Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) tires

Founded in 1931 in Japan, Bridgestone is the second largest tire manufacturer in the world and offers a wide range of tires for various vehicle segments. Hankook, on the other hand, was founded a decade later and has marked itself among the most popular tire manufacturers in the world.

Both tire manufacturers are admired for their range of tires in the American subcontinent and their Potenza RE980AS+ and Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) tires are the two great ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season tires that sport advanced technologies and features, and are suitable for use on sports cars and sedans. These tires are optimized for enhanced performance, handling, ride comfort, year-round traction, and long-lasting performance.

But, which of the two tires should you buy? To answer this, we have done a detailed analysis in this Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) tires comparison, using our advanced tire rating system, SimpleScore.

Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ tires

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ made its debut in the first half of 2021 and is an ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season made for use on sports cars and sedans and assures year-round traction and grip. Bridgestone has incorporated many advanced technologies and features to boost the tire’s braking performance, steering response, and grip in dry, wet, and light winter weather conditions. Additionally, it ensures longer tread life, better snow traction, and superior controllability.

All thanks to the superior traction performance, exceptional handling, and increased tread life, the Potenza RE980AS+ scores an overall SimpleScore rating of 9.4 on a scale of 10.

Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) tires

The Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) has been in the market since the mid-2010s and is suitable for use in sports cars. This ultra-high-performance all-season tire gets an advanced symmetric tread pattern for optimum braking performance, hydroplaning resistance, confident cornering, and reduced tread noise levels. The tire also boasts technologies and features that allow it to achieve faster accelerations and better high-speed stability. The tire also has features that provide solid durability to withstand high-speed driving pressures.

Overall, the Ventus S1 Noble2 secures a great 8.2 SimpleScore rating because of its responsive handling performance, better year-round traction, and long-lasting tread life.

Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) tires on traction

The Potenza RE980AS+ and the Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) are ultra-high-performance all-season tires engineered to offer year-round traction in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. But, which out of the two tires is better in this area? Let’s find it out!

The Potenza RE980AS+ sports an excellent 9.9 out of 10 SimpleScore rating in traction and features an advanced ultra-high compound that offers excellent dry, wet, and light snow traction. Its see-through void and open shoulder slots prevent hydroplaning by evacuating water from the footprint area and boosting wet traction. Additionally, the sipes present on the tread further increase the surefootedness in wet and snow conditions by firmly gripping the surface and increasing traction performance. Pavement or tracks, the Potenza RE980AS+ maintains consistent traction performance.

On the other hand, the Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) scores 8.7 out of 10 in traction. The advanced asymmetric tread pattern of this tire features four circumferential grooves for increased dispersion of water to avoid the chances of hydroplaning and maintain an increased wet grip. The triple radius profile of the Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) ensures maximum grip in high-speed driving conditions. Additionally, the 3-dimensional sipes across the tread allow the tire to achieve faster accelerations without losing traction.

Looking at the traction scores, it is evident that the Potenza RE980AS+ performs better than the Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452).

ADVANTAGE: Potenza RE980AS+

Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) tires on handling

Handling, in the case of the UHP all-season tires, is as important as traction and is more related to cornering grip, high-speed stability, quicker accelerations, lane-changing responsiveness, and braking performance. We found that there was a big gap in the handling scores of both tires.

Commencing with the Potenza RE980AS+, the UHP all-season tire attains a whopping 9.9 SimpleScore rating in the handling area. The tire features an advanced tread design that boasts chamfered slots and 3D full-depth sipes to ensure optimum braking performance. Likewise, the advanced rubber compound of the tire keeps the tread in contact with the surface, assuring drivers of confident control over the vehicle. The larger contact area of the tire helps in better cornering grip and also assures improved high-speed stability. The three center ribs of the tire ease lane changing while driving at high speeds on the highways.

The Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) scores an 8.8 SimpleScore rating in handling; lower than its competitor. However, the tire still manages to offer confident handling performance because of many great features. For highly efficient wet braking, the asymmetric tread pattern of the tire features an advanced aqua hydro block design, while the outer area of the tread features a straight rib block that increases cornering grip and prevents road noise. The 3-dimensional sipe present on the tread helps in achieving confident acceleration, braking, and cornering. Additionally, Hankook’s New Structure Technology has been utilized for added durability to let the tire hold its original shape and offer responsive handling performance.

When we compared the handling scores of both tires, it was the Potenza RE980AS+ that was a clear winner in this area.

ADVANTAGE: Potenza RE980AS+

Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) tires on longevity

Longevity defines how long a tire can last and whether it can withstand the accelerations and high-speed driving pressures. Or, if it can resist the braking pressures and adapt to sharp cornering and turns. When we compared the scores of both tires, we found that there was a marginal difference in their scores.

The Potenza RE980AS+ scored an 8.6 SimpleScore rating in longevity, assuring that it is good enough to resist driving pressures and quick accelerations. Thanks to its sturdy rubber compound, reinforced construction, and innovative tread pattern, the tire prevents irregular wear and reduces the wear rate. Likewise, the flatter contact patch contributes to even wear, ensuring a longer tread life. Bridgestone covers this with a 50,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, assuring the buyers that it is built and designed for extended use.

Contrarily, the Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) secures a respectable 8.1 SimpleScore rating in longevity, which is slightly lower than the competitor but great enough to indicate that the tire is made for long-lasting performance. It utilizes New Structure Technology that uses side-filling tape for increased durability and assures a long-lasting service life. The Stiffness Control Contour Theory Technology prevents the tire from deformation and a reinforced carcass lets the tire withstand driving pressures. The tire is backed by a 50,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, which ensures the tire is optimized for long-lasting tread life.

On the longevity front, looking at the scores, we found the Bridgestone tires are ahead of the Hankook tires.

ADVANTAGE: Potenza RE980AS+

When to use each

Both tires are performance-oriented and are built for year-round use in dry, wet, and light wintry conditions. These tires should be considered if you’re looking for sporty performance, quicker accelerations, confident stability, responsive handling, and stable high-speed rides. That being said, these tires aren’t suitable for use in extreme wintry conditions in freezing temperatures, on roads covered with thick ice or snow. Additionally, these UHP all-season tires are suitable for use on paved roads and shouldn’t be used in rough road conditions.

Both, the Potenza RE980AS+ and the Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) are offered in 16- to 20-inch rim sizes, being compatible with a wide range of vehicles on the market.

Which one should you choose?

Looking at the scores of both tires, we found the Potenza RE980AS+ scores higher than the Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) with an overall SimpleScore of 9.4 vs 8.2. However, these tires have their own strengths, which should be taken into consideration before making a purchase.

Talking about the price, the Potenza RE980AS+ is offered at a starting price of at least $131.53 per tire, while the Ventus S1 Noble2 is available at a starting price of at least $79.99 per tire. This means, a set of four Potenza RE980AS+ tires will cost you at least $526.12, while a set of four Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) tires will cost you at least $319.96.

Looking at SimpleScore, you should choose the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ if you:

• Drive a compact luxury sedan like the BMW 3 Series, a small sedan like the Chevrolet Cruze, an all-electric car like the Telsa Model 3, or a premium mid-size sedan like the Jaguar XF.
• Want tires that offer excellent year-round traction (9.9 vs 8.7 in traction).
• Want tires that offer outstanding handling (9.9 vs 8.8 in handling)
• Are comfortable paying extra to own a better-performing UHP all-season tire

Contrarily, you should pick the Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 if you:

• Drive a subcompact all-electric vehicle like the Chevrolet Bolt EV, a compact SUV like the Buick Envision, or a mid-size sedan like the Kia Cadenza.
• Need reliable but affordable ultra-high-performance all-season tires
• Want to enjoy similar warranty coverage at a lesser price
• Need a value-for-money tire that incorporates many advanced tire technologies for exceptional performance and year-round traction

After analyzing the SimpleScore, the Potenza RE980AS+ vs Ventus S1 Noble2 (H452) tires comparison looks completely justified and they look very similar. However, these tires are slightly different from each other in one or the other area and these differences should be compared against each other before concluding with the tire purchase. Additionally, you must also take into consideration things like the vehicle you drive, budget, how and where you drive, and your take on factors like traction, longevity, and handling.

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.