As a tire enthusiast, I’ve always been curious about the performance and reliability of different brands.
Today, I’ll be delving into the world of Nexen vs Pirelli, two tire giants that have captivated drivers worldwide.
Join me as we explore their intriguing histories, analyze their dry, wet, and snow performances, uncover the truth about their mileage warranties and average lifespan, compare their prices, and ultimately determine which brand reigns supreme.
Prepare to be amazed by the battle of Nexen vs Pirelli!
Nexen vs Pirelli – Comparison Table
| Nexen | Pirelli | |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | Italy |
| Year Founded | 1942 | 1872 |
| Made In | Richfield, OH, Korea, China, or the Czech Republic | Rome, GA, Hanford, CA, Madison, TN, or internationally in Brazil, Mexico, Romania, or Venezuela |
| Parent | Nexen Tire Corporation (South Korea) | Pirelli & C. S.p.A. (Italy) |
About the Brands
1. Nexen
Nexen Tire is a renowned tire brand founded in 1942 in South Korea.
It has a rich history spanning several decades.
Initially, the company operated as Heung-A Tire, manufacturing bicycle tires and tubes.
Over time, it expanded its product range to include passenger car tires, light truck tires, and more.
In 2000, the company changed its name to Nexen Tire Corporation.
Throughout its history, Nexen Tire has focused on innovation and technological advancements.
It has established itself as a global player in the tire industry, with a reputation for producing high-quality and performance-driven tires.
The brand has invested in research and development, resulting in cutting-edge tire designs and technologies.
Nexen Tire Corporation, the parent company, continues to prioritize customer satisfaction, safety, and environmental consciousness.
It operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and has a strong global presence, supplying tires to various markets worldwide.
With a commitment to excellence and a legacy of over seven decades, Nexen Tire remains a trusted choice for drivers seeking reliable and high-performing tires.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- High-performance cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
- Light trucks
- All-terrain vehicles
- Commercial vans
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 Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 vs the Pirelli P Zero.
In my analysis, I rate the dry performance of the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 tire at 4.2 out of 5.
It exhibits good grip, precise handling, and short braking distances on dry roads.
Despite some reviews mentioning understeering behavior and average mileage, its high-grip tread compound and optimized tread design contribute positively to its overall performance score.
On the other hand, the Pirelli P Zero achieves a rating of 4.3, indicating excellent dry performance.
With its precise handling, outstanding grip, and sporty focus, it offers a thrilling driving experience.
However, like any tire, it has its limitations.
Considering their performance, the Pirelli P Zero slightly outperforms the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2 in dry conditions.
Therefore, I declare the Pirelli P Zero as the better tire for dry performance, albeit by a small margin.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Nexen N’Priz AH8 vs the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus.
Based on my research, as the one giving the wet performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Nexen N’Priz AH8 tire’s wet performance at 4.3, while the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus tire’s wet performance stands at 4.5.
Both tires perform well in wet conditions, offering good grip, stability, and reliable performance.
However, the Pirelli tire’s slightly higher rating and its ability to combine sporty performance with comfort and durability give it a slight edge.
Thus, the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus tire emerges as the winner in terms of 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 – Nexen Winguard Ice Plus vs Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3.
Based on my research and personal snow performance rating, I would rate the Nexen Winguard Ice Plus tire at 4.4 out of 5.
This tire offers reliable snow performance with its dual V-shaped tread design, enhancing grip and braking.
It also includes grooves for effective snow, slush, and water drainage, further adding to its positive snow performance score.
On the other hand, the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tire receives a snow performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
This tire offers excellent traction and handling on snowy roads, along with reliable performance in various wintry conditions.
Its good grip on snow allows for confident driving.
Considering these ratings, I declare the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 as the winner, as it has a slightly higher snow performance rating.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Nexen | Pirelli | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | On average, Nexen tires are expected to last around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. | Pirelli offers a range of tire models, with most lasting between 45,000 to 65,000 miles. |
Based on my research, I’ve found that Nexen tires come with a mileage warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while Pirelli tires offer a warranty of up to 65,000 miles.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, both brands perform similarly.
On average, Nexen tires are expected to last between 45,000 to 60,000 miles, whereas Pirelli tires have a range of 45,000 to 65,000 miles.
Therefore, while Nexen offers a higher mileage warranty, both brands provide comparable longevity in real-world use.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Nexen 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:
| Nexen | Pirelli | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $78 to $384 /ea | $85 to $1,665 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | N Priz AH5 goes from $78 – $142 /ea | Cinturato Winter goes from $85 – $145 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Roadian AT PRO RA8 goes from $148 – $384 /ea | P Zero Corsa PZC4 goes from $339 – $1,665 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Nexen
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good value for their price | ❌ Not as reputed as other premium tire brands |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and CUVs | |
| ✔ OEM supplier to big automakers such as Chrysler, Volkswagen, and Hyundai |
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 Nexen:
- N’Fera RU5
- N’Priz AH8
- Roadian AT Pro RA8
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?
Considering the dry performance, the Pirelli P Zero slightly outperforms the Nexen N Fera Sport SU2.
In terms of wet performance, the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus has a slight edge over the Nexen N’Priz AH8.
For snow performance, the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 emerges as the winner, albeit by a small margin.
Although Nexen offers a higher mileage warranty, both brands have comparable lifespans.
Therefore, overall, Pirelli is the better pick between these two tire brands.