Michelin Alpin 6 vs BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2: The Michelin Alpin 6, launched in 2018, takes on the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2, which hit the market in 2016, in an exciting showdown in the mid-European winter tire segment! Both products fall under the Michelin umbrella, and this battle promises to showcase the strengths of these two winter warriors. With Michelin’s latest innovations against BFGoodrich’s tried and tested performance, who will come out on top in challenging winter conditions? Let’s find out!
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Results: Michelin Alpin 6 vs BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
Results below were taken from 2023 ADAC winter tire test with a total of 16 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Alpin 6 vs BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Alpin 6 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
In wet braking, the Michelin Alpin 6 stops 3.1 meters shorter than the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2, with the Alpin 6 taking 36.4 meters compared to 39.5 meters for the g-Force Winter 2. However, in straight-line aquaplaning, the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 performs better, maintaining grip up to a speed of 85.4 km/h, which is 3.9 km/h higher than the Michelin Alpin 6’s 81.5 km/h.
gForce Winter 2:
- -8% in wet braking
- +5% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 stops 0.9 meters shorter than the Michelin Alpin 6, with the g-Force Winter 2 needing only 9.6 meters compared to the Alpin 6’s 10.5 meters. For snow traction, the BFGoodrich also edges ahead with 265.3 N of traction force, slightly higher than the Michelin’s 260.9 N. Surprisingly, BFGoodrich takes the win here in snowy conditions, showing stronger performance than expected.
gForce Winter 2:
- +9% in snow braking
- +2% in snow traction
Ice
In ice braking, the Michelin Alpin 6 outperforms the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 by stopping 1.5 meters shorter. The Alpin 6 takes 19.5 meters to come to a halt, while the g-Force Winter 2 requires 21 meters. This demonstrates Michelin’s advantage in ice braking performance.
gForce Winter 2:
- -7% in ice braking
Mileage & Abrasion
In mileage performance, the Michelin Alpin 6 significantly outlasts the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2, covering 53,300 km compared to 41,700 km, giving the Michelin a 11,600 km advantage. In terms of abrasion, the Alpin 6 also performs better with a lower abrasion rate of 51 mg/km/t, while the g-Force Winter 2 shows a higher rate of 56 mg/km/t. This highlights that the Michelin compound targets a higher balance between wet braking and mileage, achieving better wear performance than its sister product, the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2.
gForce Winter 2:
- -22% in mileage
- -9% in abrasion
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Alpin 6 outperforms the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 by stopping 1.2 meters shorter. The Alpin 6 comes to a stop in 43 meters, while the g-Force Winter 2 needs 44.2 meters. This shows Michelin’s advantage in dry braking performance over its counterpart.
gForce Winter 2:
- -3% in dry braking
Noise
In exterior noise performance, there is virtually no difference between the Michelin Alpin 6 and the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2. The Alpin 6 registers 71.2 dB, while the g-Force Winter 2 is slightly higher at 71.3 dB, making their noise levels almost identical.
gForce Winter 2:
- ~0% in exterior noise (+0.1 dB)
Fuel Consumption
In terms of fuel consumption, there is no difference between the Michelin Alpin 6 and the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2. Both tires achieve the same fuel efficiency, consuming 5.7 liters per 100 km, indicating equal performance in this aspect.
gForce Winter 2:
- 0% in fuel consumption
Price
In the 205/55 R16 tire size, the Michelin Alpin 6 is priced at €153, while the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 costs €108. This means the g-Force Winter 2 is 42% cheaper than the Alpin 6. The Alpin 6 falls into the premium Michelin segment, whereas the g-Force Winter 2 represents a more budget-friendly option in the quality segment.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
- Alpin 6: € 153
- gForce Winter 2: € 108
Difference: -42% more cheaper for gForce Winter 2
Expert Conclusion
As a tire expert, I see clear differences between the Michelin Alpin 6 and the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2. The Michelin Alpin 6 excels in wet, ice, and dry braking, along with superior mileage and lower abrasion, reflecting Michelin’s focus on premium performance and longevity. On the other hand, the BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 surprises with its strong snow performance, particularly in braking and traction, while offering a more budget-friendly option at 42% lower cost. Both tires cater to different needs: the Alpin 6 for those seeking top-tier performance across various conditions, and the g-Force Winter 2 for those who prioritize winter traction and affordability.
Dr Edwin Pang