When it comes to tires, the market is flooded with options, but two brands that stand out are Bridgestone and Dunlop.
In this post, I’ll be delving deep into the Bridgestone vs Dunlop debate, comparing their histories, performances on dry, wet, and snow surfaces, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and uncovering the pros and cons of each.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
So, fasten your seatbelts, because this comparison is bound to leave you with a clear winner in mind.
Bridgestone vs Dunlop – Comparison Table
| Bridgestone | Dunlop | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United Kingdom |
| Year Founded | 1931 | 1889 |
| 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 | Germany or Japan |
| Parent | Ishibashi family (Japan) | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) |
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. Dunlop
The Dunlop tire brand, founded in 1889 in the United Kingdom, has a rich and storied history.
It was established by John Boyd Dunlop, who invented the first practical pneumatic tire.
Dunlop quickly gained popularity and became a leading tire manufacturer, known for its innovative designs and high-quality products.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations globally, offering a wide range of tires for various applications.
In 1999, Dunlop became a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a prominent American tire manufacturer.
This acquisition brought together two industry giants, combining their expertise and resources.
Under Goodyear’s ownership, Dunlop continued to thrive, benefiting from the parent company’s global reach and advanced technologies.
Today, Dunlop remains a trusted and respected brand in the tire industry, known for its commitment to performance, durability, and safety.
It continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge tire technologies, catering to the diverse needs of drivers worldwide.
With its strong legacy and the backing of Goodyear, Dunlop continues to be a symbol of excellence in the tire market.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Motorcycles
- Commercial trucks
- ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
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 Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2.
In my evaluation, I rate the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R’s dry performance at an impressive 4.8 out of 5.
This tire offers remarkable dry traction, exceptional grip, and above-average cornering and braking capabilities.
It’s performance-tuned for dry and damp conditions, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an aggressive tire with outstanding dry traction, even on the track.
On the other hand, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 receives a solid rating of 4.4 out of 5 for its dry performance.
It is renowned for its good dry performance, excellent grip and handling, short braking distances on dry surfaces, and optimal handling in both wet and dry conditions.
It also provides increased steering precision.
Considering these ratings, I would declare the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R as the winner for dry performance, with its slightly higher rating and its reputation for exceptional dry traction.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs the Dunlop Signature HP.
Based on my research, as the one giving the wet performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ at 4.6 and the Dunlop Signature HP at 4.4.
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ stands out for its excellent wet traction, thanks to its wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that efficiently evacuate water.
The Dunlop Signature HP also offers good wet traction and benefits from its asymmetric tread pattern and enhanced all-season tread compound.
Ultimately, both tires perform well in wet conditions, making it a tie 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 Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02.
In my opinion, as the one giving the snow performance rating, both the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 offer exceptional snow performance.
The Blizzak WS80 receives a rating of 4.7 out of 5, highlighting its excellent snow performance, especially in terms of ice braking distance and traction.
The Winter Maxx WM02, on the other hand, achieves a rating of 4.6 out of 5, indicating reliable snow performance with its rubber compound and asymmetric tread design.
Due to their similar performance levels, I declare it a tie between these two outstanding tires for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Bridgestone | Dunlop | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Bridgestone tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 45,000 to 80,000 miles. | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. |
After gathering some research, I found that Bridgestone tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while Dunlop tires provide a warranty of up to 60,000 miles.
On average, Bridgestone tires can last between 45,000 to 80,000 miles, whereas Dunlop tires tend to have a lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles.
This means that Bridgestone tires generally have a longer mileage warranty and average lifespan compared to Dunlop tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Bridgestone vs Dunlop.
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 | Dunlop | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $113 to $674 /ea | $86 to $857 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Blizzak WS90 goes from $113 – $269 /ea | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Potenza Race goes from $436 – $674 /ea | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /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 |
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Bridgestone:
- Potenza RE-71R
- Turanza QuietTrack
- DriveGuard
Some of Dunlop’s best tires are shown below:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the evaluation of dry performance, Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R emerges as the winner with its impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5.
In terms of wet performance, both Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ and Dunlop Signature HP perform well, resulting in a tie.
For snow performance, both Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 excel, making it another tie.
However, when it comes to mileage warranty and average lifespan, Bridgestone takes the lead with up to 80,000 miles compared to Dunlop’s 60,000 miles.
Hence, considering all factors, Bridgestone is the better overall pick.
