When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for my vehicle, I find myself torn between Falken and Pirelli.
Both brands have a strong reputation in the industry, but which one truly excels? In this post, I’ll delve deep into the world of Falken vs Pirelli, examining their rich history, performance in various conditions, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and more.
Join me as we uncover the pros and cons to ultimately determine the superior brand.
Falken vs Pirelli – Comparison Table
| Falken | Pirelli | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Italy |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1872 |
| Made In | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand | Rome, GA, Hanford, CA, Madison, TN, or internationally in Brazil, Mexico, Romania, or Venezuela |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) | Pirelli & C. S.p.A. (Italy) |
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. Pirelli
Pirelli, an iconic tire brand, was founded in Italy in 1872.
Originally named “G.B. Pirelli & C.”, the company started as a small rubber goods factory in Milan.
With a vision for innovation, Pirelli quickly expanded its operations and began producing bicycle tires.
In 1901, Pirelli introduced its first automobile tire, marking a significant milestone in its history.
Over the years, Pirelli continued to grow and diversify its product range, becoming a renowned global leader in the tire industry.
The brand’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and high-performance tires earned it a reputation for excellence.
Pirelli tires were even chosen as the official tires for the Formula One World Championship, showcasing their unparalleled performance on the racetrack.
Today, Pirelli is a subsidiary of Pirelli & C. S.p.A., headquartered in Italy.
The company remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of tire technology, constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of drivers worldwide.
With a rich heritage spanning over 150 years, Pirelli continues to be synonymous with quality, performance, and Italian craftsmanship.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
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 Pirelli P Zero.
In my opinion, as the one providing the dry performance rating from 1 to 5, the Falken Azenis FK510 achieves a commendable 4.6, while the Pirelli P Zero follows closely at 4.3.
The Falken Azenis FK510 receives high praise for its exceptional dry dynamics, sporty handling, and consistent performance at high speeds.
On the other hand, the Pirelli P Zero impresses with precise handling, excellent dry grip, and a focus on sporty performance.
While both tires offer strong dry performance, the Falken Azenis FK510 emerges as the winner, albeit by a narrow margin.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S vs the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus.
As someone who has extensively researched and evaluated the wet performance of both the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S and the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus tires, I can confidently rate the former at 4.6 and the latter at 4.5 out of 5.
The Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S showcases positive traits such as good wet traction, all-season performance, hydroplaning resistance, and wet handling.
On the other hand, the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus exhibits excellent all-season traction, reliable performance on wet surfaces, solid control, and a blend of sportiness, comfort, and durability.
Considering the minimal difference in ratings, it’s fair to conclude that both tires offer comparable levels of wet performance, making it a tie between the two.
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 Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3.
Based on my research and snow performance ratings, I would give the Falken Espia EPZ II tire a score of 4.7 out of 5.
With its advanced technology, tread design, and positive reviews on traction, it proves to be a strong performer in icy, slushy, and snowy conditions.
Similarly, the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tire receives a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It offers excellent snow performance, reliable handling, and good grip on snowy roads.
Ultimately, both tires showcase impressive snow performance, making it a tie between the Falken Espia EPZ II and Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Falken | Pirelli | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. | Pirelli offers a range of tire models, with most lasting between 45,000 to 65,000 miles. |
After researching, I found that Falken tires come with a mileage warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while Pirelli tires offer a warranty of up to 65,000 miles.
On average, Falken tires can last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles, providing a wide range of longevity.
Pirelli tires, on the other hand, generally last between 45,000 to 65,000 miles.
Overall, Falken tires offer a longer mileage warranty and a broader average lifespan compared to Pirelli tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Falken vs Pirelli.
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 | Pirelli | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $67 to $579 /ea | $85 to $1,665 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea | Cinturato Winter goes from $85 – $145 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea | P Zero Corsa PZC4 goes from $339 – $1,665 /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 |
Pirelli
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Pirelli is the exclusive tire supplier for Formula 1 | ❌ Some of their tires can get crazy expensive |
| ✔ Pirelli have an overall decent lifespan of their tires | |
| ✔ Innovative technology, such as the EverGrip technology |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Falken:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
Some of Pirelli’s best tires are shown below:
- P Zero
- Cinturato P7 All Season Plus
- Scorpion Verde All Season Plus
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After carefully examining the dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, average lifespan, and pros/cons of Falken and Pirelli tires, I have come to a conclusion.
While Falken outperforms Pirelli in terms of dry performance and offers a longer mileage warranty with a broader average lifespan, Pirelli tires have the advantage of being the exclusive tire supplier for Formula 1 and boast innovative technology.
Considering all factors, I declare Falken as the better pick overall due to its strong performance, stability, affordability, and off-road capabilities.