Falken Azenis FK520 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4

In this article we will be looking at independent tire test data, and real world driver reviews of the Falken Azenis FK520 and the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 to find out which tire is best for your own driving.

The good news is that both the Falken Azenis FK520 and Pirelli P Zero PZ4 are Max Performance Summer tires designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars, which means comparing the two tires is relatively simple.

Both tires are hugely popular in the market place with drivers, and both have been featured in independent tire tests.

In This Article
Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion Similar Comparisons
Azenis-FK520 VS P-Zero-PZ4

Test Results

Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been seven tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these seven tests:

  • Falken Azenis FK520 finished ahead of the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 in one of the tests
  • Pirelli P Zero PZ4 finished ahead of the Falken Azenis FK520 in six of the tests

While it might look like the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 is better than the Falken Azenis FK520 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.

Dry Braking

Looking at data from six tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two dry braking tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 stopped the vehicle in 0.29% less distance than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
33.92M
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
33.82M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 Summer Tire Market Overview
225/45 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:33.7M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34M
2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:35M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34.5M
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:32.5M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 32.7M
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:33.7M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34M
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:35.2M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34.1M
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:33.4M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 33.6M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.29% faster around a lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
100.96s
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
100.67s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:99.4s Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 100.1s
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:102.52s ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 101.23s

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.83% faster around a lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
111.37Km/H
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
112.3Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:114.3Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 115.1Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:119.2Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 121.3Km/H
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:100.6Km/H Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 100.5Km/H

Subj. Dry Handling

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one subj. dry handling tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 scored 8.93% more points than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
51 Points
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
56 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2024 EVO Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:51 Points ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 56 Points

Wet Braking

Looking at data from six tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 stopped the vehicle in 2.67% less distance than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
35.17M
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
34.23M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 Summer Tire Market Overview
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:27M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 24.9M
2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:43.2M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 41.3M
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:40.1M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 39.6M
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:42.2M ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 38.9M
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:24.5M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 26.6M
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:34M Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34.1M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 3.65% faster around a wet lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
70.09s
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
67.53s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:68.9s ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 66.7s
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:71.27s ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 68.36s

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 3.65% faster around a wet lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
80Km/H
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
83.03Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:83.8Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 85.2Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:73.1Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 77.2Km/H
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:83.1Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 86.7Km/H

Subj. Wet Handling

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 scored 18.97% more points than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
47 Points
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
58 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score, higher is better

Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2024 EVO Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:47 Points ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 58 Points

Wet Circle

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 had 3.15% higher lateral wet grip than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
8.3m/s
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
8.57m/s
Lateral wet grip in m/s squared, higher is better

Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:8.3m/s ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 8.57m/s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 floated at a 0.39% higher speed than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Falken Azenis FK520
82.51Km/H
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
82.19Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Falken Azenis FK520

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:77.6Km/H Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 77.5Km/H
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:78.8Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 79.3Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:104.1Km/H ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 104.4Km/H
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:80.6Km/H Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 79.9Km/H
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:71.43Km/H Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 69.85Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 slipped out at a 1.62% higher speed than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Falken Azenis FK520
19.75m/sec2
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
19.43m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Falken Azenis FK520

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:2.82m/sec2 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 2.75m/sec2
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:3.38m/sec2 ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 3.8m/sec2
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:3.47m/sec2 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 3.4m/sec2
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:69.33m/sec2 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 67.78m/sec2

Subj. Noise

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 scored 10.64% more points than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
21 Points
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
23.5 Points
Subjective in car noise levels, higher is better

Best In Subj. Noise: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2024 EVO Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:21 Points ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 23.5 Points

Noise

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during three noise tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 measured 0.64% quieter than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Falken Azenis FK520
69.98dB
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
70.43dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Falken Azenis FK520

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:66.6dB Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 66.9dB
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:69dB Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 70dB
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:73dB Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 73.7dB
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:71.3dB ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 71.1dB

Wear

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one wear tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 is predicted to cover 26.79% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Falken Azenis FK520
44800KM
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
32800KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Falken Azenis FK520

2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:44800KM Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 32800KM

Value

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one value tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 proved to have a 41.67% better value based on price/1000km than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Falken Azenis FK520
11.38Price/1000
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
19.51Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Falken Azenis FK520

2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:11.38Price/1000 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 19.51Price/1000

Price

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during four price tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 cost 18.38% less than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Falken Azenis FK520
394
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
482.75
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Falken Azenis FK520

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:375 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 435
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:595 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 745
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:510 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 640
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:96 Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 111

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from five tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during four rolling resistance tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 had a 7% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Falken Azenis FK520
8.63kg / t
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
9.28kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Falken Azenis FK520

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:8.8kg / t Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 9.83kg / t
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:8.48kg / t Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 9.46kg / t
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:8.61kg / t ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 8.33kg / t
2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test
225/40 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:8.6kg / t Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 9.6kg / t
2024 EVO Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:8.68kg / t Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 9.17kg / t

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Falken Azenis FK520 and Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

In total the Falken Azenis FK520 has been reviewed 30 times and drivers have given the tire 85% overall.

The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 has been reviewed 69 times and drivers have given the tire 75% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.

Best Review for the Falken Azenis FK520
/45 R17 on a combination of roads for 100 average miles
I was very surprised by the comfort of the new tires. My previous tires were the fk510 and they were hard as hell, felt every crack in the road. The handling in dry and wet conditions are very good, and the cars feels sporty and good in rhe tight curves. Hope they will last as long as fk510 (around 35k km)
Helpful 298 - tire reviewed on April 1, 2022
View all Falken Azenis FK520 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Pirelli P Zero PZ4
225/40 R18 W on for 0 miles
Really good !
Replace very very good Yokohama V105 one year old.
To try them out.
First-class comfort (top) + rolling silence
A little above the Yoko on the dry,
In the rain, they are incredible ! Well above all that I have tried :
Dunlop RT, PS3, Yoko V105, Hankook V12 K110.
No idea about wear again ... The +:
- Braking (this is a big highlight)
- Motricity
- Handling
They are equipped with protections of the rims although the option is not specified (in France).
The sides are stiffer than the PS3 for... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 299 - tire reviewed on June 27, 2017
View all Pirelli P Zero PZ4 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Falken Azenis FK520 performed better in straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, noise, wear, value, price and rolling resistance, while the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 performed better in dry braking, dry handling [s], dry handling [km/h], subj. dry handling, wet braking, wet handling [s], wet handling [km/h], subj. wet handling, wet circle and subj. noise.

Which tire is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tire. Comparing all the data in the tire reviews database, on balance Pirelli P Zero PZ4 seems to be the best tire overall.

However, it's important to note that both tires have their strengths.

Remember, the best tire for you might depend on which of these factors are most important for your specific driving needs and conditions.

Pirelli P Zero PZ4

Overall Winner: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.

Similar Comparisons

Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:

Falken Azenis FK520
VS
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Falken Azenis FK520 VS Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
VS
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport VS Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Continental SportContact 7
VS
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Continental SportContact 7 VS Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Falken Azenis FK520
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Falken Azenis FK520
Continental SportContact 7
VS
Falken Azenis FK520
Continental SportContact 7 VS Falken Azenis FK520
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
VS
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S VS Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
VS
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Bridgestone Potenza Sport VS Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Falken Azenis FK520
VS
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Falken Azenis FK520 VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Falken Azenis FK520
VS
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
Falken Azenis FK520 VS Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

Footnote

This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.

Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.