Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Firestone Winterhawk 4
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 47
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 72% · 6
In the 12 independent tests that ran both tires, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 finished ahead 10 times and the Winterhawk 4 twice. The Winter Sport 5 lasted 15.7% longer in the wear tests; the Winterhawk 4 stopped 2.5% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for mixed or snow-heavy winters, confident handling, and long life; choose Firestone Winterhawk 4 for budget-focused, quieter, mostly wet/urban driving where straight-line aquaplaning and price take priority.
Where the Winter Sport 5 is stronger
- 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)
Where the Winterhawk 4 is stronger
- Strong wet braking in several tests and very good straight aquaplaning
- Lower exterior noise and agreeable ride
- Competitive pricing and good efficiency
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.
Winter Sport 5 vs Winterhawk 4 at a glance
| Category | Winter Sport 5 | Gap | Winterhawk 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won12 shared tests | 10 | 2 | |
| Dry11 measurements | 11 | The Winter Sport 5 stopped 2.3% shorter in the dry (7 tests) | 0 |
| Wet36 measurements | 15 | The Winterhawk 4 stopped 2.5% shorter in the wet (11 tests) | 20 |
| Snow25 measurements | 15 | The Winter Sport 5 stopped 2.8% shorter on snow (11 tests) | 9 |
| Ice3 measurements | 2 | 1 | |
| Comfort6 measurements | 0 | The Winterhawk 4 was 1.6 dB quieter (6 tests) | 6 |
| Value16 measurements | 10 | The Winter Sport 5 lasted 15.7% longer in the wear tests (7 tests) | 4 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.9/10 | The Winter Sport 5 by 0.8 | 8.1/10 |
| Owner rating47 and 6 reviews | 83% | The Winter Sport 5 by 11 points | 72% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The Winter Sport 5 by 16 points | 67% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | +20.3% | The Winter Sport 5 was dearer in 5 of 5 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 49 | 41 sizes made in both | 83 |
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 12 tests, 2021 to 2025
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 | Winter Sport 5 | Field | Winterhawk 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P4 of 31 | P17 of 31 | |
| 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P7 of 20 | P18 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P2 of 16 | P10 of 16 | |
| 2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test | P11 of 55 | P10 of 55 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P7 of 20 | P20 of 20 | |
| 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test | P1 of 16 | P7 of 16 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P15 of 54 | P6 of 54 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P4 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P8 of 56 | P14 of 56 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P8 of 20 | P10 of 20 | |
| 2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tire Test | P1 of 18 | P12 of 18 | |
| 2021 Winter Tire Market Overview | P2 of 50 | P5 of 50 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 12 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter Sport 5
Winterhawk 4
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. The scale stops at 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 1 measurement recorded in only one shared test is left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Winter Sport 5
Winterhawk 4
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
Winter Sport 5
Winterhawk 4
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6. 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 | Winter Sport 5 | Gap | Winterhawk 4 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 149 | 2.3% | 152 | 7-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 74.2 | 0.7% | 73.7 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 141 | 2.5% | 137 | 2-9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 127 | = | 127 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 47 | 0.7% | 46.7 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.7 | 30.4% | 5.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.54 | 0.8% | 12.64 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48.8 | 5% | 51.3 | 0-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.1 | 2.9% | 9.8 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 76 | 2.8% | 79 | 9-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 369 | 1.5% | 364 | 3-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 35.7 | 0.1% | 35.6 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.2 | 1% | 11.1 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 58 | 0.1% | 59 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.93 | 1.6 dB | 71.32 | 0-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 28,306 | 15.7% | 24,302 | 5-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.19 | 1.3% | 8.3 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | = | 5.7 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68.33 | 15.4% | 81.33 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Winter Sport 5 scores 8.9 and the Winterhawk 4 8.1 out of 10.
| Winter Sport 5 | Category | Winterhawk 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | Dry | 18 | ||
| 85 | Wet | 86 | ||
| 18 | Comfort | 66 | ||
| 66 | Value | 49 | ||
| 83 | Snow | 69 | ||
| 48 | Ice | 54 | ||
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
| Winter Sport 5 | Category | Winterhawk 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3 | Dry Grip | 7.3 | ||
| 8.5 | Wet Grip | 7.3 | ||
| 7.9 | Road Feedback | 6.2 | ||
| 7.9 | Handling | 5.5 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 7.6 | ||
| 8.4 | Comfort | 7.7 | ||
| 9.1 | Snow Grip | 7.5 | ||
| 8.2 | Ice Grip | 6.8 | ||
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
- 83%from 47 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 485,102 milesdriven by reviewers
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.
- snow and ice grip
- wet grip in cold
- predictable handling
- ride comfort
- weaker dry grip/softer feel in warmer temps
- increased noise with age
- occasional balance/quality issues
Summarised by AI from 39 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 47 Winter Sport 5 reviewsYou must know, in 225/50/17 it is the best what you can buy in eurowinter tires
+ perfect rim protector
+ dry and wet grip at different temperatures including +17 Celsius
+ snow grip? Easy
+ treadwear 12000 km/per 1 mm (on my new set 8 mm, now 7,0-6,8 after 2 seasons and 14400 km)
Firestone Winterhawk 4
- 72%from 6 reviews
- 67%would buy again
- 25,300 milesdriven by reviewers
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.
- strong snow performance
- good wet grip and braking
- quiet and comfortable ride
- good value for money
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 Winterhawk 4 reviewsGood quality for mid-range brand, cover winter needs. In general there is no high potential of performance for winter tires independently of brand!
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 49 sizes of the Winter Sport 5 and 83 of the Winterhawk 4, 41 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter Sport 5 | Winterhawk 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 49 sizes, 15 to 21 inch | 83 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 41 sizes 195/55 R15195/65 R15205/65 R15195/45 R16195/55 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/45 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/55 R16and 29 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B52%C48% | B100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C75%D24%B1% | D50%C50% |
| EU label noise | 70-74 dB B100% | 71 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 79 of 79 | 101 of 101 |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2020 |
| Replaced | Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D (2021) | Firestone Winterhawk 3 (2013) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Winter Sport 5 was the dearer tire in 5 of the 5 tests that listed prices, by 20.3% 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 head-to-head pits the ultra-high-performance Dunlop Winter Sport 5 against the touring-focused Firestone Winterhawk 4 across 12 shared professional tests. Despite its age, the Dunlop consistently places higher overall (multiple ADAC wins and frequent top-10s), while the Firestone delivers a more budget-friendly, comfort-leaning proposition.
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.
Conclusion
The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is the more rounded tire and the stronger choice for performance-minded drivers who value confident handling and consistent grip in true winter conditions. It repeatedly delivers shorter dry and snow stopping distances, better wet handling and curved aquaplaning resistance, and far superior predicted mileage (often 25-40% higher), which improves long-term value despite a higher purchase price.
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.
Winter Sport 5 vs Winterhawk 4: your questions
Is the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 or the Firestone Winterhawk 4 the better tire?
In the 12 independent tests that ran both tires, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 finished ahead 10 times and the Winterhawk 4 twice. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter Sport 5 scores 8.9 and the Winterhawk 4 8.1 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter Sport 5 or the Winterhawk 4?
The Winterhawk 4 led 20 of the 36 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.5% shorter in the wet across 11 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Winter Sport 5 led 11 of the 11 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.3% shorter in the dry across 7 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Winter Sport 5 led 15 of the 25 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.8% shorter on snow across 11 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter Sport 5 lasted 15.7% longer in the wear tests (7 tests) and shed 15.4% less rubber in the abrasion test (3 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the Winter Sport 5 and 7.6/10 for the Winterhawk 4.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Winterhawk 4 was 1.6 dB quieter (6 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.4/10 for the Winter Sport 5 and 7.7/10 for the Winterhawk 4.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the Winterhawk 4 72% from 6. 83% of Winter Sport 5 owners would buy it again, against 67% for the Winterhawk 4.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the Winter Sport 5 was the dearer tire in 5 of them, by 20.3% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Winter Sport 5 is made in 49 sizes (15 to 21 inch) and the Winterhawk 4 in 83 (14 to 20 inch). 41 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Winter Sport 5 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Winterhawk 4 B and D.
Which is the newer tire?
The Winter Sport 5 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Winterhawk 4 in 2020. The Winter Sport 5 replaced the Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D. The Winterhawk 4 replaced the Firestone Winterhawk 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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