Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

In this article we will be looking at independent tyre test data, and real world driver reviews of the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 to find out which tyre is best for your own driving.

The good news is that both the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 are Max Performance Summer tyres designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars, which means comparing the two tyres is relatively simple.

Both tyres are hugely popular in the market place with drivers, and both have been featured in independent tyre tests.

In This Article
Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion Similar Comparisons
Potenza-Sport VS SportMaxx-RT-2

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 six tests which compare both tyres directly!

Out of these six tests:

  • Bridgestone Potenza Sport finished ahead of the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 in six of the tests

While it might look like the Bridgestone Potenza Sport is better than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 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.

Dry Braking

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during five dry braking tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport stopped the vehicle in 6.12% less distance than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
33.74M
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
35.94M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:34.7M Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 35.3M
2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:33.9M Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 36.7M
2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:32.6M Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 35.2M
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:34.9M Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 37.3M
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:32.6M Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 35.2M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was 0.3% faster around a lap than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
67s
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
66.8s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:67s ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 66.8s

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 2.12% faster around a lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
120.15Km/H
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
117.6Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:119.7Km/H Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 117Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:120.6Km/H Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 118.2Km/H

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 scored 1% more points than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
49.5 Points
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
50 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:49.5 Points ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 50 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during five wet braking tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport stopped the vehicle in 9.94% less distance than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
35.32M
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
39.22M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:48.8M Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 51.7M
2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:28.3M Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 32.3M
2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:27.6M Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 31.5M
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:28.8M Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 31.5M
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:43.1M Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 49.1M

Wet Braking - Concrete

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport stopped the vehicle in 9.19% less distance than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
34.6M
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
38.1M
Wet braking on Concrete in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:34.6M Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 38.1M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 1.77% faster around a wet lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
66.6s
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
67.8s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:66.6s Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 67.8s

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 2.04% faster around a wet lap than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
73.7Km/H
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
72.2Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.9Km/H Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 72.7Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.5Km/H Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 71.7Km/H

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 performed equally well in subj. wet handling tests.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
57 Points
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
57 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Both tyres performed equally well

2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:57 Points Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 57 Points

Wet Circle

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was 2.7% faster around a wet circle than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
14.78s
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
15.19s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:15s Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 15.4s
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:14.55s Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 14.98s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 floated at a 2.92% higher speed than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
75.43Km/H
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
77.7Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:74Km/H ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 75.3Km/H
2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:69.7Km/H ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 73.2Km/H
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:78.9Km/H ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 81.2Km/H
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:79.1Km/H ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 81.1Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during four curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 slipped out at a 8.86% higher speed than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
6.89m/sec2
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
7.56m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:2.72m/sec2 ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 2.79m/sec2
2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:18.7m/sec2 ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 20.5m/sec2
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:3.1m/sec2 ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 3.5m/sec2
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:3.04m/sec2 ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 3.45m/sec2

Subj. Comfort

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 scored 14% more points than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
4.3 Points
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
5 Points
Subjective Comfort Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Comfort: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:4.3 Points ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 5 Points

Noise

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during three noise tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 measured 1.76% quieter than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
74.03dB
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
72.73dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.7dB ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 71.8dB
2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:73.8dB ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 72.8dB
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:74.6dB ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 73.6dB

Wear

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two wear tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport is predicted to cover 15.66% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
48190KM
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
40645KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:50500KM Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 41700KM
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:45880KM Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 39590KM

Value

Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during two value tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport proved to have a 13.65% better value based on price/1000km than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
8.98Price/1000
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
10.4Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.58Price/1000 Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 11.7Price/1000
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:8.37Price/1000 Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 9.09Price/1000

Price

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one price tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 cost 7.14% less than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
630
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
585
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:630 ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 585

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 had a 3.92% lower rolling resistance than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
9.44kg / t
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
9.07kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test
235/35 R19		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.57kg / t ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 8.71kg / t
2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.5kg / t ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 9.1kg / t
2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:9.24kg / t Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 9.41kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 used 3.45% less fuel than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
5.8l/100km
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
5.6l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption: Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2

2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 Bridgestone Potenza Sport:5.8l/100km ✓ Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 5.6l/100km

Abrasion

Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Bridgestone Potenza Sport emitted 29.89% less particle wear matter than the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
63.8mg/km/t
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
91mg/km/t
Weight of Tyre Wear Particles Lost (mg/km/t), lower is better

Best In Abrasion: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Bridgestone Potenza Sport:63.8mg/km/t Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2: 91mg/km/t

Real World Driver Reviews

Tyre Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

In total the Bridgestone Potenza Sport has been reviewed 111 times and drivers have given the tyre 81% overall.

The Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 has been reviewed 92 times and drivers have given the tyre 77% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2.

Best Review for the Bridgestone Potenza Sport
Given 81% 225/45 R17 on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
I have had these on the rear of my XFR for a few months now, it has the optional "R-S" size of 295/30/20. They get a hard life on a heavy >500bhp RWD car with quite relaxed electronics, and these are by far the best tyres I have used on the rear of an XFR - various models of which have been my daily driver for 6.5 years now (about 90k miles covered in that time). Traction is superb in wet and dry conditions, and resistance to aquaplaning has been good as well. It is slightly concerning they come with
Helpful 1492 - tyre reviewed on November 22, 2021
View all Bridgestone Potenza Sport driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
Given 93% 235/35 R19 W on a combination of roads for 3,000 spirited miles
I have changed my ContiSportContact 5Ps with these. Quite happy so far. The car feels like more responsive and quiter. I have preferred these over SportContact6s purely because of the price advantage but it doesnt feel like a wrong choice so far. The rim protectors, which dont exist on 5Ps, are also nice. I have just painted my rims before installing these and these protectors have already save me from scratching the rims couple of times.
Helpful 319 - tyre reviewed on April 30, 2016
View all Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Bridgestone Potenza Sport performed better in dry braking, dry handling [km/h], wet braking, wet braking - concrete, wet handling [s], wet handling [km/h], wet circle, wear, value and abrasion, while the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 performed better in dry handling [s], subj. dry handling, straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, subj. comfort, noise, price, rolling resistance and fuel consumption.

Interestingly, both tyres performed equally well in subj. wet handling, showing that they are closely matched in these areas.

Which tyre is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tyre. Comparing all the data in the tyre reviews database, on balance Bridgestone Potenza Sport seems to be the best tyre overall.

However, it's important to note that both tyres have their strengths.

Remember, the best tyre for you might depend on which of these factors are most important for your specific driving needs and conditions.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

Overall Winner: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport 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

Looking for more tyre comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tyres:

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
VS
Kumho Ecsta PS71
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 VS Kumho Ecsta PS71
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
VS
Yokohama Advan Sport V107
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 VS Yokohama Advan Sport V107
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Yokohama Advan Sport V107
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Yokohama Advan Sport V107
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Toyo Proxes Sport 2
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Continental PremiumContact 7
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Continental PremiumContact 7
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Vredestein Ultrac Pro
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Vredestein Ultrac Pro
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Falken Azenis FK520
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Falken Azenis FK520
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Continental SportContact 7
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Continental SportContact 7

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.