Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 139
- TR Score
- 8.4/10
- Owners say
- 77% · 94
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport finished ahead 6 times and the SportMaxx RT 2 not once. The Potenza Sport stopped 10.2% shorter in the wet; the SportMaxx RT 2 had 3.8% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Bridgestone Potenza Sport for maximum grip, shortest braking, and confident sporty handling in mixed weather; choose Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 if you prioritize aquaplaning safety in heavy rain, lower cabin noise, and everyday comfort with good efficiency.
Where the Potenza Sport is stronger
- Class-leading wet and dry braking (typically 6-12% shorter stops)
- Dynamic, precise handling with high wet grip
- Improved wear and abrasion versus past results, strong value scores
Where the SportMaxx RT 2 is stronger
- Outstanding straight and curved aquaplaning resistance
- Lower noise and better ride comfort
- Competitive efficiency and lighter construction in tests
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 SportMaxx RT 2 at a glance
| Category | Potenza Sport | Gap | SportMaxx RT 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won6 shared tests | 6 | 0 | |
| Dry9 measurements | 7 | The Potenza Sport stopped 6.1% shorter in the dry (5 tests) | 2 |
| Wet20 measurements | 11 | The Potenza Sport stopped 10.2% shorter in the wet (5 tests) | 8 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 0 | The SportMaxx RT 2 was 1.3 dB quieter (3 tests) | 4 |
| Value7 measurements | 4 | The Potenza Sport lasted 18.5% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 3 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The Potenza Sport by 0.9 | 8.4/10 |
| Owner rating139 and 94 reviews | 80% | The Potenza Sport by 3 points | 77% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 67% | The Potenza Sport by 4 points | 63% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | +4.5% | The Potenza Sport was dearer in 2 of 3 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 129 | 48 sizes made in both | 61 |
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 6 tests, 2021 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 | SportMaxx RT 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test | P3 of 20 | P9 of 20 | |
| 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | P2 of 18 | P9 of 18 | |
| 2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout | P1 of 52 | P19 of 52 | |
| 2023 ACE / Gute Fahrt UHP Summer Tyre Test | P3 of 7 | P5 of 7 | |
| 2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test | P3 of 9 | P4 of 9 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test | P2 of 15 | P7 of 15 |
Performance profile
10 measurements from the 6 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Potenza Sport
SportMaxx RT 2
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 90%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 8 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Potenza Sport
SportMaxx RT 2
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
SportMaxx RT 2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the SportMaxx RT 2 77% from 94. 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 | SportMaxx RT 2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33.74 | 6.1% | 35.94 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 67 | 0.3% | 66.8 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 120.2 | 2.2% | 117.6 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 1% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 35.32 | 10.2% | 39.22 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34.6 | 9.2% | 38.1 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 66.6 | 1.8% | 67.8 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.7 | 2.1% | 72.2 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14.78 | 2.7% | 15.19 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 75.43 | 3.1% | 77.7 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.89 | 9.6% | 7.56 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 16.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 74.03 | 1.3 dB | 72.73 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48,190 | 18.5% | 40,645 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.44 | 3.8% | 9.07 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | 3.4% | 5.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 63.8 | 29.9% | 91 | 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 SportMaxx RT 2 8.4 out of 10.
| Potenza Sport | Category | SportMaxx RT 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | Dry | 76 | ||
| 97 | Wet | 83 | ||
| 12 | Comfort | 33 | ||
| 9 | Value | 37 | ||
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 | SportMaxx RT 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 8.6 | Wet Grip | 7.8 | ||
| 8.8 | Road Feedback | 7.7 | ||
| 8.9 | Handling | 7.6 | ||
| 6.1 | Wear | 7.5 | ||
| 7 | Comfort | 7.9 | ||
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the SportMaxx RT 2 77% from 94. 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.
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
- 77%from 94 reviews
- 63%would buy again
- 788,854 milesdriven by reviewers
Across reviews, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 is most often described as a quiet, comfortable UHP tyre with strong all-round grip-especially in the wet-and good aquaplaning resistance, giving many drivers high confidence in everyday and motorway use. Wear is frequently reported as good to very good versus several competing premium tyres, and many consider it strong value for money. A notable minority, however, report overly soft or inconsistent sidewalls leading to vague/“wobbly” steering and reduced precision when cornering hard, and some users say grip (particularly in wet conditions) can fall off as the tyre wears.
- Strong wet grip and reassuring stability in heavy rain
- Good resistance to aquaplaning
- Good dry grip/traction for normal to spirited road driving
- Low road noise and generally comfortable ride
- Soft sidewalls causing vague steering, squirm, or reduced precision under hard cornering/load changes
- Some reports of poor wet grip or reduced confidence (often as the tyre wears)
- Noise can increase as the tyre wears or on rough road surfaces
Summarised by AI from 81 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 94 SportMaxx RT 2 reviewsI've had several sets of these on my car now as they have proven to be reliable and confidence inspiring in the wet. They've survived pot holes, debris, and the odd curb. I've never found myself wishing for more grip in the dry. The response is perhaps slightly muted compared to more expensive tyres, but personally don't have an issue as my driving is 90% motorway/major A roads.
In the wet the car feels stable in the rain at motorway speeds up until about 3mm tread depth, at which point the front started to feel nervous. Braking has been fine in the wet but pulling away briskly in anything other than a straight line will set off the traction control. Hard to say if this would be reduced with a more expensive tyre.
Front tyres have lasted about 11k miles before reaching the wear line after. Rears are over 20k and still have a while to go.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 129 sizes of the Potenza Sport and 61 of the SportMaxx RT 2, 48 of them made in both.
| Category | Potenza Sport | SportMaxx RT 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 129 sizes, 16 to 24 inch | 61 sizes, 17 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 48 sizes 205/45 R17215/40 R17215/45 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17245/40 R17205/40 R18215/40 R18225/35 R18225/40 R18225/45 R18and 36 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A75%B21%C3%D0% | A85%B15% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C44%D38%A9%B8%E1% | C79%D19%B3% |
| EU label noise | 68-75 dB B81%A19% | 69-73 dB B93%A7% |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2021 |
| Replaced | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Dunlop SportMaxx RT (2014) |
| Replaced by | Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo | - |
| Awards | - | Winner: Ultra High Performance Tyre of the Year (WhatTyre, 2021) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Potenza Sport was the dearer tyre in 2 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 4.5% 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 head-to-head pits two max-performance summer staples against each other: Bridgestone's Potenza Sport versus Dunlop's SportMaxx RT 2, both tested extensively in 225/40 R18 and 235/35 R19 sizes. Across six shared tests from Auto Bild, ADAC, EVO and others, the Bridgestone consistently finishes near the top, while the Dunlop delivers a balanced, comfort-leaning sporty package at a keener price.
The data shows a clear pattern: Potenza Sport dominates grip-led safety metrics-especially wet and dry braking-while the SportMaxx RT 2 counters with class-leading aquaplaning reserves, lower noise, and slightly better efficiency. Recent tests also highlight a notable shift for Bridgestone: markedly improved mileage and abrasion, addressing a traditional weakness.
Conclusion
If outright performance and safety margins are your priority, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport is the stronger choice. It wins all six shared comparisons overall, repeatedly delivering shorter stopping distances (often 6-12% better in both wet and dry) and sharper wet/dry handling, with newly competitive wear and strong value scores. That combination makes it a top-tier fit for spirited drivers and anyone frequently facing wet-weather braking scenarios.
The Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 remains compelling for drivers who value calm, secure behavior in heavy rain and day-to-day refinement. It consistently leads aquaplaning tests (straight and curved), rides more comfortably, runs quieter, and can trim fuel use. If you encounter frequent standing water, prioritize cabin comfort, and want a softer-edged sporty feel at a friendlier price, the Dunlop fits well. The memorable takeaway: Bridgestone for maximum grip and braking confidence; Dunlop for rain resilience and comfort-first road manners.
Potenza Sport vs SportMaxx RT 2: your questions
Is the Bridgestone Potenza Sport or the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 the better tyre?
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport finished ahead 6 times and the SportMaxx RT 2 not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Potenza Sport scores 9.3 and the SportMaxx RT 2 8.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Potenza Sport or the SportMaxx RT 2?
The Potenza Sport led 11 of the 20 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 10.2% shorter in the wet across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Potenza Sport led 7 of the 9 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 6.1% shorter in the dry across 5 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Potenza Sport lasted 18.5% longer in the wear tests (2 tests); the SportMaxx RT 2 had 3.8% lower rolling resistance (3 tests). Owners rate wear 6.1/10 for the Potenza Sport and 7.5/10 for the SportMaxx RT 2.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The SportMaxx RT 2 was 1.3 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 7/10 for the Potenza Sport and 7.9/10 for the SportMaxx RT 2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the SportMaxx RT 2 77% from 94. 67% of Potenza Sport owners would buy it again, against 63% for the SportMaxx RT 2.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Potenza Sport was the dearer tyre in 2 of them, by 4.5% 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 SportMaxx RT 2 in 61 (17 to 21 inch). 48 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 SportMaxx RT 2 A and C.
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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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