Falken Azenis FK520 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4
On dry roads the pair trade blows in braking and lap time, but the PZ4 repeatedly scores better subjectively for steering precision and balance. In the wet, the gap widens: the PZ4 is generally quicker in handling, circle, and often braking, while the FK520's strengths cluster around straight/curved aquaplaning, comfort, and wear. If you prioritize outright performance and feel, the PZ4 sets the tone; if you want durability and savings without falling far behind, the FK520 is compelling.
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 eight tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Falken Azenis FK520 | one | |
| Pirelli P Zero PZ4 | seven |
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.
Key Strengths
- Excellent value and lower purchase price across tests
- Longer tread life and lower wear rates (e.g., +23-37%)
- Lower rolling resistance in most tests, aiding fuel economy
- Strong straight and curved aquaplaning resistance
- Superior wet handling and lateral grip (wins 6/6 wet handling)
- Sharper steering and balanced dynamics with high subjective scores
- Consistently competitive dry performance with short braking
- Refined noise levels and strong overall test results (7 overall wins)
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three dry braking tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 stopped the vehicle in 0.38% less distance than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Dry Braking: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.18% faster around a lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
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.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
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.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during five wet braking tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 stopped the vehicle in 3.32% less distance than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Wet Braking: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 4.16% faster around a wet lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
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.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
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.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
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.
Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 floated at a 0.8% higher speed than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Straight Aqua: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
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.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 scored 25% more points than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
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.
Best In Subj. Noise: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during three noise tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 measured 0.51% quieter than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Noise: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during two wear tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 is predicted to cover 23% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Wear: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during two value tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 proved to have a 37.02% better value based on price/1000km than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Value: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
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.
Best In Price: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from six tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during four rolling resistance tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 had a 5.67% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 wore 33.33% less per 1000km driven than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Abrasion: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Falken Azenis FK520 Driver Reviews
Drivers report the Falken Azenis FK520 delivers excellent dry grip, very strong wet braking/traction, and predictable, progressive handling, while remaining comfortable and relatively quiet. Value for money is a standout, with several users comparing its performance favorably to premium brands, and wear generally viewed as good for a UHP tire. A minority note that steering precision/feedback isn't as sharp as top-tier UUHP options, and it's not the best choice for track days or prolonged hard driving due to some heat fade. Overall sentiment is strongly positive given the performance-to-price ratio.
Based on 38 reviews with an average rating of 83%
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Driver Reviews
Drivers generally describe the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 as a sporty, high-grip summer tire with excellent dry performance, sharp steering response, and strong braking/feedback when warm. Wet grip is often rated good in light rain or when up to temperature, but many report reduced confidence in cold conditions and a notable weakness in standing water/aquaplaning, especially as tread depth drops. A frequent theme is fast wear and a performance drop-off (more noise and less wet security) as the tire wears, making running costs feel high for some owners.
Based on 87 reviews with an average rating of 74%
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
Conclusion
The Falken Azenis FK520 offers excellent value through lower purchase price, better wear (often 20-35% advantage), lower running costs via reduced rolling resistance, and strong aquaplaning safety margins. Its limitations show up in wet precision and stability under load, where braking and handling can lag the class leaders. Enthusiast drivers or those frequently facing rain will be better served by the PZ4; high-mileage users and value seekers will likely prefer the FK520's economy without sacrificing basic summer-tire competence. The practical takeaway: choose PZ4 for performance feel and wet security, FK520 for total cost and long-haul peace of mind.
Key Differences
- Wet performance: PZ4 leads wet handling/circle in nearly all tests; FK520 often trails on precision
- Dry feel: Laps are close, but PZ4 earns higher subjective steering/feedback scores
- Braking split: PZ4 generally stronger in wet braking; dry braking results are mixed
- Aquaplaning: FK520 typically resists aquaplaning better (straight and curved)
- Economy: FK520 offers lower price, better wear, and lower rolling resistance
- Ownership cost: PZ4's higher price and shorter life increase long-term cost versus FK520
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 Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Top Comparisons
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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.