Falken Azenis FK520 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5

In this article we will be looking at independent tire test data, and real world driver reviews of the Falken Azenis FK520 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 to find out which tire is best for your own driving.

The good news is that both the Falken Azenis FK520 and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 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
Introduction Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion
Azenis-FK520 VS Pilot-Sport-5

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 four tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these four tests:

  • Michelin Pilot Sport 5 finished ahead of the Falken Azenis FK520 in four of the tests

While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 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 four tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during two dry braking tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 stopped the vehicle in 0.35% less distance than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Falken Azenis FK520
33.73M
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
33.85M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Falken Azenis FK520

2023 Summer Tire Market Overview
225/45 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:33.7M Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 34.1M
2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:35M ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 34.7M
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:32.5M Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 32.5M
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:33.7M Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 34.1M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 was 0.7% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Falken Azenis FK520
99.4s
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
100.1s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Falken Azenis FK520

2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:99.4s Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 100.1s

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 was 0.09% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Falken Azenis FK520
116.75Km/H
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
116.85Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:114.3Km/H ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 114.6Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:119.2Km/H Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 119.1Km/H

Wet Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 4.54% less distance than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
38.13M
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
36.4M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 Summer Tire Market Overview
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:27M ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 26M
2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:43.2M ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 39.1M
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:40.1M ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 39.9M
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:42.2M ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 40.6M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was 1.45% faster around a wet lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
68.9s
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
67.9s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:68.9s ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 67.9s

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during zero wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 was 2.12% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Falken Azenis FK520
78.45Km/H
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
80.15Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:83.8Km/H ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 84.8Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:73.1Km/H ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 75.5Km/H

Wet Circle

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was 0.88% faster around a wet circle than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
12.44s
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
12.33s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:11.25s ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 11.13s
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:13.63s ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 13.52s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one straight aqua tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 floated at a 0.08% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Falken Azenis FK520
86.83Km/H
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
86.9Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:77.6Km/H ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 77.9Km/H
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:78.8Km/H Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 77.1Km/H
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:104.1Km/H ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 105.7Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during zero curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 slipped out at a 8.82% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Falken Azenis FK520
3.1m/sec2
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
3.4m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:2.82m/sec2 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 2.96m/sec2
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:3.38m/sec2 ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 3.83m/sec2

Noise

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during three noise tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 measured 2.58% quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Falken Azenis FK520
69.53dB
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
71.37dB
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 Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 68.3dB
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:69dB Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 72dB
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:73dB Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 73.8dB

Wear

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during zero wear tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 is predicted to cover 19.42% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Falken Azenis FK520
44800KM
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
55600KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:44800KM ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 55600KM

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 8.96% better value based on price/1000km than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Falken Azenis FK520
11.38Price/1000
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
12.5Price/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 Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 12.5Price/1000

Price

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during three price tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 cost 26.73% less than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

Falken Azenis FK520
493.33
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
673.33
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 Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 500
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:595 Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 825
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 ✓ Falken Azenis FK520:510 Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 695

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 had a 3.13% lower rolling resistance than the Falken Azenis FK520.

Falken Azenis FK520
8.63kg / t
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
8.36kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
225/40 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:8.8kg / t ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.62kg / t
2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test
235/35 R19		 Falken Azenis FK520:8.48kg / t ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.37kg / t
2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test
225/45 R18		 Falken Azenis FK520:8.61kg / t ✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 8.09kg / t

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Falken Azenis FK520 and Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

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

The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 has been reviewed 67 times and drivers have given the tire 85% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

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 288 - tire reviewed on April 1, 2022
View all Falken Azenis FK520 driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Given 89% 225/40 R18 on mostly country roads for 2,000 spirited miles
I've bought the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 for my Golf R as I previously had the Pilot Sport 4 tires. What a fantastic difference these new tire are. Theres far less noise, the grip in the wet is better and the dry grip is almost the same if not better as well. I would definitely be buying these again.
Helpful 454 - tire reviewed on January 12, 2022
View all Michelin Pilot Sport 5 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Falken Azenis FK520 performed better in dry braking, dry handling [s], noise, value and price, while the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 performed better in dry handling [km/h], wet braking, wet handling [s], wet handling [km/h], wet circle, straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, wear and rolling resistance.

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 Michelin Pilot Sport 5 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.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 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:

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Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
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Continental PremiumContact 7 VS Michelin Pilot Sport 5

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.