When it comes to choosing the right tires, the eternal debate of Dunlop vs Firestone has left many drivers pondering over which brand reigns supreme.
In this post, I’ll dive deep into the comparison, exploring their rich histories, examining their performances on dry, wet, and snowy roads, scrutinizing their mileage warranties and average lifespans, evaluating their prices, and ultimately determining which brand emerges as the undisputed champion.
Get ready to uncover the pros and cons as we unravel the mystery of the better tire brand.
Dunlop vs Firestone – Comparison Table
| Dunlop | Firestone | |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Year Founded | 1889 | 1900 |
| Made In | Germany or Japan | United States, Vietnam, Brazil, Canada, and Costa Rica |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) | Bridgestone Corporation (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. 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)
2. Firestone
Firestone is an iconic American tire brand that traces its roots back to 1900 when it was founded in the United States.
The company quickly gained recognition for its high-quality tires, becoming a leading player in the industry.
Throughout its history, Firestone has been committed to innovation and performance.
In 1988, Firestone became a subsidiary of the Bridgestone Corporation, a Japanese multinational company.
This acquisition allowed Firestone to benefit from Bridgestone’s global reach and technological advancements.
Over the years, Firestone has continued to thrive under Bridgestone’s ownership, leveraging its expertise and resources to maintain its position as a trusted tire brand.
Today, Firestone offers a wide range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.
With a rich heritage and a legacy of excellence, Firestone remains a prominent name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Vans
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- Buses
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 Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2 vs the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500.
Based on my research, I would rate the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 with a dry performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
This tire is known for its excellent grip, handling, and short braking distances on dry roads.
It offers optimal handling in both wet and dry conditions, providing increased steering precision.
On the other hand, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 receives a dry performance rating of 4.5 out of 5.
It offers impressive handling, cornering, and quick reaction to steering input.
It provides great grip, stability, and a comfortable, quiet ride.
In my opinion, both tires offer similar levels of dry performance, making it a tie.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Dunlop Signature HP vs the Firestone WeatherGrip.
In my evaluation, I rate the Dunlop Signature HP’s wet performance at 4.4 out of 5.
This tire has been praised for its strong wet traction and all-season capabilities.
The asymmetric tread pattern and enhanced all-season tread compound contribute to its impressive wet performance.
On the other hand, the Firestone WeatherGrip has a wet performance rating of 4.3 out of 5.
It offers shorter braking distances, hydroplaning resistance, and open shoulder slots that enhance its wet traction.
Both tires excel in wet conditions, but the Dunlop Signature HP edges slightly ahead.
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 – Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 vs Firestone Winterforce 2.
In my personal evaluation, I rate the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 tire with a snow performance score of 4.6 out of 5.
The tire’s rubber compound and asymmetric tread design contribute to its reliable traction on snowy surfaces.
Numerous reviews also mention confident and excellent traction, further supporting its effectiveness in various winter conditions.
On the other hand, the Firestone Winterforce 2 tire receives a snow performance rating of 4.5 out of 5, with its cold weather compound and tread features enhancing grip on snowy and icy surfaces.
Additionally, its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification confirms its reliable traction in snowy conditions.
Thus, based on my evaluation, the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 tire slightly edges out the Firestone Winterforce 2 in terms of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Dunlop | Firestone | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 55,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. | Firestone tires are expected to last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles on average. |
Based on my research, the Dunlop tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 60,000 miles, while Firestone tires offer a warranty of up to 55,000 miles.
On average, Dunlop tires can last between 15,000 and 50,000 miles, while Firestone tires typically have a lifespan of 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Overall, both brands offer similar mileage warranties, but Firestone tires tend to have a slightly longer average lifespan.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Dunlop vs Firestone.
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:
| Dunlop | Firestone | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $86 to $857 /ea | $82 to $603 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea | FT140 goes from $82 – $170 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /ea | Destination M/T 2 goes from $229 – $603 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
Firestone
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Firestone tires have good performance | ❌ Their shop is very expensive and they might try and sell you unnecessary services/things |
| ✔ Wide availability | |
| ✔ Good option for those who live in areas with harsh winter conditions |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Dunlop:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
Some of Firestone’s best tires are shown below:
- Destination LE3
- Firehawk Indy 500
- WeatherGrip
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the information provided, both Dunlop and Firestone offer competitive options in terms of dry, wet, and snow performance.
While Dunlop has a slight edge in wet and snow conditions, the differences are not significant.
In terms of mileage warranty and lifespan, both brands are similar, with Firestone tires having a slightly longer average lifespan.
Considering all these factors, I declare the overall winner to be a tie between Dunlop and Firestone due to their comparable performance and warranty offerings.
