Are you looking for the ideal ally to help you face harsh winter conditions? If you want to choose the tire model that is the safest on ice or snow covered roads or wet surfaces, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 vs Bridgestone Blizzak WS-90 tire models could be the ones for you. Find out more about both of these studless winter tires specially made for touring cars, small SUVs and minivans with blackcircles Canada.
How do Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 vs Bridgestone Blizzak WS-90 compare?
First and foremost, it is interesting to note that the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-90 and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta have found their way in the three first positions for the Top 10 Best Tires for Cars and Small SUVs, presented by The Car Guide (2021-2022), with ratings that were very close.
When it comes to the Bridgestone, the Blizzak models have been well established on the market since the 90s; these are tire models that have proven their worth over several winters! The WS-90 arrived in 2019 and is the latest generation. Among the improvements that have been made, durability is significantly improved compared to the WS-80. The design also has wider grooves for improved performance on snow and water.
This tire is also available in dimensions ranging between 15- and 19- inches with T and H speed ratings; you can also get tires in XL dimensions.
There are also XL dimensions with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3. It is designed for touring cars and minivans, but it is also possible to get the SUV tire version. This tire is also recommended for electric and hybrid vehicles. It comes in a variety of dimensions ranging between 14- and 22- inches, with R and T speed ratings. There are also dimensions with run-flat technology available.
This Nokian tire was announced early 2018. A new generation, the R5, was born in 2022, but the R3 remains a high-performance tire for winter driving.
Although they are both found among the best tire models, they go about this very differently, starting with design. The tread on the Nokian is directional, and symmetrical for the Bridgestone. This means that each model had its strengths!
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3: Specs
The ultimate Nordic model, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tire is offered with advanced design features that will provide you with a safe and eco-friendly driving experience:
- The Arctic Sense Grip concept
Traction is certainly the most important quality for a safe driving experience. This concept includes different sipes that allow the tire to offer great grip levels in all situations. This design not only improves traction, but also road handling, making it even more precise and comfortable to drive.
- Cryo Crystal 3 particles
Added to the tread compound, these small particles allow the tire to better grip onto the road, especially when it is covered with ice.
- Multi-faceted snow claws
Between the central part of the tire and the shoulder, there are multi-faceted snow claws that help balance traction on snow and ice. Among other things, they also improve accelerations and reduce braking distances by biting fiercely into the road surface.
Equipped with a directional tread, the R3 also offers excellent resistance to aquaplaning. The evacuation grooves allow for better water and snow evacuation from under the tread surface. This is a model that will provide you with a safe driving experience on all types of road surfaces!
Bridgestone Blizzak WS-90: Specs
Bridgestone Blizzak WS-90 tires offer cutting-edge features that provide you with outstanding winter driving:
- The patented Multicell technology
This tread compound technology contains microscopic bubbles with hydrophilic properties, meaning that they can actually soak in the water from the road surface to then better evacuate it, including the fine layer of water on top of ice. This will allow you to enjoy maximum grip levels and avoid skidding.
- A new tread compound
The new compound was designed to improve the contact surface with the road, by reducing the void ratio. This also allows the tire to offer even more grip and better control on the roads.
- Shoulder blocks are wider by 15 %
By increasing the amount of block edges compared to the previous generation, the Bridgestone winter tire offers superior traction and braking performance, no matter the road conditions.
- A more rigid build
Compared to the WS-80, the WS-90 is 30 % more rigid. This allows for better resistance to wear and a longer lifespan; estimates indicate that it should last one season more than its predecessor.
This means the Blizzak WS-90 is a comfortable and durable tire, specially designed for even better performance than the previous generation.
Choosing between the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 and the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-90
Now that you have a better understanding of what each tire has to offer, how do they behave differently on the road? We will help you see more clearly with this comparison based on independent testing.
In a Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 vs Bridgestone Blizzak WS-90 duel, each tire presents its own set of strengths and areas that could be improved, although both tires offer remarkable performance overall.
If you drive in the winter, traction on ice is probably one of your main preoccupations. Both tires have gripping edges that are specially designed to maximise traction.
The multi-faceted sipes and the Cryo Crystal particles on the Nokian tire will provide you with remarkable traction on ice, where it offers a more confident drive than the Bridgestone tire. The latter does also have a bit less sipes, which means that traction is a little less aggressive than for the R3.
However, the hydrophilic compound and grooves allow the Bridgestone to offer excellent maneuverability on ice. The shoulder blocks with gripping edges also contribute to this feeling of control, especially when cornering.
Inversely, the R3 comes with less gripping edges and sipes in the shoulder blocks. This means that although it offers excellent traction, maneuverability is slightly inferior to the Bridgestone on icy surfaces.
We have also mentioned control while cornering; this is also one of the WS-90’s strengths on dry roads, where it truly excels. While it is more performant on dry roads, it is important to note the superior performance for the R3 on wet roads.
This is one of the strengths offered by the directional tread: the groove design helps evacuate water quickly which translates into a feeling of control at the wheel even after a heavy rainfall or when the snow begins to melt. The Blizzak is just a little behind when it comes to braking on wet roads, although it remains a very safe alternative.
Finally, the Bridgestone Blizzak has deeper grooves that will provide you with superior performance on snow.
All in all, this is a tight duel: the Nokian stands out on ice and on wet roads, while the Bridgestone seem to offer superior performance on snow and on dry roads. The tread design definitely has a role to play in the different types of performance they offer!
Comparing treads
As we have mentioned, the Nokian relies on a directional tread, while the Bridgestone has a symmetrical design. Other than this notable difference, there are other distinctions as well.
For example, the Bridgestone has two circumferential grooves, while the R3 has four, disjointed and claw shaped. This allows us to predict superior resistance to aquaplaning with the R3.
However, a wide central groove and a wider contact surface with the road will allow the WS-90 to provide you with remarkable grip levels, especially on dry roads. This also translates into a more comfortable and quieter driving experience, on top of enhancing durability.
On the other hand, the higher void ratio on the Nokian means a lower rolling resistance, on top of great performance on wet roads. This means you will also be able to enjoy higher energy efficiency while driving.
All in all both tires offer a different approach that will correspond to different types of drivers. Depending on the types of roads you generally drive on and your priorities when it comes to comfort or a low rolling resistance, you might prefer one model over another.
One thing is for sure: no matter your decision, get ready for winter thanks to our tire sets offered at the best price. We can deliver straight to your door or to your favorite local garage!
