Bridgestone vs Hankook: In the tire industry’s competitive landscape, Bridgestone and Hankook stand out for their significant market presence, as evidenced by the 2023 worldwide sales rankings. Bridgestone closely trails Michelin, securing the second spot with a revenue of €27 billion, showcasing its strong position and technological leadership in the tire sector. Hankook, on the other hand, ranks seventh with a revenue of €6.2 billion, reflecting its status as a key player with competitive offerings in the market.
This comparison underscores Bridgestone’s prominent role as a leading tire manufacturer, known for its innovative products and press test victories. Despite not matching Bridgestone’s scale, Hankook has been progressively advancing in the industry, recognized for its value-driven and quality products. The analysis aims to provide a detailed product-by-product comparison within the same segments, highlighting how Bridgestone and Hankook measure up against each other in terms of sales and technological advancements.
Table of Contents
Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP)
The comparison between Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 tires highlights several important considerations for buyers. Both tires perform similarly in noise reduction, with the Ventus S1 evo 3 being slightly quieter. The Ventus S1 evo 3 also has a bit more rolling resistance, which could slightly affect fuel efficiency, though the difference is minor.
The Bridgestone tire offers good resistance to wear despite a shorter expected life due to less tread depth. Meanwhile, the Hankook tire, with more tread depth, is likely to last longer but shows a bit more wear over time. The Hankook tire is also pricier, partly because it’s used as original equipment on some vehicles and is designed for electric vehicles.
- Ventus S1 evo 3
- Launch: 2019
- Press test wins: 0/24
- Strength: Rolling resistance & wear
- Potenza Sport
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 2/12
- Strength: Wet & dry handling, abrasion
Ultra High Performance (UHP)
I’ve compared the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 tires, focusing on their key features. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 is better for those looking for longer tire life and fuel efficiency, thanks to its durability and lower rolling resistance. Meanwhile, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 is ideal for drivers who prioritize performance in wet and dry conditions, offering better handling and braking, plus it’s quieter. Choosing between them depends on what you value more: durability and efficiency, or performance and comfort.
- Turanza 6
- Launch: 2023
- Press test wins: 0/3
- Strength: Wear & rolling resistance
- Ventus S1 evo 3
- Launch: 2019
- Press test wins: 0/24
- Strength: Wet & dry braking
Touring
The comparison between the Bridgestone Turanza 6 and the Hankook Ventus Prime 4 tires shows that each has its own advantages. The Ventus Prime 4 performs a bit better in dry braking, whereas the Turanza 6 is superior in wet handling. Both tires excel in their areas of strength, providing impressive braking and handling in both wet and dry conditions.
- Turanza 6
- Launch: 2023
- Press test wins: 0/3
- Strength: Aquaplaning
- Ventus Prime 4
- Launch: 2022
- Press test wins: 0/6
- Strength: Dry braking
All Season (Europe)
After a detailed comparison, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 stands out as the better tire over the Hankook Kinergy 4S2, excelling in wet, dry, and snowy conditions. It also has lower rolling resistance and uses less fuel, highlighting its efficiency and environmental friendliness. The Turanza All Season 6 provides increased safety and shows Bridgestone’s innovative approach.
However, the Turanza All Season 6 does have a shorter lifespan than the Kinergy 4S2, which might impact its long-term value and cost-effectiveness. The Kinergy 4S2 wears down less quickly, suggesting it could be a more economical choice over time due to its potential for longer use.
- Turanza All Season 6
- Launch: 2023
- Press test wins: 1/4
- Strength: Very good overall package (minus wear)
- Kinergy 4S2
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 2/6
- Strength: Strong wear
Winter (Middle Europe)
The competition between the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 for European winter tire supremacy is tight. The Blizzak LM005 excels in wet braking and handling, while the icept RS3 performs better in snow traction and handling. In dry conditions, the i*cept RS3 has the upper hand in braking, but the Blizzak LM005 leads in handling. The Blizzak LM005 also has a slight edge in rolling resistance, indicating better fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. Both tires are comparable in longevity and noise comfort, with the Blizzak LM005 slightly quieter. Despite their differences, each tire offers reliable performance for winter driving in Europe.
- Winter i*cept RS3
- Launch: 2021
- Press test wins: 0/9
- Strength: Strong in snow handling.
- Blizzak LM005
- Launch: 2019
- Press test wins: 12/30
- Strength: Snow braking, wet & RR
Winter UHP (Middle Europe)
The comparison between the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 shows both tires have their advantages. The Bridgestone stands out in wet and dry conditions with shorter stopping distances and better handling, offering safety and a more comfortable, quieter ride. In contrast, the Hankook excels in durability and fuel efficiency due to its superior wear performance and lower rolling resistance. It’s also more affordable, which could sway many buyers.
- Blizzak LM005
- Launch: 2019
- Press test wins: 12/30
- Strength: Wet
- i cept evo3
- Launch: 2020
- Press test wins: 1/13
- Strength: Snow traction & wear
Summary
Bridgestone and Hankook are leading tire brands with distinct standings in the global market, with Bridgestone ranking second with significant revenue and Hankook in seventh place. Despite Bridgestone’s dominance and technological leadership, Hankook has been competitive with its offerings.
In various tire comparisons:
- Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP): The Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 show similar noise levels, but the Bridgestone offers better wear resistance, while the Hankook is noted for its rolling resistance and wear, making it suitable for electric vehicles.
- Ultra High Performance (UHP): The Bridgestone Turanza 6 is ideal for those seeking durability and fuel efficiency, while the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 excels in wet and dry braking.
- Touring: The Bridgestone Turanza 6 and Hankook Ventus Prime 4 each have their strengths, with the Bridgestone performing better in wet handling and the Hankook in dry braking.
- All Season (Europe): The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 outperforms the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 in various conditions but has a shorter lifespan, making the Hankook a more economical choice over time.
- Winter (Middle Europe): The competition between the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is close, with each tire excelling in different conditions.
- Winter UHP (Middle Europe): The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 stands out in wet and dry conditions, while the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 offers durability and fuel efficiency.
Both Bridgestone and Hankook excel in producing high-quality tires, with the choice between them depending on the specific needs and tire type.