Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
Across four major group tests (Motor, Vi Bilägare, ADAC and a large 13-tyre comparative), the Cinturato C3 repeatedly lands near the top overall (1st/9, 2nd/10, 1st/13, 2nd/16), while the Turanza 6 ranges from upper-midpack to disappointing (8th/9 in Motor, 5th/10 in Vi Bilägare, 4th/13 with an “eco specialist” nod, 6th/16 in ADAC). The core trade-off is consistent: Pirelli brings shorter stopping distances and faster wet/dry lap times; Bridgestone counters with lower rolling resistance, lower noise, and stronger predicted wear metrics.
Test Results
Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been four tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Cinturato C3 | four |
While it might look like the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is better than the Bridgestone Turanza 6 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.
Key Strengths
- Outstanding efficiency: class-leading rolling resistance in 225/45 R17 tests (0.632 vs 0.818 kg/t; 6.46 vs 8.27 kg/t), typically translating to lower energy use
- Refinement advantage in shared data: generally lower measured noise (e.g., 72.8 dB vs 74.1 dB; 64.7 dB vs 65.8 dB) and better subjective noise ratings in Vi Bilägare
- Strong longevity metrics: higher predicted mileage and lower wear/abrasion in ADAC (55,600 km vs 48,600 km; 66 vs 79 mg/km/t)
- Stable, touring-oriented balance in some testing, with predictable behaviour and improved comfort vs predecessor (upper-midfield consistency in Vi Bilägare)
- Best overall performance across all four shared tests (1st/9, 2nd/10, 1st/13, 2nd/16), showing consistent top-tier capability
- Superior braking on both surfaces: wins 4/4 in dry and 4/4 in wet, typically ~3-6% shorter distances (meaningful real-world stopping margin)
- Stronger wet dynamics: faster wet handling in every shared wet-handling result provided (e.g., 70.7 s vs 75.2 s; 68.09 s vs 72.65 s) plus excellent subjective wet scores
- More agile, responsive steering character, repeatedly noted as sharp and confidence-building when pushing (especially in wet circuit/lane-change style evaluations)
Dry Braking
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stopped the vehicle in 4.3% less distance than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.
Best In Dry Braking: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two dry handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was 3% faster around a lap than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during three subj. dry handling tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 scored 11.59% more points than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stopped the vehicle in 5.1% less distance than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.
Best In Wet Braking: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stopped the vehicle in 7.21% less distance than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was 4.72% faster around a wet lap than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 scored 13.95% more points than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 had 8.97% higher lateral wet grip than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.
Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 floated at a 3.93% higher speed than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.
Best In Straight Aqua: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 slipped out at a 1.42% higher speed than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Bridgestone Turanza 6
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 scored 3.57% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Bridgestone Turanza 6
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 scored 33.33% more points than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Subj. Noise: Bridgestone Turanza 6
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during two noise tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 measured 1.72% quieter than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Noise: Bridgestone Turanza 6
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Rough Noise
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during one rough noise tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 measured 1.61% quieter than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Rough Noise: Bridgestone Turanza 6
See how the Rough Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during one wear tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 is predicted to cover 12.59% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Wear: Bridgestone Turanza 6
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 had a 21.81% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Bridgestone Turanza 6
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during two fuel consumption tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 used 3.54% less fuel than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Bridgestone Turanza 6
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 emitted 16.46% less particle wear matter than the Pirelli Cinturato C3.
Best In Abrasion: Bridgestone Turanza 6
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Bridgestone Turanza 6 Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Bridgestone Turanza 6 highly for its excellent wet grip and braking, very low noise levels, comfortable ride, and improved fuel economy, often noting strong aquaplaning resistance and confidence in heavy rain. Dry grip is generally good for a touring tyre, but the softer sidewalls can make steering feel less precise, with some reports of floatiness, understeer, and reduced feedback at higher speeds. A minority mention faster or uneven wear and occasional noise increase over time, but these are not dominant trends. Overall, the Turanza 6 suits drivers prioritizing comfort, quietness, and wet-weather security over sporty handling feel.
Based on 51 reviews with an average rating of 79%
Pirelli Cinturato C3 Driver Reviews
Across 12 reviews, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is described as an extremely confidence-inspiring tyre with standout wet and dry grip, strong braking and very secure, responsive handling that makes the car feel easy to place and control. Most drivers also find it quiet and comfortable for a touring-focused tyre, with several calling it excellent or “perfect” in mixed conditions. A smaller subset note notable road noise on certain surfaces and one user reports a significant fuel economy drop after fitting, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Based on 13 reviews with an average rating of 93%
Conclusion
The Bridgestone Turanza 6 makes most sense when your priorities are running costs and refinement rather than maximum grip. It repeatedly posts a major efficiency edge (rolling resistance advantage ~22% in two 225/45 R17 tests) and is typically quieter in measured noise (e.g., 72.8 dB vs 74.1 dB; 64.7 dB vs 65.8 dB). It also shows strong wear-related results (ADAC: 55,600 km vs 48,600 km, plus lower abrasion), which can materially reduce total cost of ownership. The drawback is that multiple reports tie that efficiency focus to reduced bite and more heat/steering sensitivity, meaning it's a sensible “calm commuter” choice but not the best option if you regularly drive briskly or want the biggest wet-safety margin.
Practical takeaway: choose the Cinturato C3 for grip-led safety and a more dynamic, confidence-building feel; choose the Turanza 6 if you value efficiency, lower noise and long life-and are willing to accept a step back in wet/dry performance compared with the class leaders.
Key Differences
- Overall outcome: Cinturato C3 wins every shared test overall (4/4), while Turanza 6 ranges from mid-pack to near-bottom depending on test
- Braking is the biggest safety separator: Pirelli is consistently shorter in dry (about 3-5%) and wet (about 2-7%) across all tests shown
- Wet handling pace gap is large in multiple sources (e.g., Motor: 70.7 s vs 75.2 s; Best-tyres test: 68.09 s vs 72.65 s), indicating a materially higher wet-grip ceiling for Pirelli
- Efficiency/energy use strongly favours Bridgestone: ~22% better rolling resistance in the two 225/45 R17 comparisons, and lower fuel consumption where measured (e.g., 5.4 vs 5.6 l/100 km; 5.5 vs 5.7 l/100 km)
- Noise/refinement trend favours Bridgestone (lower measured dB and better subjective noise), while Pirelli is frequently described/measured as noisier on coarse surfaces
- Longevity/environmental wear metrics lean Bridgestone (higher predicted mileage, lower abrasion), though Pirelli is still broadly well-rated for mileage in ADAC-just not as strong as the Turanza 6
Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:
Footnote
This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.
Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.
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