Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Firestone Firehawk Sport
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 139
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 79% · 6
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport finished ahead 4 times and the Firehawk Sport once. The Potenza Sport lasted 52.7% longer in the wear tests; the Firehawk Sport had 25.6% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Bridgestone Potenza Sport if you prioritize maximum safety and performance-especially in the wet-or enjoy sporty driving and want strong mileage. Pick the Firestone Firehawk Sport if you value lower cost, quieter cruising, and fuel efficiency for mainly dry, moderate driving, accepting shorter tread life and weaker wet grip.
Where the Potenza Sport is stronger
- Consistently shorter wet and dry braking and faster handling times; class-leading wet performance in most tests
- Very strong aquaplaning resistance, especially in curved aquaplaning
- Substantially better mileage and lower abrasion in recent tests, improving long-term value
Where the Firehawk Sport is stronger
- Lowest rolling resistance in test groups, aiding fuel economy
- Quieter external noise levels by ~1-2 dB in several tests
- Lower purchase price, attractive entry point to UHP performance
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Potenza Sport vs Firehawk Sport at a glance
| Category | Potenza Sport | Gap | Firehawk Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won5 shared tests | 4 | 1 | |
| Dry8 measurements | 7 | The Potenza Sport stopped 3.4% shorter in the dry (5 tests) | 1 |
| Wet20 measurements | 16 | The Potenza Sport stopped 5.5% shorter in the wet (5 tests) | 4 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 0 | The Firehawk Sport was 1.2 dB quieter (4 tests) | 4 |
| Value7 measurements | 3 | The Firehawk Sport had 25.6% lower rolling resistance (3 tests) | 4 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The Potenza Sport by 0.7 | 8.6/10 |
| Owner rating139 and 6 reviews | 80% | Too close to call | 79% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 67% | Too close to call | 67% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +13% | The Potenza Sport was dearer in 4 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 129 | 33 sizes made in both | 35 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 5 tests, 2023 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Potenza Sport | Field | Firehawk Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | P3 of 20 | P20 of 20 | |
| 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | P2 of 18 | P7 of 18 | |
| 2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout | P1 of 52 | P15 of 52 | |
| 2023 Sport Auto UHP Tyre Test | P6 of 11 | P4 of 11 | |
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test | P2 of 13 | P9 of 13 |
Performance profile
10 measurements from the 5 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Potenza Sport
Firehawk Sport
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 5 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Potenza Sport
Firehawk Sport
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Potenza Sport
Firehawk Sport
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the Firehawk Sport 79% from 6. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tyres posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Potenza Sport | Gap | Firehawk Sport | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33.76 | 3.4% | 34.94 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 112.4 | 1.5% | 110.6 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 33.22 | 5.5% | 35.44 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34.6 | 8.9% | 38 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 83.03 | 4.2% | 79.7 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.81 | 3.9% | 8.48 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.8 | 2.4% | 13.14 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 78.78 | 1.3% | 77.8 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3.06 | 6.4% | 2.89 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72.25 | 1.2 dB | 71.05 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48,190 | 52.7% | 31,680 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.78 | 25.6% | 7.26 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | 5.2% | 5.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 63.8 | 21.3% | 81.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tyres shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Potenza Sport scores 9.3 and the Firehawk Sport 8.6 out of 10.
| Potenza Sport | Category | Firehawk Sport | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | Dry | 86 | ||
| 97 | Wet | 66 | ||
| 12 | Comfort | 54 | ||
| 9 | Value | 56 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Potenza Sport | Category | Firehawk Sport | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 8.6 | Wet Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 8.8 | Road Feedback | 7.8 | ||
| 8.9 | Handling | 8.4 | ||
| 6.1 | Wear | 5 | ||
| 7 | Comfort | 8 | ||
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the Firehawk Sport 79% from 6. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
- 80%from 139 reviews
- 67%would buy again
- 947,770 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Bridgestone Potenza Sport as a very sporty road tyre, with strong dry and wet grip and sharp, precise steering feel. The main drawback is longevity: around one in three owners complain about fast wear, sometimes markedly so. Road noise is another common issue (raised by around one in four), while a smaller but notable group report a big drop in grip and confidence in cold weather.
- Very strong dry grip with a predictable, confidence-inspiring feel
- Impressive wet grip for a performance-focused summer tyre
- Sharp, precise steering response and good road feedback
- Strong dry handling and cornering ability
- Short tread life / rapid wear for many owners
- Loud road noise, often getting intrusive
- Noticeable performance drop in cold conditions
Summarised by AI from 129 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 139 Potenza Sport reviewsOn road it's like having a semislick which is capable of handling water showers like an UHP tyre. On track you can feel it's not a semislick, but you can enjoy a stable performance allowing you 100% of fun with 80% lap time or something like that.
On the road wear on external shoulder is high, on track it's really impressive lap after lap.
Firestone Firehawk Sport
- 79%from 6 reviews
- 67%would buy again
- 18,510 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally report the Firestone Firehawk Sport delivers strong wet and dry grip with confident aquaplaning resistance, making it feel secure in heavy rain. Many also highlight low road noise and improved fuel economy/MPG versus prior tyres, with stable handling and reduced tramlining. A smaller share of reviews raise concerns about faster-than-expected wear or durability on rough/potholed roads, though most feedback remains clearly positive.
- Excellent wet grip and rain confidence (including aquaplaning resistance)
- Strong dry grip/traction and stable handling
- Low road noise/quiet ride
- Improved fuel economy/MPG
- Some reports of faster wear or reduced durability on rough/potholed roads
Summarised by AI from 6 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 6 Firehawk Sport reviewsI came from a hankook ventus s1 evo3 . But they had pretty bad dry cracks even before the tire ran out of life . I have 245/35/20 tires . the comfort on the firestones are a little bit worse then the hankooks . i could run the hankooks on 2.5 bar , these on 2.3 for the same comfort . i think the firestones are a bit more fuel efficient , even when they are on a lower tire pressure . Dry grip is very good , never lost any traction , even in the rain . aquaplanning is also very good , never had any feel of losing controle .
So far i ran the tires around 15.000 km and lost 1.5mm out of the 5.5mm tread on the front , and only lost 0.5 on the back . so i think ill get aroud 60.000km out of it if i switch them every year . Found out they have like 0 traction on snow , keep that in mind .
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 129 sizes of the Potenza Sport and 35 of the Firehawk Sport, 33 of them made in both.
| Category | Potenza Sport | Firehawk Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 129 sizes, 16 to 24 inch | 35 sizes, 18 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 33 sizes 225/40 R18225/45 R18235/40 R18245/40 R18245/45 R18255/35 R18255/40 R18265/35 R18225/35 R19225/45 R19235/35 R19235/40 R19and 21 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A75%B21%C3%D0% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C44%D38%A9%B8%E1% | B77%C20%A3% |
| EU label noise | 68-75 dB B81%A19% | 70 dB B54%A46% |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2023 |
| Replaced | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Firestone Firehawk SZ90 |
| Replaced by | Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Potenza Sport was the dearer tyre in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 13% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This comparison pits two closely related summer performance tyres from the Bridgestone group against each other: the Bridgestone Potenza Sport (max-performance) and the Firestone Firehawk Sport (ultra-high-performance). Across five shared tests in 225/40 R18, the Potenza Sport consistently targets ultimate grip and precision, while the Firehawk Sport leans toward efficiency, comfort, and price.
The data shows a clear pattern: the Potenza Sport repeatedly delivers shorter braking distances and faster lap speeds in both wet and dry conditions, often by meaningful margins, while the Firehawk Sport counters with markedly lower rolling resistance, slightly lower noise, and a lower purchase price. Notably, recent tests highlight a big surprise for the Potenza Sport-significantly improved mileage-shifting the value discussion in its favor over longer ownership.
Conclusion
Synthesis across multiple tests is decisive. The Potenza Sport dominates core safety and performance metrics-dry and especially wet braking and handling-often by 3-12% differences that matter in real-world stops and evasive maneuvers. Example: Auto Bild 2025 measured 32.6 m vs 34.6 m in dry braking and 43.1 m vs 48.7 m in wet braking for Bridgestone vs Firestone. It also shows stronger curved aquaplaning resistance and, in recent testing, much better projected mileage (circa +46-59% vs Firestone), which improves lifetime value despite a higher upfront price and higher fuel consumption.
The Firehawk Sport shines where efficiency and refinement matter. It repeatedly posts class-leading low rolling resistance (e.g., 7.1-7.6 kg/t vs 9.9-10.2 kg/t for Bridgestone), slightly lower exterior noise, and a lower purchase price. Dry behavior is stable and predictable, but its wet grip and wet handling are inconsistent across tests and generally trail the Potenza Sport. For drivers prioritizing fuel economy and a quieter, lower-cost tyre-and who drive moderately in predominantly dry conditions-the Firehawk Sport remains a sensible choice.
Potenza Sport vs Firehawk Sport: your questions
Is the Bridgestone Potenza Sport or the Firestone Firehawk Sport the better tyre?
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport finished ahead 4 times and the Firehawk Sport once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Potenza Sport scores 9.3 and the Firehawk Sport 8.6 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Potenza Sport or the Firehawk Sport?
The Potenza Sport led 16 of the 20 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.5% shorter in the wet across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Potenza Sport led 7 of the 8 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.4% shorter in the dry across 5 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Potenza Sport lasted 52.7% longer in the wear tests (2 tests); the Firehawk Sport had 25.6% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 6.1/10 for the Potenza Sport and 5/10 for the Firehawk Sport.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Firehawk Sport was 1.2 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 7/10 for the Potenza Sport and 8/10 for the Firehawk Sport.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the Firehawk Sport 79% from 6. 67% of Potenza Sport owners would buy it again, against 67% for the Firehawk Sport.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Potenza Sport was the dearer tyre in 4 of them, by 13% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Potenza Sport is made in 129 sizes (16 to 24 inch) and the Firehawk Sport in 35 (18 to 20 inch). 33 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Potenza Sport is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Firehawk Sport A and B.
Which is the newer tyre?
The Firehawk Sport is the newer design: it reached the market in 2023, the Potenza Sport in 2021. The Potenza Sport replaced the Bridgestone Potenza S001. The Firehawk Sport replaced the Firestone Firehawk SZ90.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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