Both of these tires are high-performance summer tires that offer functional traction at high temperatures because of their robust tread compounds. However, WetProof provides better traction because of its narrower grooves, numerous sipes, and compact shoulders.
On the flip side, BluResponse possesses wider grooves. As a result, its hydroplaning resistance becomes excellent. Want to know which tire is more comfortable and offers lower rolling resistance? Stay with us then!
Table of Contents
Comparing Tread Design
Nokian WetProof
Dunlop BlueResponse
Nokian WetProof features an asymmetric tread pattern and a summer friendly design which makes it a suitable option for high temperatures. Upon looking closely at the tire, we found four narrow grooves all over the tread. These grooves help in the separation of the tire’s two outer shoulders and central blocks. The shoulders of tire are close and the shoulder blocks are dense. In addition to this, there are numerous and deep sipes all over the tread.
Just like its counterpart, BluResponse also possesses an asymmetrical tread design. However, its shoulder blocks are open in comparison. In addition to this, they are also larger. The shoulders and the central blocks are separated by four wide grooves. Sipes on the central part and the shoulder blocks are also fewer.
Comparing Grip
Due to the lower void ratio of WetProof, these tires have good grip on road. The narrower grooves maximize the contact patch so the tread will hold on to the dry surface strongly. In addition to this, the asymmetric tread pattern enhances the traction more. So, the tire has stopping distance 35.1 meters. Moreover, these tires are equipped with numerous and deeper sipes that provide efficient removal of water on wet surfaces. For this reason, the wet braking distance of 49.5 meters came out shorter than its competitor.
On the other hand, BluResponse exhibits a lower contact patch due to its wider grooves. So, the grip of the tread over dry surfaces is not as strong as its counterpart. Therefore, its braking distance of 35.4 meters on dry roads is comparatively higher. When it comes to the tire’s performance on wet roads, its grip is lesser in comparison due to a relatively lower sum of sipes. The tire’s wet braking distance was recorded at 50.3 meters.
Handling Comparison
The handling performance of both the tires on dry tracks is quite good because of their compact shoulders that provide a good ability to manage steer response. However, WetProof has even more compact shoulders and the shoulder blocks are also closely packed. This provides more lateral stability to the vehicle and the drivers get a fully controlled dry handling. Therefore, its lap time was estimated shorter in comparison. In addition to this, the sipes on the shoulder blocks are also more. This further increases the handling capabilities of the tire on a wet track.
In comparison, BluResponse lags a bit behind its counterpart due to its open shoulders and large shoulder blocks. This decreases the biting edge of the vehicle and as a result, it will require more time to finish lap on dry tracks. The wet handling performance of these tires is also less than its competitor due to the lesser number of sipes found on its shoulders. This eventually leads to less responsive steer handling and as a result, its speed on wet roads was recorded lower.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning resistivity of WetProof is not as effective as the BluResponse. That’s because it features narrower grooves that do not have much capacity to remove the water. Thus, vehicle will face trouble on flooded roads.
Comparatively, the BluResponse provides supreme residency against flooded roads due to its higher void ratio. The deeper voids of the tire offer it more space for effective channeling of water through its tread. This will safeguard the vehicle from slipping on wet surfaces.
Rolling Resistance
The rolling resistance of a tire is directly proportional to its tread. A tire with a higher contact patch will face more rolling resistance. When we compared both the tires for their rolling resistance, we found the WetProof has a higher contact patch due to its relatively narrower grooves. As a result, more area of the tire’s tread will touch the road. This will increase the amount of friction and a higher amount of force will be required to repress this friction. Therefore, rolling resistance of this tire will increase leading to a decrease in fuel efficiency.
The higher void ratio of BluResponse reduces the tread contact patch. Therefore, the sum of friction will decrease. This is what makes the rolling resistance of this tire lower and due to the lower rolling resistance; less amount of fuel will be consumed. As a result, the vehicle will have better mileage.
Comfort Comparison
WetProof is a more comfortable option among the two. That’s because it consists of narrower grooves in comparison. Therefore, less air particles will get stuck inside its void. Also, due to the narrower grooves, the particles will have less area to strike against the tire’s walls. This will result in a comfortable ride even while driving at high speed.
In comparison, the wider grooves in BluResponse will lead to the entrapment of more air particles. As a result, the air molecules will strike against the tire’s wall when the vehicle will move at higher speed. This is what makes these tires less comfortable option.
Durability & Treadwear
WetProof is a less durable option due to the higher rolling resistance of this tire. Moreover, the tread contains a compound structure that provides it with hydrophilic property, and as a result, the overall treadwear increases. Since its treadwear is higher, it is considered less durable.
Conversely, BluResponse features a lower contact patch so its treadwear is slower as well. This is what makes it a more durable option as compared to its competitor. Moreover, it is constructed using high standard material. This adds more to the durability of these tires. Due to lower rolling resistance and higher durability, the vehicle gets better mileage as well.
Price
The Dunlop BluResponse is a more budget-friendly option among both the tires as it does not only cost less but also offers excellent hydroplaning resistance along with higher durability and lower treadwear. On the other hand, the WetProof is a higher-priced tire because of its excellent traction and comfort.
Summary
- Both of them are summer performance tires.
- The dry and wet grip of WetProof is better.
- Handling of WetProof is also more efficient.
- BluResponse is better in terms of Hydroplaning resistance.
- Dunlop BluResponse has a lesser rolling resistance that leads to improved fuel efficiency.
- Nokian is a more comfortable option due to less noise production.
- The tread of BluResponse will wear out faster.
- WetProof costs more than its counterpart.
