Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3: In the realm of winter driving, the clash between Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and Hankook Winter i cept evo3 epitomizes the pinnacle of ultra-high performance in icy conditions. These two titans of the tire world are set to go head-to-head, offering drivers unparalleled grip, control, and safety on the treacherous winter roads.
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, renowned for its exceptional handling and braking on snow and ice, faces off against the Hankook Winter i cept evo3, celebrated for its innovative design and superior performance in harsh winter environments. This duel is not just about which tire can conquer the cold – it’s a battle for the crown of winter driving supremacy. Gear up for an epic showdown that promises to redefine the standards of winter traction and performance.
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Results: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3
Results below were taken from Tyre Review’s 2023/24 Tyre Reviews UHP Winter Tyre Test. A total of 6 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Hankook Winter i cept evo3 based on the relevant performance category. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for handling & subjective noise evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.The tire size of interest is a 255/40 R19 which is a common tire size for Audi A7 & BMW M6. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Ford Mustang.
Snow
When it comes to snow performance, which ranks at the top of the requirement list for the winter ultra-high performance segment, both the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 showcase exceptional capabilities, though with some nuanced differences. In terms of snow braking, both tires stand equal, bringing a vehicle from 40 to 0 km/h in a dead heat of 16.11 meters under average temperatures of -8.5°C. This parity highlights their ability to offer reliable stopping power on snow-covered roads.
However, when we shift our focus to snow traction, a slight edge emerges in favor of the Hankook Winter i cept evo3, which achieves the 0 to 20 km/h acceleration in 7.94 seconds, outpacing the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 by a margin of 0.4 seconds under the same average temperature conditions. This indicates a marginally better grip and quicker response from the Hankook tires in initiating movement on snow.
Snow handling times, measuring the agility and responsiveness of the tires around a snow-covered circuit, show an extremely close competition. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 completes the course in 80.32 seconds, just fractionally ahead of the Hankook Winter i cept evo3, which finishes in 80.48 seconds at an average temperature of -4°C. This suggests that both tires offer nearly identical handling capabilities on snow, with Bridgestone having a slight advantage.
Subjective snow handling scores, which reflect the perceived handling quality by testers, award the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 with 9.5 out of 10 points, slightly surpassing the Hankook Winter i cept evo3’s score of 9.2. This indicates a marginally higher satisfaction with Bridgestone’s performance in terms of control and confidence on snowy tracks.
In summary, while the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and Hankook Winter i cept evo3 are closely matched in snow braking and handling, the Hankook tires offer superior snow traction, while Bridgestone gains a slight edge in subjective handling impressions. This intricate balance showcases the fierce competition and high standards in the winter ultra-high performance tire segment, emphasizing the importance of snow performance alongside wet performance.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- ~0% in snow braking
- +5% in snow traction
- ~0% in snow handling (lap time)
- -2% in snow handling (subj)
Wet
In the wet performance arena, essential for assessing winter ultra-high performance tires, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and Hankook Winter i cept evo3 demonstrate distinct capabilities, with Bridgestone showing a clear advantage across various tests.
Starting with wet braking, a critical safety measure, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 exhibits superior stopping power, requiring only 27.6 meters to halt from 80 to 0 km/h at an average temperature of 19.5°C. This performance starkly contrasts with the Hankook Winter i cept evo3, which takes 31.6 meters under the same conditions, marking a significant 4 meters difference in favor of Bridgestone. This shorter stopping distance can be crucial in preventing accidents on wet roads.
Moving on to wet handling, which tests the tire’s ability to navigate through wet road conditions at speed, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 again leads with a lap time of 84.77 seconds, compared to the Hankook Winter i cept evo3’s time of 87.85 seconds. This nearly 3-second difference highlights Bridgestone’s superior grip and agility on wet surfaces, allowing for more confident and controlled driving.
Subjective wet handling scores, reflecting testers’ perceptions of control and confidence while maneuvering on wet roads, further emphasize Bridgestone’s dominance. The Blizzak LM005 is rated at 9.5 out of 10 points, outperforming the Hankook Winter i cept evo3, which scores 9 points. This indicates a higher level of satisfaction with the Bridgestone tire’s wet road performance among drivers.
Lastly, in the straight aquaplaning test, which measures the tire’s ability to maintain traction and control at high speeds in wet conditions, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 maintains a slipping speed of 100.1 Km/H, significantly higher than the Hankook Winter i cept evo3’s 92.6 Km/H. This difference underscores Bridgestone’s enhanced ability to prevent aquaplaning, ensuring greater safety and stability during heavy rain or on puddle-strewn roads.
In conclusion, across all measures of wet performance, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 consistently outperforms the Hankook Winter i cept evo3, offering shorter stopping distances, faster handling times, higher subjective handling satisfaction, and better aquaplaning resistance. These advantages solidify its position as a leader in wet conditions within the winter ultra-high performance tire segment.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- -13% in wet braking
- -4% in wet handling (lap time)
- -3% in wet handling (subj)
- -7% in straight aquaplaning
Wear
When examining the wear performance of the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and Hankook Winter i cept evo3, the difference is astonishingly significant. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 shows a lifespan of 17,420 kilometers, which, while respectable, pales in comparison to the Hankook Winter i cept evo3, which can endure up to 25,480 kilometers. This remarkable discrepancy of 8,060 kilometers underscores a substantial advantage for the Hankook tire in terms of durability and longevity.
Such a vast gap in wear performance indicates that users of the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 can expect a much longer service life from their tires, translating into fewer replacements over time and potentially significant savings in long-term tire maintenance costs. This difference is not just a matter of incremental improvement but a huge leap forward, showcasing the Hankook tire’s superior ability to withstand the rigors of road wear. For drivers prioritizing tire lifespan and overall value, this distinction in wear performance between the two tires is a critical factor to consider.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- +46% in mileage
Dry
In dry conditions, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 slightly outperforms the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 across various tests. For dry braking, the Bridgestone stops from 100 to 0 km/h in 41.7 meters, compared to the Hankook’s 42.9 meters, marking a 1.2 meter shorter stopping distance for the Bridgestone.
In dry handling, the Bridgestone completes a lap time in 53.09 seconds, just ahead of the Hankook’s 53.18 seconds, revealing a marginal but notable advantage in agility and speed. Subjectively, the Bridgestone is also favored with a dry handling score of 9.8 out of 10, versus the Hankook’s 9.5, indicating a slight edge in driver confidence and control under dry conditions.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- -3% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (lap time)
- -2% in dry handling (subj)
Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH)
In terms of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 demonstrates a slight advantage over the Hankook Winter i cept evo3. Subjective comfort, which evaluates the overall ride quality experienced by drivers, scores higher for the Bridgestone at 9.75 out of 10 compared to the Hankook’s 9.25. This difference suggests that the Bridgestone tire offers a smoother and more comfortable driving experience.
Noise levels further emphasize this distinction, with the Bridgestone producing less sound at 73.1 dB, in contrast to the Hankook’s 75.1 dB. This 2 dB difference in noise levels indicates that the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is quieter, contributing to a more pleasant and less intrusive ride.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- -3% in subj. comfort.
- -3% in exterior noise (-2 dB)
Rolling Resistance
When it comes to rolling resistance, a critical factor for fuel efficiency and environmental impact, the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 outperforms the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005. The Hankook tire exhibits a lower rolling resistance of 7.84 N/kN compared to the Bridgestone’s 8.58 N/kN. This difference indicates that the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 requires less energy to maintain motion, potentially leading to slightly better fuel economy and a reduced carbon footprint for vehicles equipped with these tires. The lower the rolling resistance, the more efficient the tire is, making the Hankook a more energy-efficient choice in this comparison.
Winter i cept evo3 :
- +9% in Rolling Resistance.
Price
The Hankook Winter i cept evo3, priced at $203, is significantly more affordable than the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, which costs $291 for the tire size 255/40 R19. This price difference makes the Hankook tire about 43% cheaper than the Bridgestone, offering a considerable cost advantage for those seeking value in their winter tire purchase.
Tire size: 255/40 R19
- Blizzak LM005 : $291
- Winter i cept evo3 : $203
Difference: -43% more cheaper for Winter i cept evo3
Summary
As a tire expert, my analysis of the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and Hankook Winter i cept evo3 reveals strengths in both models, making it clear that there’s no outright winner in this duel. The Bridgestone excels in wet and dry performance, offering shorter stopping distances and better handling, which is crucial for safety and control in adverse conditions. It also provides a slightly more comfortable ride with lower noise levels, enhancing the driving experience.
On the other hand, the Hankook shines with its superior wear performance and lower rolling resistance, indicating longer life and better fuel efficiency, respectively. It also stands out for its affordability, being significantly cheaper than the Bridgestone, which can be a decisive factor for many consumers.
Both tires demonstrate remarkable capabilities in their respective areas of strength, catering to different priorities of drivers. Whether one values performance and comfort over cost and longevity, or vice versa, will determine their preference. In this tight contest between the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and the Hankook Winter i cept evo3, choosing the “best” tire comes down to individual needs and what aspects of tire performance are most important to the driver. Thus, in this duel, both contenders have their victories, making the choice highly personal rather than absolute.
Dr Edwin Pang