Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 vs Continental VikingContact 7

In the tire industry, both Continental and Bridgestone are well-known names which do not need an introduction, and their Blizzak tires and Contact tires are two market-dominating industrial behemoths that shine in several performance spheres when it comes to winter tires.

Both tire brands combine a never-ending zeal for innovation with a desire to understand the precise needs of consumers when it comes to winter tires. Because these are constructed with the same zeal and passion, The Continental VikingContact 7 and Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 perform admirably in ice, slush, and snow.

While the Bridgestone Blizzak WS 90 is made for coupes, sedans, and minivans, Continental VikingContact 7 is made for cars, SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks.

So, how do they stack up against one another? Let’s compare Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 vs Continental VikingContact 7 tires using SimpleScore to see which one will best suit your driving demands.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tires

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, released in 2019, is a studless, symmetrical winter tire that that provides exceptional grip and handling on ice, snow, and slush. It is also Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified. With its special Multicell technology and improved tread pattern with large contact area edges, the Blizzak WS90 improves performance in wet, snowy, and icy conditions. Longer tread life and shorter stopping distances on ice are made possible by enhanced block stiffness and block edges. Because of its optimized design, the Blizzak WS90 offers both drivers and passengers a quiet drive. In addition, it has a fuel-efficient design with reduced rolling resistance.

On average, the Blizzak WS90 sports a great SimpleScore of 8.8 thanks to its solid handling, good longevity, and superb traction.

Continental VikingContact 7 tires

Continental Tires, a German manufacturer, has established itself as a leader in the production of winter tires thanks to its superior winter performance. On September 1, 2019, Continental Tire unveiled the VikingContact 7, another winter tire.

The Continental VikingContact 7 is a studless, winter tire with a directional tread pattern that is specifically designed for passenger cars, SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks. Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified,the Continental VikingContact 7 features a Nordic tread compound for excellent traction on wet roads and flexibility in cold conditions. These tyres, which are backed by Continental's Total Confidence Plan, offer interlocking blocks for added stability on snow-covered roads and biting edges for increased traction and braking. Not to mention that its rapeseed oil composition lowers rolling resistance to provide fuel efficiency.

On average, the Continental VikingContact 7 boasts a great SimpleScore of 8.9 thanks to its excellent handling, impressive longevity, and outstanding traction.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 vs Continental VikingContact 7 tires on traction

Driving on ice, slush, or snow can be challenging because slick roads make it difficult for tires to maintain constant grip. A good winter tire provides great traction on ice, slush, snow, and also in harsh winter weather conditions.

With a score of 9.6 out of 10 in traction, the Blizzak WS90’ symmetrical tread pattern drives water, slush and melting snow out of the tire to lessen the possibility of hydroplaning. Additionally, the increased tread blocks, improved rubber composition, and patented Multicell Technology of the Blizzak WS90 all work together to improve traction and performance on ice, slush, snow, and frozen roads.

The Continental VikingContact 7, on the other hand, boasts a score of 9.9 out of 10 in traction. This is due to the active grip silica, rapeseed oil composition, and symmetrical siping detail which all increases the snow and ice traction. To lessen the risk of hydroplaning, grooves in the tread remove water, slush, and snow from the road improving the wet traction. In addition, grip edges of the tread block, interlocked block bridges, and snow pockets in the tread enhance winter traction.

In terms of winter weather traction, the VikingContact 7 slightly outperforms the Blizzak WS90.

ADVANTAGE: VikingContact 7

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 vs Continental VikingContact 7 tires on handling

While traction is vital in winter conditions, so is handling, as drivers must be able to comfortably maneuver and change lanes. Let's see if Bridgestone and Continental have ensured that their tires do not sacrifice handling for traction.

The Blizzak WS90 has a 8.7 SimpleScore for handling because of its optimal tread shape and flat footprint. Flat footprint and continuous center rib of the tread maintain surface contact throughout the tire's performance, increasing steering response time and accuracy. Moreover, the combination of shoulder block and siping placement improves cornering ability and power. Added biting edges firmly grab the road surface and maintain surface contact and the high-density siping and block edge pattern of the tread design reduce the braking distance too.

Whereas, the VikingContact 7 boasts a SimpleScore of 9 out of 10 in handling thanks to the high-density siping built into the shoulder tread block. Interlocking blocks in the tread offer extra stability. A greater number of biting edges cling to the road, improving turning and handling. Furthermore, 3D Trapez Sipes and strategically placed snow edges of the tread blocks shorten braking distance.

When it comes to handling, the VikingContact 7 has a very slight edge over the Blizzak WS90.

ADVANTAGE: VikingContact 7

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 vs Continental VikingContact 7 tires on longevity

No driver wants to purchase a tire that wears out quickly, meaning that longevity is important. Based on the SimpleScore, both the tires have a good score in longevity though not excellent.

Starting with the Blizzak WS90, the tire offers a good SimpleScore of 8.2 out of 10 on the longevity front. The stabilized tread block design along the tread region prevents needless friction that quickens the rate at which the tire's tread wears down. Driving pressure that is delivered evenly along the tread region actively discourages early and asymmetrical wear development. When the Multi-Cell winter compound is due to wear out, special snow platforms let drivers know so that they can replace the tires at the appropriate interval.

On the other hand, the VikingContact 7 has a SimpleScore of 8 out of 10 which is slightly lesser than Blizzak WS90. To prevent uneven wear patterns throughout the entire tread surface, the VikingContact 7 incorporates stabilized parts of the tread. Similar to Blizzak WS90, VikingContact 7 provides uniform pressure distribution around the tread area to extend tire life and interlocking block bridges to ensure structural stability.

In terms of traction and handling, the Viking Contact7 marginally beats the Blizzak WS90, but the Blizzak WS90 is slightly better than the Viking Contact 7 in terms of longevity.

ADVANTAGE: Blizzak WS90

When to use each

The Blizzak WS90 and Viking Contact7 are both winter tires and should not be used in conditions where the temperature is regularly over 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Because, winter tires use a flexible rubber compound that quickly deteriorates at temperatures over that limit.

As both are studless tires, these tires can be used everywhere during winter weather conditions.

Which one should you choose?

So, which winter tire is the right option for you? The VikingContact 7 actually has a slightly higher overall score on SimpleScore than the Blizzak WS90, 8.9 versus 8.8. As noted above, there are some differences between the two tires and these need to be weighed against each other to determine what’s best for you. Finally (and maybe, most importantly), pricing on these two tires differs at least for $50 as Blizzak WS90 tires cost at least $124.99 per tire while VikingContact 7 tires cost at least $110.99 per tire. That means a set of four Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 snow tires will cost you at least $499.96 for a set of four, while a set of four Continental VikingContact 7 tires will cost you at least $443.99.

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 if you:

• Drive a coupe like the Volkswagen EOS or a hatchback like the Scion Xb.
• Want marginally better longevity (8.2 vs 8)
• Live and drive in an area where studs are not permitted
• Are willing to pay a little bit more money for a “name brand”

Conversely, you should choose the Continental VikingContact 7 if you:

• Drive a minivan like Dodge Caravan or a compact crossover SUV like Honda CR-V.
• Prefer better traction (9.9 vs 9.6).
• Prefer slightly better handling (9 vs 8.7).
• Live and drive in an area where studs are not permitted
• Want the better performing tire and love that it’s available at a lower cost

Blizzak versus VikingContact 7 tires appear to be a close match on the surface, as both are premium tires. Continental and Bridgestone winter tires have always been regarded as among the best on the market, and that legacy continues with the Blizzak WS90 and VikingContact 7. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to your vehicle, where (and how) you drive, and which aspects of traction, handling, longevity, and cost are most important to you.

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.