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Pirelli P Zero Test Results

Tested 2010 to 2020 13 publications

Tested 36 times by independent publications, the Pirelli P Zero has taken 5 test wins with an average finish of 4th.

  • 36Independent tests
  • 5Test wins
  • 18Podium finishes
  • 4thAverage finish
  • 68%Field beaten on average
  • 13Publications
Pirelli P Zero

36 tests, 2010 to 2020

0%50%100%2010201120122013201420152016201820192020Average 68%2010 Auto Zeitung Ultra High Performance Summer Tire Test (2010): P1 of 9, Beat 100% of the field2010 Auto Bild Ultra High Performance Tire Test (2010): P2 of 6, Beat 80% of the field2010 Sport Auto Ultra High Performance Tire Test (2010): P4 of 11, Beat 70% of the field2010 Auto Express Ultra High Performance Tire Test (2010): P6 of 11, Beat 50% of the field2010 EVO FWD Tire Test (2010): P3 of 9, Beat 75% of the field2011 Auto Zeitung Max Performance Tire Test (2011): P1 of 14, Beat 100% of the field2011 Autobild Max Performance Summer Tire Test (2011): P2 of 10, Beat 89% of the field2011 Autoreview Max Performance Summer Tire Test (2011): P2 of 9, Beat 88% of the field2011 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tire Test (2011): P2 of 7, Beat 83% of the field2011 Tirerack Max Performance Summer Tire Test (2011): P4 of 4, Beat 0% of the field2011 AMS Ultra High Performance Tire Test (2011): P8 of 11, Beat 30% of the field2011 Auto Express Ultra High Performance Tire Test (2011): P3 of 10, Beat 78% of the field2012 EVO Max Performance Tire Test (2012): P5 of 10, Beat 56% of the field2012 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test (2012): P1 of 9, Beat 100% of the field2012 EVO Summer Tire Test (2012): P1 of 10, Beat 100% of the field2013 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tire Test (2013): P7 of 10, Beat 33% of the field2013 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2013): P9 of 10, Beat 11% of the field2014 ACE Summer Tire Test (2014): P3 of 11, Beat 80% of the field2014 EVO Max Performance Summer Tire Test (2014): P2 of 10, Beat 89% of the field2015 AZ 225/40 R18 Summer Tire Test (2015): P2 of 14, Beat 92% of the field2015 Sport Auto 235/35 R19 UHP Tire Test (2015): P1 of 7, Beat 100% of the field2015 Top 5 Summer Performance Tires (2015): P4 of 5, Beat 25% of the field2015 Auto Review Summer Tire Test (2015): P2 of 9, Beat 88% of the field2015 Auto Express Tire Test (2015): P5 of 11, Beat 60% of the field2015 EVO Magazine Performance Tire Test (2015): P3 of 10, Beat 78% of the field2016 ADAC Tire Test - 225/45 R17 (2016): P3 of 16, Beat 87% of the field2016 GTU Performance Summer Tire Test (2016): P4 of 14, Beat 77% of the field2016 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tire Test (2016): P4 of 8, Beat 57% of the field2016 Test World Performance Tire Test (2016): P6 of 13, Beat 58% of the field2016 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2016): P2 of 9, Beat 88% of the field2016 EVO Summer Performance Tire Test (2016): P7 of 9, Beat 25% of the field2018 Ace 235/45 R18 Summer Tire Test (2018): P7 of 11, Beat 40% of the field2018 Auto Express Summer Tire Test (2018): P5 of 10, Beat 44% of the field2019 Summer 53 Tire Braking Shootout (2019): P4 of 53, Beat 93% of the field2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test (2019): P8 of 20, Beat 63% of the field2020 Tire Market Overview Braking Test (2020): P25 of 50, Beat 50% of the field
Share of the field beaten in each test, oldest to newest. Hover or tap a point for the test.
  • Test win
  • Second
  • Third
  • Average 68%

Record by discipline

Where the Pirelli P Zero finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.

Discipline Tests Avg finish Field beaten Firsts
Dry
Dry Braking 3 P8 of 38 82% -
Dry Handling 1 P1 of 20 100% 1
Wet
Wet Braking 3 P11.3 of 38 76% -
Wet Handling 1 P3 of 20 89% -
Straight Aqua 1 P14 of 20 32% -
Comfort
Subj. Comfort 1 P11 of 20 47% -
Noise 1 P18 of 20 11% -
Value
Wear 1 P14 of 20 32% -
Value 1 P20 of 20 0% -
Rolling Resistance 1 P16 of 20 21% -

Head-to-head record

Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Pirelli P Zero. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.

Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 19 shared: 12 ahead, 7 behind 19 12 7 - 63%
Bridgestone Potenza S001 17 shared: 13 ahead, 4 behind 17 13 4 - 76%
Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 16 shared: 9 ahead, 7 behind 16 9 7 - 56%
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti 13 shared: 11 ahead, 2 behind 13 11 2 - 85%
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 13 shared: 7 ahead, 6 behind 13 7 6 - 54%
Continental Sport Contact 5 13 shared: 3 ahead, 10 behind 13 3 10 - 23%
Toyo Proxes T1 Sport 10 shared: 10 ahead, 0 behind 10 10 0 - 100%
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 10 shared: 6 ahead, 4 behind 10 6 4 - 60%
Yokohama Advan Sport V105 9 shared: 6 ahead, 3 behind 9 6 3 - 67%
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 9 shared: 3 ahead, 6 behind 9 3 6 - 33%
Nokian zLine 8 shared: 6 ahead, 2 behind 8 6 2 - 75%
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 8 shared: 5 ahead, 3 behind 8 5 3 - 63%
Falken Azenis FK510 8 shared: 4 ahead, 3 behind 8 4 3 1 57%
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind 7 7 0 - 100%
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 7 shared: 5 ahead, 2 behind 7 5 2 - 71%
Continental Sport Contact 3 7 shared: 4 ahead, 3 behind 7 4 3 - 57%
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 7 shared: 2 ahead, 5 behind 7 2 5 - 29%
Nokian Z G2 6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind 6 6 0 - 100%
Continental ContiSportContact 5 P 6 shared: 2 ahead, 4 behind 6 2 4 - 33%
Michelin Pilot Super Sport 6 shared: 2 ahead, 4 behind 6 2 4 - 33%

Against its own line

The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.

Tire Tests Wins Avg finish Field beaten
Pirelli P Zero This tire 36 5 4th 68%
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Successor 33 3 5th 56%

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 35 tests. Updated September 2, 2025.

Across 35 summer-focused tests, the Pirelli P Zero delivers consistently strong dynamic performance with numerous podiums and several overall wins, especially in the early-to-mid 2010s, and a standout complete package in 2015-2016. It regularly excels in dry and wet handling/braking shootouts and subjective driving feel, securing test wins (e.g., 2015 Sport Auto, 2012 EVO, 2012 Sport Auto, 2011 Auto Zeitung) and frequent top-3 finishes. However, results are more mixed in later large comparative braking tests (e.g., 2020 Auto Bild braking), and it underperforms in efficiency, noise, value, and aquaplaning versus class leaders.

Overall, the P Zero is a performance-led tire prioritizing grip, precision, and wet capability over rolling resistance and cost metrics. It's best for drivers seeking engaging dynamics and strong wet/dry control, with trade-offs in economy and comfort-related categories.

Performance Strengths

Performance Weaknesses

Do owners agree with the tests?

Every tester write-up on the Pirelli P Zero (23 tests) and 150 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.

Where owners and testers agree

  • Tread life weakness in 2 of 23 tests 26 praise, 59 criticise of 150 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Dry grip strength in 4 of 23 tests 50 praise, 8 criticise of 150 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Dry handling strength in 14 of 23 tests 14 praise, 6 criticise of 150 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Aquaplaning resistance weakness in 11 of 23 tests 2 praise, 5 criticise of 150 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Dry braking strength in 6 of 23 tests 5 praise, 1 criticise of 150 reviews · Read those reviews
  • High-speed stability strength in 1 of 23 tests 3 praise, 1 criticise of 150 reviews · Read those reviews

Where they disagree

  • Sidewall stiffness strength in 1 of 23 tests 1 praise, 3 criticise of 150 reviews · Read those reviews

Raised by owners, not by any test of this tire

  • Cold-weather grip no test mentions it 0 praise, 15 criticise of 150 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Tramlining no test mentions it 1 praise, 11 criticise of 150 reviews · Read those reviews

Every test, newest first 36

Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.

2020 1 test
2019 2 tests
P8 of 20 Beat 63% of the field

2019 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test

Auto Bild 225/45 R17

Recommended.

StrongDry Handling WeakValue WinnerMichelin Pilot Sport 4

2018 2 tests
2016 6 tests
P7 of 9 Beat 25% of the field

2016 EVO Summer Performance Tire Test

EVO 235/35 R19

The previous generation Pirelli P Zero performed excellently in the wet lap time, but struggled in the dry both objectively and subjectively with the tire dropping off be nearly one second between the first and second lap.

WinnerContinental Sport Contact 6

2015 6 tests
P3 of 10 Beat 78% of the field

2015 EVO Magazine Performance Tire Test

EVO 225/40 R18

The P Zero managed to combine best in test wet braking, with the third fastest dry times, earning it third place overall.

WinnerContinental Sport Contact 5

P5 of 11 Beat 60% of the field

2015 Auto Express Tire Test

Auto Express 225/45 R17

The Pirelli P Zero won the test back in 2008, which makes it the oldest pattern on test. Naturally there have been updates to the tire during its life, and they show. In the top 3 for all the handling, cornering and braking tests, the P Zero shows its sports car pedigree. The tire also managed to be the second quietest. Only let down by a poor rolling resistance and finishing last in the curved aquaplaning test, the P Zero is still a strong tire, all these years on.

WinnerContinental Sport Contact 5

P2 of 9 Beat 88% of the field

2015 Auto Review Summer Tire Test

Auto Review 225/45 R17

The only UHP tire included (we're not sure we agree, the Conti is a UHP tire), Auto Review included it to highlight the differences between touring and performance tires. Naturally, the P Zero had a performance bias. It had the highest rolling resistance, one of the lowest levels of comfort and the strongest sidewall, but in the wet and dry tests it was trading places with the Continental for top spot. For the ultimate lap time, the testers would pick the P Zero as not only was it the fastest, it offered the best subjective feel too with the fastest reactions to steering.

WinnerContinental Sport Contact 5

2014 2 tests
P2 of 10 Beat 89% of the field

2014 EVO Max Performance Summer Tire Test

EVO 225/45 R17

While being a relatively old pattern, the updated P Zero put in a very strong performance in the key wet and dry handling tests. Often the only tire to get close to the Continental in outright grip

WinnerContinental Sport Contact 5

2013 2 tests
P9 of 10 Beat 11% of the field

2013 Auto Express Summer Tire Test

Auto Express 225/45 R17

Ninth place for the P Zero, test winner in 2008, shows how quickly the premium tires develop. The P Zero still felt planted in the wet with no rear movement, and scored well in wet braking and cornering, but finished extremely poorly in the aquaplaning tests, placing ninth and last in curved and straight aquaplaning respectively. In the dry the car felt stable and well balanced, but it was only sixth fastest and finished ninth in dry braking. Noisy and high rolling resistance meant Pirelli could only manage ninth, behind much cheaper rivals.

WinnerContinental Sport Contact 5

P7 of 10 Beat 33% of the field

2013 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tire Test

Sport Auto 225/40 R18

While the P Zero pattern is starting to show its age, it's still an excellent wet weather tire. Quick steering with lots of feedback in the dry leaves the Mercedes a little twitchy at the limit. Average aquaplaning result.

WinnerDunlop SportMaxx RT

2012 3 tests
P1 of 10 Beat 100% of the field

2012 EVO Summer Tire Test

EVO 225/45 R17

Overall the P Zero demonstrated a consistently strong showing in all the tests, other than rolling resistance where it finished last

P1 of 9 Beat 100% of the field

2012 Sport Auto Summer Tire Test

Sport Auto 235/35 R19

Sensitive steering, but also very agile and very neutral on the limit - this is the Pirelli P Zero on both wet and dry surfaces. Couple that with extremely strong braking, the P Zero wins the test. The only negative of the P Zero is a slightly wear aquaplaning and wear result.

P5 of 10 Beat 56% of the field

2012 EVO Max Performance Tire Test

EVO 235/40 R18

Slightly ahead of the Bridgestone, the Pirelli P Zero offered a good all round performance - not the best in any test but usually in the top half in every test.

WinnerContinental Sport Contact 3

2011 7 tests
P3 of 10 Beat 78% of the field

2011 Auto Express Ultra High Performance Tire Test

Auto Express 225/45 R17

The Pirelli P Zero just missed out on the top spot due to a high rolling resistance and average dry lap pace - however the P Zero was the clear winner in the wet tests, half a second quicker than the next closest tire and stopping a meter shorter than any other tire in the wet braking. A strong construction made the tire dynamically stable and a joy to drive on.

WinnerGoodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

P2 of 9 Beat 88% of the field

2011 Autoreview Max Performance Summer Tire Test

Auto Review 235/35 R19

While the P Zero is now 5 years old, a second second place proves Pirelli are doing a great job of keeping it up to date. It's raw grip in the wet and dry topped the tables, with its only negative score due to a rather abrupt slide quality in the wet. The poor curved aquaplaning results left the P Zero just 0.1 points behind the 5P!

WinnerContinental ContiSportContact 5 P

2010 5 tests
P3 of 9 Beat 75% of the field

2010 EVO FWD Tire Test

EVO 235/35 R19

WinnerContinental ContiSportContact 5 P

Back to the Pirelli P Zero overview

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