Dunlop Winter Sport 5 vs Vredestein Wintrac Pro
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 83% · 47
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 30
In the 17 independent tests that ran both tires, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 finished ahead 10 times and the Wintrac Pro 6 times, with one level. The Winter Sport 5 lasted 18% longer in the wear tests; the Wintrac Pro stopped 2.4% shorter in the dry.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for frequent wet/slushy motorway use, maximum safety margins, lower fuel use and long life. Choose Vredestein Wintrac Pro if you prioritize crisp dry-road feel, short dry stops and lower cabin noise, and accept higher rolling resistance and faster wear.
Where the Winter Sport 5 is stronger
- Outstanding wet safety and aquaplaning reserves (e.g., +7.7% straight aqua, +17% curved aqua in 2024 AB Sportscars)
- High mileage and strong wear results (often 20-30% advantage vs. Vredestein)
- Low rolling resistance and better fuel efficiency across tests
Where the Wintrac Pro is stronger
- Shorter dry braking and sharper dry/wet handling in many tests
- Quiet operation and better subjective comfort scores
- Strong snow traction precision noted in several reviews
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 Wintrac Pro at a glance
| Category | Winter Sport 5 | Gap | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won17 shared tests | 10 | 1 level | 6 |
| Dry18 measurements | 2 | The Wintrac Pro stopped 2.4% shorter in the dry (10 tests) | 15 |
| Wet42 measurements | 22 | The Winter Sport 5 held 7.7% more grip in curved aquaplaning (6 tests) | 19 |
| Snow34 measurements | 18 | The Winter Sport 5 averaged a 0.7% higher speed on the snow handling course (8 tests) | 14 |
| Ice2 measurements | 0 | The Wintrac Pro stopped 2.3% shorter on ice (2 tests) | 2 |
| Comfort9 measurements | 0 | The Wintrac Pro was 1.3 dB quieter (9 tests) | 9 |
| Value17 measurements | 15 | The Winter Sport 5 lasted 18% longer in the wear tests (6 tests) | 2 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.9/10 | The Wintrac Pro by 0.1 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner rating47 and 30 reviews | 83% | The Wintrac Pro by 4 points | 87% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The Wintrac Pro by 10 points | 93% |
| Pricein the 8 tests that listed prices | +6.8% | The Winter Sport 5 was dearer in 7 of 8 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 49 | 36 sizes made in both | 119 |
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 17 tests, 2018 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 | Winter Sport 5 | Field | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test | P4 of 10 | P7 of 10 | |
| 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P2 of 16 | P3 of 16 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P7 of 20 | P8 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P15 of 54 | P17 of 54 | |
| 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P4 of 15 | P5 of 15 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P4 of 20 | P12 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P8 of 56 | P20 of 56 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tire Test | P5 of 13 | P3 of 13 | |
| 2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tire Test | P1 of 18 | P5 of 18 | |
| The Best Winter Tires for 2020 | P4 of 19 | P4 of 19 | |
| 2020 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test | P5 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test | P8 of 20 | P12 of 20 | |
| 2020 Winter Tire Market Overview - 52 Tire Braking Test | P13 of 51 | P6 of 51 | |
| 2019 Auto Express Winter Tire Test | P4 of 12 | P5 of 12 | |
| 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire Test | P16 of 20 | P6 of 20 | |
| 2019 Winter Tire Test Market Overview | P13 of 53 | P6 of 53 | |
| 2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tire Test | P4 of 10 | P1 of 10 |
Performance profile
16 measurements from the 17 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Winter Sport 5
Wintrac Pro
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 97%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 3 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Winter Sport 5
Wintrac Pro
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
Wintrac Pro
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. 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 | Wintrac Pro | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 147 | 2.4% | 144 | 1-9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 62.4 | 0.2% | 62.5 | 1-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 144 | 1.2% | 143 | 6-8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 123 | 4.3% | 129 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 47.4 | 0.8% | 47.7 | 3-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.59 | 0.4% | 12.64 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.7 | 0.8% | 50.4 | 6-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.3 | 7.7% | 9.6 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 81 | 1.6% | 82 | 7-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 454 | 1.8% | 447 | 5-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 37.5 | 0.7% | 37.3 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.4 | 1% | 9.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.6 | 0.9% | 11.7 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 61 | 2.3% | 60 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.58 | 1.3 dB | 72.26 | 0-9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 28,460 | 18% | 24,158 | 5-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.18 | 7.6% | 8.86 | 8-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.5 | 5.2% | 5.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 67.15 | 0.3% | 67.35 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Wintrac Pro 9 out of 10.
| Winter Sport 5 | Category | Wintrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | Dry | 67 | ||
| 85 | Wet | 86 | ||
| 18 | Comfort | 33 | ||
| 66 | Value | 29 | ||
| 83 | Snow | 58 | ||
| 48 | Ice | 67 | ||
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 | Wintrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3 | Dry Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 8.5 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 7.9 | Road Feedback | 8.5 | ||
| 7.9 | Handling | 8.2 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 8.7 | ||
| 8.4 | Comfort | 8.7 | ||
| 9.1 | Snow Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 8.2 | Ice Grip | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. 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)
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
- 87%from 30 reviews
- 93%would buy again
- 226,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Vredestein Wintrac Pro is a highly confidence-inspiring winter tire with standout wet-road grip and surprisingly sporty, summer-like steering feel and stability in cold dry conditions. Most users also praise strong traction and braking in snow/slush, along with good comfort, low noise for the category, and impressive tread life/value over multiple seasons. A smaller subset note higher fuel consumption/rolling resistance and that the tire can need some warm-up or a short bedding-in period to deliver its best grip.
- Strong wet grip and braking (good aquaplaning resistance)
- Stable, predictable handling with good steering feedback (sporty/summer-like feel)
- Very capable snow and slush traction and confidence
- Good comfort and generally quiet for a winter/UHP tire
- Higher fuel consumption / rolling resistance than some alternatives
- Needs some warm-up or short bedding-in to reach best grip
Summarised by AI from 28 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 30 Wintrac Pro reviewsVery good tires for winter. Used in upstate New York from November to April. Great grip even in -15 F. Started to get a little vague when it was dry around 65F.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 49 sizes of the Winter Sport 5 and 119 of the Wintrac Pro, 36 of them made in both.
| Category | Winter Sport 5 | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 49 sizes, 15 to 21 inch | 119 sizes, 17 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 36 sizes 205/50 R17205/55 R17215/45 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17235/45 R17235/55 R17245/45 R17215/45 R18and 24 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B52%C48% | B98%A2%C1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C75%D24%B1% | D47%C46%E5%B1% |
| EU label noise | 70-74 dB B100% | 70-74 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 79 of 79 | 253 of 253 |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2018 |
| Replaced | Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D (2021) | Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S (2015) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Winter Sport 5 was the dearer tire in 7 of the 8 tests that listed prices, by 6.8% 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 two ultra-high-performance winter staples against each other: the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and the Vredestein Wintrac Pro. Across 17 shared professional tests from 2018-2024, both tires show strong all-round winter credentials, but they prioritize different strengths.
The Dunlop consistently excels in wet safety and aquaplaning margins and pairs that with class-leading efficiency and longevity. The Vredestein leans sportier, typically stopping shorter on dry roads and feeling more precise on mixed surfaces, while offering quieter running-though it pays for it with higher rolling resistance and quicker wear in most tests.
Conclusion
Taken as a whole, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 delivers the broader safety net: superior wet braking in recent tests, notably stronger straight and curved aquaplaning performance, very competitive snow capability, markedly lower rolling resistance, and significantly longer projected mileage. It also tends to be better value over life despite not always being the cheapest at purchase.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro appeals to the keen driver who prioritizes dry-road responsiveness and short dry stops, with competent winter traction and typically lower noise. However, it more often trails the Dunlop in wet braking and aquaplaning in the latest data sets and usually wears faster. For commuters facing frequent rain, slush and motorway standing water, or anyone seeking long-term running-cost advantages, choose the Dunlop. If you drive mainly on cold, dry roads and value a quieter, sportier feel, the Vredestein fits well.
Winter Sport 5 vs Wintrac Pro: your questions
Is the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 or the Vredestein Wintrac Pro the better tire?
In the 17 independent tests that ran both tires, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 finished ahead 10 times and the Wintrac Pro 6 times, with one level. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Winter Sport 5 scores 8.9 and the Wintrac Pro 9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Winter Sport 5 or the Wintrac Pro?
The Winter Sport 5 led 22 of the 42 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 7.7% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 6 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Wintrac Pro led 15 of the 18 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.4% shorter in the dry across 10 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Winter Sport 5 led 18 of the 34 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 0.7% higher speed on the snow handling course across 8 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Winter Sport 5 lasted 18% longer in the wear tests (6 tests) and had 7.6% lower rolling resistance (8 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the Winter Sport 5 and 8.7/10 for the Wintrac Pro.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Wintrac Pro was 1.3 dB quieter (9 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.4/10 for the Winter Sport 5 and 8.7/10 for the Wintrac Pro.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Winter Sport 5 83% from 47 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. 83% of Winter Sport 5 owners would buy it again, against 93% for the Wintrac Pro.
Which is more expensive?
In the 8 tests that listed prices, the Winter Sport 5 was the dearer tire in 7 of them, by 6.8% 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 Wintrac Pro in 119 (17 to 22 inch). 36 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 Wintrac Pro B and D.
Which is the newer tire?
The Winter Sport 5 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Wintrac Pro in 2018. The Winter Sport 5 replaced the Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D. The Wintrac Pro replaced the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S.
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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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