrated technological leadership and innovation, with Goodyear making notable strides in recent years to close the gap. In a head-to-head comparison of their products within the same segment, this technological backdrop sets the stage for an intriguing battle between the two tire manufacturing giants.
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Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP)
In the performance tire sector, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport are leading contenders, with Goodyear’s offering needing to serve dual roles in both the Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP) and Ultra High Performance (UHP) segments, unlike Bridgestone which has distinct models for these categories, with the Potenza Sport for UUHP and the Turanza 6 for UHP.
Both tires push the boundaries of technology and performance in the tire industry. The Goodyear tire is noted for its excellent wet and dry handling, comfort, and better wear and rolling resistance, indicating potential for improved fuel efficiency and longevity. The Bridgestone tire only manage to excel marginally in dry and wet handling lap times. Based on the results, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is the clear winner of this duel !
- Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
- Launch: 2022
- Press test wins: 6/12
- Strength: Subj Dry handling, rolling resistance & wear.
- Potenza Sport
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 3/20
- Strength: –
Ultra High Performance (UHP)
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 and the Bridgestone Turanza 6 are two Ultra High Performance (UHP) tires from leading manufacturers, launched in 2021 and 2023 respectively. The Goodyear tire excels in wet and dry conditions and offers great mileage, making it a top choice for driving enthusiasts who demand high performance. The Bridgestone tire, on the other hand, is noted for its noise reduction and lower rolling resistance, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and eco-friendliness. Based on its outstanding wear, dry & wet results, there is no doubt in our mind that Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is the overall winner in this duel !
- Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
- Launch: 2022
- Press test wins: 6/12
- Strength: Excellent wet, dry & wear.
- Turanza 6
- Launch: 2023
- Press test wins: 0/4
- Strength: Excellent rolling resistance.
Touring
In the touring segment, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 outperforms the Bridgestone Turanza T005, mainly due to its superior durability and environmental benefits. It lasts longer, with a wear life of 65,700 km compared to Bridgestone’s 40,400 km, and exhibits better abrasion resistance, aligning well with the forthcoming EURO 7 regulation. These factors make the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 the preferred choice for those prioritizing longevity and eco-friendliness in their tires.
- EfficientGrip Performance 2
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 3/17
- Strength: Wear
- Turanza T005
- Launch: 2018
- Press test wins: 4/48
- Strength: Aquaplaning
All Season (Europe)
In the all-season tire showdown between Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 and Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6, both tires present compelling features for drivers facing varied weather conditions. After a thorough analysis, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 edges out as the winner, offering a superior blend of performance across different metrics, particularly in wet and dry braking, along with rolling resistance.
However, it’s noted that the Turanza could improve in the wear department to fully round out its advantages. While Bridgestone takes the lead in this comparison, the choice between these tires ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences, with both options standing out for their respective strengths in the all-season category.
- Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 4/12
- Strength: Snow & wear
- Turanza All Season 6
- Launch: 2023
- Press test wins: 1/2
- Strength: Wet & dry
All Season (North America)
In the competition between the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT and the Bridgestone Dueler LX, each tire showcases distinct advantages. The Goodyear tire excels in dry conditions, offering superior grip and handling, making it ideal for drivers who value performance and control. Conversely, the Bridgestone tire performs slightly better in wet conditions and provides a quieter ride, appealing to those seeking comfort and value. As the results for their performance in snow are not yet available, stay tuned for further updates to see how these tires compare in winter conditions.
- Wrangler Steadfast HT
- Launch: 2022
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Strong in dry.
- Dueler LX
- Launch: 2023
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Wet
Winter (Middle European)
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, matching the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s impressive wet and snow performances, stands as a formidable contender in the winter tire market. Both tires offer exceptional handling and safety in challenging conditions, making the decision between them quite nuanced. The Blizzak LM005 boasts lower rolling resistance, which could lead to better fuel efficiency, whereas the UltraGrip Performance 3 offers superior aquaplaning resistance, enhancing safety in wet conditions. Despite the UltraGrip Performance 3 being slightly more affordable, choosing between these two should depend on specific driving preferences and budget.
- Blizzak LM005
- Launch: 2019
- Press test wins: 18/50
- Strength: Rolling Resistance.
- UltraGrip Performance 3
- Launch: 2023
- Press test wins: 1/7
- Strength: aquaplaning
Winter Snow (North America)
In the battle of winter tires, Goodyear’s WinterCommand Ultra and Bridgestone’s Blizzak WS90 are two strong contenders, each with its own set of strengths. The WinterCommand Ultra, debuting in 2020, excels in ice and snow acceleration as well as dry braking, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing these aspects. On the other hand, the Blizzak WS90, launched in 2019, stands out for its snow braking and handling, as well as wet performance and noise levels, catering to drivers who value these features. With both tires performing closely in tests, there’s no definitive winner. The decision between these two will come down to personal preferences in performance or specific features.
- WinterCommand Ultra
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 0/1
- Strength: Ice & snow acceleration
- Blizzak WS90
- Launch: 2019
- Press test wins:2/5
- Strength: Wet & ice braking
Winter Studless (Europe)
The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3, introduced in 2023, has quickly become a standout in the world of nordic, studless, and snow tires, surpassing the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice in expert comparisons. It offers superior ice braking and snow handling, making it a safer and more reliable option for winter driving. Additionally, its enhanced performance in wet conditions and improved fuel efficiency provide added benefits. Despite some room for improvement in dry performance, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 3‘s overall excellence in winter conditions solidifies its position as the preferred choice for those seeking top-tier winter tires.
- UltraGrip Ice 3
- Launch: 2023
- Press test wins: 1/4
- Strength: Ice & wet
- Blizzak Ice
- Launch: 2022
- Press test wins: 0/8
- Strength: Ice handling
Summary
Overall, both Goodyear & Bridgestone showed they are capable of making outstanding tires. There is no such general rule that who is better and it all boils down to the tire segment of interest. One thing we know for sure: Goodyear & Bridgestone certainly know how to make good tires !