Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Firestone Winterhawk 4
Across conditions, a clear pattern emerges: the Dunlop is the more complete winter performer with notably stronger snow capability, steering precision and longevity. The Firestone counters with pockets of wet braking strength and excellent straight-line aquaplaning, plus lower noise and generally sharper pricing.
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 twelve tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Dunlop Winter Sport 5 | ten | |
| Firestone Winterhawk 4 | two |
While it might look like the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is better than the Firestone Winterhawk 4 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 snow performance and balanced wet/dry handling
- Consistently shorter dry and snow braking distances
- Excellent mileage and low abrasion (often +25-40% vs. Firestone)
- Good rolling resistance and overall efficiency
- Strong wet braking in several tests and very good straight aquaplaning
- Lower exterior noise and agreeable ride
- Competitive pricing and good efficiency
- Solid snow capability for a touring tire
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during seven dry braking tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 2.31% less distance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Dry Braking: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during four dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was 0.64% faster around a lap than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during nine wet braking tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 stopped the vehicle in 2.54% less distance than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Wet Braking: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and Firestone Winterhawk 4 performed equally well in wet braking - concrete tests.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during three wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was 0.65% faster around a wet lap than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 had 23.33% higher lateral wet grip than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wet Circle: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during seven straight aqua tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 floated at a 4.75% higher speed than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Straight Aqua: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during five curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 slipped out at a 2.28% higher speed than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from eleven tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during nine snow braking tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 2.8% less distance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Snow Braking: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during three snow traction tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 had 1.25% better snow traction than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Snow Traction: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during two snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was 0.09% faster around a lap than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one snow slalom tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was 0.88% faster through a slalom than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Snow Slalom: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during two ice braking tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stopped the vehicle 0.39% shorter than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Ice Braking: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during six noise tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 measured 2.21% quieter than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Noise: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during five wear tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is predicted to cover 14.15% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wear: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during three value tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 proved to have a 15.72% better value based on price/1000km than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Value: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during two price tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 cost 21.18% less than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Price: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 had a 1.33% lower rolling resistance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and Firestone Winterhawk 4 performed equally well in fuel consumption tests.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during three abrasion tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 emitted 15.98% less particle wear matter than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Abrasion: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 Driver Reviews
Drivers largely praise the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for outstanding snow and ice traction, strong wet grip in cold conditions, predictable handling, good comfort/low noise (for a winter tire), and excellent tread life. A minority report softer sidewalls and reduced dry performance or understeer as temperatures rise, with a few notes on noise increase over time and isolated quality/balance issues. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most buyers willing to repurchase.
Based on 43 reviews with an average rating of 84%
Firestone Winterhawk 4 Driver Reviews
Drivers generally rate the Firestone Winterhawk 4 highly for everyday winter use, with strong confidence in snow and rain, short braking distances, and reassuring all-round performance. Many highlight its good value versus premium brands, along with a quiet, comfortable ride and responsive feel. Overall satisfaction is high across the majority of reviews.
Based on 5 reviews with an average rating of 79%
Conclusion
The Firestone Winterhawk 4 appeals if you prioritize low noise, strong wet braking in some sizes, and straight-ahead aquaplaning stability at a lower entry cost. However, it trails in dry precision, snow braking/traction, curved aquaplaning, and wear. For mixed European winters with frequent snow and variable surfaces, the Dunlop is the safer, more confidence-inspiring pick; the Firestone suits milder, wetter urban use where budget and comfort matter most.
Key Differences
- Overall rankings: Dunlop regularly finishes top-tier (e.g., ADAC 1st/2nd/4th) vs. Firestone mid-pack to lower (e.g., 10th-20th).
- Dry performance: Dunlop consistently shorter dry braking and better dry handling/precision; Firestone shows under/oversteer tendencies.
- Snow capability: Dunlop leads snow braking/traction and snow handling; Firestone is competent but typically a step behind.
- Wet profile: Firestone often stops shorter in wet braking and excels in straight aquaplaning; Dunlop stronger in wet handling and curved aquaplaning.
- Noise and comfort: Firestone is usually quieter by ~1-3 dB.
- Longevity and wear: Dunlop delivers markedly higher mileage and lower abrasion, improving long-term value despite higher purchase price.
Overall Winner: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 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:
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Firestone Winterhawk 4 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.