Falken ZIEX ZE320 vs Pirelli Cinturato C3
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 17
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 91% · 19
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 finished ahead 3 times and the ZIEX ZE320 twice. The ZIEX ZE320 stopped 1.4% shorter in the dry; the Cinturato C3 stopped 1.9% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Both are group-test winners, so pick by priority. The Pirelli Cinturato C3 is the choice for wet braking, aquaplaning and 29.6 percent more mileage. The Falken ZIEX ZE320 is the choice for dry braking, dry handling, lower noise and lower fuel use, and it won two of the five shared tests outright.
Where the ZIEX ZE320 is stronger
- Two outright wins, 1st of 8 at Auto Express and 1st of 7 at Die Reifentester
- Shorter dry braking in four of five tests and both dry handling comparisons
- Quieter in both noise measurements and used less fuel in both
Where the Cinturato C3 is stronger
- Won our own 2025 touring test, 1st of 7 with the Falken 3rd
- Shorter wet braking in four of five tests, 31.8m against 34.3m at ADAC
- Longer life, 48,600km against 37,500km, 29.6 percent more
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 ZE320 vs Cinturato C3 at a glance
| Category | ZIEX ZE320 | Gap | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won5 shared tests | 2 | 3 | |
| Dry10 measurements | 7 | The ZIEX ZE320 stopped 1.4% shorter in the dry (5 tests) | 3 |
| Wet21 measurements | 8 | The Cinturato C3 stopped 1.9% shorter in the wet (5 tests) | 12 |
| Comfort8 measurements | 5 | The ZIEX ZE320 was 0.6 dB quieter (2 tests) | 2 |
| Value6 measurements | 4 | The ZIEX ZE320 used 1.8% less fuel (2 tests) | 2 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.4/10 | Level | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating17 and 19 reviews | 87% | The Cinturato C3 by 4 points | 91% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 80% | The Cinturato C3 by 3 points | 83% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Cinturato C3 was dearer in 4 of 4 | +19.6% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 53 | 15 sizes made in both | 35 |
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 5 tests, 2025 to 2026
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 ZE320 | Field | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Express Summer Tire Test | P1 of 8 | P5 of 8 | |
| 2026 Vi Bilagare Summer Tire Test | P4 of 10 | P2 of 10 | |
| 2026 ADAC Summer Tire Test | P5 of 16 | P2 of 16 | |
| 2025 Die ReifenTester Summer Touring Tire Test | P1 of 7 | P2 of 7 | |
| The Best Touring Tires for 2025 Tested | P3 of 7 | P1 of 7 |
Performance profile
14 measurements from the 5 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
ZIEX ZE320
Cinturato C3
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 90%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 4 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
ZIEX ZE320
Cinturato C3
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 ZE320
Cinturato C3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the ZIEX ZE320 87% from 17 reviews and the Cinturato C3 91% from 19. 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 ZE320 | Gap | Cinturato C3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 119 | 1.4% | 121 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69.52 | 0.7% | 69.94 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.2% | scored | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 96 | 1.9% | 94 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 124 | 1.1% | 122 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 89.13 | = | 89.28 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 3.9% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11.6 | 6.6% | 12.53 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 51.5 | 1.3% | 52.1 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.8 | 8.6% | 10.5 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.8% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 44.6% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.05 | 0.6 dB | 70.6 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.2 | 1.5 dB | 74.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 23,301 | 29.6% | 30,199 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.91 | 2.8% | 8.16 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.55 | 1.8% | 5.65 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71 | 10.1% | 79 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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 ZE320 scores 9.4 and the Cinturato C3 9.4 out of 10.
| ZIEX ZE320 | Category | Cinturato C3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | Dry | 93 | ||
| 86 | Wet | 94 | ||
| 52 | Comfort | 28 | ||
| 46 | Value | 54 | ||
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 ZE320 | Category | Cinturato C3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.3 | Dry Grip | 9.6 | ||
| 8.9 | Wet Grip | 9.6 | ||
| 8.8 | Road Feedback | 9.3 | ||
| 8.9 | Handling | 9.3 | ||
| 8.1 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
Owners rate the ZIEX ZE320 87% from 17 reviews and the Cinturato C3 91% from 19. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Falken ZIEX ZE320
- 87%from 17 reviews
- 80%would buy again
- 92,020 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners are overwhelmingly happy with the Falken ZIEX ZE320, with consistently strong reports of dry grip and confident handling, backed up by positive wet-weather feedback. Around half of owners who mention it also find road noise low for the class, and a third highlight sharp steering response. The main caveats come from around one in five owners citing higher fuel use and similarly around one in five questioning tread life, while isolated comments mention reduced performance in extreme heat and less progressive behavior at the limit.
- Strong dry grip
- Low road noise for the class
- Confident wet grip
- Sharp steering response and good feedback
- Mediocre rolling resistance (worse fuel economy)
- Questionable tread life for some owners
- Can lose performance in very high heat
Summarised by AI from 13 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 17 ZIEX ZE320 reviewsThe tires provide excellent handling and grip in both dry and wet conditions. There is absolutely no tire noise on the highways, although if the asphalt quality is poor, some noise returns. The ride is very comfortable and not too firm. I rotated the tires from front to back at 10,000 km, and I haven't noticed any wear at this point. Overall, these tires offer great value for the price, and I feel very confident in both braking and cornering!
Pirelli Cinturato C3
- 91%from 19 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 76,500 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 19 reviews, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 is described as a highly confidence-inspiring tire with standout grip, strong wet and dry braking, and sharp, sporty steering that makes cars feel more responsive and secure. Many drivers also report good stability and a generally refined ride, with several praising low wear early on and solid durability impressions. The most repeated drawbacks are higher road noise for some users and a firmer/less plush ride over poor surfaces, with a smaller minority noting worsened fuel economy; one review also flags inconsistent manufacturing finish/quality control.
- Excellent dry and wet grip
- Strong braking and high safety/confidence
- Sharp steering response and sporty handling/turn-in
- Stable, predictable handling and good feedback
- Road noise can be higher than expected (especially on some roads/at low speeds)
- Ride can feel firmer/less forgiving over bumps and potholes
- Some reports of reduced fuel economy/rolling resistance increase
Summarised by AI from 19 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 19 Cinturato C3 reviewsI can say that these tires are the best I have ever had! My previous tires were Bridgestone T001 and Falken FK 510. I am extremely impressed with the comfort and stability of the new Pirelli tires. Their wear in 6000 miles is only 0.7mm! When new the tread is 7.3mm.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 53 sizes of the ZIEX ZE320 and 35 of the Cinturato C3, 15 of them made in both.
| Category | ZIEX ZE320 | Cinturato C3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 53 sizes, 15 to 18 inch | 35 sizes, 16 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 15 sizes 205/55 R16205/55 R17215/55 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17225/60 R17225/65 R17215/55 R18225/45 R18225/55 R18225/60 R18and 3 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A100% | A100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C91%B9% | B40%A35%C25% |
| EU label noise | 66-68 dB A100% | 66-72 dB B80%A20% |
| On the market since | 2024 | - |
| Replaced | Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun (2017) | Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 (2026) |
| Awards | Winner: Summer Value Performer (16in and below) (WhatTire, 2026/27) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Cinturato C3 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 19.6% 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.
Five shared tests split three to two in favor of the Pirelli Cinturato C3, and both tires have an outright win to their name. The Falken ZIEX ZE320 topped Auto Express's 2026 test, 1st of 8 with the Pirelli 5th, and Die Reifentester's 2025 touring test, 1st of 7 with the Pirelli 2nd. The Pirelli won our own 2025 touring test, 1st of 7 with the Falken 3rd and highly recommended, and finished 2nd of 10 at Vi Bilagare and 2nd of 16 at ADAC.
The Falken is the dry road and efficiency tire. It braked shorter in the dry in four of five tests, 35.47m against 36.54m at Die Reifentester, won both dry handling comparisons, was quieter in both noise measurements and used less fuel in both.
The Pirelli owns the wet and the long run. It stopped shorter in the wet in four of five tests, 31.8m against 34.3m at ADAC, resisted straight aquaplaning better in three of four, and it lasted 29.6 percent longer, 48,600km against 37,500km.
Conclusion
This is a genuinely close comparison between two touring tires that are each capable of winning a group test. The Pirelli Cinturato C3 takes three of the five shared tests: 1st of 7 in our own 2025 touring test, where the Falken ZIEX ZE320 was 3rd and highly recommended, 2nd of 10 at Vi Bilagare in 2026 against 4th, and 2nd of 16 at ADAC in 2026 against 5th. Its case is wet safety and tread life. It stopped shorter in the wet in four of five tests, 31.8m against 34.3m at ADAC, 7.3 percent, and shorter on wet concrete, it resisted straight aquaplaning better in three of four measurements, 79.7 against 75.2 km/h at ADAC, and it lasted 29.6 percent longer, 48,600km against 37,500km. Vi Bilagare's judges also rated its dry handling higher, 5 points against 4.
The Falken ZIEX ZE320 has two outright wins of its own, 1st of 8 at Auto Express in 2026 with the Pirelli 5th and 1st of 7 at Die Reifentester in 2025 with the Pirelli 2nd. It braked shorter in the dry in four of five tests, 36m against 36.6m at Auto Express and 35.47m against 36.54m at Die Reifentester, won both dry handling comparisons, and was faster round the wet circle at Auto Express by a large margin, 11.66s against 13.76s. It was quieter in both objective noise measurements, used less fuel in both, and abraded less at ADAC, 71 against 79mg/km/t.
The subjective scores split the difference: Vi Bilagare's panel found the Falken quieter and more comfortable, 4 points against 2 and 4 against 3, while Die Reifentester's found the Pirelli quieter and more comfortable, 82 points against 74 and 81 against 78. That disagreement is a fair summary of the whole comparison. Buy the Pirelli for wet braking and mileage, the Falken for dry braking, fuel and a lower price point.
ZIEX ZE320 vs Cinturato C3: your questions
Is the Falken ZIEX ZE320 or the Pirelli Cinturato C3 the better tire?
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 finished ahead 3 times and the ZIEX ZE320 twice. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the ZIEX ZE320 scores 9.4 and the Cinturato C3 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the ZIEX ZE320 or the Cinturato C3?
The Cinturato C3 led 12 of the 21 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.9% shorter in the wet across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The ZIEX ZE320 led 7 of the 10 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.4% shorter in the dry across 5 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The ZIEX ZE320 used 1.8% less fuel (2 tests). Owners rate wear 8.1/10 for the ZIEX ZE320 and 9/10 for the Cinturato C3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The ZIEX ZE320 was 0.6 dB quieter (2 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the ZIEX ZE320 and 8.3/10 for the Cinturato C3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the ZIEX ZE320 87% from 17 reviews and the Cinturato C3 91% from 19. 80% of ZIEX ZE320 owners would buy it again, against 83% for the Cinturato C3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Cinturato C3 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 19.6% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The ZIEX ZE320 is made in 53 sizes (15 to 18 inch) and the Cinturato C3 in 35 (16 to 20 inch). 15 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the ZIEX ZE320 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Cinturato C3 A and B.
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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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