Michelin X Ice Snow vs Bridgestone Blizzak Ice: The tire industry is revving up for an electrifying showdown as the newly launched 2023 Bridgestone Blizzak Ice enters the icy arena to challenge the established dominator, Michelin X Ice Snow. This epic clash is set in the demanding nordic/studless/snow segment, where performance and reliability are pushed to their limits.
Bridgestone, with its fresh entry, aims to dethrone Michelin’s long-reigning champion. Each tire brand brings its unique technology and years of expertise to the table, promising a battle that’s not just about grip and durability, but also innovation and the mastery of winter road conditions. Get ready for a thrilling face-off where every turn and traction could make the difference between slipping and superiority!
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Results: Michelin X Ice Snow vs Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
Results below were taken from 2023 Vi Bilagare Snow Tire Test with a total of 8 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin X Ice Snow vs Bridgestone Blizzak Ice based on the relevant performance category. Being the X Ice Snow was set as the reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for subjective ratings, 1 point is equivalent to 5%. So if tire A has a 7 point rating & tire B has a 6 point rating, tire A is better than tire B by 5%. The tire size of interest is a 225/45 R17 which is a common tire size for Volvo S60 & BMW 3 Series. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Ice :
In the nordic/studless/snow tire segment, ice performance is a critical factor, as it significantly influences safety and control in harsh winter conditions. The comparison between Michelin X Ice Snow and Bridgestone Blizzak Ice in ice performance is particularly insightful.
For ice braking, which is the distance taken to stop from 25 to 5 km/h, the Michelin X Ice Snow shows better performance, stopping in 12.09 meters, while the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice takes a longer distance of 13.3 meters. This difference of approximately 1.21 meters is notable, as shorter stopping distances are vital for safety on icy roads.
In terms of ice traction, measured by the time taken to accelerate from 5 to 25 km/h, the Michelin X Ice Snow again outperforms with a time of 7.32 seconds, compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice, which takes 8.05 seconds. Faster acceleration times indicate better grip and control during initial movements on ice.
However, in ice handling, assessed through lap times, the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice excels with a time of 44.9 seconds, surpassing the Michelin X Ice Snow’s time of 47.1 seconds. This indicates that the Bridgestone tire offers better maneuverability and control on ice, which can be particularly beneficial in complex driving scenarios.
It’s surprising to note that despite the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice having a much lower Shore A hardness (ShA) of 49, compared to the Michelin X Ice Snow’s 57, its performance in ice braking and traction was not as strong as expected. A lower ShA typically suggests a softer compound, which is often associated with better grip on ice. However, in this case, it did not translate to superior braking or traction performance. Yet, the better ice handling of the Bridgestone tire can be attributed to its softer compound, a well-known fact in the tire industry, where softer compounds often provide better handling and control on slippery surfaces.
Overall, while the Michelin X Ice Snow shows advantages in braking and traction, the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice demonstrates superior handling on ice. This highlights the importance of considering different aspects of ice performance when selecting tires for winter conditions.
Blizzak Ice :
- -9% in ice braking
- -9% in ice acceleration
- +5% in ice handling (lap time)
Snow Performance Analysis:
In the nordic/studless/snow tire segment, snow performance is the second most critical criterion after ice performance. It greatly influences how effectively a vehicle can maneuver and stop in snowy conditions. Comparing the snow performances of Michelin X Ice Snow and Bridgestone Blizzak Ice reveals some close competencies.
When it comes to snow braking, from 35 to 5 km/h, the Michelin X Ice Snow stops in 12.21 meters, slightly outperforming the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice, which stops at 12.77 meters. This difference of 0.56 meters, though not as substantial as in ice braking, still highlights the Michelin’s slightly better ability to halt a vehicle promptly on snow.
In the realm of snow traction, measured by the acceleration time from 5 to 35 km/h, both tires show similar performances. The Michelin X Ice Snow takes 4.57 seconds, marginally faster than the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice at 4.59 seconds. This near-identical performance suggests that both tires provide a reliable grip for accelerating on snow-covered roads.
Snow handling, assessed by lap times, shows an extremely close match, with the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice slightly edging out at 76.6 seconds compared to the Michelin X Ice Snow’s 76.7 seconds. This minimal difference indicates that both tires offer almost equivalent handling and control in snowy conditions.
Overall, in snow performance, while the Michelin X Ice Snow demonstrates a minor edge in braking and traction, the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice matches closely, especially in handling. These subtle differences underscore the importance of snow performance in ensuring safety and control during winter driving conditions.
Blizzak Ice :
- -4% in snow braking
- ~0% in snow traction
- ~0% in snow handling (lap time)
Wet Face-off :
For wet braking, measured from 80 to 5 km/h, the Michelin X Ice Snow exhibits superior stopping power, braking in 38.4 meters. In contrast, the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice takes a longer distance of 40.74 meters to stop, showing a difference of 2.34 meters. This longer braking distance could impact safety, especially in sudden-stop scenarios on wet roads.
In wet handling, where the time to complete a lap is considered, the Michelin X Ice Snow again outperforms with a time of 42.1 seconds, compared to Bridgestone’s 43.9 seconds. This nearly 1.8 seconds difference indicates better control and agility of the Michelin tire in wet conditions, allowing for smoother and more stable handling.
When it comes to straight aquaplaning, or the speed at which the tire starts slipping on water, the Michelin X Ice Snow maintains grip at a higher speed of 65 km/h, whereas the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice begins to lose traction at a lower speed of 59.8 km/h. This higher resistance to aquaplaning in the Michelin tire enhances safety by reducing the risk of losing control on wet surfaces.
Overall, in wet conditions, the Michelin X Ice Snow consistently shows better performance in braking, handling, and aquaplaning resistance compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice. These differences are crucial as they directly impact the tire’s ability to handle and stop effectively on wet roads, a common challenge in winter driving.
Blizzak Ice :
- -6% in wet braking
- -4% in wet handling (lap time)
- -8% in aquaplaning
Dry Performance Duel:
In comparing the dry performances of Michelin X Ice Snow and Bridgestone Blizzak Ice, we see how each tire behaves under non-winter conditions, which is important for drivers who use these tires in a variety of settings.
In dry braking, where the distance to stop from 80 to 5 km/h is measured, the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice performs slightly better, stopping at 30.03 meters, compared to the Michelin X Ice Snow’s 30.96 meters. This difference of about 0.93 meters means the Bridgestone tire is able to stop a bit more quickly on dry roads.
Regarding subjective dry handling, which evaluates the tire’s overall performance and feel on dry roads, the Michelin X Ice Snow scores 4 points, indicating a relatively good performance. In contrast, the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice scores 2 out of 5 points, suggesting that its handling in dry conditions is not as strong. This difference in performance may be due to the lower Shore A hardness (ShA) of the Bridgestone tire (49) compared to the Michelin (57). A lower ShA often means the tire is softer, which can lead to better grip in wet and icy conditions but can sometimes compromise handling in dry conditions.
Overall, while the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice shows a slight advantage in dry braking, the Michelin X Ice Snow offers better subjective handling in dry conditions. This suggests a trade-off in the design of the Bridgestone tire, where its focus on winter performance may slightly reduce its effectiveness in dry conditions.
Blizzak Ice :
- +3% in dry braking
- -10% in dry handling (subjective)
External noise
The Michelin X Ice Snow tire has a higher exterior noise level at 74.5 dB compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice at 73.7 dB, a difference of 0.8 dB. This makes the Bridgestone tire marginally quieter, which can be important for driver comfort and reducing fatigue, especially on long drives. While not as crucial as grip or braking, noise level is still a valuable factor in evaluating a tire’s overall performance.
Blizzak Ice :
- +1% in external noise (-0.8 dB)
Fuel consumption evaluation:
The Michelin X Ice Snow is marginally more fuel-efficient than the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice, with a consumption of 5.15 liters per 100 kilometers compared to Bridgestone’s 5.2 liters. This small difference, 0.05 liters per 100 kilometers, can be significant over long distances, impacting overall fuel costs and emissions. Fuel efficiency is particularly relevant for winter tires, which generally consume more fuel due to their heavier tread patterns.
Blizzak Ice :
- -1% in fuel consumption
Price
When comparing the prices of Michelin X Ice Snow and Bridgestone Blizzak Ice tires of size 225/45 R17, there’s a noticeable difference. The Michelin X Ice Snow is priced at €214, while the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice is less expensive at €188. This price difference indicates that the Bridgestone tire is about 14% cheaper than the Michelin tire. Such a price gap can be a significant factor for buyers balancing cost with performance and brand preferences.
Tire size: 225/45 R17
- X Ice Snow : €214
- Blizzak Ice : €188
Difference: -14% more cheaper for Blizzak Ice
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
As a tire expert, after thoroughly comparing the Michelin X Ice Snow and Bridgestone Blizzak Ice, I conclude that the Michelin X Ice Snow emerges as the clear overall winner. This assessment is primarily based on its superior performance in crucial ice conditions, particularly in aspects like braking and traction. The Michelin tire’s ability to stop shorter on ice and provide better acceleration grip in icy conditions is a significant advantage, especially considering the critical importance of these factors for safety and control in harsh winter environments.
Furthermore, the Michelin X Ice Snow also demonstrates commendable performances in other areas such as wet and dry conditions, offering a well-rounded profile suitable for diverse driving situations. Its slightly better fuel efficiency and subjective dry handling add to its appeal, making it a more versatile choice for drivers who encounter a range of weather conditions.
On the other hand, while the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice offers some advantages, such as slightly better dry braking and lower exterior noise, it’s important to note the trade-offs associated with its extremely soft compound. This softer compound, while aiding in ice handling, seems to have compromised its ice braking and traction capabilities. Such trade-offs are critical to consider, as they can impact the tire’s overall performance balance.
In conclusion, considering the aggregate of factors such as ice performance, handling in various conditions, and overall efficiency, the Michelin X Ice Snow stands out as the more advantageous choice for drivers seeking a reliable, high-performing nordic/studless/snow tire.
Dr Edwin Pang