Michelin vs Bridgestone Tires 2024

Michelin vs Bridgestone: Michelin and Bridgestone are both well known brands in the tire industry. Based on the latest 2023 world wide sales ranking, Michelin is the highest revenue tire manufacturer (€28 billion) while Bridgestone ranks closely 2nd with over €27 billion in tire sales. Michelin is currently the de-facto technology leader as they have showcased over the years with multiple press test winning products. Bridgestone used to be the largest tire producer for 11 consecutive years but its rein finally came to an end in 2020.

History -Michelin

Michelin, the world’s leading tire manufacturer, has established itself as a leader in the industry over the past fifty years. Founded in Clermont-Ferrand, France in 1889, Michelin has since expanded its product offerings and operations to more than 170 countries worldwide. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Michelin developed the first radial tires, which increased safety and comfort for drivers. During the 1980s, Michelin released the first run-flat tires, which allowed drivers to continue driving even after a puncture. In the 1990s and 2000s, Michelin continued to innovate, introducing new tire technologies such as the PAX System and Total Performance Tire, which improved fuel efficiency and tire performance. Additionally, Michelin developed green tires, which are designed to minimize their environmental impact.

In recent years, Michelin has continued to invest in research and development to create more efficient and sustainable tires, such as their airless tire developments. Michelin has also entered the electric vehicle market, developing tires specifically designed for electric cars. Michelin currently have the highest amount of tire plants worldwide with 49 plants across the globe. Michelin’s commitment to excellence has earned it the trust of millions of drivers over the years, and its tire innovations continue to make driving safer and more comfortable. 

History -Bridgestone

Bridgestone is a multinational automotive and tire manufacturing company that has been in operation for more than 100 years. Founded in 1931 by Shojiro Ishibashi in Kurume, Japan, Bridgestone has grown to become one of the leading tire manufacturers in the world. In the 1950s, Bridgestone began to expand outside of Japan, launching operations in the United States. This expansion continued throughout the 1960s, and in 1967, the company released the first radial tires. These tires were designed to increase the life of the tires, making them more cost-effective. In the 1970s, Bridgestone expanded further, establishing subsidiaries in Europe and South America.

In the 1980s, Bridgestone continued to grow, becoming the world’s largest tire manufacturer. The company also launched the Firestone brand, which was a major success in the United States and Canada. In the 1990s, Bridgestone began to focus on environmental sustainability, developing tires with low rolling resistance and using natural rubber as a material in their tires. In the 2000s, Bridgestone continued to develop new and innovative technologies, becoming a leader in the production of tires for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. This decade was also marked by the acquisition of Firestone, further strengthening the company’s position in the tire market. They also have been supplying tires for Formula 1 from 1997 till 2010. Bridgestone have a staggering 48 tire plants all around the world to produce an estimate worth of 1,860,000 tonnage of rubber tires. Appreciate how big their stamp around the globe through the picture below.

In recent years, Bridgestone has continued to focus on innovation, developing “green tires” with reduced rolling resistance and improved fuel economy. The company has also become the official tire supplier for many major auto racing series, such as NASCAR. Bridgestone has also become a major player in the renewable energy sector, developing solar panels and wind turbines for energy generation. Throughout its more than 100-year history, Bridgestone has established itself as one of the world’s leading tire manufacturers. Its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction have allowed it to remain a top player in the tire industry for more than 50 years.

Are Bridgestone Tires Good?

Bridgestone tires are renowned for their high-quality, performance and value. Their tires come in a range of sizes, materials and styles to suit a wide variety of vehicles and driving conditions. From the Blizzak winter tires that are designed to provide superior grip in snow and ice, to the Dueler A/T tires that offer enhanced all-terrain performance, Bridgestone has a tire for every driver. The Turanza touring tires provide a comfortable and quiet ride, while the Potenza performance tires offer maximum grip in dry and wet conditions. For those who prioritize fuel efficiency, the Ecopia tires are designed to reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. No matter the purpose, Bridgestone tires are sure to meet any driver’s needs.  

Overall Bridgestone is a top tire manufacturer and do deliver what is expected of them for a such a well established organization. However you got to look into the product head to head tire comparison to find out more on a detail level.

Are Michelin Tires Good?

Michelin tires are well known for their quality and performance. They have a wide range of tires suited for different types of vehicles, terrains, and weather conditions. For instance, their Defender All-Season tires are designed for superior grip and handling, making them a great option for city drivers. Their longer-lasting Latitude Tour tires are ideal for SUVs and light trucks, and offer enhanced performance without sacrificing comfort. Michelin also offers a range of winter tires, like the Alpin A4 and X-Ice, that are designed to provide superior traction in icy and snowy conditions. Finally, they offer a selection of tires designed for off-roading, such as the LTX A/T2. Michelin tires are reliable and long lasting, making them a great choice for a variety of drivers.

Is Michelin better than Bridgestone?

It depends on what you’re looking for in a tire. Both Michelin and Bridgestone offer a range of quality tires. Michelin tires are known for their superior grip, while Bridgestone tires are known for their durability. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide which tire is better for their particular needs.  

Michelin vs Bridgestone: Product Comparison

Track day/Semi slick

• Bridgestone Potenza Race vs Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect

Bridgestone recently announced their first ever dedicated semi slick tire for the replacement market. Introducing the Bridgestone Potenza Race ! It was designed with one main focus in mind, to be extremely good on a dry track. It currently serves 13 sizes which mostly covers the popular hatchbacks and sportscars most commonly found in the race track. 

Comparing both products head to head, Potenza Race showed better dry performances against the Pilot Sport Cup 2 with shorter dry braking distances & lap times. However there are some conflicting hints about the track mileage and this would need to be sorted out in an independent test.

Ultra High Performance (UUHP)

• Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

Pilot Sport 4S is a legend in the ultra ultra high performance (UUHP) segment with its strong press test showing over the last 5 years. Bridgestone on the other hand came out with Potenza Sport in 2021 to give Michelin a run for their money.

When comparing them head to head, the Pilot Sport 4S was clearly the best in all performance criteria apart from the wet & dry handling. Its biggest drawback comes in the form of price which could play a huge factor during your purchasing decision making. Overall from our point of view, the Pilot Sport 4S in this case is worth every penny. The clear winner is the Pilot Sport 4S !

Ultra High Performance (UHP) All Season

• Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 vs Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+

Similar to its Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, Bridgestone’s Potenza RE980AS+ is a dedicated region tireline specific to the North America market. It was launched in 2021 and covers most of the 17-20″ popular sizes. The Pilot Sport All Season 4 on the other hand was launched in 2020 with sizes primarily above 16″.

When comparing them head to head, Pilot Sport All Season 4 showed clear dominance on wet, dry & snow surfaces. Potenza RE980AS+ on the other hand showed strong ice & noise performance. In our opinion, Pilot Sport All Season 4 has a slight edge in this battle and it is our winner for this duel !

Touring (Europe)

• Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Michelin Primacy 4+

In 2023, Bridgestone replaced their popular Turanza T005 tire with the new Turanza 6. This new tire boasts claims of excellent wet braking, better mileage, and improved fuel efficiency – great for summer driving. In the press release data provided by Bridgestone (tested by TÜV SÜD), Turanza 6 shines in wet conditions. However we still need to see how it does in dry conditions, rolling resistance, and comfort. Keep an eye out for more tests in the 2024 summer season to see if the Turanza 6 can outperform the established Michelin Primacy 4+.

Touring (APAC)

• Michelin Primacy 4 ST vs Bridgestone Turanza T005A

In the Asia-Pacific region, two leading tire choices are the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Bridgestone Turanza T005A. Specifically designed for the Asian market, the Bridgestone tire mirrors the T005 in Europe, while the Michelin tire is the Asian equivalent of Europe’s Primacy 4.

According to test results, the Michelin Primacy 4 ST excels in wet handling conditions, offering excellent grip and control. It also performs well in dry conditions, boasts effective braking, and has a low rolling resistance, leading to better fuel efficiency and a smoother driving experience. Conversely, the Bridgestone Turanza T005A stands out in its ability to reduce noise, enhancing ride comfort. Additionally, it slightly surpasses the Michelin in wet braking, a crucial factor for safety.

All Season

• Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 

Michelin once again shows its innovation by revolutionizing the all season segment with its highly successful 3 peak mountain certified Cross Climate in 2015. At that time, all season markets were predominantly sold in America with poor winter performances. Cross Climate showed that it is possible to be marginally worse in summer performances while being extremely dominant in winter performances. After the initial success of Cross Climate, every tire manufacturer scrambles to launch their own similar segment products but none are still as well balanced as the latest Cross Climate 2 !

In 2023, Bridgestone introduced its new Turanza All Season 6 tire, entering the competitive all-season tire market with the goal of challenging the dominance of Michelin’s CrossClimate 2. According to the 2023 Auto Bild All Season Tire Test, the Turanza All Season 6 outperformed the CrossClimate 2 in wet conditions. However, Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 maintained the upper hand in other performance categories. Notably, it had over a 15% advantage in wear resistance and a slight but significant edge in snow and dry conditions, securing its position as the top performer in this comparison.

Winter

• Michelin Alpin 6 vs Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

From our previous articles, we know that Continental’s TS 870 reigns supreme compared to both Michelin Aplin 6 and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005. However the question still lies: who is the second best middle European tire? From the results compiled, it is hard to pinpoint a clear winner. Both tires are equally matched when it comes to snow performances. However LM005 was clearly stronger in wet, noise & pricing. The strong points of Alpin 6 comes in the form of mileage & dry braking. Both tires are good as the target conflicts are quite challenging and it really depends what are your main requirements.

Studless

• Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 vs Michelin X-Ice SNOW

When comparing both tires head to head, X-Ice SNOW showed clear dominance in snow & comfort while Blizzak WS90 just was better in wet & dry. With price & the main winter intended usage in mind, X-Ice SNOW is our winner for this duel !

Summary

Overall, both Michelin & 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: Michelin & Bridgestone certainly know how to make good tires !

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