Tests – · none yet Owners 46 · 10 reviews
Head-to-head
Updated
Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position vs General G-MAX RS — 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 0 + 1 road tests and 10 + 567 owner reviews. How we score
G-MAX RS is ahead, 63–55
Add your size for an exact match
/R
Both Amazon links then search this exact size.
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Tests – · 1 test Owners 59 · 567 reviews
Best test result: #3 of 22 in 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires (tested tread life (miles))
“G-max rs I put 7k miles on these tires and this is the front how many miles would you say I have before problems occur I plan on replacing in a few weeks Read more”
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
-
63
Dry
G-MAX RS +568Why this score
Source Potenza S-04 Pole Position G-MAX RS Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 65 (est.) ≈ 68 (est.) Reviews found online 60 69 Potenza S-04 Pole Position: 60% × 64.7 (est.) + 40% × 60.1 = 63
G-MAX RS: 60% × 68.3 (est.) + 40% × 68.8 = 68
No road tests of dry for Potenza S-04 Pole Position. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.41).
No road tests of dry for G-MAX RS. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.41).
-
57
Wet
G-MAX RS +1471Why this score
Source Potenza S-04 Pole Position G-MAX RS Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 61 (est.) ≈ 71 (est.) Reviews found online 52 72 Potenza S-04 Pole Position: 60% × 60.6 (est.) + 40% × 52.2 = 57
G-MAX RS: 60% × 71.2 (est.) + 40% × 71.6 = 71
No road tests of wet for Potenza S-04 Pole Position. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.55).
No road tests of wet for G-MAX RS. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.55).
-
35
Snow
Level35Why this score
Source Potenza S-04 Pole Position G-MAX RS Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 52 (est.) ≈ 51 (est.) Reviews found online 11 10 Potenza S-04 Pole Position: 60% × 51.6 (est.) + 40% × 11.1 = 35
G-MAX RS: 60% × 51.3 (est.) + 40% × 10 = 35
No road tests of snow for Potenza S-04 Pole Position. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.32).
No road tests of snow for G-MAX RS. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.32).
-
57
Comfort
G-MAX RS +764Why this score
Source Potenza S-04 Pole Position G-MAX RS Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 65 (est.) ≈ 67 (est.) Reviews found online 52 62 Potenza S-04 Pole Position: 40% × 65.3 (est.) + 60% × 51.8 = 57
G-MAX RS: 40% × 67.2 (est.) + 60% × 61.6 = 64
No road tests of comfort for Potenza S-04 Pole Position. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.20).
No road tests of comfort for G-MAX RS. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.20).
-
62
Noise
Level62Why this score
Source Potenza S-04 Pole Position G-MAX RS Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 66 (est.) ≈ 66 (est.) Reviews found online 55 54 Potenza S-04 Pole Position: 60% × 66.4 (est.) + 40% × 55 = 62
G-MAX RS: 60% × 66.4 (est.) + 40% × 54.2 = 62
No road tests of noise for Potenza S-04 Pole Position or G-MAX RS. The test half is the tested tires’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests.
-
50
Treadwear
G-MAX RS +2070Why this score
Source Potenza S-04 Pole Position G-MAX RS Professional tests (TWG score) · – / 1 tests ≈ 57 (est.) 73 Reviews found online 40 65 Potenza S-04 Pole Position: 60% × 57 (est.) + 40% × 40.1 = 50
G-MAX RS: 60% × 73.4 + 40% × 64.7 = 70
No road tests of treadwear for Potenza S-04 Pole Position. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.36).
-
57
Handling (owners)
G-MAX RS +663Why this score
Source Potenza S-04 Pole Position G-MAX RS Reviews found online 57 63
Scores at a glance
| Category | Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position | General G-MAX RS |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 55 | 63 |
| Dry | 63 | 68 |
| Wet | 57 | 71 |
| Snow | 35 | 35 |
| Comfort | 57 | 64 |
| Noise | 62 | 62 |
| Treadwear | 50 | 70 |
| Handling (owners) | 57 | 63 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip starts at “Important”. Treadwear starts at “Neutral” here: road tests measured it for at most one of the two tires, so it rests on owner reviews. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Neutral
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Recomputed
Headline score
55
/ 100
Potenza S-04 Pole Position
63
/ 100
G-MAX RS
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.
| Discipline | Category | Potenza S-04 Pole Position | G-MAX RS | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #2/4 2011 Tirerack Max Performance Summer Tyre Test | #3/22 2022 Consumer Reports Ultra High Performance Summer Tires | – | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A Potenza S-04 Pole Position
Pros
- Exceptional dry and wet handling with predictable, repeatable limits
- Solid sidewall design that improves cornering and braking performance
- Surprisingly smooth and comfortable ride quality for a performance tire
Cons
- Accelerated tread wear, which is typical for tires in this category
- Complete lack of usability in freezing temperatures, ice, or snow
- Development of a road humming noise as the tire wears
Tire B G-MAX RS
Pros
- Outstanding price-to-performance ratio compared to premium brands
- Strong dry and wet weather traction and hydroplaning resistance
- Quiet and comfortable ride quality for a performance tire
Cons
- Softer sidewalls can lead to some squirm or less crisp steering response during hard cornering
- Prone to temporary flat-spotting or vibration when sitting overnight in cooler weather
- Unpredictable or slippery performance if driven in cold temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position
We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.
Tire B
Positive
General G-MAX RS
Community sentiment toward the General G-MAX RS is broadly positive, with users frequently praising its exceptional value and strong dry and wet traction as a budget-friendly ultra-high-performance summer tire. While often favorably compared against premium alternatives like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Firestone Indy 500, some owners note compromises including elevated road noise and occasional handling inconsistencies on specific sports car platforms.
r/mazda3
·19 upvotes ·2019-07-04
“Been driving on the General G-Max RS 225's for about a month now and it feels like I'm glued to the road. Now I just need to install my Corksport rear sway bar for even more cornering fun!”
rennlist.com
“Quote: Originally Posted by SBG200 Any updates? I need a new set on my '08 Turbo and I'm curious about noise level. The old Michelins are getting really loud, even on "smooth" surfaces. I have these on my turbo and for a daily driven car they are great. Perform very well in dry and serviceable in the rain. There’s a bit more road noise than a premium tire but for $700 with the rebate (if still offered), I think they are totally worth a shot.”
bobistheoilguy.com
·2023-10-28
“Looking to replace a set of Conti EC Sport (which have been great), but the current 02 model is on backorder with no ETA in the size I need. Considering a Plan B, like the G-Max RS, which is a segment down (UHPS), and might not be an issue since it will be a street tire. Firestone Indy 500 (BS RE003) are in the same class, but heavier, and not as good in the wet. So the main debate is whether to wait for the ECS02, or take a chance on the RS next time it goes on silent "in cart price" sale, which also made them about $200 cheaper for a set, sans rebate or similar promo.”
Top themes
#value and pricing#dry and wet grip#comparison to Michelin PS4S#comparison to Indy 500#road noise levels#treadwear and longevity#Porsche and Corvette fitment
Based on 53 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position | B · General G-MAX RS |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer tire | Summer tire |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | — | 48 |
| Rim diameters | — | 16″ – 20″ |
| Tread depth | 10/32″ | 10/32″ |
| UTQG | 280 A A | 360 - 700 A - AA A |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | Black Side Wall |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | 50 - 51 psi |
Which one should you actually buy?
55
/ 100
Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position
63
/ 100
General G-MAX RS
Winner: General G-MAX RS — better treadwear, wet and comfort. It leads or ties in every category we score. Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position rests on little evidence so far (0 tests, 10 reviews), so read this result as provisional.
Pick tire B
You want the longest tread life
General G-MAX RS scores 70 vs 50 on treadwear.
Pick tire B
Your priority is wet-weather safety
General G-MAX RS scores 71 vs 57 on wet.
Pick tire B
You want the most comfortable ride
General G-MAX RS scores 64 vs 57 on comfort.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
General G-MAX RS scores 63 vs 57 on handling.
Tire A · Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position
Tire B · General G-MAX RS
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Potenza S-04 Pole Position or G-MAX RS?
Which is better in the wet, Potenza S-04 Pole Position or G-MAX RS?
General G-MAX RS, 71 vs 57 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Potenza S-04 Pole Position or G-MAX RS?
General G-MAX RS, 68 vs 63 on our dry score.
Which is better in snow, Potenza S-04 Pole Position or G-MAX RS?
Neither, by our numbers: 35 vs 35 on the snow score, within 3 points.
Which is quieter, Potenza S-04 Pole Position or G-MAX RS?
Neither, by our numbers: 62 vs 62 on the noise score, within 3 points.
Which is more comfortable, Potenza S-04 Pole Position or G-MAX RS?
General G-MAX RS, 64 vs 57 on our comfort score.
Which lasts longer, Potenza S-04 Pole Position or G-MAX RS?
General G-MAX RS, 70 vs 50 on our treadwear 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