Falken Azenis FK520 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Across the dataset, Michelin finishes higher overall in all three tests (2nd/7 twice and 3rd/11) versus Falken's mid-pack results (5th/7, 7th/7, 7th/11). Yet the raw metrics reveal some nuance: the Falken clocks standout straight-line aquaplaning and low noise, and even nicks category wins in dry and wet braking in one test. The comparison will clarify where each tire excels-dynamic handling and driver engagement versus everyday security, comfort and price.
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!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | four |
While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 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 straight-line aquaplaning and strong curved aquaplaning resistance
- Low external noise and good ride comfort for a UHP tire
- Competitive braking in select tests, including wet and dry wins
- Significantly lower purchase price with decent rolling resistance
- Class-leading dry and wet handling with precise, connected steering
- Consistently short braking distances, especially in the wet
- Refined ride and comfort with low rolling resistance
- Stable, safe balance and high confidence across conditions
Dry Braking
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during two dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S stopped the vehicle in 1.5% less distance than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during two dry handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was 0.97% faster around a lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S performed equally well in dry handling [km/h] tests.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Both tires performed equally well
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Dry Handling
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during two subj. dry handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scored 12.1% more points than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Subj. Dry Handling: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Subj. Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S stopped the vehicle in 2.55% less distance than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was 0.14% faster around a wet lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was 1.77% faster around a wet lap than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Subj. Wet Handling
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one subj. wet handling tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scored 15.79% more points than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Subj. Wet Handling: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Subj. Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S had 1.89% higher lateral wet grip than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Wet Circle: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during two straight aqua tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 floated at a 1.24% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Straight Aqua: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 slipped out at a 4.4% higher speed than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
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 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scored 5% more points than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Subj. Noise
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was better during one subj. noise tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scored 12.5% more points than the Falken Azenis FK520.
Best In Subj. Noise: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
See how the Subj. Noise winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during two noise tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 measured 1.79% quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Noise: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from one tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one price tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 cost 46.96% less than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Price: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Falken Azenis FK520 was better during one rolling resistance tests. On average the Falken Azenis FK520 had a 2.24% lower rolling resistance than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Falken Azenis FK520
See how the Rolling Resistance 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%
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S Driver Reviews
Across 133 reviews, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is described as a top-tier max-performance summer tire with standout dry grip, strong wet traction/braking, and high confidence at the limit. Many drivers also report a noticeable improvement in ride comfort (especially versus runflats) and often lower subjective noise, while tread life is frequently considered excellent for the category. The most common downsides are high purchase price and a recurring theme of softer sidewalls/less sharp steering feel or turn-in compared with some rivals, with noise on coarse surfaces noted by a smaller but meaningful group.
Based on 153 reviews with an average rating of 85%
Conclusion
The Falken Azenis FK520 offers strong straight and curved aquaplaning performance (often best-in-group), low cabin noise, and a much lower purchase price. However, it trails in wet handling pace and subjective precision, feeling more sports-touring than truly dynamic. If you prioritise value, everyday comfort and high-speed water evacuation, the Falken makes sense; if you want class-leading control, steering fidelity and confidence in mixed conditions, choose the Michelin.
Practical takeaway: drivers who enjoy spirited roads or want top-tier safety margins in the wet should pick the PS4 S; cost-conscious buyers seeking quiet, secure motorway manners and strong aquaplaning resistance will be well served by the FK520.
Key Differences
- Overall results: Michelin ranks 2nd/7, 2nd/7, 3rd/11 vs Falken's 5th/7, 7th/7, 7th/11
- Handling pace: PS4 S leads dry and wet handling across tests; FK520 often mid-to-lower pack
- Subjective feel: PS4 S scores notably higher for steering precision and balance; FK520 feels less dynamic
- Aquaplaning: FK520 frequently best in straight-line and competitive in curved; PS4 S improved but usually trails straight-line
- Noise/comfort: FK520 quieter; PS4 S slightly more comfortable/refined in some tests
- Value: FK520 is far cheaper (e.g., 96 vs 181) while PS4 S commands a premium for broader performance
Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 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.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S Top Comparisons
No other comparisons available for this tire.
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.