Bridgestone Blizzak Vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 both are winter tires, with the Blizzak offering heavy-duty performance on snow-packed roads as well as comfort on dry roads.
A Nokian R3 shows superior grip on wet and frozen surfaces.
As both tires are equipped with three peak mountain snowflake ratings, their prominent tread designs and directional grooves provide ample snow traction.
Analyze their tread design first.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 Vs Bridgestone Blizzak WS80
With its snow-friendly tread pattern, WS80 is ideal for cold climates. Two major circumferential groove sections are arranged over the central ribs, which gives the tire maximum traction on soft snow while performing adequately on dry surfaces.
As a result of the wider grooves between the tread blocks, the tire provides excellent grip and handling on soft snow.
A prominent biting edge on the tread blocks ensures that soft snow is crushed efficiently and traction is maintained.
The zig-zag sipe pattern over the wide blocks enhances the grip on wet roads, throwing water out of the tread and maintaining traction.
On dry roads, however, this tire struggles a bit.
As well as a balanced contact area for delivering the required grip on asphalt roads, the R3 tread pattern features adequate groove spacing for snowy and wet conditions.
There is a leaf-like structure all around the tread’s central rib.
As a result of the edge cutting pattern, this tire has a relatively large contact patch, allowing it to perform admirably on dry roads.
High speeds are made more stable by the relatively low void ratio of the tire.
Bold sidewall lugs enhance sidewall protection while cornering on dry roads and provide lateral stability.
Its relatively lower void ratio and fewer grooves reduce its performance in soft snow to some extent compared to its competitors.
There is, however, reliable traction on dry roads and on ice.
Comparison of grips
Tire grip is determined by the area of the tire that interacts with the road.
Snowy conditions are favored by WS80’s wide grooves.
When we talk about grip on dry roads, this reduces the tire’s efficiency.
On paved roads, the tire’s limited contact patch reduces traction at high speeds.
Reduced traction increases the braking distance, which compromises the vehicle’s stability.
There are many sipes all over the tread pattern that work well to prevent hydroplaning and maintain adequate grip in wet conditions.
On snow, the tire’s grip increases even more since its deep biting edges compact the snow to maximize grip and provide smooth mobility.
Considering R3’s traction on dry asphalt roads, the densely packed tread pattern delivers maximum contact patch to the tire, resulting in superb traction.
In addition to providing better grip at high speeds, the low void ratio also reduces braking distance, maintaining sufficient vehicle stability.
While the tire’s wet traction is satisfactory, it is less than its rival’s.
There are also sipes throughout the tread pattern of the tire, but the sipes are not as efficient as those on the WS80 tire.
Due to its narrow grooves, it has less grip in deep snow.
As the Nokian R3 has more contact patch than the WS80 with numerous sipes, it performs rather well on ice.
Comparative analysis of handling
With a relatively small contact patch, the Bridgestone WS80 has a wider groove spacing over the entire tread.
On dry roads, the high void ratio compromises the handling of the tire to some extent.
Sipes and deep edges increase handling on wet surfaces. By having wide spaces between shoulder blocks, this tire is able to evacuate any snow that gets stuck between bold shoulders.
The handling performance of both tires is almost similar, but R3 has an edge over WS80 on dry asphalt roads.
Nokian R3 has wider shoulders that cover almost a third of the tread, providing additional lateral stability over sharp edges.
Vehicle stability is enhanced by the bold shoulders, which enhance sidewall protection.
As a result of the zig-zag sipe pattern and deep cuts over the shoulders, the tire performs better on wet roads and prevents hydroplaning.
Due to the fewer grooves and reduced void ratio, the handling is a bit reduced in winter and snowy conditions.
Comparison of hydroplaning resistance
A small layer of water forms between the tire and road surface during hydroplaning on wet and slippery roads.
As a result, the tire loses grip and slips more easily.
The WS80 tire has impressive zig-zag sipes on each section of the longitudinal tread blocks to help wipe water efficiently and provide hydroplaning resistance.
Hydroplaning is not prevented by R3’s efficient processing capabilities.
Hydroplaning is possible because there are no grooves to evacuate water.
Although it has plenty of sipes that allow it to perform well in harsh watery conditions, it isn’t recommended to use this tire on flooded roads due to its sipes.
Comparison of rolling resistance
On a road surface, rolling resistance is the force that resists the tire’s motion.
To move smoothly over a surface, a tire with a larger contact patch will need to expend more energy.
The Blizzak WS80 has relatively wide grooves with less contact area.
By reducing drag force, the tire can maintain its mobility with less effort.
WS80 provides better mileage and fuel efficiency due to its reduced rolling resistance.
Nokian R3 has a wide tread design with a larger contact patch, increasing the area of the tire in contact with the road.
This tire has a higher rolling resistance, which reduces its fuel efficiency.
Comparison of comfort
A tire’s comfort is determined by its groove spacing and void ratio.
There are prominent groove linings on the tread sections of the WS80.
With a higher void ratio, the tire’s comfort is compromised a little bit, as it allows more air to enter the groove spacing and strike the tread block walls, producing vibrations which lead to noise.
When driving at high speeds, the tire becomes a bit louder, reducing its comfort.
A relatively higher contact patch and lower void ratio are provided by the impressive tread design of R3.
The densely packed tread design prevents air from entering the open spaces, making the tire more comfortable to drive on.
By making the tire virtually inaudible, the relatively low void ratio and narrow tread blocks provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
Treadwear and durability
With its multi-Cell compound tread pattern, WS80 is ideal for extreme cold conditions without compromising traction.
In addition to providing satisfactory grip on the road, the micro-texture design along the tread blocks gives the tire a neat finish.
Water is evacuated between the tread and surface by the zig-zag sipes pattern on the tread blocks in wet conditions.
A saw-toothed edge on the bold shoulders increases the tire’s handling and provides extra traction.
Its balanced void ratio ensures sufficient traction on dry roads and a confident grip on snowy ground.
Due to the tire’s relatively small contact patch, treadwear is reduced, increasing its durability and mileage.
Final thoughts on Bridgestone Blizzak Vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
- The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 are both winter tires.
- On dry roads, R3 provides better grip and handling.
- In soft snow, WS80 dominates.
- By reducing rolling resistance and increasing fuel efficiency, WS80 has a higher void ratio.
- On paved roads, the R3 is quieter and more comfortable.
- With varying features, both tires fall within the same price range.
Video Comparison of Bridgestone Blizzak Vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
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