Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport: Ladies and Gentlemen, we bring you an exhilarating head-to-head battle of rubber and road. In this corner, we have the thrilling innovation of the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, released in 2019, which set the bar high with its premium performance, advanced material technology, and sophisticated design, earning accolades for its high-speed stability, superior traction, and durability.
And in the other corner, meet the latest and greatest from the renowned Bridgestone – the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, launched to acclaim in 2021, stepping up to replace the renowned Potenza S001 model. This tire raised the stakes in the high-end sports performance category, boasting unrivaled dry and wet performance, innovative technologies, and a pledge to meet and exceed the demands of the modern-day driver.
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, has been a steady champion in the high-performance tire sector. Featuring a bionic-oriented pattern design, a high grip silica compound, and an intercooling system, it is engineered to offer the utmost grip and safety. A global pioneer, it has ensured a satisfying driving experience for sports car enthusiasts around the world. Conversely, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport took the tire world by storm, thanks to its superior tread pattern design, innovative 3D sipes, optimized compound formula, and new hybrid crown reinforcement. Tested and approved by TÜV SÜD, it showed its mettle by outperforming rival premium-class models in terms of dry braking distance, cornering stability, and road holding ability. Furthermore, the Potenza Sport is proud to sport a coveted EU label A-grade in wet grip across its entire line-up.
The Ventus S1 evo 3, has been a favorite in the field for its cutting-edge technology that ensures maximum road contact, high-speed stability, and wet and dry traction. It also offers efficient fuel consumption, making it a wise choice for environmental and budget-conscious drivers. The Potenza Sport, on the other hand, doesn’t hold back. It also boasts a sporty carcass package to ensure stability and responsive steering. In addition, it utilizes Bridgestone’s innovative virtual tire development technology which offers environmental benefits by saving resources and expediting the time to market.
So, who will reign supreme in this clash of titans? Will the innovative dynamism of the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 continue to hold sway? Or will the newly launched Bridgestone Potenza Sport take the crown with its unrivaled mix of sporty performance and high-speed stability? The stage is set. The tires are ready. Now, let the battle begin!
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from the 2023 Tyre Reviews Performance Tyre Test which includes 6 top tires in the market. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective 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 for the test is a 225/40 R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 Sedan & Mercedes-Benz Slc 200. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information.
Dry
When it comes to dry performance, both the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport have their respective merits. Looking at Dry Braking, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 registers a braking distance of 33.4 meters, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport slightly edges out with a distance of 33.2 meters. Although the difference might seem negligible, in high-speed scenarios, even a few centimeters can be the deciding factor between safety and potential danger. Thus, in this category, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport takes a slight lead.
In terms of Dry Handling, measured by the time taken to complete a specified track, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport outperforms the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3. The Potenza Sport completes the track in 73.71 seconds, whereas the Ventus S1 evo 3 takes a slightly longer time of 74.98 seconds. This suggests the Potenza Sport provides slightly better control and maneuverability in dry conditions. Lastly, subjective Dry Handling, which is scored by drivers based on their personal experience, shows that both tires scored 9.2 Points. This indicates that both tires offer a similar level of satisfaction to drivers in terms of control, grip, and overall performance in dry conditions.
Dry Summary
Summarizing, in terms of dry performance, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport shows a slight advantage in dry braking and handling, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 matches its subjective dry handling experience. This comparison underscores the importance of considering multiple factors when choosing the right tire, as performance can vary based on specific conditions and driver preference.
Potenza Sport:
- +0.6% in dry braking
- +1.7% in dry handling (lap times)
- 0% in dry handling (subjective)
Wet
Let’s take a look at the wet performance comparison between the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport. Starting with Wet Braking, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 registers a distance of 28.9 meters, whereas the Bridgestone Potenza Sport slightly outperforms it with a braking distance of 28.3 meters. It’s worth noting that in challenging weather conditions, every meter saved in braking distance can significantly enhance safety.
Next, focusing on Wet Handling, we look at the time taken to complete a specific track in wet conditions. The Bridgestone Potenza Sport shows an advantage here, completing the course in 91.2 seconds compared to the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3’s time of 93.25 seconds. This result suggests the Potenza Sport offers superior control and handling in wet conditions. In the context of Subjective Wet Handling, both tires received a score of 9.5 points. This suggests that drivers felt that both tires offer similar performance levels in wet conditions in terms of grip, control, and overall satisfaction.
Moving on to Straight Aquaplaning, where the tires are assessed based on the speed they can maintain in straight-line wet conditions before losing traction, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport registers a speed of 78.3 Km/H, while the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 falls slightly short at 76.8 Km/H. The higher the speed, the better the tire resists aquaplaning with a higher slip speed, so the Potenza Sport takes the lead in this category. Finally, looking at Curved Aquaplaning, the Potenza Sport again proves to be superior, with a rating of 5.7 m/sec² compared to the Ventus S1 evo 3’s 5.21 m/sec². This measurement shows the tire’s ability to resist aquaplaning in curved or turning conditions, with a higher value indicating better performance.
Wet Summary
In conclusion, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport slightly outperforms the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 in wet conditions, showing better braking, handling, and aquaplaning resistance. However, drivers found the wet handling of both tires to be quite similar, showing that both tires deliver a satisfactory performance in challenging wet conditions.
Potenza Sport:
- +2.1% in wet braking
- -6.4% in wet braking (cool)
- +2.2% in wet handling (lap speed)
- 0% in wet handling (subjective)
- +2% in straight aquaplaning
- +9.4% in curved aquaplaning
Noise & Comfort
In terms of noise performance, let’s compare the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport based on the parameters Subjective Comfort and Noise. Starting with Subjective Comfort, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 scores 9.8 points, which is quite high and suggests a comfortable ride. On the other hand, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport scores slightly lower at 9.5 points, suggesting that it might offer a slightly less comfortable ride compared to the Hankook tire. However, both scores are high and indicate that both tires should provide a comfortable ride for most drivers.
Looking at Noise levels, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport registers a level of 72.2 decibels (dB), while the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 records slightly lower noise at 72 dB. The lower the noise level, the quieter the ride, so the Hankook tire might provide a slightly quieter experience.
In summary, while both tires appear to offer high levels of comfort and relatively low noise, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 slightly outperforms the Bridgestone Potenza Sport in both categories, implying that it could provide a slightly more comfortable and quieter ride. However, the differences are minor and might not be noticeable in everyday driving situations.
Potenza Sport:
- -0.3% in exterior noise (+0.2 dB)
- -1.5% in comfort (subjective)
Rolling Resistance
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 has a rolling resistance of 8.6 N/kN, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport has a higher rolling resistance of 10.3 N/kN. Lower rolling resistance values indicate that the tire rolls more easily. This means that the vehicle’s engine doesn’t need to work as hard to move the vehicle, leading to lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions.
Therefore, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, with its lower rolling resistance, should offer better fuel efficiency and be more environmentally friendly by reducing carbon emissions when compared to the Bridgestone Potenza Sport. However, keep in mind that many factors, including driving style and conditions, can also significantly impact fuel efficiency and emissions.
Potenza Sport:
- -16.5% in rolling resistance
Wear
Potenza Sport:
- -11.9% in mileage
- +34% in abrasion
When it comes to wear and abrasion performance between the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, here are the notable differences:
- Wear: This is generally indicated by the expected mileage of the tire. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 shows an expected mileage of 23,231 Km, which is significantly higher than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport’s expected mileage of 20,459 Km. This means the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 is likely to last longer before requiring replacement.
- Abrasion: The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 shows an abrasion value of 97 mg/km/t, which is higher than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport’s value of 72.3 mg/km/t. Lower values indicate better resistance to abrasion, so in this case, the Bridgestone tire performs better.
One reason for the discrepancy between the wear and abrasion results might be the difference in tread depth. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 has a higher tread depth (6.7mm) compared to the Bridgestone Potenza Sport (5.8mm), which generally leads to better wear performance but could contribute to higher abrasion as the deeper treads provide more material to wear away.
Price
When it comes to pricing, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 is noticeably more expensive at $267 compared to the Bridgestone Potenza Sport which is priced at $197. This is a significant difference in cost. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3’s higher price could be attributed to its designation as an OE (Original Equipment) tire for the Star MINI, meaning it is specifically designed for this vehicle by the manufacturer. Additionally, the tire is tuned for electric vehicles, which often require specific characteristics to ensure optimum performance and energy efficiency, such as lower rolling resistance. These additional factors could contribute to the higher price tag.
While the price difference may initially seem substantial, it’s important to consider the long-term costs, such as the potential for longer tire life (wear) and better fuel or energy efficiency. A tire’s performance characteristics, expected longevity, and energy efficiency can often provide greater value over time despite a higher initial price.
Tire size: 205/45R17
Potenza Sport: $197
Ventus S1 evo 3: $267
Difference: -36% more cheaper for Potenza Sport.
Summary
In conclusion, the comparison between the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 tires showcases a multitude of factors that potential buyers should take into consideration. In terms of noise performance, both tires have very close measurements, with the Ventus S1 evo 3 being slightly quieter. As for rolling resistance, the Ventus S1 evo 3 has a slightly higher resistance, which may impact fuel or energy efficiency, although the difference is quite minimal.
When examining wear and abrasion, the Bridgestone tire shows good abrasion resistance despite its lower expected mileage, which is attributed to its lower tread depth. On the other hand, the Ventus S1 evo 3, with a higher tread depth, is expected to have a longer lifespan but has a slightly higher abrasion rate. Price-wise, the Ventus S1 evo 3 is significantly more expensive. This higher price can be justified by its status as an Original Equipment tire for the Star MINI and its special tuning for electric vehicles.
Ultimately, the choice between these two tires comes down to individual priorities and specific use cases. The Ventus S1 evo 3 might be the preferred choice for drivers seeking longer tire life and specific requirements of electric vehicles, despite its higher price point. The Bridgestone Potenza Sport, on the other hand, could appeal to those seeking a more cost-effective option with good abrasion resistance and lower rolling resistance for better fuel or energy efficiency. As always, understanding one’s driving habits, vehicle requirements, and budget is critical when selecting the right tire.