When it comes to tire brands, Dunlop vs Falken always sparks a lively debate among automotive enthusiasts.
In this post, I’ll delve deep into the comparison between these two renowned tire manufacturers.
We’ll explore their rich histories, assess their performances on dry, wet, and snowy roads, examine their mileage warranties and average lifespans, analyze their prices, and weigh their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
Get ready to discover the ultimate tire champion!
Dunlop vs Falken – Comparison Table
| Dunlop | Falken | |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1889 | 1983 |
| Made In | Germany or Japan | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. Dunlop
The Dunlop tire brand, founded in 1889 in the United Kingdom, has a rich and storied history.
It was established by John Boyd Dunlop, who invented the first practical pneumatic tire.
Dunlop quickly gained popularity and became a leading tire manufacturer, known for its innovative designs and high-quality products.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations globally, offering a wide range of tires for various applications.
In 1999, Dunlop became a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a prominent American tire manufacturer.
This acquisition brought together two industry giants, combining their expertise and resources.
Under Goodyear’s ownership, Dunlop continued to thrive, benefiting from the parent company’s global reach and advanced technologies.
Today, Dunlop remains a trusted and respected brand in the tire industry, known for its commitment to performance, durability, and safety.
It continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge tire technologies, catering to the diverse needs of drivers worldwide.
With its strong legacy and the backing of Goodyear, Dunlop continues to be a symbol of excellence in the tire market.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Motorcycles
- Commercial trucks
- ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
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 Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2 vs the Falken Azenis FK510.
As the one giving the dry performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 at 4.4 and the Falken Azenis FK510 at 4.6.
The Dunlop tire offers good dry performance with excellent grip, handling, and short braking distances.
On the other hand, the Falken tire also excels in these areas, providing outstanding dry dynamics and sporty handling.
Both tires exhibit similar levels of dry performance, making it a tie between the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 and the Falken Azenis FK510.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Dunlop Signature HP vs the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S.
Based on my research, I would rate the Dunlop Signature HP tire’s wet performance at 4.4 out of 5.
It offers good wet traction, all-season performance, and benefits from its asymmetric tread pattern and enhanced all-season tread compound.
On the other hand, the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S tire achieves a wet performance rating of 4.6 out of 5, with positive feedback for its good wet traction, all-season performance, hydroplaning resistance, and wet handling.
Therefore, I declare the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S as the better tire for wet performance.
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 – Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 vs Falken Espia EPZ II.
As the evaluator giving snow performance ratings from 1 to 5, I would rate the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 tire at 4.6 and the Falken Espia EPZ II tire at 4.7.
Both tires offer reliable traction and performance in various winter conditions, including snow.
The Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 showcases an effective rubber compound and asymmetric tread design, while the Falken Espia EPZ II incorporates the latest technology in tread design, compound, and construction.
Based on these ratings, the Falken Espia EPZ II tire slightly edges out the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 in terms of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Dunlop | Falken | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. |
Based on my research, the mileage warranty and average lifespan of Dunlop and Falken tires differ.
Dunlop offers a treadwear warranty of up to 60,000 miles, while Falken provides a warranty of up to 80,000 miles.
However, when considering average lifespan, Dunlop tires typically last between 15,000 and 50,000 miles, while Falken tires are expected to endure from 20,000 to 80,000 miles.
These variations highlight the potential differences in durability between the two brands.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Dunlop 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:
| Dunlop | Falken | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $86 to $857 /ea | $67 to $579 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /ea | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
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 Dunlop:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
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 considering the dry, wet, and snow performance, as well as the mileage warranty and average lifespan, I have made my decision.
Overall, both Dunlop and Falken offer impressive performance, but Falken edges out as the better pick.
With its slightly higher ratings in wet performance and snow performance, along with its generally more affordable price, Falken provides a great combination of value and performance.
Therefore, I declare Falken as the winner between the two tire brands.