Vredestein Wintrac Pro vs Bridgestone Blizzak LM005: In the realm of winter tires, a thrilling rivalry is unfolding between two formidable contenders: the Vredestein Wintrac Pro and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005. The Vredestein Wintrac Pro, hailing from a value-oriented segment, is making a striking impact with its blend of affordability and performance. This underdog is challenging the throne long held by the multi-level proven champion, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005.
The Blizzak LM005, a titan in the middle European winter tire segment, is renowned for its unparalleled performance in harsh winter conditions. This ongoing battle pits the budget-friendly agility of the Vredestein Wintrac Pro against the time-tested and widely acclaimed prowess of the Blizzak LM005. As the winter season approaches, the anticipation builds: which tire will emerge as the ultimate winter warrior?
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Results: Vredestein Wintrac Pro vs Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
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 Vredestein Wintrac Pro vs Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 based on the relevant performance category. The Wintrac Pro 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
In a comparison of snow performance between the Vredestein Wintrac Pro and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 tires, subtle but important differences emerge. When it comes to snow braking, the distance required to stop from 40 to 0 km/h is slightly shorter for the Blizzak LM005 at 16.11 meters, compared to the Wintrac Pro’s 16.43 meters. This suggests a marginally better performance by the Blizzak in braking efficiency on snow.
In terms of snow traction, which measures the time taken to accelerate from 0 to 20 km/h, both tires are almost neck-and-neck. The Blizzak LM005 completes this in 8.34 seconds, just barely outperforming the Wintrac Pro’s 8.36 seconds. This indicates a very close match in terms of acceleration grip on snowy surfaces.
Snow handling, evaluated by the time to complete a course, shows a more noticeable difference. The Blizzak LM005 completes the course in 80.32 seconds, outpacing the Wintrac Pro which takes 82.56 seconds. This suggests that the Blizzak LM005 offers superior maneuverability and control on snow.
Finally, subjective assessments of snow handling (rated out of 10 points) give a slightly higher score to the Blizzak LM005 at 9.5 points, compared to the Wintrac Pro’s 9 points. This indicates a marginal preference for the feel and response of the Blizzak LM005 during snow handling.
Overall, while both tires perform commendably in snowy conditions, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 consistently shows a slight edge in various aspects of snow performance.
Blizzak LM005 :
- +2% in snow braking
- 0% in snow traction
- +3% in snow handling (lap time)
- +6% in snow handling (subj)
Wet
In the wet performance comparison between the Vredestein Wintrac Pro and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 tires, there are noticeable differences.
For wet braking, from 80 to 0 km/h, the Blizzak LM005 requires significantly less distance at 27.6 meters, compared to the Wintrac Pro’s 30.5 meters. This indicates better stopping performance in wet conditions for the Blizzak LM005.
In wet handling, which measures the time to complete a course, the Blizzak LM005 again shows superiority by completing the course in 84.77 seconds, quicker than the Wintrac Pro’s 86.57 seconds. This suggests better control and agility for the Blizzak in wet conditions.
Subjective assessments of wet handling give a slightly higher score to the Blizzak LM005 at 9.5 out of 10 points, versus the Wintrac Pro’s 9 points. This reflects a preference for the handling feel of the Blizzak LM005 in wet conditions.
Regarding straight aquaplaning (slipping speed), the Blizzak LM005 achieves a higher speed of 100.1 km/h before slipping, compared to the Wintrac Pro’s 92.8 km/h. This indicates better resistance to aquaplaning for the Blizzak LM005.
Overall, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 demonstrates better performance in various aspects of wet conditions compared to the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.
Blizzak LM005 :
- +11% in wet braking
- +2% in wet handling (lap time)
- +6% in wet handling (subj)
Wear
In the comparison of wear performance between the Vredestein Wintrac Pro and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 tires, there’s a significant difference. The Wintrac Pro shows a much longer lifespan, lasting up to 30,160 kilometers, whereas the Blizzak LM005 wears out after 17,420 kilometers. This demonstrates a notable gap in durability, with the Wintrac Pro outlasting the Blizzak LM005 by almost double the distance.
This comparison highlights a well-known trade-off in tire design, reflecting the inherent conflict of objectives in tire manufacturing. While performance aspects like grip, handling, and braking efficiency are crucial, they often come at the expense of tire longevity. In this case, the Blizzak LM005, known for its superior performance in winter conditions, shows a shorter lifespan compared to the Wintrac Pro, which, while offering competitive performance, excels in terms of wear. This dichotomy underscores the challenges tire manufacturers face in balancing different performance characteristics.
Blizzak LM005 :
- -42% in mileage
Dry
In the dry performance comparison between the Vredestein Wintrac Pro and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 tires, there are some close results with minor differences.
For dry braking, from 100 to 0 km/h, the Blizzak LM005 slightly outperforms the Wintrac Pro, requiring 41.7 meters to stop compared to the Wintrac Pro’s 42.1 meters. This indicates a marginally better stopping capability in dry conditions for the Blizzak LM005.
When it comes to dry handling, which is the time taken to complete a set course, the Wintrac Pro shows a slight advantage, completing the course in 52.87 seconds, compared to the Blizzak LM005’s 53.09 seconds. This suggests that the Wintrac Pro has a bit better maneuverability and control in dry conditions.
Subjective assessments of dry handling give a higher score to the Blizzak LM005 at 9.8 out of 10 points, against the Wintrac Pro’s 9.5 points. This reflects a slight preference for the handling feel of the Blizzak LM005 in dry conditions.
Overall, both tires demonstrate strong performance in dry conditions, with the Blizzak LM005 having a minor edge in braking and subjective handling, while the Wintrac Pro slightly leads in objective handling time.
Blizzak LM005 :
- +1% in dry braking
- 0% in dry handling (lap time)
- +3% in dry handling (subj)
Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH)
In the comparison of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance between the Vredestein Wintrac Pro and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 tires, there are slight but noticeable differences.
In terms of subjective comfort, which is rated out of 10 points, the Blizzak LM005 scores higher with 9.75 points compared to the Wintrac Pro’s 9.25 points. This suggests that users find the Blizzak LM005 to be slightly more comfortable in terms of the overall driving experience, which may include factors like ride smoothness and vibration absorption.
When it comes to noise levels, measured in decibels (dB), the Blizzak LM005 again demonstrates a slight advantage, producing less noise at 73.1 dB compared to the Wintrac Pro’s 73.7 dB. While the difference is minor, it indicates that the Blizzak LM005 is a bit quieter, contributing to a more comfortable and quieter driving experience.
Overall, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 shows a small edge over the Vredestein Wintrac Pro in NVH performance, being perceived as slightly more comfortable and producing marginally less noise.
Blizzak LM005 :
- +5% in subj. comfort.
- +1% in exterior noise (-0.6 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In the comparison of Rolling Resistance (RR) performances between the Vredestein Wintrac Pro and Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 tires, there is a noticeable difference. Rolling Resistance, measured in Newtons per kilo Newton (N/kN), is a key factor in determining the energy efficiency of tires.
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 shows lower rolling resistance with a value of 8.58 N/kN, compared to the Vredestein Wintrac Pro’s 9.3 N/kN. This lower value for the Blizzak LM005 means it requires less energy to keep the tire rolling, which translates to better fuel efficiency or, in the case of electric vehicles (EVs), increased battery range.
The importance of rolling resistance becomes even more significant with the rise of EVs. Lower rolling resistance means less energy is consumed to overcome friction between the tire and road surface, thereby extending the range of an EV on a single charge. As such, tires like the Blizzak LM005 with lower rolling resistance can be particularly beneficial for EVs, contributing to more efficient energy use and longer travel distances before needing to recharge.
Blizzak LM005 :
- +8% in Rolling Resistance.
Price
In terms of pricing for the size 255/40 R19, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro is priced at $229, while the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is more expensive, costing $291. This makes the Blizzak LM005 about 21% more expensive than the Wintrac Pro. This price difference is significant, especially for consumers weighing cost against performance benefits.
Tire size: 255/40 R19
Wintrac Pro : $229
Blizzak LM005 : $291
Difference: +21% more expensive for Blizzak LM005
Summary
As a tire expert, I can confidently conclude that the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 stands out as the superior tire in most performance categories, except for wear. In key areas such as snow braking, where it stops in a shorter distance; wet performance, demonstrating better handling and braking; and NVH characteristics, offering a more comfortable and quieter ride, the Blizzak LM005 clearly excels. Its lower rolling resistance also makes it a more energy-efficient choice, particularly relevant for electric vehicles.
However, it’s important to note that this performance superiority comes with a trade-off in terms of wear. The Vredestein Wintrac Pro significantly outlasts the Blizzak LM005, indicating that while the latter tire delivers exceptional performance, it does so at the expense of longevity. This is a common dilemma in tire design, where achieving top-tier performance often means sacrificing durability to some extent.
In summary, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is an excellent tire choice for those prioritizing performance in challenging conditions. Its advanced capabilities in handling, braking, and comfort make it a top contender. However, for users concerned about tire longevity and wear, this is an important factor to consider. The decision ultimately depends on what you value more in a tire: outstanding performance or extended wear.
Dr Edwin Pang