If you want to buy tires for your car with the best combination of high quality and adequate price, it’s not easy to choose the best ones among a variety of tire manufacturers. The French tire maker Michelin and its Japanese opponent, Bridgestone, are the two recognized worldwide leaders in this segment of the automotive industry.

In order to compare the tires’ technical characteristics and the control level let’s take the two well-known products of these companies: Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position and Michelin Pilot Super Sport, which are widely used in sports cars and for daily car trips all over the world.

Street-going test

The cars with Bridgestone and Michelin go along a 10km-length road track. Special sections were created on this type of road, imitating true conditions on highways, country roads, and city streets. The type of road surface was changed several times during the trip. On the track, there were sections with new asphalt, areas after partial repair, smooth and coarse-grained concrete, a coating imitating dirt roads.

The only difference between the two tire models is the type of reaction to steering movements. The Bridgestone Potenza rubber reacts smoothly and gradually moves the car in the right direction, but Michelin reacts as quickly as possible and even sharply.

As of the noise level, both models show equal results. On the low speed, there is no noise, and on the high speed, there is clearly distinguishable noise.

Race course

Under the conditions of a dry track and high speed, Michelin tires show the best results in maneuverability, and also give a feeling of full confidence in traction thanks to their fast and sharp reaction to any movement of the steering wheel.

Bridgestone also maneuvers easily and allows you to control the ride. However, it lags behind the competitor for a few seconds by terms of driving speed.

As of the wet track, Michelin tire also confidently holds the traction and performs well all the maneuvers. Despite the less road control, Bridgestone also shows excellent maneuverability and high response to steering, the same on a dry road.

Fuel economy analysis

Cars with Michelin and Bridgestone tires overcame a 10.5km-length bit of road, where they use 3 speeds, according to the highway, high-type road and rut road. At the same time, there are stop signs and traffic lights.

According to the results of the test, the fuel consumption difference between 2 companies was 150 milliliters. Michelin tires have the best fuel-economy, they need only 10.45 liters per 100 km. Bridgestone tires show a result of 10.6 liter /100km.

Conclusion

Thus, the tires of the French manufacturer Michelin and the ones from Japanese company Bridgestone show the highest results, which explains their popularity among car owners. And your choice will be based on your driving style.

So, if you like fast driving, it’s better to pay attention to the Michelin. But if the comfort on any type of the road surface is more important for you, choose Bridgestone tires.