Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 72% · 119
- TR Score
- 9.2/10
- Owners say
- 79% · 4
In the 11 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Blizzak LM005 finished ahead 8 times and the Cinturato Winter 2 3 times. The Blizzak LM005 stopped 5.9% shorter in the wet; the Cinturato Winter 2 lasted 28% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 for rain-heavy climates, frequent motorway use, and drivers prioritizing maximum wet safety and low rolling resistance. Pick Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 for areas with regular snow, longer ownership cycles, and buyers seeking stronger mileage and value with balanced winter manners.
Where the Blizzak LM005 is stronger
- Class-leading wet braking and handling (frequent 4-10% shorter wet stops)
- Low rolling resistance and high comfort/noise scores
- Consistently strong aquaplaning in curves and balanced dry handling
Where the Cinturato Winter 2 is stronger
- Excellent mileage, low abrasion, and strong overall value
- Balanced, confidence-inspiring snow handling and traction
- Often better dry braking and lively steering feedback
Conclusion
If wet performance is your top safety priority, the Blizzak LM005 is the standout. It wins 10 of 11 wet braking comparisons and 8 of 8 wet handling head-to-heads, frequently stopping 4-10% shorter in the wet-an advantage you can feel in emergency situations. It also tends to have lower rolling resistance and better comfort scores, contributing to quiet, easygoing everyday driving.
The Cinturato Winter 2 answers with better snow balance in several tests (notably handling and slalom), clearly stronger tread life and abrasion results (ADAC projected +46% mileage), and consistently better overall value scores. It's often slightly quicker to stop on dry roads and shows excellent aquaplaning resistance in some sizes.
Bottom line: LM005 for rain-dominant winters and drivers who value maximum wet grip and efficiency; Winter 2 for longer-lasting winter performance, better snow feedback, and stronger value. Choose based on your climate mix and ownership priorities.
Where to buy
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2Affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy. It never changes our results.
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.
Blizzak LM005 vs Cinturato Winter 2 at a glance
| Category | Blizzak LM005 | Gap | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won11 shared tests | 8 | 3 | |
| Dry20 measurements | 11 | The Blizzak LM005 averaged a 1.5% higher speed on the dry handling course (4 tests) | 8 |
| Wet42 measurements | 35 | The Blizzak LM005 stopped 5.9% shorter in the wet (11 tests) | 6 |
| Snow36 measurements | 16 | The Cinturato Winter 2 lapped the snow handling course 0.6% faster (4 tests) | 18 |
| Ice1 measurement | 0 | The Cinturato Winter 2 stopped 10.4% shorter on ice (1 test) | 1 |
| Comfort11 measurements | 4 | Level between the two. | 4 |
| Value12 measurements | 8 | The Blizzak LM005 had 7.1% lower rolling resistance (8 tests) | 3 |
| Environment1 measurement | 0 | The Cinturato Winter 2 shed 25% less rubber in the abrasion test (1 test) | 1 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.9/10 | The Cinturato Winter 2 by 0.3 | 9.2/10 |
| Owner rating119 and 4 reviews | 72% | The Cinturato Winter 2 by 7 points | 79% |
| Pricein the 9 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Cinturato Winter 2 was dearer in 5 of 9 | +4.2% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 165 | 34 sizes made in both | 41 |
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 11 tests, 2022 to 2024
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 | Blizzak LM005 | Field | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 All Season and Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 10 | P4 of 10 | |
| 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 9 | P7 of 9 | |
| 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tyre Test | P5 of 11 | P6 of 11 | |
| 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P10 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test | P1 of 54 | P9 of 54 | |
| 2023 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 11 | P6 of 11 | |
| 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tyre Test | P15 of 15 | P12 of 15 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test | P6 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tyre Market Overview | P1 of 56 | P5 of 56 | |
| 2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test | P1 of 9 | P4 of 9 | |
| 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test | P2 of 8 | P7 of 8 |
Performance profile
27 measurements from the 11 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Blizzak LM005
Cinturato Winter 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.
Where each scores higher
Blizzak LM005
Cinturato Winter 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
Blizzak LM005
Cinturato Winter 2
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Blizzak LM005 72% from 119 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 79% from 4. 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 | Blizzak LM005 | Gap | Cinturato Winter 2 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44.02 | 0.8% | 43.69 | 3-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 72.15 | 0.8% | 72.74 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 115.1 | 1.5% | 113.5 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| scored | 4.3% | scored | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 39.49 | 5.9% | 42.07 | 10-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 82.51 | 1.9% | 84.07 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 80.55 | 1.8% | 79.1 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| scored | 16.7% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 7.41 | 1.8% | 7.28 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 12.2 | 1.8% | 12.42 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 82.87 | 0.4% | 82.67 | 5-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 3.42 | 8.7% | 3.16 | 6-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 25.2 | 2.4% | 25.83 | 9-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 5.43 | 0.3% | 5.45 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 1,942 | 2.1% | 1,966 | 2-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 88.43 | 0.6% | 87.83 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 55.03 | 0.9% | 55.55 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| scored | 9.5% | scored | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 4.59 | 0.7% | 4.62 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 3.58 | 4.8% | 3.76 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 22.1 | 10.4% | 19.8 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 3.7% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.79 | = | 71.81 | 3-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 33,977 | 28% | 43,610 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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| 8.12 | 7.1% | 8.74 | 8-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.7 | = | 5.7 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 98.5 | 25% | 73.9 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Blizzak LM005 scores 8.9 and the Cinturato Winter 2 9.2 out of 10.
| Blizzak LM005 | Category | Cinturato Winter 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | Dry | 65 | ||
| 99 | Wet | 89 | ||
| 64 | Comfort | 45 | ||
| 46 | Value | 34 | ||
| 4 | Environment | 29 | ||
| 66 | Snow | 67 | ||
| 13 | Ice | 76 | ||
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
| Blizzak LM005 | Category | Cinturato Winter 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.7 | Dry Grip | 8.3 | ||
| 8.3 | Wet Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 7.4 | Road Feedback | 7.8 | ||
| 7.2 | Handling | 7.8 | ||
| 5.9 | Wear | 7.3 | ||
| 7.4 | Comfort | 7.8 | ||
| 7.3 | Snow Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 6.3 | Ice Grip | 6 | ||
Owners rate the Blizzak LM005 72% from 119 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 79% from 4. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
- 72%from 119 reviews
- 57%would buy again
- 1,217,827 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners most often praise the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 for its wet grip, and dry grip also attracts favourable comments. Snow traction divides opinion, with around three in ten owners praising it and almost one in four criticising it. Around a third report rapid tread wear, while roughly one in nine say grip deteriorates as the tyre wears. About one in ten complain of uneven wear. Opinions on road noise are mixed, while ride comfort generally earns praise from those who mention it.
- Strong wet grip
- Good dry grip
- Comfortable ride
- Short tread life
- Grip deteriorating with wear
- Uneven tread wear
Summarised by AI from 107 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 119 Blizzak LM005 reviewsIt turned out to be a very good winter tire. There are much better tires out there, but this is a premium tire that's worth the price.
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
- 79%from 4 reviews
- 32,500 milesdriven by reviewers
All 4 Cinturato Winter 2 reviewsStarted the second winter season on the tyres (roughly 12500 per season).
No degradation felt on dry grip. The tyres feel as grippy as when they were new, temperature 3C-6C.
Pretty happy with the grip.Performance in the wet is good as well.
Snow and ice conditions I am not so sure about the tyres. A couple of times during heavy/medium snow fall where I had no grip, tried to correct but the tyres did not bite.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 165 sizes of the Blizzak LM005 and 41 of the Cinturato Winter 2, 34 of them made in both.
| Category | Blizzak LM005 | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 165 sizes, 14 to 22 inch | 41 sizes, 16 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 34 sizes 195/55 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17205/60 R17215/40 R17215/45 R17and 22 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A89%B11% | B91%A9% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C78%B17%D5% | C77%B15%D8% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B99%A1% | 69-72 dB B85%A15% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 394 of 394 | 78 of 78 |
| On the market since | 2019 | 2021 |
| Replaced | Bridgestone Blizzak LM80 EVO (2013) | Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 (2013) |
| Replaced by | Bridgestone Blizzak 6 | Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 |
| Awards |
Tyre Reviews awards
Recommended 2023/24 Tyre Reviews UHP Winter Tyre Test
Test Winner 2023 Tyre Reviews SUV Winter Tyre Test
Test Winner 2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
|
Tyre Reviews awards
Recommended 2022/23 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test
Rated by other publications
Recommended 2
|
| Price in the shared tests | The Cinturato Winter 2 was the dearer tyre in 5 of the 9 tests that listed prices, by 4.2% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Prices by size
Lowest price per tyre at our partner shops, including delivery, in the sizes both are made in.
| Size | Blizzak LM005 | Cinturato Winter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 195/55 R16 | ||
| 205/55 R16 | ||
| 205/60 R16 | ||
| 215/55 R16 | ||
| 215/60 R16 | ||
| 215/65 R16 | ||
| 205/45 R17 | ||
| 205/50 R17 | ||
| 205/55 R17 | ||
| 215/40 R17 | ||
| 215/45 R17 | ||
| 215/50 R17 |
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy. It never changes our results.
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 pitches two of the most popular premium touring winter tyres against each other: Bridgestone's Blizzak LM005 and Pirelli's Cinturato Winter 2. Both target everyday drivers who need confident performance across cold, wet, and snowy conditions without sacrificing comfort and efficiency.
Across 11 shared professional tests, a clear pattern emerges. The LM005 dominates wet grip and braking-often by meaningful margins-while the Cinturato Winter 2 leans into snow balance, wear life, and value. The result is a split in priorities: ultimate security in the rain versus longer life and stronger overall winter economy.
Blizzak LM005 vs Cinturato Winter 2: your questions
Is the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 or the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 the better tyre?
In the 11 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 finished ahead 8 times and the Cinturato Winter 2 3 times. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Blizzak LM005 scores 8.9 and the Cinturato Winter 2 9.2 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Blizzak LM005 or the Cinturato Winter 2?
The Blizzak LM005 led 35 of the 42 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5.9% shorter in the wet across 11 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Blizzak LM005 led 11 of the 20 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 1.5% higher speed on the dry handling course across 4 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Cinturato Winter 2 led 18 of the 36 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it lapped the snow handling course 0.6% faster across 4 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Blizzak LM005 had 7.1% lower rolling resistance (8 tests); the Cinturato Winter 2 lasted 28% longer in the wear tests (3 tests). Owners rate wear 5.9/10 for the Blizzak LM005 and 7.3/10 for the Cinturato Winter 2.
Which sheds less rubber as it wears?
The Cinturato Winter 2 shed 25% less rubber in the abrasion test (1 test). Abrasion tests measure the rubber a tyre sheds as it wears.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.4/10 for the Blizzak LM005 and 7.8/10 for the Cinturato Winter 2.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Blizzak LM005 72% from 119 reviews and the Cinturato Winter 2 79% from 4.
Which is more expensive?
In the 9 tests that listed prices, the Cinturato Winter 2 was the dearer tyre in 5 of them, by 4.2% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Blizzak LM005 is made in 165 sizes (14 to 22 inch) and the Cinturato Winter 2 in 41 (16 to 20 inch). 34 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Blizzak LM005 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Cinturato Winter 2 B and C.
Which is the newer tyre?
The Cinturato Winter 2 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Blizzak LM005 in 2019. The Blizzak LM005 replaced the Bridgestone Blizzak LM80 EVO. The Cinturato Winter 2 replaced the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3.
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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.
Discussion