When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the comparison between Bridgestone vs Cooper is one that demands attention.
In this post, I’ll delve deep into the history of these two tire brands and explore their dry, wet, and snow performances.
We’ll also analyze their mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
So, let’s dive in and uncover the ultimate tire champion!
Bridgestone vs Cooper – Comparison Table
| Bridgestone | Cooper | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States of America |
| Year Founded | 1931 | 1914 |
| Made In | United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentine, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Italy, Hungary, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, China, Australia, or Japan | Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas but could also be made in China |
| Parent | Ishibashi family (Japan) | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA) |
About the Brands
1. Bridgestone
Bridgestone, a renowned tire brand, originated in Japan in 1931 and is currently owned by the Ishibashi family.
The company was founded by Shojiro Ishibashi, who aimed to produce high-quality tires for automobiles and other vehicles.
Over the years, Bridgestone has established itself as a global leader in the tire industry, offering a wide range of innovative and durable products.
Bridgestone’s success can be attributed to its commitment to research and development, allowing the brand to continually introduce new technologies and advancements.
The company’s focus on quality and performance has made it a trusted choice for drivers worldwide.
Bridgestone tires are known for their superior grip, durability, and excellent handling in various road conditions.
With a strong presence in both the consumer and commercial markets, Bridgestone has expanded its operations globally.
The brand has manufacturing facilities in numerous countries, enabling it to meet the growing demand for its products.
Bridgestone’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its eco-friendly initiatives, including the development of fuel-efficient tires and recycling programs.
Through its long and successful history, Bridgestone has cemented its position as one of the most respected and reliable tire brands, offering drivers safety, performance, and comfort on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- Buses
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
- Performance vehicles
- Sports cars
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles
- Commercial trucks
- Agricultural vehicles
- Construction equipment
- Mining equipment
- Motorcycles
- Aircraft
2. Cooper
Cooper Tire is an American brand that was founded in 1914 and is currently owned by the The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company bought Cooper in 2021 for about $2.8 billion worth in cash and shares.
With its headquarters in the United States, Cooper has a rich history in the tire industry.
Over the years, it has become renowned for its quality and innovative tire designs.
From its humble beginnings, Cooper Tire has steadily grown, establishing itself as a leading player in the industry.
The brand has consistently focused on manufacturing tires that deliver exceptional performance, durability, and safety.
Cooper has also expanded its product range to cater to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorsports.
Through its commitment to excellence, Cooper Tire has built a strong reputation among drivers worldwide.
The brand’s dedication to research and development has allowed it to introduce cutting-edge technologies, enhancing traction, handling, and fuel efficiency.
Cooper’s tire offerings are widely recognized for their reliability, making them a popular choice among consumers.
With a century-long legacy, Cooper Tire continues to thrive, providing drivers with high-quality tires that deliver a smooth and comfortable ride while ensuring safety on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Commercial trucks
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R vs the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1.
Based on my research and personal dry performance rating, I would consider the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R to be the better tire for dry performance.
With a rating of 4.8 out of 5, it excels in dry traction, grip, cornering, and braking.
The tire’s aggressive nature and track performance reinforce its exceptional dry performance.
Although the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 also performs well with a rating of 4.3, the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R outshines it in various aspects.
Therefore, the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R takes the lead in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring.
In my evaluation as the rater, I would rate the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ with a wet performance score of 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has been commended for its exceptional wet traction, aided by features like wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that efficiently expel water, reducing hydroplaning risks.
On the other hand, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring received a wet performance rating of 4.8 out of 5.
It consistently garners positive reviews, showcasing its remarkable wet performance, excellent traction, short stopping distances, and the advantages of its asymmetric tread pattern.
Considering these ratings, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring slightly outperforms the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+, making it the winner in terms of wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 vs Cooper Discoverer True North.
In my assessment, as someone giving the snow performance rating from 1 to 5, both the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and the Cooper Discoverer True North tires achieve an impressive rating of 4.7.
These tires excel in snow performance and offer reliable traction and performance in various winter conditions, including snow and ice.
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 boasts a focus on ice braking distance and traction, while the Cooper Discoverer True North is described as a premium studless tire with excellent winter traction and handling.
Considering their comparable snow performance ratings, I declare this comparison a tie.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Bridgestone | Cooper | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Bridgestone tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 45,000 to 80,000 miles. | Cooper tires are known for their durability and are typically guaranteed to last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles. |
After researching, I found that both Bridgestone and Cooper tires offer treadwear warranties of up to 80,000 miles, which is impressive.
However, the average lifespan of Bridgestone tires ranges from 45,000 to 80,000 miles, while Cooper tires are known to last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
So, on average, Bridgestone tires tend to outlast Cooper tires in terms of mileage.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Bridgestone vs Cooper.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Bridgestone | Cooper | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $113 to $674 /ea | $73 to $585 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Blizzak WS90 goes from $113 – $269 /ea | Evolution Winter Studded goes from $73 – $225 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Potenza Race goes from $436 – $674 /ea | Discoverer STT Pro goes from $220 – $585 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Bridgestone
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide array of choices | ❌ Confusing product lines |
| ✔ Specialized performance tires | |
| ✔ Some of the best warranty options in the tire industry |
Cooper
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Excellent performance and handling characteristics | ❌ Cooper tires may not be as widely available as other tire brands |
| ✔ Designed to be durable and long-lasting | |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options to suit different vehicles and driving needs |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Bridgestone:
- Potenza RE-71R
- Turanza QuietTrack
- DriveGuard
Some of Cooper’s best tires are shown below:
- Discoverer STT Pro
- Discoverer AT3 4S
- Evolution Tour
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the research and information provided, the better pick overall between Bridgestone and Cooper tires would be Bridgestone.
The Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R offers exceptional dry performance, while the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ performs well in wet conditions.
Both Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and Cooper Discoverer True North have comparable snow performance ratings.
Additionally, Bridgestone tires tend to outlast Cooper tires in terms of mileage.
While both brands have their pros and cons, Bridgestone emerges as the winner considering the different criteria.