Comparison: Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005 vs. Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS3 (2026)

Wet roads are the Blizzak LM-005's territory, and the data is unambiguous. In the one direct braking comparison with measured distances — an Autobild 2022 test on 215/55 R17 — the Bridgestone stopped from 80 km/h in 32.8m on wet tarmac against the Hankook's 35.3m, a 2.5m advantage that translates directly into safety margins. Its wet-braking score of 94.6 versus the Hankook's 81.9 reflects a gap that multiple test seasons have confirmed. Bridgestone positions this tyre as capable of achieving maximum scores in 80–0 km/h wet braking, and the test record supports that. The Hankook has attracted criticism for nervousness under throttle changes on wet surfaces and a tendency toward understeer when pushed to the limit in the wet. That said, the RS3 scores 90 on aquaplaning resistance versus the Blizzak's 84.9 — it handles standing water with more composure — so the two tyres' wet-weather profiles partially offset each other. If wet braking is your priority, the Bridgestone wins clearly; if you want broader wet safety including aquaplaning, the Hankook is more complete.

Dry performance is where the Blizzak LM-005 shows its one structural weakness. Its dry-braking score of 81.2 is nearly identical to the Hankook's 80.9, but the overall dry performance score of 82.4 sits noticeably below the RS3's 86.8 — and testers have flagged extended dry stopping distances as a consistent shortcoming across multiple seasons. The Hankook, by contrast, has earned genuine praise for what one 2025 test described as almost summer-tyre-like dry handling precision, with strong reserves in dry cornering and a direct, confidence-inspiring turn-in. The RS3 is the better everyday dry-road tyre of the two. The Bridgestone handles dry conditions safely but without the same dynamic crispness, and its above-average weight contributes to the sensation of a tyre that prioritises wet safety over dry agility.

Snow is the Hankook's strongest card. Its overall snow score of 84 compares favourably to the Bridgestone's 77.6, and the RS3 has earned consistent recognition for short snow braking distances and high traction — one 2025 test awarded it the shortest snow braking distances in its group. In the Autobild 2022 measured test, snow braking distances were nearly identical (Bridgestone 26.3m, Hankook 26.6m), suggesting the real gap lies in snow handling rather than pure braking — and that is where the Blizzak has been repeatedly criticised for moderate lateral grip, understeer, and limited traction under acceleration on packed snow. The Hankook's snow circle cornering score of 88.8 reflects a tyre that actually handles the full complexity of winter driving rather than just stopping in a straight line. Bridgestone's official brand materials highlight Blizzak's agility on snow, and it does perform creditably there, but the test record tells a more nuanced story: the RS3 is the more complete snow tyre of the two.

The Hankook RS3 is noticeably quieter. Its interior noise score of 97 in test detail measurements and an overall noise score of 91.5 versus the Bridgestone's 82.9 represent a meaningful real-world difference that owners of both tyres will feel on motorways. The Blizzak's weight has been flagged as above average, which contributes to both noise and the slightly softer, less direct ride feel. Mileage is a further point in the Hankook's favour — a score of 79.5 compared to the Bridgestone's 63.5, backed up by tester praise for low wear rates. The Blizzak, however, holds the edge in rolling resistance (86.6 vs 73.3 for the Hankook), which matters for fuel costs on longer runs. The 29 Heureka customer reviews for the RS3 average 8.9/10 with handling on various surfaces as the top-cited positive, suggesting real owners find it well-rounded rather than strong in one area only. Worth noting: the Blizzak LM-005 is in the process of being succeeded by the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, which may affect long-term availability in some sizes.