Bridgestone Turanza 6 vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
The core trade-off is clear: the Cinturato C3 is the more performance- and safety-leaning touring tire-especially in wet and in braking-whereas the Turanza 6 builds its case around refinement, low running costs and longevity. If your driving includes frequent rain, shorter stopping distances and higher wet-circuit grip dominate the decision; if your priority is efficiency, quieter cruising and maximising kilometres per set, the Bridgestone keeps fighting back.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been three tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli Cinturato C3 | three |
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, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Class-leading efficiency in group testing (rolling resistance 6.32 vs 8.18 kg/t; fuel use wins in 2/3 shared tests)
- Lower noise/refinement advantage in objective testing (e.g., 72.8 vs 74.1 dB; also wins rough-noise and subjective-noise in Vi Bilägare)
- Stronger longevity and lower wear output (ADAC wear 55,600 km vs 48,600 km; lower abrasion 66 vs 79 mg/km/t)
- Predictable, neutral touring balance noted in testing, with easy-to-control handling even if not the fastest
- Consistently shorter braking distances on dry and wet across all shared tests (dry braking wins 3/3; wet braking wins 3/3)
- Clear wet-dynamics advantage (wet handling and wet circle wins in both tests that measured them; e.g., 68.09 s vs 72.65 s in wet handling)
- Very strong aquaplaning resistance overall in straight-line tests (wins 3/3), with good results also in ADAC curved aquaplaning
- Sportier, quicker steering/turn-in and higher subjective handling scores, translating to higher overall placings (2nd/10, 1st/13, 2nd/16)
Dry Braking
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stopped the vehicle in 4.23% 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 one tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was 2.59% 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 two tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two subj. dry handling tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 scored 10.45% 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 three tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 stopped the vehicle in 4.66% 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 tire 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 two tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was 4.06% 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 tire 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 two tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was 3.39% faster around a wet circle 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 three tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 floated at a 3.24% 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 two tire tests, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 was better during one curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Pirelli Cinturato C3 slipped out at a 0.28% higher speed than the Bridgestone Turanza 6.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Pirelli Cinturato C3
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 scored 9.43% 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 tire 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 one tire tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during one noise tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 measured 1.75% 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 tire 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 tire 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 one tire tests, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 was better during one rolling resistance tests. On average the Bridgestone Turanza 6 had a 22.74% 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 tire 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 tire 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 tire, 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 48 reviews with an average rating of 79%
Pirelli Cinturato C3 Driver Reviews
Drivers report the Pirelli Cinturato C3 as a highly confidence-inspiring tire, with standout wet and dry grip, strong braking, and very safe, predictable handling. Many also praise its quick steering/turn-in and good comfort, often describing it as quiet and refined for a touring-focused design. A small minority note that noise can vary by road surface and that the sporty, stiffer feel may be a bit harsher over bigger impacts.
Based on 11 reviews with an average rating of 94%
Conclusion
Bridgestone's Turanza 6 is best understood as the efficiency/comfort pick rather than the grip leader. It repeatedly posts better consumption/rolling resistance (notably 6.32 vs 8.18 kg/t rolling resistance in the 225/45 R17 test) and is typically quieter in measured noise (e.g., 72.8 dB vs 74.1 dB). ADAC also highlights a real durability advantage (55,600 km vs 48,600 km predicted wear, plus lower abrasion), which can materially reduce total cost of ownership. The practical takeaway: if you want the touring tire that most often feels and tests like a class leader for braking and wet-road control, choose the C3; if you rack up miles and care most about efficiency, noise and tread life, the Turanza 6 is the more rational buy-even if it won't be the sharpest or quickest in the wet.
Key Differences
- Safety-led performance: Cinturato C3 is consistently ahead in braking-about 1.7-2.0 m shorter in dry braking in the 225/45 R17 and ADAC tests, and ~1.8-2.0 m shorter in wet braking in those same tests
- Wet handling pace: C3's wet-lap advantage can be large (68.09 s vs 72.65 s in 225/45 R17), aligning with professional notes calling it the fastest/most agile in the wet
- Efficiency/running costs: Turanza 6 strongly leads rolling resistance (6.32 vs 8.18 kg/t) and also tends to use less fuel (e.g., 5.5 vs 5.7 l/100 km in ADAC)
- Refinement: Turanza 6 is measurably quieter (72.8 vs 74.1 dB in the 225/45 R17 test; also better subjective and rough-road noise in Vi Bilägare), while C3 is repeatedly flagged as one of the loudest
- Durability: Turanza 6 shows a notable tread-life and abrasion advantage (55,600 km vs 48,600 km; 66 vs 79 mg/km/t), whereas C3 is good but not best-in-class here
- Character: C3 is the more agile, responsive tire (higher subjective handling scores and faster laps), while Turanza 6 is more touring-focused and can show earlier understeer/heat sensitivity in some reports
Overall Winner: Pirelli Cinturato C3
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
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Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire 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 tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire 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 tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.