Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 139
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 74% · 96
In the 12 independent tests that ran both tires, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport finished ahead 9 times and the P Zero PZ4 3 times. The Potenza Sport lasted 35.4% longer in the wear tests; the P Zero PZ4 had 2.8% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Enthusiasts and wet-weather commuters: Bridgestone Potenza Sport. Long-distance drivers prioritising cabin quietness and fuel efficiency on mostly dry roads: Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Where the Potenza Sport is stronger
- Outstanding wet and dry handling pace; dominant in 10/10 dry handling and 8/10 wet handling wins
- Consistently shorter braking, especially wet (e.g., 27.6 m vs 32.3 m; ~15% better in 2025 shootout)
- Strong aquaplaning resistance and wet circle performance across sizes
Where the P Zero PZ4 is stronger
- Low noise and better refinement; frequent winner in noise tests
- Lower rolling resistance in most tests, aiding fuel economy
- Balanced, precise steering feel; strong subjective scores in select tests/sizes
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Potenza Sport vs P Zero PZ4 at a glance
| Category | Potenza Sport | Gap | P Zero PZ4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won12 shared tests | 9 | 3 | |
| Dry23 measurements | 18 | The Potenza Sport stopped 1.5% shorter in the dry (11 tests) | 5 |
| Wet48 measurements | 32 | The Potenza Sport stopped 3.7% shorter in the wet (11 tests) | 15 |
| Comfort11 measurements | 0 | The P Zero PZ4 was 1.3 dB quieter (8 tests) | 10 |
| Value13 measurements | 5 | The P Zero PZ4 had 2.8% lower rolling resistance (10 tests) | 8 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The Potenza Sport by 0.3 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner rating139 and 96 reviews | 80% | The Potenza Sport by 6 points | 74% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 67% | The Potenza Sport by 12 points | 55% |
| Pricein the 8 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The P Zero PZ4 was dearer in 4 of 8 | +1.3% |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 12 tests, 2021 to 2025
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Potenza Sport | Field | P Zero PZ4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test | P3 of 20 | P14 of 20 | |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test | P3 of 10 | P5 of 10 | |
| 2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout | P1 of 52 | P20 of 52 | |
| 2024 EVO Summer Tire Test | P3 of 7 | P6 of 7 | |
| 2023 Sport Auto UHP Tire Test | P6 of 11 | P5 of 11 | |
| 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test | P1 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test | P2 of 13 | P3 of 13 | |
| 2023 ACE / Gute Fahrt UHP Summer Tire Test | P3 of 7 | P2 of 7 | |
| 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tire Test | P1 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2021 EVO Summer Tire Test | P3 of 9 | P1 of 9 | |
| 2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test | P2 of 14 | P4 of 14 | |
| 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tire Test | P2 of 15 | P4 of 15 |
Performance profile
16 measurements from the 12 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Potenza Sport
P Zero PZ4
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 95%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 2 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Potenza Sport
P Zero PZ4
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Potenza Sport
P Zero PZ4
Not ahead in any category
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the P Zero PZ4 74% from 96. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Potenza Sport | Gap | P Zero PZ4 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110 | 1.5% | 112 | 7-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 86.01 | 0.7% | 86.64 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 73.3 | 0.8% | 72.7 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| scored | 5.8% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 118 | 3.7% | 123 | 7-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 67.01 | 0.4% | 67.28 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 51.3 | 0.3% | 51.1 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| scored | 0.4% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18.1 | 2.4% | 17.6 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13.08 | = | 13.09 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 46.5 | 2% | 45.7 | 8-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 41.7 | 2.4% | 41.4 | 4-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| scored | 8.1% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| scored | 6.8% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 71.5 | 1.3 dB | 70.24 | 0-8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25,128 | 35.4% | 18,834 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9.74 | 2.8% | 9.46 | 2-8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0.11 | 27.9% | 0.15 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Potenza Sport scores 9.3 and the P Zero PZ4 9 out of 10.
| Potenza Sport | Category | P Zero PZ4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | Dry | 93 | ||
| 97 | Wet | 91 | ||
| 12 | Comfort | 49 | ||
| 9 | Value | 7 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Potenza Sport | Category | P Zero PZ4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dry Grip | 8.7 | ||
| 8.6 | Wet Grip | 7.5 | ||
| 8.8 | Road Feedback | 8.2 | ||
| 8.9 | Handling | 8.1 | ||
| 6.1 | Wear | 5.9 | ||
| 7 | Comfort | 6.8 | ||
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the P Zero PZ4 74% from 96. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
- 80%from 139 reviews
- 67%would buy again
- 947,770 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Bridgestone Potenza Sport as a very sporty road tire, with strong dry and wet grip and sharp, precise steering feel. The main drawback is longevity: around one in three owners complain about fast wear, sometimes markedly so. Road noise is another common issue (raised by around one in four), while a smaller but notable group report a big drop in grip and confidence in cold weather.
- Very strong dry grip with a predictable, confidence-inspiring feel
- Impressive wet grip for a performance-focused summer tire
- Sharp, precise steering response and good road feedback
- Strong dry handling and cornering ability
- Short tread life / rapid wear for many owners
- Loud road noise, often getting intrusive
- Noticeable performance drop in cold conditions
Summarised by AI from 129 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 139 Potenza Sport reviewsOn road it's like having a semislick which is capable of handling water showers like an UHP tire. On track you can feel it's not a semislick, but you can enjoy a stable performance allowing you 100% of fun with 80% lap time or something like that.
On the road wear on external shoulder is high, on track it's really impressive lap after lap.
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
- 74%from 96 reviews
- 55%would buy again
- 952,792 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners tend to rate the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 as a strong dry-road performance tire, with clear majorities praising dry grip and crisp steering response. Comfort and road noise are also more often seen as positives than negatives, making it a surprisingly civilised option for a UUHP fitment. The main sticking point is durability: around two in five owners mention tread life and most of them report fast wear, while a smaller but notable group (around one in eight) highlight aquaplaning concerns, especially as the tread gets lower or in standing water.
- Strong dry grip
- Sharp steering response and good feedback
- Confident, sporty dry handling
- Low road noise for the category
- Fast wear / short tread life
- Aquaplaning in standing water, especially at speed
- Poor cold-weather grip and needs heat to work properly
Summarised by AI from 85 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 96 P Zero PZ4 reviewsGood grip all arround, especially in the dry where they really shine. Used them as front tires on high power rwd car. They maintain good grip under heavy braking, and are very progressive at the limit. The only downside i found is that the got oval shaped and the car started vibrating at high speeds, wich cannot be resolved by balancing since they were not perfectly round.aybe the car being rarely used, it sits in the garage over winter, and only moved around a bit every few weeks, but maybe that was not enough, even though the rear ones, a different brand did not suffer the same problems.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
| Category | Potenza Sport | P Zero PZ4 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| On the market since | 2021 | - |
| Replaced | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Replaced by | Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo | Pirelli P Zero PZ5 |
| Awards | - | Recommended: Best Tires for High Performance Cars (DriverReviews, 2026/27) Highly Recommended: Best Tires for High Performance Cars (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Performance Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2024) Winner: Performance Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2022) |
| Price in the shared tests | The P Zero PZ4 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 8 tests that listed prices, by 1.3% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits two flagship max-performance summer tires against each other: Bridgestone's Potenza Sport and Pirelli's P Zero PZ4. Across 12 shared professional tests from 2021-2025 in popular 18-19 inch fitments, both target dry precision and wet security for performance road cars, but they take different paths to get there.
The Potenza Sport consistently delivers class-leading grip and lap-time pace, especially in the wet, while the PZ4 leans into refinement and efficiency. Recent tests amplify the split: Bridgestone dominates objective braking and handling (including a 1/52 overall in a 2025 shootout), whereas Pirelli scores for noise and rolling resistance, and can feel more polished day to day. Cost per kilometer and wear also separate them more than headline lap times suggest.
Conclusion
Patterns across multiple tests are clear: if you prioritize outright performance and safety margins in changeable conditions, the Potenza Sport is the stronger, more confidence-inspiring choice. It repeatedly stops shorter (e.g., −14-15% in wet braking vs PZ4 in 2025 tests), turns quicker, and resists aquaplaning better, while also offering markedly better value and projected mileage in costed studies.
The PZ4 remains appealing for drivers who value cabin refinement, lighter steering/rolling feel, and efficiency. It is often quieter and easier on fuel, with competitive dry balance and strong subjective feel in some sizes, but it trails Bridgestone in critical wet metrics and long-term economy. In short: choose Bridgestone for maximum pace and wet-grip safety; choose Pirelli for lower noise/consumption and a smoother daily drive.
Potenza Sport vs P Zero PZ4: your questions
Is the Bridgestone Potenza Sport or the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 the better tire?
In the 12 independent tests that ran both tires, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport finished ahead 9 times and the P Zero PZ4 3 times. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Potenza Sport scores 9.3 and the P Zero PZ4 9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Potenza Sport or the P Zero PZ4?
The Potenza Sport led 32 of the 48 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3.7% shorter in the wet across 11 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Potenza Sport led 18 of the 23 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.5% shorter in the dry across 11 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Potenza Sport lasted 35.4% longer in the wear tests (2 tests); the P Zero PZ4 had 2.8% lower rolling resistance (10 tests). Owners rate wear 6.1/10 for the Potenza Sport and 5.9/10 for the P Zero PZ4.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The P Zero PZ4 was 1.3 dB quieter (8 tests). Owners rate comfort 7/10 for the Potenza Sport and 6.8/10 for the P Zero PZ4.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Potenza Sport 80% from 139 reviews and the P Zero PZ4 74% from 96. 67% of Potenza Sport owners would buy it again, against 55% for the P Zero PZ4.
Which is more expensive?
In the 8 tests that listed prices, the P Zero PZ4 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 1.3% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
More comparisons with these tires
vs
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4
8-1 in 9 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
2-8 in 10 shared tests
vs 
Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5
7-4 in 11 shared tests
vs
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4
4-2 in 7 shared tests
vs
Continental SportContact 7 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4
9-1 in 10 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Continental SportContact 7
3-10 in 15 shared tests
vs
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4
7-0 in 9 shared tests
vs
Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
6-9 in 15 shared tests
Every Bridgestone vs Pirelli test → All comparisons → Compare three or more tires →
Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
Discussion