Pros
- Very good dry performance
- 40,000-treadwear warranty
- Sporty handling
- Decent ride quality with low noise levels
Cons
- Traction and grip on snow are very limited
- Wet performance is average
In the tire industry, we constantly get new models that can deliver better performance than their predecessors, so we always expect something new and improved. Most manufacturers usually retire the older generation tires as the newer ones come out, which is to be expected. There are those, however, that may leave an older model on the market.
The idea behind this approach is to have some good-performing tires still available for people who don’t want to pay a lot. Manufacturers often sell them at a lower price, so you are getting last gen’s premium tire for the price of the current-gen mid-range.
Depending on the models at hand, we may have an older premium tire that can still outperform the mid-range options. On the other hand, there may be some that won’t be as competitive in today’s market.
There are plenty of examples like this one, and the one I’ve chosen for today is the Potenza RE92. This is Bridgestone’s high-performance all-season tire that I mentioned in my list of the best tires for older cars. The tire has been around for over a decade, and the question I’ll be answering today: “Is it still competitive?”
What are the features of the Bridgestone Potenza RE92?
Even though the Potenza RE92 is an older model, it still had all the features that matter for that era. The important ones are still relevant today, so we should probably see some good results.
Like any all-season tire, the Potenza RE92 is designed to deliver performance in various conditions. To achieve that, Bridgestone used its all-season rubber compound, which aims to make the tire usable in snowy conditions.
Part of that performance in snow comes from the tread pattern. The Potenza RE92 is molded into a symmetric design with interlocking triangulated blocks. Their goal is to provide biting force so the tire can deliver traction on snow and damp roads.
While I’m on the subject of wet driving, Potenza RE92 features 4 circumferential grooves. They work in combination with the lateral ones and should help the tire evacuate water more effectively and keep it stable.
For refinement, the tread design of the Potenza RE92 is a computer-designed one with the goal of reducing road noise. On the comfort side of things, Bridgestone designed the tire with a polyester cord body, meaning we should see some decent ride quality.
How does it behave on dry tarmac?
As a performance model, the Potenza RE92 is a tire that can deliver some decent performance. It’s not on the same levels as some newer Potenza models, but it does a decent job.
The traction levels are pretty good, and the tire won’t struggle too much. Getting carried away will result in slip, so be mindful of how much traction the Potenza RE92 can deliver. Cornering is another area where the tire does well and won’t struggle too much. The levels of grip are more than enough for normal driving, and you won’t come into a situation where the tire lets go.
As a performance-oriented tire, the Potenza RE92 can deliver high levels of performance but not enough to compete with the latest additions in this class. While you can have some fun with it on a twisty road, something like the Eagle RS-A2 can offer more. It’s the same with going on a track, I wouldn’t classify it as a poor option, but I will say that you won’t be getting the best lap times.
Dry Rating: 4/5
How does it behave over wet and slippery roads?
In rainy conditions, the Potenza RE92 manages to deliver usable performance, but I wouldn’t categorize it as the best.
The tire is fine in normal driving conditions, offering a decent amount of grip and traction, which most people would be fine with. Accelerating or going into a corner at normal speeds won’t be an issue, and the Potenza RE92 won’t disappoint. With that said, as a performance tire, you may want to push it a bit, something the tire cannot deliver.
Overall you are looking at average performance with the Potenza RE92 in wet conditions. You can push it a bit, but don’t expect wonders regarding grip and traction. With that, you also get average aquaplaning resistance and braking distances which aren’t shorter than something like Firehawk AS.
Wet Rating: 3.5/5
How is it over snow?
The worst part about the Potenza RE92 is the performance in winter. As an all-season tire, I expected a bit more, but unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed.
On clean roads, the Potenza RE92 isn’t too bad, and while it won’t be the same as in summer, I wouldn’t classify it as terrible. The problems start in snowy conditions, where the tire cannot deliver decent performance.
In lighter conditions, there is some traction, enough to get the car rolling, and the grip levels are acceptable if you’re driving like a grandma. The moment you give it more gas or go into a corner at a slightly higher speed, the Potenza RE92 falls apart.
With this in mind, when it comes to harsher conditions, the Potenza RE92 is even worse, making it unusable.
While you can get away with a short drive and be careful, the Potenza RE92 isn’t very usable in these conditions. I believe that the Ecsta PA31 would do a better job and be more versatile in the winter.
Snow Rating: 2.5/5
Is it comfortable and refined?
Refinement isn’t something you can expect from a performance tire, but the Potenza RE92 isn’t too bad in this regard.
You have decent noise levels, which may not be as low as a grand touring option, but are acceptable. At slower speeds around town, it’s decently quiet, and the noise levels are acceptable. They increase a bit at highway speeds or rougher roads, but it’s not terrible and intrusive. You will hear it, but it won’t be terribly loud.
On the comfort side of things, the Potenza RE92, again, performs decently well. Like in the noise department, it’s not comparable to a grand touring tire, but it won’t be horrible for daily driving. You will feel some vibrations and jots from larger holes, which is to be expected. The good news is they are dampened, making the comfort levels decent.
Comfort Rating: 4/5
Is the Bridgestone Potenza RE92 ideal for sporty driving?
As a performance-oriented tire, the Potenza RE92 is a pretty good choice for sporty driving. Keep in mind that it’s a performance tire for the road, so it won’t be the sportiest tire of the bunch.
For pushing and sporty driving, the Potenza RE92 is a tire that can deliver only in dry conditions. In rainy conditions, it won’t be on the same level as something like the Ventus S1 Noble2 + or ExtremeContact DWS 06.
In terms of handling, the Potenza RE92 is decent and can enable you to have some fun. For the responsiveness, the tire is quite good and changes direction very quickly, meaning that you can make minor corrections mid-corner easily. Then there’s the feedback, which is pronounced, so you won’t struggle to figure out what the front tires are doing.
Noise Rating: 4/5
Bridgestone Potenza RE92 Warranty
Concerning warranty, the Potenza RE92 is at a slight advantage over some of its competitors. Bridgestone offers the tire with a 40,000-mile treadwear warranty, putting it ahead of the Dunlop SP Sport 7000 A/S, which doesn’t have any.
Bridgestone Potenza RE92 Pricing: Is it worth the money?
Being an older premium model means that you can get it at a more affordable price. The Potenza RE92 comes at a price slightly lower than the Ecsta PA51 and significantly cheaper than the Eagle RS-A2 and SP Sport 7000 A/S.
Value Rating: 4.5/5
Should I buy the Bridgestone Potenza RE92?
While I wouldn’t give the crown for the best performance tire on the market, it’s not a model you should disregard. It does have some drawbacks, but there are also some points that give it some advantage over some of its competitors.
The Potenza RE92 seems most comfortable stretching its legs in dry conditions. It has enough performance and excellent handling to enable you to have some fun if you want to. With that, you also don’t sacrifice much in the refinement department, so that’s a bit plus.
Wet and winter performance aren’t up to today’s standards, and the Potenza RE92 will struggle. It’s usable in wet but not too good over snow, so keep that in mind before buying it.
As an older and affordable premium performance tire, the Potenza RE92 is a decent choice, as long as you’re aware of its capabilities.
Overall Rating: 4.25/5
What Vehicles Will the Bridgestone Potenza RE92 Fit?
Here’s a sample list of cars that the Bridgestone Potenza RE92 will fit:
- Alfa Romeo 147
- Audi A3, A4
- BMW 1, 3 Series
- Fiat 500, Punto
- Ford Fiesta, Focus, Ka
- Honda Civic, Accord
- Mitsubishi Colt
- Nissan Micra, Maxima
- Toyota Yaris, Corolla, Camry
- Volkswagen Golf, Rabbit, Beetle
Tire Sizes for Bridgestone Potenza RE92
14″
- 165/65R14 78S
- 175/65R14 81S
15″
- 185/60R15 84T
- 195/55R15 84V
- 205/55R15 87V
- 205/60R15 90H
16″
- 205/50R16 86V
- 205/55R16 89V
- 205/60R16 91V
- 215/60R16 94V
- 225/60R16 97H
17″
- 215/45ZR17 91W
- 225/45R17 91V
- 225/50R17 93V
- 245/45R17 95V
List of Bridgestone Reviews
