Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun vs Nexen N Fera Primus
- TR Score
- 8.4/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 119
- TR Score
- 8.2/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 11
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tires, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun finished ahead 6 times and the N Fera Primus not once. The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun lasted 24.3% longer in the wear tests; the N Fera Primus used 2.5% less fuel.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun for the best all-round safety (dry stops, aquaplaning), longevity, and lifetime value. Pick Nexen N'Fera Primus if you prioritize lower purchase price and a slightly more agile feel in wet handling, accepting shorter tread life and less consistent dry-brake performance.
Where the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is stronger
- Consistently shorter dry braking (wins 6/6 shared dry brake tests)
- Superior aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved) across most tests
- Significantly longer tread life and lower abrasion (e.g., +13-33% mileage)
Where the N Fera Primus is stronger
- Competitive wet dynamics (wins wet handling/circle in multiple tests)
- Lower purchase price in most comparisons
- Occasionally lower fuel consumption and tire weight
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.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun vs N Fera Primus at a glance
| Category | ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | Gap | N Fera Primus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won6 shared tests | 6 | 0 | |
| Dry8 measurements | 8 | The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun stopped 1.9% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 0 |
| Wet20 measurements | 13 | The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun stopped 1.3% shorter in the wet (6 tests) | 7 |
| Comfort5 measurements | 2 | 3 | |
| Value10 measurements | 7 | The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun lasted 24.3% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.4/10 | The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun by 0.2 | 8.2/10 |
| Owner rating119 and 11 reviews | 80% | The N Fera Primus by 5 points | 85% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 78% | The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun by 18 points | 60% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +7.6% | The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was dearer in 4 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 86 | 43 sizes made in both | 50 |
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 6 tests, 2022 to 2024
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 | ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | Field | N Fera Primus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 AutoBild Summer Tire Test | P7 of 20 | P17 of 20 | |
| 2024 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P10 of 16 | P11 of 16 | |
| 2024 Summer Tire Market Overview | P7 of 55 | P11 of 55 | |
| 2023 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P6 of 50 | P10 of 50 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test | P5 of 21 | P15 of 21 | |
| 2022 Summer Tire Market Overview | P5 of 50 | P10 of 50 |
Performance profile
13 measurements from the 6 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
N Fera Primus
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 96%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 1 measurement recorded in only one shared test is left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
N Fera Primus
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
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
N Fera Primus
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun 80% from 119 reviews and the N Fera Primus 85% from 11. 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 | ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | Gap | N Fera Primus | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 121 | 1.9% | 123 | 6-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65.7 | 1.5% | 64.7 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 116 | 1.3% | 118 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 118 | 4% | 123 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 46 | 0.6% | 46.3 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14.2 | 2.3% | 13.9 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.1 | 0.5% | 50.8 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.2 | 2.4% | 12.9 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.35 | 0.1 dB | 71.25 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 19.8 | 6.7% | 18.5 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 23,031 | 24.3% | 18,810 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.8 | 0.2% | 8.77 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.95 | 2.5% | 5.8 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.85 | 8.1% | 80.8 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun scores 8.4 and the N Fera Primus 8.2 out of 10.
| ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | Category | N Fera Primus | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | Dry | 61 | ||
| 79 | Wet | 82 | ||
| 62 | Comfort | 42 | ||
| 42 | Value | 23 | ||
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
| ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | Category | N Fera Primus | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 8.2 | Wet Grip | 9.1 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 8.6 | ||
| 8 | Handling | 7.9 | ||
| 7.7 | Wear | 8.7 | ||
| 7.9 | Comfort | 8.2 | ||
Owners rate the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun 80% from 119 reviews and the N Fera Primus 85% from 11. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
- 80%from 119 reviews
- 78%would buy again
- 1,000,122 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally describe the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun as an excellent value summer touring tire with strong wet-weather safety (including aquaplaning resistance) and confident dry grip, often punching above its price class. A very common highlight is low cabin noise and an overall smooth, secure feel, with many users also reporting good wear life over high mileage. The most recurring drawbacks are higher rolling resistance (fuel consumption increase for some cars) and a softer/less precise steering feel that can disappoint more performance-focused drivers, with a subset also finding the ride firmer on rough roads.
- Strong wet grip and reassuring aquaplaning resistance
- Good dry grip and braking
- Low road noise / quiet cabin
- Good value for money
- Higher rolling resistance leading to increased fuel consumption for some drivers
- Soft sidewalls or less precise steering/feedback (not ideal for hard sporty driving)
- Firm/harsh ride on rough roads for some vehicles/setups
Summarised by AI from 107 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 119 ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun reviewsA quiet tire, very predictable/forgiving at the limit, especially in the rain, with a soft sidewall.These miles were covered with spirited driving on winding roads.
Nexen N Fera Primus
- 85%from 11 reviews
- 60%would buy again
- 66,847 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally rate the Nexen N Fera Primus very highly, praising its confident grip in both dry and wet conditions along with a smooth, comfortable ride. Many also report low noise levels and strong tread life/value for money, with several noting minimal wear after significant mileage. A minority mention higher noise than competitors and somewhat longer braking distances (often compared to Falken), with setup/pressure sensitivity occasionally affecting comfort and braking feel.
- Strong dry and wet grip/confidence
- Comfortable ride quality
- Generally quiet/low road noise
- Good tread life/wear reported by many
- Can be noisier than some competitors
- Some users report longer braking distances vs other tires
Summarised by AI from 11 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 11 N Fera Primus reviewsExcellent tire in my opinion, wear markers are at 1 out of 4. So plenty of life left in them.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 86 sizes of the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun and 50 of the N Fera Primus, 43 of them made in both.
| Category | ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun | N Fera Primus |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 86 sizes, 14 to 19 inch | 50 sizes, 15 to 19 inch |
| Made in both | 43 sizes 185/65 R15195/45 R15195/65 R15205/50 R15205/55 R15185/50 R16185/55 R16195/45 R16195/50 R16195/55 R16205/45 R16205/50 R16and 31 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A53%B46%C1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | D50%C47%B2%A1% | C46%B23%A16%D15% |
| EU label noise | 67-72 dB A74%B26% | 69-72 dB B92%A8% |
| On the market since | 2017 | 2020 |
| Replaced | Falken ZIEX ZE914 EcoRun (2012) | - |
| Replaced by | Falken ZIEX ZE320 | Nexen N Fera Primus 2 |
| Price in the shared tests | The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 7.6% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
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 popular summer premium-touring tires for passenger cars: Falken's ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun and Nexen's N'Fera Primus. Both target balanced everyday performance, but repeated independent tests reveal distinct strengths. Across six shared tests (ADAC, AutoBild, and market overviews from 2022-2024), the Falken consistently finishes higher overall.
Expect the Falken to deliver shorter dry stops, stronger aquaplaning safety, and significantly better tread life and value. The Nexen counters with flashes of wet-surface pace (wet handling/circle) and marginally lower purchase prices and fuel use in some sizes. The nuances matter depending on whether you prioritize all-round safety and longevity or up-front price and wet agility.
Conclusion
Synthesizing the results, the Falken ZE310 EcoRun is the more complete tire. It wins every shared dry braking contest, commonly leads aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved), and repeatedly posts longer projected mileage-by double-digit margins (e.g., +33% in AutoBild 2024; +23-28% in ADAC/AutoBild 2022-2023). Its better value/1,000 km scores reinforce that advantage despite not always being the cheapest at purchase.
The Nexen N'Fera Primus delivers commendable wet-surface agility in several tests (wet handling/circle) and edges fuel consumption and weight in certain sizes, plus a slightly lower purchase price. However, it trails in wear, value, and dry-brake consistency, which are meaningful for safety and running costs. For most drivers, the Falken is the safer, longer-lasting, better-value choice; the Nexen suits budget-minded buyers who prioritize lively wet dynamics over longevity.
ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun vs N Fera Primus: your questions
Is the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun or the Nexen N Fera Primus the better tire?
In the 6 independent tests that ran both tires, the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun finished ahead 6 times and the N Fera Primus not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun scores 8.4 and the N Fera Primus 8.2 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun or the N Fera Primus?
The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun led 13 of the 20 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.3% shorter in the wet across 6 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun led 8 of the 8 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.9% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun lasted 24.3% longer in the wear tests (4 tests) and shed 8.1% less rubber in the abrasion test (2 tests); the N Fera Primus used 2.5% less fuel (2 tests). Owners rate wear 7.7/10 for the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun and 8.7/10 for the N Fera Primus.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.9/10 for the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun and 8.2/10 for the N Fera Primus.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun 80% from 119 reviews and the N Fera Primus 85% from 11. 78% of ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun owners would buy it again, against 60% for the N Fera Primus.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 7.6% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is made in 86 sizes (14 to 19 inch) and the N Fera Primus in 50 (15 to 19 inch). 43 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun is graded A for wet grip and D for rolling resistance in most sizes; the N Fera Primus A and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The N Fera Primus is the newer design: it reached the market in 2020, the ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun in 2017. The ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun replaced the Falken ZIEX ZE914 EcoRun.
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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.
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