77
/ 100
Objective (60%)
83/100
9 professional tests
User signal (40%)
77/100
191 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Head-to-head
Updated September 2026
Dunlop Sport BluResponse vs Firestone RoadHawk — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
VS
69
/ 100
Objective (60%)
71/100
17 professional tests
User signal (40%)
66/100
44 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
VerdictWinner: Dunlop Sport BluResponse — better comfort, handling and treadwear. Pick the Firestone RoadHawk if noise matters most to you.
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Category breakdown
6 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Score (0–100)
Why this score
| Source | Sport BluResponse | RoadHawk |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 82 | 84 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 88 | 83 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 96% | 96% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 98% | 100% |
Wet
Score (0–100)
Sport BluResponse leads by 3
Why this score
| Source | Sport BluResponse | RoadHawk |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 75 | 76 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 73 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 92% | 94% |
| Wet Braking - Concrete (% of best) | 69% | 70% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 96% | 99% |
Comfort
Score (0–100)
Sport BluResponse leads by 41
Why this score
| Source | Sport BluResponse | RoadHawk |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 100 | 39 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 83 | 71 |
Noise
Score (0–100)
RoadHawk leads by 7
Why this score
| Source | Sport BluResponse | RoadHawk |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 84 | 91 |
Treadwear
Score (0–100)
Sport BluResponse leads by 6
Why this score
| Source | Sport BluResponse | RoadHawk |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 61 | 55 |
Handling
Score (0–100)
Sport BluResponse leads by 12
Why this score
| Source | Sport BluResponse | RoadHawk |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 75 | 63 |
| DriverReviews owners | 84 | 82 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Dunlop Sport BluResponse | Firestone RoadHawk |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 77 | 69 |
| Dry | 84 | 84 |
| Wet | 78 | 75 |
| Comfort | 93 | 52 |
| Noise | 84 | 91 |
| Treadwear | 61 | 55 |
| Handling | 75 | 63 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
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Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
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Recomputed
Headline score
77
/ 100
Tire A
69
/ 100
Tire B
Test data
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Tire A | Tire B | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved Aquaplaning | Curved | 93% #5/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 92% #8/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | +1 | Same test |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 96% #5/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 96% #8/20 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test | -0.3 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% #3/8 · 2023 Motor Summer Tyre Test | 100% #2/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | -1.5 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 82% #7/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 98% #4/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | -15.3 | Different tests |
| Fuel Consumption | Fuel | 97% #24/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 100% #47/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | -3.4 | Same test |
| Abrasion | Other | 64% #32/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 55% #9/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | +9.1 | Same test |
| Noise | Other | 95% #6/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 98% #13/14 · 2018 New and Worn Summer Tyre Test | -2.4 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 94% #3/8 · 2023 Motor Summer Tyre Test | 68% #9/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +25.3 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 62% #16/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 83% #11/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | -20.8 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 61% #11/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 77% #12/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | -15.6 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 50% #2/9 · 2019 ACE Summer Tyre Test | 9% #11/49 · 2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test | +40.9 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 96% #7/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 98% #4/7 · 2019 NAF Summer Tyre Test | -1.6 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 100% #2/20 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test | 88% #12/20 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test | +12.5 | Same test |
| Subj. Dry Handling | Subj | 77% #9/20 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test | 83% #7/20 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test | -6.7 | Same test |
| Subj. Wet Handling | Subj | 49% #9/20 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test | 27% #15/20 · 2020 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test | +22.2 | Same test |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #13/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 0% #14/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 0 | Same test |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 92% #10/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | 94% #7/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | -2 | Same test |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | Wet | 69% #26/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | 70% #29/50 · 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test | -0.7 | Same test |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 96% #19/20 · 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test | 99% #2/20 · 2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tyre Test | -3 | Different tests |
From owners
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Dunlop Sport BluResponse is widely regarded as a high-performance touring tire that excels in wet and dry grip, noise reduction, and ride comfort. While users frequently praise its safety and handling characteristics, the consensus is heavily polarized by its notably short tread life and soft sidewall construction, which some drivers find detrimental to steering precision.
Pros
- Exceptional wet and dry traction
- Very low road noise and high comfort levels
- Improved fuel economy and low rolling resistance
- Strong resistance to aquaplaning
Cons
- Rapid and premature tread wear
- Soft sidewalls leading to 'mushy' or vague handling
- Prone to sidewall damage and punctures
- Performance degradation as the tire nears the end of its life
Observations
- Drivers of heavier vehicles, particularly diesel-powered cars, frequently report faster shoulder wear and increased sidewall flex.
- Users with sportier driving styles or those who frequently navigate tight corners often find the soft sidewalls cause understeer and a lack of steering feedback.
- The tire is highly favored for hybrid and economy vehicles where low rolling resistance and cabin quietness are prioritized over aggressive handling.
The Firestone RoadHawk is a polarizing mid-range tire that excels in comfort and wet-weather grip for daily commuting but suffers from significant durability concerns. While many users praise its value and performance on smaller, lighter vehicles, a substantial portion of owners report rapid, uneven tread wear and soft sidewalls that compromise handling precision during spirited driving.
Pros
- Strong wet-weather traction and hydroplaning resistance
- High levels of ride comfort and noise suppression
- Competitive price point compared to premium brands
- Effective performance for standard, non-sporty daily driving
Cons
- Rapid and often uneven tread wear
- Soft sidewalls leading to a 'mushy' feel and visual appearance of under-inflation
- Lack of steering feedback and precision in cornering
- Reports of premature cracking or perishing in low-mileage scenarios
Observations
- Users with smaller, lighter vehicles (e.g., Fiesta, Golf) report higher satisfaction regarding comfort and handling compared to owners of heavier diesel estates or vans.
- Drivers of heavier vehicles frequently report significant sidewall deflection and poor cornering confidence, often requiring higher tire pressures to compensate.
- The tire is frequently criticized for lack of stability when fitted to commercial vans, with users noting a 'wobbling' sensation under load.
Specifications
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Dunlop Sport BluResponse | B · Firestone RoadHawk |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Ultra High Performance tires | Summer Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
Final verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
77
/ 100
Dunlop
69
/ 100
Firestone
Winner: Dunlop Sport BluResponse — better comfort, handling and treadwear. Pick the Firestone RoadHawk if noise matters most to you.
Pick tire A
You want the most comfortable ride
Dunlop Sport BluResponse scores 93 vs 52 on comfort.
Pick tire A
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Dunlop Sport BluResponse scores 75 vs 63 on handling.
Pick tire B
You want a quieter cabin
Firestone RoadHawk scores 91 vs 84 on noise.
Pick tire A
You want the longest tread life
Dunlop Sport BluResponse scores 61 vs 55 on treadwear.
Tire A · Dunlop Sport BluResponse
Tire B · Firestone RoadHawk
More comparisons
Also compared with
Dunlop Sport BluResponse also compared with
Firestone RoadHawk also compared with
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.