Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Firestone Winterhawk 4
Expect the LM005 to deliver class-leading wet braking and aquaplaning resistance-often by meaningful margins of 5-9%-with sure-footed handling on wet and dry. The Winterhawk 4 counters with better pricing, longer wear, and quieter running, plus frequent advantages in snow handling/traction. The trade-off is clear: outright grip and safety reserves in the wet versus affordability and comfort with competent winter-road manners.
Test Results
Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been thirteen tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | thirteen |
While it might look like the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is better than the Firestone Winterhawk 4 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.
Key Strengths
- Outstanding wet braking and wet handling; frequent 5-9% shorter wet stops
- Excellent aquaplaning resistance (notably strong in curved aquaplaning)
- Consistently better dry braking/handling than Winterhawk 4
- Lower rolling resistance in most tests (efficiency edge)
- Lower purchase price and stronger value indices
- Quieter running and generally better wear mileage
- Frequent advantages in snow handling/traction and occasional ice braking
- Balanced, predictable winter behavior for everyday driving
Dry Braking
Looking at data from eight tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during seven dry braking tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 stopped the vehicle in 3.19% less distance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Dry Braking: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was 1.54% faster around a lap than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during six dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was 1.45% faster around a lap than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from eleven tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during eleven wet braking tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 stopped the vehicle in 5.95% less distance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wet Braking: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 stopped the vehicle in 4.96% less distance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was 0.87% faster around a wet lap than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during six wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was 1.86% faster around a wet lap than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during six wet circle tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was 2.03% faster around a wet circle than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Wet Circle: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from eight tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during five straight aqua tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 floated at a 0.92% higher speed than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Straight Aqua: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during six curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 slipped out at a 8.19% higher speed than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from eleven tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during nine snow braking tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 stopped the vehicle in 0.31% less distance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Snow Braking: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from eight tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during five snow traction tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 had 0.91% better snow traction than the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005.
Best In Snow Traction: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during one snow handling [s] tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was 2.34% faster around a lap than the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during five snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was 2.55% faster around a lap than the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was 3.66% faster around a snow circle than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Snow Circle: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during four snow slalom tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was 4.61% faster through a slalom than the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005.
Best In Snow Slalom: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during one ice braking tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 stopped the vehicle 2.86% shorter than the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005.
Best In Ice Braking: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from eight tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during seven noise tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 measured 1.35% quieter than the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005.
Best In Noise: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during four wear tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 is predicted to cover 11.73% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005.
Best In Wear: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during three value tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 proved to have a 29.78% better value based on price/1000km than the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005.
Best In Value: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was better during six price tests. On average the Firestone Winterhawk 4 cost 19.9% less than the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005.
Best In Price: Firestone Winterhawk 4
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during five rolling resistance tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 had a 5.78% lower rolling resistance than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and Firestone Winterhawk 4 performed equally well in fuel consumption tests.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Both tyres performed equally well
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 emitted 6.74% less particle wear matter than the Firestone Winterhawk 4.
Best In Abrasion: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 Driver Reviews
Drivers of the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 frequently praise its outstanding wet grip and braking, along with predictable, stable handling and good comfort when new. Many also find it capable in light-to-moderate snow. However, a significant number report rapid tread wear and a notable drop-off in snow/ice traction as the tyre ages, with some also noting rising noise levels over time. Overall sentiment is moderately positive, but durability and aged winter performance are recurring concerns.
Based on 104 reviews with an average rating of 71%
Firestone Winterhawk 4 Driver Reviews
Drivers generally rate the Firestone Winterhawk 4 highly for everyday winter use, with strong confidence in snow and rain, short braking distances, and reassuring all-round performance. Many highlight its good value versus premium brands, along with a quiet, comfortable ride and responsive feel. Overall satisfaction is high across the majority of reviews.
Based on 5 reviews with an average rating of 79%
Conclusion
The Firestone Winterhawk 4 appeals on value and refinement. It's typically cheaper, quieter, and longer-lasting, and it often edges the LM005 in snow handling/traction and occasionally in ice braking. Drivers prioritizing budget, mileage, and frequent snow-route composure-without chasing ultimate wet performance-will find it compelling. In short: LM005 for maximum wet-road safety and dynamic capability; Winterhawk 4 for cost-conscious daily driving with solid snow manners and low noise.
Key Differences
- Wet braking: LM005 consistently shorter (often 5-9% advantage)
- Aquaplaning: LM005 notably stronger, especially in curved tests
- Dry performance: LM005 usually better braking/handling; Winterhawk 4 can understeer
- Snow behavior: Winterhawk 4 often leads in handling/traction; LM005 competitive in snow braking
- Comfort and noise: Winterhawk 4 quieter across most tests
- Ownership costs: Winterhawk 4 cheaper to buy and generally lasts longer; LM005 often lower rolling resistance
Overall Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.Similar Comparisons
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Footnote
This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.
Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.