Bridgestone Potenza Race vs Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS: When it comes to Ultra Ultra-High Performance (UUHP) summer tires, Bridgestone has you spoiled for choice. Their UUHP line-up starts from the Potenza Sport, moving up to the Potenza Race, and then the Potenza RE-71RS. While each tire in the trifecta has its own unique selling points, the real clash of titans occurs between the Potenza Race and the Potenza RE-71RS. Both tires offer overlapping sizes, making your selection process not just a matter of specifications but also of real-world performance needs.
It’s a battle that leaves even seasoned drivers scratching their heads—should you go for the raw, track-ready grip of the Potenza RE-71RS or opt for the more balanced, street-friendly yet still supremely agile Potenza Race ? It’s a high-stakes duel between two of Bridgestone’s best, each vying for your car’s affection in a bid to deliver unparalleled driving performance. Buckle up, because choosing between these two UUHP giants is no small feat. But don’t worry, we’re here to break down the nuances and guide you through this adrenaline-pumping showdown. Stay tuned!
Table of Contents
Results: Bridgestone Potenza Race vs Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS
Results below were taken from Tyre Review’s Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Potenza Race vs RE-71RS Test. A total of 3 tires were tested in this test. The graph below shows the comparison between Bridgestone Potenza Race vs Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS based on the relevant performance category. The Potenza Race was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Both tires are primarily designed for ultra dry performance usage, so the testing focuses exclusively on dry handling, which is a crucial aspect for these types of tires.
The tire size of interest is a 235/40R18 which is a common tire size for Ford Focus & Honda Civic. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a powerful Honda Civic SI.
Tread Depth: Bridgestone Potenza Race vs Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS
When diving into the specifics of these Bridgestone titans, the tread depth across different positions—inside, center, and outside—tells a fascinating story. Both the Potenza Race and the Potenza RE-71RS boast wide outer shoulders, a feature designed to maximize the steering response during cornering. This ensures enhanced grip and stability, allowing for aggressive driving maneuvers without losing control. The broad shoulders are a nod to the race-inspired origins of these tire models.
Tread Depth Comparison
Here are the tread depths in millimeters for each tire at various positions:
Interestingly, while the Potenza RE-71RS generally has a deeper tread in both the inside and center compared to the Potenza Race, it’s the outer tread that bucks the trend. The Potenza RE-71RS’s tread depth drops down to 4.92 mm at the shoulder, which is the lowest among all positions on this tire.
The RE-71RS Tread Depth Anomaly
The Potenza RE-71RS’s shallower tread depth at the outer shoulders, despite a generally deeper tread elsewhere, isn’t an oversight but a strategic move. This design helps to achieve a stiffer shoulder blocks for better handling performance during cornering. It’s an interesting balancing act, allowing the RE-71RS to provide a sort of ‘best of both worlds’ scenario: deep treads for longer wear and wet performance, coupled with shallower treads at the shoulders for immediate, sticky grip right when you need it the most.
In contrast, the Potenza Race maintains a more consistent tread depth from inside to outside, indicative of its focused, no-compromise approach aimed at optimal track performance.
In summary, the tread depth variations in both these tire models offer insights into their intended use-cases, and the wide outer shoulders on both signify their unyielding commitment to cornering grip and stability. Choosing between the two boils down to whether you’re aiming for the nuanced balance of street and track performance or are solely targeting those lap times. Either way, these tires promise to deliver an exhilarating experience behind the wheel.
Dry
When it comes to dry performance, one of the most critical factors for many drivers is lap time—how quickly can the tire get you around a track? Both the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Potenza RE-71RS have impressive reputations for delivering top-notch dry performance, but the lap times tell a compelling tale.
Lap Time Comparison
- Bridgestone Potenza Race: 114.3 seconds
- Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS: 112.5 seconds
At first glance, the Potenza RE-71RS appears to have the upper hand, clocking in a faster lap time of 112.5 seconds compared to the Potenza Race’s 114.3 seconds. This suggests that the RE-71RS is more agile and perhaps offers better grip or steering response in dry conditions when the stakes are high.
Dry Performance Insights
However, it’s crucial to recognize that while lap time is a strong indicator, it isn’t the only measure of a tire’s dry performance. Lap times can be affected by a variety of factors, including driver skill, car setup, and even atmospheric conditions. Yet, the numbers are hard to ignore and should certainly influence the buying decision for those for whom every split-second counts.
Here are highlights from the driver’s subjective feedback on dry handling:
Potenza Race:
The Potenza Race tire came to life in a way that I can only describe as exhilarating. It felt as if the tire could read my mind, responding to turns almost telepathically. The grip was so intense it almost felt too aggressive for the car’s chassis; it dug into the asphalt and darted with astounding precision.
From a noise, vibration, and harshness perspective, the Potenza Race didn’t seem noticeably different from the Potenza Sport. In fact, according to EU decibel readings, it’s even a tad quieter. Comfort-wise, the differences were marginal, perhaps with a slight edge in stiffness over bumps for the Race variant.
In summary, the Bridgestone Potenza Race felt like a mature, high-performance tire that seemed exceptionally well-suited for those who are after more than just a casual driving experience. If you’re someone who loves to push the envelope when it comes to road performance, this tire could be your new best friend.
Test driver feedback on Potenza Race
Potenza RE-71RS:
My experience with the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS was an interesting one, especially considering my preconceived notions about it being an autocross-focused, 200-treadwear tire. Right off the bat, I must say it felt noticeably firmer and required a bit more steering force than the other two tires in the lineup. Initially, this led to a feeling of slight sluggishness while driving on the road.
Despite its track-oriented nature, the RE-71RS surprised me with its on-road performance. While it did show signs of tread pattern noise, it was rather subdued and far from the jarring wheel-bearing-like noise you’d often associate with this category of tire. It’s a low-pitched, pleasant sound that suggests Bridgestone put some thought into its road manners.
However, among the three Potenza variants, the RE-71RS fell short in terms of road comfort and quietness. It’s important to note that Bridgestone themselves don’t necessarily market this tire for regular road use, and in that context, its on-road capabilities felt above par for its category.
In summary, the Potenza RE-71RS, while a bit firmer and requiring more steering input, exceeded my expectations for road comfort within its track-focused category. However, when pitted against its siblings, it doesn’t fare as well for regular road driving—though that’s not necessarily what it’s designed for in the first place.
Test driver feedback on Potenza RE-71RS
Conclusion
If you’re aiming for the absolute best dry performance and lap times are your primary concern, the Potenza RE-71RS appears to be the frontrunner by a slim margin. However, the Potenza Race is by no means a slouch; it offers exceptional performance that would be more than adequate for most high-performance driving scenarios.
Both tires promise to deliver a thrilling dry grip experience, and choosing between the two may ultimately come down to your specific driving style, preferences, and whether those precious seconds on the track make all the difference for you.
Potenza RE-71RS:
- -2.1% in dry handling (lap time)
UTQG rating
When examining the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) values for the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Potenza RE-71RS, both tires have identical ratings across the board. They both come with a treadwear rating of 200, and have an ‘A’ rating for both traction and temperature.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone | Potenza Race | All | 200 | A | A |
| Bridgestone | Potenza RE-71RS | All | 200 | A | A |
It’s important to note that despite these seemingly promising UTQG values, neither tire comes with a treadwear warranty. This is common for tires intended for track use, as the high-stress conditions they are subjected to during racing or aggressive driving make it challenging to guarantee tread life.
Price
When it comes to pricing, there’s an intriguing discrepancy between the two tires in question. The Bridgestone Potenza Race is priced at $307 for a 235/40R18 size, while the Potenza RE-71RS comes in at $255 for the same size. This makes the RE-71RS about 20% cheaper than its Race counterpart.
Tire size: 235/40R18
- Potenza Race: $307
- Potenza RE-71RS: $255
Difference: +20% more cheaper for Potenza RE-71RS.
This price difference is somewhat puzzling, especially considering that both tires are aimed at the ultra-high-performance summer category and have identical UTQG ratings. One would perhaps expect them to be priced similarly given their similar performance characteristics and target audience.
The significant price gap raises questions about what exactly justifies the higher cost of the Potenza Race. Whether it’s differences in manufacturing processes, materials used, or some other factor, the discrepancy is certainly noteworthy and could influence buyers who are weighing the performance benefits against the cost.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Potenza RE-71RS is no easy feat. Both tires are high-performing options designed for the discerning driver who demands top-notch dry grip and handling. Our comparison touched upon various aspects—from tread depth design and UTQG ratings to lap times and subjective road experiences—revealing nuanced differences that make each tire unique in its own right.
However, it’s worth noting that the RE-71RS comes with a much faster dry handling lap time capability & also comes with a noticeably lower price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious enthusiasts. However, it’s crucial to highlight that our comparison focused exclusively on dry performance and track usage. We did not evaluate these tires under wet conditions, a factor that is particularly significant for those who plan to use these tires for daily driving as well as track days. Wet performance can be a game-changer in real-world conditions, and you should consider this aspect when making your final decision.
Dr. Edwin Pang
Ex R&D Tire Engineer
Whether you opt for the Bridgestone Potenza Race or the Potenza RE-71RS, you’re investing in a high-quality, ultra-high-performance summer tire. But as with any investment, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons, and consider all driving scenarios, to ensure you’re making the most informed choice.