When it comes to choosing the perfect set of tires, the battle between Falken vs Firestone is an intriguing one.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the world of these two tire brands, exploring their fascinating histories and dissecting their performances in dry, wet, and snow conditions.
Furthermore, we’ll uncover their mileage warranties, average lifespans, and prices, all while weighing their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll unveil the ultimate winner, revealing which brand reigns supreme.
Falken vs Firestone – Comparison Table
| Falken | Firestone | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1900 |
| Made In | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand | United States, Vietnam, Brazil, Canada, and Costa Rica |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) | Bridgestone Corporation (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. 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
2. Firestone
Firestone is an iconic American tire brand that traces its roots back to 1900 when it was founded in the United States.
The company quickly gained recognition for its high-quality tires, becoming a leading player in the industry.
Throughout its history, Firestone has been committed to innovation and performance.
In 1988, Firestone became a subsidiary of the Bridgestone Corporation, a Japanese multinational company.
This acquisition allowed Firestone to benefit from Bridgestone’s global reach and technological advancements.
Over the years, Firestone has continued to thrive under Bridgestone’s ownership, leveraging its expertise and resources to maintain its position as a trusted tire brand.
Today, Firestone offers a wide range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.
With a rich heritage and a legacy of excellence, Firestone remains a prominent name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Vans
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- Buses
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 Falken Azenis FK510 vs the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500.
In my assessment, based on extensive research, I would rate the Falken Azenis FK510’s dry performance as a 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has received highly positive reviews for its exceptional dry dynamics, sporty handling, short braking distances, excellent grip, and consistent performance at high speeds.
On the other hand, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 also boasts a strong dry performance, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
It offers impressive handling, great grip, stability, and a comfortable ride.
Given their similar levels of dry performance, I declare it a tie between the two tires.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S vs the Firestone WeatherGrip.
Based on my research and personal rating, I would give the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S a wet performance score of 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has received consistent positive feedback for its excellent wet traction, all-season performance, resistance to hydroplaning, and handling in wet conditions.
On the other hand, the Firestone WeatherGrip scores slightly lower at 4.3 out of 5 in wet performance.
While it also offers good wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S seems to have a slight edge.
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 – Falken Espia EPZ II vs Firestone Winterforce 2.
In my evaluation, I rate the Falken Espia EPZ II tire’s snow performance at 4.7 out of 5.
This tire showcases strong traction and performance in various winter conditions, including icy, slushy, and snowy roads.
Its advanced tread design, compound, and construction contribute to both winter performance and longer tread wear.
Positive reviews highlighting superb traction in harsh weather conditions further support its snow performance capabilities.
The asymmetrical tread pattern designed to enhance handling in snowy conditions adds to its overall snow performance rating.
On the other hand, the Firestone Winterforce 2 tire scores 4.5 out of 5 for snow performance.
It offers reliable snow performance with a cold weather compound that maintains flexibility and grip in low temperatures.
The inclusion of open shoulder slots and sipes in the tread improves grip and traction on snow.
Additionally, its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake designation certifies its ability to provide reliable traction in snowy conditions.
Considering my ratings, the Falken Espia EPZ II tire emerges as the winner, offering slightly better snow performance compared to the Firestone Winterforce 2.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Falken | Firestone | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 55,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. | Firestone tires are expected to last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles on average. |
After researching, I found that Falken tires offer a mileage warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while Firestone tires provide a warranty of up to 55,000 miles.
On average, Falken tires tend to last between 20,000 and 80,000 miles, whereas Firestone tires have an average lifespan of 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Therefore, Falken tires generally offer a wider range of tread life and potentially longer mileage compared to Firestone tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Falken vs Firestone.
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:
| Falken | Firestone | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $67 to $579 /ea | $82 to $603 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea | FT140 goes from $82 – $170 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea | Destination M/T 2 goes from $229 – $603 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
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 |
Firestone
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Firestone tires have good performance | ❌ Their shop is very expensive and they might try and sell you unnecessary services/things |
| ✔ Wide availability | |
| ✔ Good option for those who live in areas with harsh winter conditions |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Falken:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
Some of Firestone’s best tires are shown below:
- Destination LE3
- Firehawk Indy 500
- WeatherGrip
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the comparison of dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, and average lifespan, I declare Falken as the better tire brand overall.
Falken tires offer exceptional dry performance, excellent wet traction, and superb snow performance.
With a wider range of tread life and potentially longer mileage, Falken tires provide great value for the price.
Additionally, Falken tires are known for their off-road performance.
Therefore, Falken emerges as the winner in this tire brand comparison.
