Michelin Alpin 6 vs Bridgestone Blizzak LM005: From the previous 2 articles, we know that Continental’s TS 870 reign supreme compare to both Michelin Aplin 6 and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005. However the question still lies who is the second best middle European tire? We would like to explore this question by comparing these 2 tires head to head. We will use the test magazine results of 2021 Auto Bild middle European winter tire test as our basis for comparison.
The graph above shows the comparison between Alpin 6 vs LM005. Alpin 6 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. The tire size chosen for the test is the highly popular 205/55 R16 which is commonly used by Volkswagen Golf (2018) and the Toyota Corolla Altis (2018).
Table of Contents
Snow
As the middle European winter is relatively mild compare to the Nordic regions, snow performance is of high importance as snow usually forms around 0 to 2°C. LM005 had a 2% advantage in snow braking while the Alpin 6 was 1% better in snow traction. They were both equally matched when it comes to snow handling. From an overall snow performance, these both tires could not be separated.
LM005 :
- +2% in snow braking
- -1% in snow traction
- 0% in snow handling
Wet
Apart from snow, the next big requirement is wet as it does rain quite often in middle Europe. Unlike snow where both tires are equally matched, LM005 was strong in wet with a 2% advantage in wet braking & aquaplaning. The tires were equally matched in wet handling.
LM005 :
- +2% in wet braking
- 0% in wet handling
- +2% in aquaplaning
Dry
With such a good overall wet performance, LM005 was truly disappointing when it comes to dry braking. It has defecit of 10% against Alpin 6 which is truly shocking. The surprising thing was the LM005 was ranked ahead of Alpin 6 for dry handling. Probably the handling part came to play much more compare to the braking maneuvers to deliver such a result.
LM005 :
- –10% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling
Wear
Wear results are hard to come by as its a really expensive test but we were lucky enough that Auto Bild has included it into its testing portfolio. From the previous evaluation, we know that LM005 wear performance is not one of its core strength. Alpin 6 has an expected mileage of 40,100 km while the LM005 has an expected mileage of 31,300 km. This translates to a whopping -22% difference in wear for LM005.
LM005 :
- -22% in wear
Rolling Resistance
As both the tires have a label “C” rating, we would expect not a big difference when it comes to the rolling resistance test.
LM005 :
- -3% in rolling resistance
Noise
Both tires were tested for external noise and they are were separated by 0.8 dB with the LM005 ahead of Alpin 6
LM005 :
- -0.8 dB in noise
Price
Based on the test report, the prices of the tires were also noted down.
Tire size: 205/55 R16
Alpin 6: € 96
LM005 : € 86
Difference: +11% cheaper for LM005
Summary
From the results above, it is hard to pin point 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.