Tests 73 · 32 tests Owners 59 · 113 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 54 in 2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test (wet braking)
Head-to-head
Updated
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Nexen WinGuard Sport 2 — Compared
Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 32 + 9 road tests and 113 + 61 owner reviews. How we score
WinGuard Sport 2 is ahead, 72–67
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Tests 73 · 9 tests Owners 71 · 61 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test (noise)
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
Key facts
- In 6 tests that measured wet braking for both, Blizzak LM005 won 6 and WinGuard Sport 2 won 0 (average 100% vs 87% of the best).
- In 6 tests that measured snow braking for both, Blizzak LM005 won 6 and WinGuard Sport 2 won 0 (average 98% vs 95% of the best).
- In 3 tests that measured dry braking for both, Blizzak LM005 won 2 and WinGuard Sport 2 won 1 (average 98% vs 96% of the best).
- In 3 tests that measured dry handling for both, Blizzak LM005 won 3 and WinGuard Sport 2 won 0 (average 100% vs 99% of the best).
- In 3 tests that measured straight aquaplaning for both, Blizzak LM005 won 2 and WinGuard Sport 2 won 1 (average 95% vs 92% of the best).
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69
Dry
WinGuard Sport 2 +170Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinGuard Sport 2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 27 / 6 tests 77 71 Reviews found online 56 70 Dry Braking (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 2–1 98% 96% Dry Handling (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 3–0 100% 99% Dry Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 80% Dry (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 97% Blizzak LM005: 60% × 77.3 + 40% × 55.8 = 69
WinGuard Sport 2: 60% × 70.8 + 40% × 70 = 70
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89
Wet
Blizzak LM005 +1475Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinGuard Sport 2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 32 / 9 tests 100 74 Reviews found online 72 78 Curved Aquaplaning (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 87% 68% Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 2–1 95% 92% Wet (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 93% Wet Lateral Stability (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 96% Wet Braking (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 6–0 100% 87% Wet Handling (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 3–0 100% 98% Blizzak LM005: 60% × 100 + 40% × 71.9 = 89
WinGuard Sport 2: 60% × 73.6 + 40% × 77.6 = 75
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73
Snow
Blizzak LM005 +370Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinGuard Sport 2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 32 / 9 tests 79 70 Reviews found online 65 70 Snow Braking (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 6–0 98% 95% Snow Handling (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 2–1 98% 96% Snow Traction (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 2–0 95% 89% Snow (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 96% Blizzak LM005: 60% × 79.4 + 40% × 64.7 = 73
WinGuard Sport 2: 60% × 70.5 + 40% × 70.1 = 70
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67
Comfort
WinGuard Sport 2 +269Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinGuard Sport 2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 1 tests 78 65 Reviews found online 59 71 Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 93% Blizzak LM005: 40% × 78.2 + 60% × 59 = 67
WinGuard Sport 2: 40% × 64.9 + 60% × 71.1 = 69
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68
Noise
WinGuard Sport 2 +1482Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinGuard Sport 2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 25 / 6 tests 69 96 Reviews found online ≈ 67 (est.) 62 Noise (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 0–2 98% 100% Exterior Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 97% 100% Blizzak LM005: 60% × 69.3 + 40% × 66.6 (est.) = 68
WinGuard Sport 2: 60% × 96 + 40% × 61.6 = 82
No owner ratings of noise for Blizzak LM005. The owner half is the owners’ average (67): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.
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37
Treadwear
WinGuard Sport 2 +3673Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinGuard Sport 2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 8 / 2 tests 34 75 Reviews found online 41 71 Wear (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 82% 79% Blizzak LM005: 60% × 34 + 40% × 40.9 = 37
WinGuard Sport 2: 60% × 74.7 + 40% × 71.2 = 73
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61
Handling (owners)
WinGuard Sport 2 +1071Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinGuard Sport 2 Reviews found online 61 71 -
82
Efficiency
Blizzak LM005 +4735Why this score
Source Blizzak LM005 WinGuard Sport 2 Professional tests (TWG score) · 27 / 6 tests 82 35 Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 3–0 97% 82%
Scores at a glance
| Category | Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | Nexen WinGuard Sport 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 67 | 72 |
| Dry | 69 | 70 |
| Wet | 89 | 75 |
| Snow | 73 | 70 |
| Comfort | 67 | 69 |
| Noise | 68 | 82 |
| Treadwear | 37 | 73 |
| Handling (owners) | 61 | 71 |
| Efficiency | 82 | 35 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
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
67
/ 100
Blizzak LM005
72
/ 100
WinGuard Sport 2
The professional test results behind the scores
Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.
In the overall rankings of 8 tests that ran both, Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 finished ahead 8 times and Nexen WinGuard Sport 2 0 times.
| Discipline | Category | Blizzak LM005 | WinGuard Sport 2 | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Dry | 100% | 97% | +2.9 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 98% | 96% | +1.9 | 2–1 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 100% | 99% | +0.7 | 3–0 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) | Dry | 100% | 80% | +20.0 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Curved Aquaplaning | Wet | 87% | 68% | +18.2 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 95% | 92% | +2.8 | 2–1 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Wet | Wet | 100% | 93% | +6.8 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 100% | 87% | +13.5 | 6–0 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 100% | 98% | +2.1 | 3–0 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Wet Lateral Stability | Wet | 100% | 96% | +3.9 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Snow | Snow | 100% | 96% | +3.9 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Snow Braking | Snow | 98% | 95% | +2.1 | 6–0 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Snow Handling | Snow | 98% | 96% | +2.2 | 2–1 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Snow Traction | Snow | 95% | 89% | +5.8 | 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 100% | 93% | +7.1 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Exterior Noise | Noise | 97% | 100% | −2.8 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Noise | Noise | 98% | 100% | −1.5 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tyre Test · 245/40 R18 |
| Wear | Treadwear | 82% | 79% | +3.2 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test · 225/45 R17 |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 97% | 82% | +15.4 | 3–0 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2023 Autozurnal Winter Tire Test R17 · 225/45R17 |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 67% | 97% | −30.4 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tyre Test · 245/40 R18 |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Cost | #9/20 | #17/20 | – | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test · 225/45 R17 |
| Value | Cost | 68% | 97% | −29.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tyre Test · 225/45 R17 |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #4/10 | #10/10 | – | 8–0 in 8 shared tests Newest: 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test R18 · 245/40R18 |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A Blizzak LM005
Pros
- Exceptional grip and braking performance on wet roads and heavy rain
- High driving comfort with low interior noise levels when new
- Predictable and stable handling characteristics in dry and mild winter conditions
Cons
- Rapid and premature tread wear, with many users reporting the tire wearing out within 5,000 to 15,000 km
- Noticeable degradation in snow and ice grip by the second or third season
- Increased tire noise, whining, or humming vibrations as the tire ages
Tire B WinGuard Sport 2
Pros
- Excellent value and affordable price point compared to premium winter tires
- Low noise levels and high comfort, often rivaling all-season or summer tires
- Strong grip and stability on cold dry and wet pavement
Cons
- Subpar performance on hard-packed ice and deep snow compared to dedicated heavy-duty winter tires
- Soft sidewalls can lead to slightly vague handling or a 'rolly' feeling in hard cornering
- Reports of higher rolling resistance resulting in a minor drop in fuel economy
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | B · Nexen WinGuard Sport 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Winter | Winter |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 165 | 80 |
| Rim diameters | 14″ – 22″ | 15″ – 20″ |
| Tread depth | 9/32″ | 10.5/32″ |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | 51 psi |
| Sizes in common | 70 | 70 |
Which one should you actually buy?
67
/ 100
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
72
/ 100
Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
Winner: Nexen WinGuard Sport 2 — better treadwear, noise and handling. Pick the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 if efficiency, wet and snow matter most to you.
Pick tire A
You want lower fuel or energy use
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 scores 82 vs 35 on efficiency.
Pick tire B
You want the longest tread life
Nexen WinGuard Sport 2 scores 73 vs 37 on treadwear.
Pick tire A
Your priority is wet-weather safety
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 scores 89 vs 75 on wet.
Pick tire B
You want a quieter cabin
Nexen WinGuard Sport 2 scores 82 vs 68 on noise.
Tire A · Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Tire B · Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
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Blizzak LM005 or WinGuard Sport 2?
Which is better in the wet, Blizzak LM005 or WinGuard Sport 2?
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, 89 vs 75 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Blizzak LM005 or WinGuard Sport 2?
Neither, by our numbers: 69 vs 70 on the dry score, within 3 points.
Which is better in snow, Blizzak LM005 or WinGuard Sport 2?
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, 73 vs 70 on our snow score.
Which is quieter, Blizzak LM005 or WinGuard Sport 2?
Nexen WinGuard Sport 2, 82 vs 68 on our noise score.
Which is more comfortable, Blizzak LM005 or WinGuard Sport 2?
Neither, by our numbers: 67 vs 69 on the comfort score, within 3 points.
Which lasts longer, Blizzak LM005 or WinGuard Sport 2?
Nexen WinGuard Sport 2, 73 vs 37 on our treadwear score.
Which rolls more easily, Blizzak LM005 or WinGuard Sport 2?
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, 82 vs 35 on our efficiency score.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.
Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology