Test setup & methodology
The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.
Recorded test conditions
Recorded test conditions
- Dry Braking
- 62.1 → 0.0 mph
- Wet Braking
- 62.1 → 0.0 mph
Naturally, it's the best testers in the business doing it first, the German publication Auto Bild. They've tested nine 265/35 R20 UUHP tires in the dry and wet using a very un-european Ford Mustang.
Tire Reviews is due to test the new Potenza Sport, against 14 of its key rivals in an 18" size, so if you're not already subscribed, be sure to head over to the Tire Reviews YouTube channel and subscribe as that will be published in the coming weeks!
Can the Bridgestone Compete?
The biggest question is, can the new Potenza Sport really take the fight to Michelin, Continental and Goodyear? The answer, at least for this test, is a resounding yes!
The new Bridgestone Potenza Sport wins the test, and has the shortest dry braking, shortest wet braking, and fastest wet handling lap! The only one of the four key tests it was beaten in was dry handling, where it finished just 1.8% behind the Michelin, but the testers still reported it to have excellent handling and precise steering in the dry and wet.
The best of the rest went to the Continental Sport Contact 6. While it didn't win any test, and the testers found it to have a slightly high noise level, it was consistently close in all the tests, and had a dynamic sport driving behavio r in the wet.
The internet's favorite tire, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S placed third overall, winning dry braking and having the lowest noise on test, but could only manage mid pack during the wet handling lap and was the most expensive set of tires to buy.
The last of the "big 4" was the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport. Like the SportContact 6 it was consistent in all conditions, but couldn't quite match the best overall.
Dry
The new Potenza Sport led the way in dry braking, with the Goodyear just 0 feet ahead of the Continental and Michelin pairing.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in feet (62 - 0 mph)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 115 ft | Best | 0 mph | |
| 116 ft | +1 ft | 7 mph | |
| 116 ft | +1 ft | 8 mph | |
| 116 ft | +1 ft | 8 mph | |
| 120 ft | +5 ft | 17 mph | |
| 121 ft | +6 ft | 17 mph | |
| 126 ft | +11 ft | 23 mph | |
| 129 ft | +14 ft | 26 mph | |
| 130 ft | +15 ft | 27 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 12.8% (15 ft ≈ 1 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Berlin Tires Summer UHP 1 would still be travelling at 27 mph when the Bridgestone Potenza Sport had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S posted the fastest lap time by a considerable margin, and led the way subjectively. The Bridgestone could match the subjective handling of the Michelin, but not the time, and the Landsail and Berlin tires provided little grip or enjoyment.
Dry Handling
Dry Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 62.1 mph | Best | |
| 61.0 mph | -1.1 mph | |
| 61.0 mph | -1.1 mph | |
| 60.9 mph | -1.2 mph | |
| 60.5 mph | -1.6 mph | |
| 60.3 mph | -1.8 mph | |
| 59.3 mph | -2.8 mph | |
| 57.8 mph | -4.3 mph | |
| 56.9 mph | -5.2 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 8.4% (5.2 mph).
Wet
The Bridgestone also led wet braking by a small margin.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in feet (62 - 0 mph)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 135 ft | Best | 0 mph | |
| 135 ft | 0 ft | 4 mph | |
| 142 ft | +7 ft | 18 mph | |
| 146 ft | +11 ft | 22 mph | |
| 148 ft | +13 ft | 24 mph | |
| 152 ft | +17 ft | 27 mph | |
| 159 ft | +24 ft | 31 mph | |
| 196 ft | +61 ft | 45 mph | |
| 271 ft | +136 ft | 57 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 101.2% (136 ft ≈ 9.2 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Landsail LS588 UHP would still be travelling at 57 mph when the Bridgestone Potenza Sport had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Claiming three wins from the four key tests, the Potenza Sport was both the fastest and best handling tire on test, with direct steering and first class balance. The Vredestein Ultrac Vorti R and Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport were also reported to be excellent handling tires in the wet.
Wet Handling
Wet Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 53.1 mph | Best | |
| 51.3 mph | -1.8 mph | |
| 51.0 mph | -2.1 mph | |
| 51.0 mph | -2.1 mph | |
| 49.5 mph | -3.6 mph | |
| 48.7 mph | -4.4 mph | |
| 48.5 mph | -4.6 mph | |
| 43.2 mph | -9.9 mph | |
| 43.2 mph | -9.9 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 18.6% (9.9 mph).
The Goodyear won the aquaplaning test, with a small margin to the second placed Falken.
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in mph
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 46.8 mph | Best | |
| 46.7 mph | -0.1 mph | |
| 46.4 mph | -0.4 mph | |
| 46.4 mph | -0.4 mph | |
| 45.7 mph | -1.1 mph | |
| 45.2 mph | -1.6 mph | |
| 45.2 mph | -1.6 mph | |
| 43.9 mph | -2.9 mph | |
| 43.2 mph | -3.6 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 7.6% (3.6 mph).
Environment
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S was the quietest tire on test, matching the budget Landsail LS588.
Noise
External noise in dB
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 72 dB | Best | |
| 72 dB | Best | |
| 72.1 dB | +0.10 dB | |
| 72.2 dB | +0.20 dB | |
| 72.3 dB | +0.30 dB | |
| 72.9 dB | +0.90 dB | |
| 73.3 dB | +1.30 dB | |
| 73.6 dB | +1.60 dB | |
| 74.1 dB | +2.10 dB |
All the tires in the Noise test finished less than 3% apart.
The budge tire also had the lowest rolling resistance, a test the Goodyear and Vredestein struggled in.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.62 kg/t | Best | $0 | |
| 8.57 kg/t | +0.95 kg/t | $37 | |
| 8.88 kg/t | +1.26 kg/t | $49 | |
| 8.92 kg/t | +1.30 kg/t | $50 | |
| 9.11 kg/t | +1.49 kg/t | $57 | |
| 9.15 kg/t | +1.53 kg/t | $59 | |
| 9.19 kg/t | +1.57 kg/t | $61 | |
| 9.6 kg/t | +1.98 kg/t | $76 | |
| 9.86 kg/t | +2.24 kg/t | $86 |
The difference between best and worst was 29.4% (2.24 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Vredestein Ultrac Vorti R uses about 24 gal ($86) more fuel than the Landsail LS588 UHP.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
Michelin wasn't the only expensive tire on test, with the Goodyear matching its price for four. The new Bridgestone was also expensive, but a full 75 euros cheaper for a set of four.
Results
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
265/35 R20 99Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (7)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 1st / 9 | 115 ft | Best in this discipline |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 9 | 61.0 mph | -1.1 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 1st / 9 | 135 ft | Best in this discipline |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 9 | 53.1 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 3rd / 9 | 46.4 mph | -0.4 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 6th / 9 | 72.9 dB | +0.90 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 6th / 9 | 9.15 kg/t | +1.53 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/73
- Price
- 1055.00
Continental Sport Contact 6
265/35 R20 99Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (7)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 9 | 116 ft | +1 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 9 | 60.5 mph | -1.6 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 9 | 135 ft | 0 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 9 | 51.0 mph | -2.1 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 6th / 9 | 45.2 mph | -1.6 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 8th / 9 | 73.6 dB | +1.60 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 2nd / 9 | 8.57 kg/t | +0.95 kg/t |
- EU Label
- E/A/72
- Price
- 985.00
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
265/35 R20 99Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (7)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 9 | 116 ft | +1 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 9 | 62.1 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 9 | 142 ft | +7 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 9 | 49.5 mph | -3.6 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 7th / 9 | 45.2 mph | -1.6 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 1st / 9 | 72 dB | Best in this discipline |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 3rd / 9 | 8.88 kg/t | +1.26 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/71
- Price
- 1130.00
Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
265/35 R20 99Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (7)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 9 | 116 ft | +1 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 9 | 60.9 mph | -1.2 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 5th / 9 | 148 ft | +13 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 9 | 51.0 mph | -2.1 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 1st / 9 | 46.8 mph | Best in this discipline |
| NoiseLower is better | 7th / 9 | 73.3 dB | +1.30 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 8th / 9 | 9.6 kg/t | +1.98 kg/t |
- EU Label
- E/A/72
- Price
- 1130.00
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti R
265/35 R20 99Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (7)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 5th / 9 | 120 ft | +5 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 9 | 61.0 mph | -1.1 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 6th / 9 | 152 ft | +17 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 9 | 51.3 mph | -1.8 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 3rd / 9 | 46.4 mph | -0.4 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 4th / 9 | 72.2 dB | +0.20 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 9th / 9 | 9.86 kg/t | +2.24 kg/t |
- EU Label
- E/B/70
- Price
- 795.00
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
265/35 R20 99Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (7)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 6th / 9 | 121 ft | +6 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 9 | 60.3 mph | -1.8 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 4th / 9 | 146 ft | +11 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 9 | 48.7 mph | -4.4 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 5th / 9 | 45.7 mph | -1.1 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 9th / 9 | 74.1 dB | +2.10 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 5th / 9 | 9.11 kg/t | +1.49 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/73
- Price
- 790.00
Falken Azenis FK510
265/35 R20 99Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (7)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 7th / 9 | 126 ft | +11 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 9 | 59.3 mph | -2.8 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 7th / 9 | 159 ft | +24 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 9 | 48.5 mph | -4.6 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 2nd / 9 | 46.7 mph | -0.1 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 5th / 9 | 72.3 dB | +0.30 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 4th / 9 | 8.92 kg/t | +1.30 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/71
- Price
- 810.00
Landsail LS588 UHP
265/35 R20 99Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (7)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 8th / 9 | 129 ft | +14 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 8th / 9 | 57.8 mph | -4.3 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 9th / 9 | 271 ft | +136 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 8th / 9 | 43.2 mph | -9.9 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 9th / 9 | 43.2 mph | -3.6 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 1st / 9 | 72 dB | Best in this discipline |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 1st / 9 | 7.62 kg/t | Best in this discipline |
- EU Label
- C/B/70
- Price
- 500.00
Berlin Tires Summer UHP 1
265/35 R20 99Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (7)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 9th / 9 | 130 ft | +15 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 9th / 9 | 56.9 mph | -5.2 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 8th / 9 | 196 ft | +61 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 8th / 9 | 43.2 mph | -9.9 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 8th / 9 | 43.9 mph | -2.9 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 3rd / 9 | 72.1 dB | +0.10 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 7th / 9 | 9.19 kg/t | +1.57 kg/t |
- EU Label
- B/C/73
- Price
- 530.00
Hi
I have always mounted Bridgestone Potenza S001 on my Alfa Romeo Giulietta because of their rigidy of the structure of the tire than can counterbalance the rolling behavior of my car; so is this new Potenza sport still rigid in confront to the old S001?
Thanks.
Yes it is
So they will be my next tires :)
Can you include a Pirelli option?
This wasn't my test, I always try to include pirelli
Hi,
I will be buying new summer tires for next year spring because my all season tires are almost finished also I already have dedicated wheels for winter. Since my car has staggered wheel setup (18 inch AMG) there will be a bit of issue to find exact size that my car needs in my country (Finland). This Bridgestone tires looks enticing for me to try if the price is around the same with Continental Premium Contact 6.
Is there anyone who already tried both tires (Potenza Sport and Premium Contact 6) ? Can someone share their experience please ?
I'm not an aggressive driver (quick acceleration and late braking) type but here in Finland the street is mostly empty so sometimes we can drive quite fast (not that fast to lose your license though).
I have, the video will be out in around a week :)
Hello TireReviews, I checked all of available tests, but don't see any concrete review for the most comfort and quite tires. I'm driving now with 275/35/20 and 245/40/20 Pirello PZero RF and I'm very dissapointed with comfort and noise driving. I'm driving mostly on country roads and highways in a very easy way (60-70kkm per year) occasional sporty driving. I decided to go with new PS4S and have some concerns if this is a right choice if I'm not a Max Verstappen and mostly enjoy the easy and peacefull driving. Have you any suggestions ?
I think you'll be happy with your choice. Moving away from runflats to normal tires will bring a huge improvement in comfort. Let me know how you find them :)
More comfortable and still allowing occasional sporty driving should be Conti PC6.
Finally a UUHP tire very close to my size. (I'm using 205/40/R17 and the BPS is available at 215/40/R17). Prices are reasonable too. I currently run PS4s (non-s version) and I'm somewhat disappointed with them regarding sidewall stiffness.
If you make the swap please report back! Sadly I can't test every size of a tire, so it's really good to hear real world experiences, especially from people with a similar view of the PS4 to me :) If you don't go Bridgestone, go PC6 for some added stiffness!
I also agree about the PS4, great tire but very dull. My work car will be getting PC6 when it's due some tires, but I've actually ordered a set of Potenza Sport's for the front of my soon to be 360hp Leon Cupra.
I've been waiting for so long for Bridgestone to bring a new competitive UHP tire and what a tire they have made! Two tests so far and two great results. Going toe to toe and also beating PS4S in areas is great, the only question mark now is how long they will last. We shall see, and I'll be sure to leave a review after a few thousand miles of driving.
I'm excited about the potential for a new track focused road tire under the Potenza Sport branding, initially from the collaboration with Lamborghini and their new STO. Hopefully they offer them in a board range of sizes and also bring the fight to Michelin in this segment as well.
Exciting, let me know how you find them as soon as they're on! The size range is vast, you can see it here: https://www.tyrereviews.com...
I can't wait to test them in 18"
I always had my cars on UUHP tires from Michelin, GY, Conti and Bridgestone over past 20+ years. This year I opted for Potenza Sport and I really love them. I can see that I made the right choice - the grip is simply relentless and fantastic feedback from the tires. Mine are 235/35 R20
Igor, we currently don't have any reviews of the Potenza Sport - https://www.tyrereviews.com... it would be really great if you could leave one, you're the first person I know to have run them in the real world! 😁
OK will do and here they are "live" :)
https://www.facebook.com/gr...
https://www.facebook.com/gr...
Good read! Mind putting them on this site too? Here's the direct link!
https://www.tyrereviews.com...
NIce to see Bridgestone Potenza Sport doing so well.
I am due to buy new summer tires next spring 2022 and I am looking into Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
As I am buying in 225/45 R 17 dimensions than I guess Bridgestone advantage should be even bigger as this tire does exist in this dimensions while Michelin/GoodYear/Continental in such dimensions only have "lower" models (PS4 instead PS4S, PC6 instead SC6, F1 Asym5 instead od F1 SuperSport).
I'm testing it against those in my UHP test this year (18")
Looking forward to see it, specially video :)
I'm looking forward to doing it! IT was meant to be next week but delayed due to obvious reasons :(
Theoretically if it's as good as PS4S, F1SS and SC6, it should be winning easily against PS4, Asym 5 and PC6. Isn't it. (At least dry performance wise)
Yes and no. I understand your theory, however there's always the chance that Bridgestone have made the smaller sizes a different construction to the bigger, like the PS4 / PS4S, but just kept the same name for halo effect.
Fortunately I will be testing it against the PS4, PS4S, F1 A5 and F1 SuperSport + others 😁😁
That's true too. That's why I normally only read tests that use my size or at least the same total wheel size. (I have 225/45R17 so 225/40R18 tests are fine for me too) I so realize some tires work better in certain sizes, or car weight. So yeah I would have to wait for a test in one of these 2 sizes if I want a more accurate comparison for me.
All things going well my test / video should be up first week of May :)
I fully agree . I think sidewall height matters as well. I have on my car 225 45 R17 Asymmetric 5 which has sidewall made from 1 layer of polyester whereas same Asymmetric 5 225 40R18 ( and guess lower profiles) has double layer of polyester which may indicate better steering feel/performance .
From my experience It looks like 17inch tires don't offer much steering feel.
Looking forward to see the test you mentioned since it includes both latest UUHP and UHP tires.
Potenza S007A (Asian & NA market, made in Japan) has excellent steering feel in 17", hopefully the Potenza Sport (EU market, made in EU) is just as good!
It's very possible 19 inch and up are made with different compound, just like Pirelli did with P Zero.
Exactly! There is almost no competitor in 225 45 R17.