Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
The data shows a clear pattern: Potenza Sport dominates grip-led safety metrics-especially wet and dry braking-while the SportMaxx RT 2 counters with class-leading aquaplaning reserves, lower noise, and slightly better efficiency. Recent tests also highlight a notable shift for Bridgestone: markedly improved mileage and abrasion, addressing a traditional weakness.
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 six tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone Potenza Sport | six |
While it might look like the Bridgestone Potenza Sport is better than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 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 wet and dry braking (typically 6-12% shorter stops)
- Dynamic, precise handling with high wet grip
- Improved wear and abrasion versus past results, strong value scores
- Consistently top overall test finishes
- Outstanding straight and curved aquaplaning resistance
- Lower noise and better ride comfort
- Competitive efficiency and lighter construction in tests
- Balanced, predictable handling with secure dry performance
Dry Braking
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during five dry braking tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport stopped the vehicle in 6.12% less distance than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Dry Braking: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was 0.3% faster around a lap than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 2.12% faster around a lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 scored 1% more points than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during five wet braking tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport stopped the vehicle in 9.94% less distance than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Wet Braking: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport stopped the vehicle in 9.19% less distance than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 1.77% faster around a wet lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 2.04% faster around a wet lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 performed equally well in subj. wet handling tests.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 2.7% faster around a wet circle than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Wet Circle: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 floated at a 2.92% higher speed than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Straight Aqua: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during four curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 slipped out at a 8.86% higher speed than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 scored 14% more points than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during three noise tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 measured 1.76% quieter than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Noise: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two wear tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport is predicted to cover 15.66% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Wear: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two value tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport proved to have a 13.65% better value based on price/1000km than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Value: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one price tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 cost 7.14% less than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Price: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 had a 3.92% lower rolling resistance than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 used 3.45% less fuel than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport emitted 29.89% less particle wear matter than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.
Best In Abrasion: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Driver Reviews
Across 117 reviews, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport is most often described as a very high-grip UHP tire with standout dry and especially wet traction, sharp steering response, and strong braking that makes cars feel more precise and confidence-inspiring. The most consistent downside is rapid wear/short life (particularly on powerful cars, driven hard, or with track use), with many also noting higher road noise and a firm ride. A recurring theme is temperature sensitivity: performance is excellent once warmed, but several drivers report reduced confidence/traction in cold conditions, and track durability is frequently criticized due to chunking or “melting” when pushed.
Based on 124 reviews with an average rating of 80%
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 Driver Reviews
Most drivers find the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 confidence-inspiring with strong wet and dry grip, low noise, and good comfort, often noting solid aquaplaning resistance and decent wear for the category. However, many report soft sidewalls leading to vague or wobbly handling and reduced precision, and a minority cite rapid performance drop-off as they wear or isolated build issues. Overall sentiment skews positive given the large number of high-scoring reviews.
Based on 92 reviews with an average rating of 77%
Conclusion
The Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 remains compelling for drivers who value calm, secure behavior in heavy rain and day-to-day refinement. It consistently leads aquaplaning tests (straight and curved), rides more comfortably, runs quieter, and can trim fuel use. If you encounter frequent standing water, prioritize cabin comfort, and want a softer-edged sporty feel at a friendlier price, the Dunlop fits well. The memorable takeaway: Bridgestone for maximum grip and braking confidence; Dunlop for rain resilience and comfort-first road manners.
Key Differences
- Bridgestone stops shorter in wet and dry across all shared braking tests
- Dunlop offers superior aquaplaning reserves (straight and curved) in every test
- Bridgestone delivers sharper wet/dry handling; Dunlop favors stability and comfort
- Noise: Dunlop runs quieter in multiple tests
- Efficiency: Dunlop edges fuel use/rolling resistance in several results
- Wear/value: Bridgestone now shows longer mileage and better price-per-1,000 km in recent tests
Overall Winner: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport 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
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
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.