In this post, I’ll be delving into the world of tires, comparing two renowned brands: Firestone vs Nitto.
We’ll explore their intriguing histories, put their dry, wet, and snow performances to the test, examine their mileage warranties and average lifespan.
Additionally, we’ll analyze their prices, weigh their pros and cons, and finally, unveil the ultimate winner in this tire brand showdown.
Get ready for an exciting ride!
Firestone vs Nitto – Comparison Table
| Firestone | Nitto | |
| Country of Origin | United States | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1900 | 1949 |
| Made In | United States, Vietnam, Brazil, Canada, and Costa Rica | Bartow County, GA, China, Japan, and Malaysia |
| Parent | Bridgestone Corporation (Japan) | Toyo Tire Corporation (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. 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
2. Nitto
Nitto is a renowned tire brand with its roots in Japan.
Founded in 1949, it is now a subsidiary of the Toyo Tire Corporation since the acquisition in 1979.
Nitto has built a solid reputation for producing high-quality tires that deliver exceptional performance and reliability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition globally for its innovative tire technologies and cutting-edge designs.
Nitto offers a diverse range of tires, catering to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
With a commitment to excellence, Nitto consistently emphasizes research and development to meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive industry.
Today, Nitto tires are sought after by drivers who seek superior traction, handling, and durability.
With its Japanese heritage and affiliation with Toyo Tire Corporation, Nitto continues to be a trusted and respected name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Crossovers
- High-performance cars
- Off-road vehicles
- Side by side 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 Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 vs the Nitto NT555 G2.
As someone who rates dry performance from 1 to 5, I would assign both the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 and the Nitto NT555 G2 a rating of 4.5.
The Firehawk Indy 500 showcases impressive attributes such as excellent handling, quick steering response, great grip, stability, and a comfortable ride.
On the other hand, the NT555 G2 receives high praise for its cornering grip, responsive steering, dependable handling, and quick acceleration.
With both tires offering similar levels of dry performance, it’s a tie between the Firehawk Indy 500 and the NT555 G2.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Firestone WeatherGrip vs the Nitto Motivo.
Based on my evaluation, as someone who rates wet performance on a scale of 1 to 5, both the Firestone WeatherGrip and Nitto Motivo tires perform well in wet conditions, scoring a commendable 4.3.
They offer reliable wet traction, shorter braking distances, and resistance to hydroplaning, ensuring safety on wet roads.
While the Firestone WeatherGrip’s design elements enhance hydroplaning resistance, the Nitto Motivo’s all-new silica rubber compound adds to its wet performance.
Considering their similar ratings, I declare a tie between the two tires for 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 – Firestone Winterforce 2 vs Nitto SN2 Winter.
Based on my snow performance rating, I would give the Firestone Winterforce 2 tire a score of 4.5 out of 5.
Its cold weather compound maintains flexibility and grip in low temperatures, while the open shoulder slots and sipes in the tread enhance traction on snow.
Additionally, its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification confirms its reliability in snowy conditions.
Comparatively, the Nitto SN2 Winter tire receives a rating of 4.4 out of 5, supported by its silica-enhanced tread compound, symmetrical tread pattern, and lower freezing temperature technology.
Considering the minimal difference in ratings, I declare it a tie between the two tires for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Firestone | Nitto | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 55,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 75,000 mile tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Firestone tires are expected to last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles on average. | On average, Nitto tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the Firestone tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 55,000 miles, while Nitto tires offer a higher treadwear warranty of up to 75,000 miles.
In terms of average lifespan, both brands are expected to last between 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
So, while Nitto tires have a longer mileage warranty, both Firestone and Nitto tires provide similar average lifespans.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Firestone vs Nitto.
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:
| Firestone | Nitto | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $82 to $603 /ea | $97 to $1,447 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | FT140 goes from $82 – $170 /ea | Neo Gen goes from $97 – $352 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Destination M/T 2 goes from $229 – $603 /ea | Trail Grappler M/T goes from $279 – $1,447 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
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 |
Nitto
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks | ❌ Some of their tires can get very expensive |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of good quality, offering durability and reliability | |
| ✔ Solid performance tires |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Firestone:
- Destination LE3
- Firehawk Indy 500
- WeatherGrip
Some of Nitto’s best tires are shown below:
- NT555 G2
- Terra Grappler G2
- Motivo
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After analyzing the key takeaways and considering the various aspects, I declare a tie between Firestone and Nitto as the better pick overall.
Both brands offer impressive dry performance, reliable wet traction, and commendable snow performance.
While Nitto tires have a longer mileage warranty, both brands provide similar average lifespans.
Firestone tires are a good option for harsh winter conditions, but their shop can be expensive.
Nitto offers a wide range of tire options but some can be pricey.
Ultimately, it’s a close call, and the final choice may depend on personal preferences and budget constraints.
