Firestone RoadHawk vs Uniroyal RainSport 5
- TR Score
- 8.0/10
- Owners say
- 68% · 45
- TR Score
- 8.0/10
- Owners say
- 73% · 91
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Firestone RoadHawk finished ahead 6 times and the RainSport 5 once. The RoadHawk stopped 3.4% shorter in the dry; the RainSport 5 stopped 4.1% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Firestone RoadHawk for balanced daily driving, strong dry safety, better economy, and value. Choose Uniroyal RainSport 5 if your top priority is confidence in heavy rain and deep-water aquaplaning resistance, accepting more noise, softer dry response, and potentially higher running costs.
Where the RoadHawk is stronger
- Class-leading consistency in dry braking across all shared tests
- Balanced wet/dry handling with better rolling resistance
- Stronger value proposition and generally longer projected mileage
Where the RainSport 5 is stronger
- Excellent straight and curved aquaplaning resistance
- Often shorter wet braking, especially on concrete surfaces
- Stable and safe wet handling at speed
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
RoadHawk vs RainSport 5 at a glance
| Category | RoadHawk | Gap | RainSport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 6 | 1 | |
| Dry9 measurements | 9 | The RoadHawk stopped 3.4% shorter in the dry (7 tests) | 0 |
| Wet16 measurements | 5 | The RainSport 5 stopped 4.1% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 11 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 1 | The RainSport 5 was 1.6 dB quieter (3 tests) | 3 |
| Value7 measurements | 5 | The RoadHawk had 5.6% lower rolling resistance (2 tests) | 1 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.0/10 | Level | 8.0/10 |
| Owner rating45 and 91 reviews | 68% | The RainSport 5 by 5 points | 73% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 42% | The RainSport 5 by 17 points | 59% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The RainSport 5 was dearer in 2 of 3 | +2.1% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 116 | 68 sizes made in both | 104 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 7 tests, 2021 to 2024
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | RoadHawk | Field | RainSport 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tire Test | P6 of 20 | P18 of 20 | |
| 2024 Summer Tire Market Overview | P12 of 55 | P14 of 55 | |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P20 of 50 | P31 of 50 | |
| 2023 Summer Tire Market Overview | P31 of 50 | P17 of 50 | |
| 2022 Summer Tire Market Overview | P28 of 50 | P34 of 50 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild 16 Inch Summer Tire Test | P9 of 20 | P11 of 20 | |
| 2021 53 Summer Tire Braking Test | P10 of 53 | P19 of 53 |
Performance profile
9 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
RoadHawk
RainSport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. 5 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
RoadHawk
RainSport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
RoadHawk
RainSport 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the RoadHawk 68% from 45 reviews and the RainSport 5 73% from 91. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | RoadHawk | Gap | RainSport 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 120 | 3.4% | 124 | 7-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65.8 | 1.8% | 64.7 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 122 | 4.1% | 117 | 3-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 133 | 10.6% | 119 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48 | 1% | 47.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.9 | 2.1% | 14.2 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 52.3 | 2.2% | 53.5 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14 | 5.6% | 14.8 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.27 | 1.6 dB | 70.7 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 16.8 | 10.6% | 18.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 19,869 | 2.3% | 19,314 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.09 | 5.6% | 8.59 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.9 | = | 5.9 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68.7 | 26.3% | 93.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the RoadHawk scores 8 and the RainSport 5 8 out of 10.
| RoadHawk | Category | RainSport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | Dry | 40 | ||
| 63 | Wet | 90 | ||
| 12 | Comfort | 77 | ||
| 58 | Value | 39 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| RoadHawk | Category | RainSport 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.4 | Dry Grip | 7.5 | ||
| 7.3 | Wet Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 6.9 | Road Feedback | 6.7 | ||
| 6.4 | Handling | 6.8 | ||
| 5.6 | Wear | 7.2 | ||
| 7.1 | Comfort | 8 | ||
Owners rate the RoadHawk 68% from 45 reviews and the RainSport 5 73% from 91. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Firestone RoadHawk
- 68%from 45 reviews
- 42%would buy again
- 358,106 milesdriven by reviewers
Firestone RoadHawk is most often described as a strong-value mid-range tire with confident dry and wet grip (including good resistance to standing water) and a generally comfortable ride. However, a large share of drivers report rapid tread wear-sometimes uneven-leading to poor longevity and value over time. Another recurring complaint is very soft sidewalls/deflection that can make the tire look under-inflated and contribute to vague steering/handling on some cars, with noise levels also reported as higher by a notable minority.
- Strong wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
- Good dry grip and predictable everyday handling
- Comfortable ride/absorbs bumps well
- Good value for money versus premium brands (when wear is acceptable)
- Fast tread wear/short lifespan (often poor value over time)
- Uneven wear reported by multiple drivers
- Soft sidewalls/tire deflection (looks under-inflated) and reduced steering feel/handling stability
Summarised by AI from 43 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 45 RoadHawk reviewsLess than a year old and 7k miles and worn down across the whole tire. Drive carefully no wheel spinning and they are done already very poor value, skoda superb 2.0tdi 150bhp estate
Not happy to be honest, wont buy again
Uniroyal RainSport 5
- 73%from 91 reviews
- 59%would buy again
- 941,167 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners most strongly agree that the Uniroyal RainSport 5 delivers standout wet-weather confidence, with nearly two-thirds praising wet grip and around one in five specifically highlighting strong aquaplaning resistance. Dry grip also gets more praise than criticism, and a sizeable minority find it comfortable and quieter than expected for such an open tread pattern. The main recurring drawback is a soft, flexible feel: around one in five complain about sidewall support and steering feedback, sometimes describing the handling as vague or floaty, particularly when pushed or at speed. Tread life is mixed, with roughly a third commenting and opinions split between surprisingly good mileage and quicker-than-hoped wear.
- Excellent wet grip and confidence in heavy rain
- Strong resistance to aquaplaning in standing water
- Good dry grip for everyday driving
- Comfortable, compliant ride
- Soft sidewalls can make the car feel floaty or imprecise
- Limited steering feedback and slower responses
- Dry handling can feel vague when pushed
Summarised by AI from 81 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 91 RainSport 5 reviewsWet grip is incredible, dry grip is just above average, very progressive tire, slightly spongy so I pumped them up to 40psi instead of 33. Economy was also average. Would buy them again, I had them fitted to a Volvo v90 d5. Not much change worn Vs new, just a little more aqua planing, better in the dry as they wore down. Mostly used on motorway, occasional country road use. Suited the Volvo well and price was good
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 116 sizes of the RoadHawk and 104 of the RainSport 5, 68 of them made in both.
| Category | RoadHawk | RainSport 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 116 sizes, 15 to 21 inch | 104 sizes, 15 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 68 sizes 185/55 R15195/50 R15195/55 R15185/55 R16195/50 R16195/55 R16205/50 R16205/55 R16215/55 R16225/55 R16205/40 R17205/45 R17and 56 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A83%B16%C1% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C86%B13%A1%D1% | C86%D12%B2% |
| EU label noise | 68-73 dB B99%A1% | 70-75 dB B100% |
| On the market since | 2017 | 2019 |
| Replaced | - | Uniroyal RainSport 3 (2013) |
| Replaced by | Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The RainSport 5 was the dearer tire in 2 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 2.1% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This comparison pits the Firestone RoadHawk, a value-focused premium-touring summer tire, against the Uniroyal RainSport 5, an ultra-high-performance option known for wet-road pedigree. Across seven shared tests in core sizes like 205/55 R16 and 225/45 R18, the RoadHawk consistently scores higher overall despite its touring brief, while the RainSport 5 delivers standout aquaplaning resistance and strong wet braking in several trials.
Conclusion
Across multiple independent tests, Firestone RoadHawk proves the more rounded tire: reliably shorter dry stops, more balanced handling, better rolling resistance, and generally stronger value and wear. Uniroyal RainSport 5 earns its reputation in deep water, often leading aquaplaning and posting some excellent wet braking results-but it's held back by vague dry handling, higher noise, and mixed efficiency/longevity.
If you want confident everyday performance with predictable manners, lower running costs, and consistently good results in both dry and typical wet conditions, choose RoadHawk. If your priority is maximum security in heavy rain and standing water-motorway ruts, storm downpours, or flood-prone routes-the RainSport 5 makes sense, accepting its compromises on dry precision, noise, and economy.
RoadHawk vs RainSport 5: your questions
Is the Firestone RoadHawk or the Uniroyal RainSport 5 the better tire?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Firestone RoadHawk finished ahead 6 times and the RainSport 5 once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the RoadHawk scores 8 and the RainSport 5 8 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the RoadHawk or the RainSport 5?
The RainSport 5 led 11 of the 16 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.1% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The RoadHawk led 9 of the 9 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.4% shorter in the dry across 7 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The RoadHawk lasted 2.3% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) and had 5.6% lower rolling resistance (2 tests). Owners rate wear 5.6/10 for the RoadHawk and 7.2/10 for the RainSport 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The RainSport 5 was 1.6 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.1/10 for the RoadHawk and 8/10 for the RainSport 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the RoadHawk 68% from 45 reviews and the RainSport 5 73% from 91. 42% of RoadHawk owners would buy it again, against 59% for the RainSport 5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the RainSport 5 was the dearer tire in 2 of them, by 2.1% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The RoadHawk is made in 116 sizes (15 to 21 inch) and the RainSport 5 in 104 (15 to 21 inch). 68 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the RoadHawk is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the RainSport 5 A and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The RainSport 5 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2019, the RoadHawk in 2017. The RainSport 5 replaced the Uniroyal RainSport 3.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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