Cooper vs Falken: Two tire brands that have long dominated the market, leaving consumers wondering which one is truly superior.
In this post, I’ll delve into the depths of their history, examine their performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, explore their mileage warranties and average lifespan, compare their prices, and highlight their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
Let’s dive in!
Cooper vs Falken – Comparison Table
| Cooper | Falken | |
| Country of Origin | United States of America | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1914 | 1983 |
| Made In | Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas but could also be made in China | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. Cooper
Cooper Tire is an American brand that was founded in 1914 and is currently owned by the The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company bought Cooper in 2021 for about $2.8 billion worth in cash and shares.
With its headquarters in the United States, Cooper has a rich history in the tire industry.
Over the years, it has become renowned for its quality and innovative tire designs.
From its humble beginnings, Cooper Tire has steadily grown, establishing itself as a leading player in the industry.
The brand has consistently focused on manufacturing tires that deliver exceptional performance, durability, and safety.
Cooper has also expanded its product range to cater to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorsports.
Through its commitment to excellence, Cooper Tire has built a strong reputation among drivers worldwide.
The brand’s dedication to research and development has allowed it to introduce cutting-edge technologies, enhancing traction, handling, and fuel efficiency.
Cooper’s tire offerings are widely recognized for their reliability, making them a popular choice among consumers.
With a century-long legacy, Cooper Tire continues to thrive, providing drivers with high-quality tires that deliver a smooth and comfortable ride while ensuring safety on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Commercial trucks
2. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 vs the Falken Azenis FK510.
In my evaluation, I personally rate the dry performance of the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 tire at 4.3 out of 5.
It has received commendable feedback for its exceptional grip, handling, and dry braking.
Additionally, its comfort and low cabin noise contribute positively to the overall experience.
On the other hand, the Falken Azenis FK510 tire receives a slightly higher rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It offers short braking distances, excellent grip, and consistent performance even at high speeds.
Considering these factors, I declare the Falken Azenis FK510 as the winner in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring vs the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S.
Based on my research, I would rate the wet performance of the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire as 4.8 out of 5.
It has received consistently positive reviews for its impressive wet performance, excellent wet traction, short stopping distances, and the benefits of its asymmetric tread pattern.
On the other hand, the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S tire has a wet performance rating of 4.6 out of 5, with positive feedback on its good wet traction, all-season performance, hydroplaning resistance, and wet handling.
Therefore, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire edges slightly ahead in wet performance, making it the better choice in this comparison.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Cooper Discoverer True North vs Falken Espia EPZ II.
Based on my research, as the one giving the snow performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate both the Cooper Discoverer True North and Falken Espia EPZ II tires as 4.7.
These ratings suggest that both tires excel in snow performance, offering reliable traction and performance in various winter conditions.
The incorporation of advanced technology in their designs contributes positively to their snow performance scores.
Therefore, it is difficult to declare a clear winner as both tires offer similar levels of snow performance, making it a tie between the Cooper Discoverer True North and Falken Espia EPZ II.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Cooper | Falken | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Cooper tires are known for their durability and are typically guaranteed to last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles. | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. |
In terms of mileage warranty, both Cooper and Falken tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, there’s a slight difference.
Cooper tires are known for their durability and typically last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles, while Falken tires can range from 20,000 to 80,000 miles.
Overall, both brands provide similar mileage warranties, but Cooper tires may offer a slightly longer average lifespan.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Cooper vs Falken.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Cooper | Falken | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $73 to $585 /ea | $67 to $579 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Evolution Winter Studded goes from $73 – $225 /ea | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Discoverer STT Pro goes from $220 – $585 /ea | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Cooper
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Excellent performance and handling characteristics | ❌ Cooper tires may not be as widely available as other tire brands |
| ✔ Designed to be durable and long-lasting | |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options to suit different vehicles and driving needs |
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Cooper:
- Discoverer STT Pro
- Discoverer AT3 4S
- Evolution Tour
Some of Falken’s best tires are shown below:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After evaluating the dry, wet, and snow performances, as well as considering the mileage warranty and average lifespan, I have determined that the overall better pick between Cooper and Falken tires is the Falken brand.
While both brands offer excellent performance, Falken tires have slightly better ratings in dry performance and comparable ratings in wet and snow performance.
Additionally, Falken tires are generally more affordable, making them a well-rounded choice for various driving needs.