Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Bridgestone Turanza 6: In 2022, the tire industry witnessed the launch of two highly anticipated contenders: the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and the Bridgestone Turanza 6. Both representing the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers’ tire technology, these two titans have set the stage for an epic duel, redefining the standards of performance, safety, and longevity.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5, boasting impressive grip and precision, is designed for drivers who crave the ultimate driving experience. Meanwhile, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 caters to those who seek a harmonious blend of comfort, durability, and wet weather performance. As the rivalry between these two industry giants heats up, it’s time to delve into the key features and innovations of these exceptional tires and see which one emerges as the ultimate champion.
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from the 2023 AutoBild Summer Test while includes an amazing 50 tires from its preliminary braking rounds. Only 20 tires made it through to the final round and a full detail evaluation was completed with these 20 tires. The wet & dry handling performances are evaluated objectively using the average lap speed rather than the preferred subjective ratings.
The graph above shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Bridgestone Turanza 6 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. The tire size of interest is 225/45 R18 which is a common tire size for Mercedes-Benz C 200 and Kia Stinger . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information.
Wet
Safety has consistently been the foremost priority in relation to wet performance. Under wet conditions, the Pilot Sport 5 delivers exceptional braking capabilities, boasting an “A” rating on the EU wet label, whereas the Turanza 6 merely has a “B” wet label rating. Test outcomes validate these rankings, as the Pilot Sport 5 achieved a braking distance of 40.6 meters from 100 km/h, while the Turanza 6 registered a significantly longer braking distance of 43.1 meters at the same speed. This led to a substantial difference of 2.5 meters, with the Pilot Sport 5 clinching the 7th best position, while the Turanza 6 ranked 5th from the bottom among the 20 tires competing in the final round. These findings underscore a distinct disparity in wet braking performance between the Turanza 6 and Pilot Sport 5.
Owing to such a remarkable edge in wet braking, the Pilot Sport 5 continues to assert its supremacy by achieving a considerably higher average lap speed of 75.5 km/h in contrast to the Turanza 6’s 73.9 km/h. This pattern carried on in aquaplaning performance, with the Pilot Sport 5 pulling ahead at a higher hydroplaning speed of 105.7 km/h, as opposed to the 102.3 km/h accomplished by the Turanza 6. A similar pattern was evident in lateral aquaplaning, where the Pilot Sport 5 held a +0.2 m/s2 advantage over the Turanza 6. In summary, the Pilot Sport 5 showcased its clear dominance in wet performance, outshining the Turanza 6 in every single wet performance evaluation.
Turanza 6 :
- -5.8% in wet braking
- -2.1% in wet handling (lap speed)
- -3.2% in straight aquaplaning
- -5.2% in curved aquaplaning
Dry
Under dry conditions, the Pilot Sport 5 surpassed the Turanza 6 in terms of performance. According to the test findings, the Pilot Sport 5 achieved a braking distance of 34.1 meters from 100 km/h, whereas the Turanza 6 registered a lengthier braking distance of 35.7 meters at the same speed. The 1.8-meter difference is not to be disregarded in real-world scenarios. The Pilot Sport 5 ranked 8th in the standings, while the Turanza 6 secured the 16th position.
This pattern persisted in dry handling, as the Pilot Sport 5 posted a higher average lap speed of 119.1 km/h compared to the 118.2 km/h clocked by the Turanza 6. The Pilot Sport 5 ranked 7th in the overall standings for wet handling, while the Turanza 6 placed in the middle of the pack. In summary, echoing the wet performance outcomes, the Pilot Sport 5 exhibited clear superiority in dry performance, outpacing the Turanza 6 in every single dry performance evaluation.
Turanza 6 :
- -4.5% in dry braking
- -0.8% in dry handling
Noise
Finally, although the Turanza 6 trailed behind in both wet and dry performance categories, it managed to gain an advantage over the Pilot Sport 5 concerning noise levels. The Turanza 6 proved to be 1.4 dB quieter than its competitor, offering a more comfortable and serene ride for passengers and drivers alike. In this regard, the Turanza 6 achieved the 6th position in the rankings, while the Pilot Sport 5 finished in the middle of the pack. This minor edge in noise reduction illustrates that the Turanza 6 still possesses some strengths when evaluating overall tire performance, especially for those who place importance on a quieter driving experience.
Turanza 6 :
- +1.9% in exterior noise (-1.4 dB)
Rolling Resistance
When evaluating high-performance, exceptionally sporty tires, rolling resistance is not typically a primary concern for purchasers, as they often prioritize grip and handling capabilities. However, with sustainability and fuel efficiency becoming increasingly significant in today’s automotive environment, assessing these tires in terms of rolling resistance proves valuable. In this respect, the Turanza 6 considerably outshines the competition, registering the best rolling resistance value of 7.1 N/kN and seizing the top position. This remarkable figure translates into reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, contributing to a more eco-friendly driving experience.
Conversely, the Pilot Sport 5 recorded a higher coefficient value of 8.09 N/kN, signifying a marginally less efficient performance regarding rolling resistance. While this difference might not be a determining factor for those in pursuit of maximum performance, it is noteworthy for motorists who are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact and fuel economy. As a result, the Turanza 6’s superior rolling resistance performance offers another aspect to contemplate when comparing these two high-performance tires.
Turanza 6 :
- +13.5% in rolling resistance
Wear
As previously mentioned, mileage tests are quite uncommon, so we appreciate that Auto Bild chose to conduct them for all 20 tires that progressed to the second round. The Pilot Sport 5 secured 2nd place in the mileage test with a projected mileage of 55,600 km. This remarkable result is 15,600 km more than the 7th place finish of 40,400 km attained by the Turanza 6. The Pilot Sport 5 evidently showcased outstanding performance in managing target conflicts, displaying top-of-the-line wet braking and mileage ratings. Indeed, it provides an impressive 36% better mileage in comparison to the Turanza 6.
Turanza 6 :
- -27.3% in mileage
Price
As expected from Michelin, the undisputed technology leader in tires, their products often come with premium price tags due to the high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology incorporated into their designs. Reflecting this position in the market, our pricing data reveals that the Pilot Sport 5 carries a notably higher cost compared to the Turanza 6. Specifically, the Pilot Sport 5 was found to be €21 more expensive than its competitor.
This price difference can be attributed to the significant investment Michelin makes in research and development, ensuring their tires consistently push the boundaries of performance, safety, and longevity. Consumers often perceive the higher cost as a justifiable trade-off, as they benefit from the exceptional driving experience and advanced features that come with Michelin tires, such as the Pilot Sport 5. In this case, the remarkable wet and dry handling, as well as the impressive mileage performance, validate the premium price for many performance-oriented drivers who demand the best from their tires.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
Turanza 6 : €149
Pilot Sport 5: €170
Difference: -14% more cheaper for Turanza 6.
Summary
In summary, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 has established itself as a formidable competitor in the high-performance tire market, showcasing exceptional abilities in wet, dry, and mileage performances. Conversely, the Turanza 6 excels in aspects such as noise reduction and rolling resistance, catering to motorists who value comfort and eco-friendliness.
Considering the comprehensive performance of both tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 emerges as the clear winner in this side-by-side comparison. Its superior performance in crucial areas like wet and dry handling, along with remarkable mileage, make it a desirable option for enthusiasts in search of a tire that delivers exceptional results under various conditions. Nevertheless, the Turanza 6 should not be entirely overlooked, as its advantages in noise reduction and rolling resistance may appeal to another segment of drivers who prioritize a more comfortable and environmentally conscious driving experience. In the end, the decision between these two high-quality tires will hinge on an individual’s priorities and driving preferences.