72
/ 100
Objective (60%)
73/100
4 professional tests
User signal (40%)
69/100
176 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Head-to-head
Updated September 2026
Bridgestone Potenza S001 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4 — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
VS
74
/ 100
Objective (60%)
90/100
24 professional tests
User signal (40%)
74/100
99 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
VerdictWinner: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 — better comfort, handling and dry. Pick the Bridgestone Potenza S001 if treadwear and noise matter most to you.
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Category breakdown
6 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Score (0–100)
P Zero PZ4 leads by 4
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero PZ4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 87 |
| Tire Rack owners | 88 | 91 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 83 | 87 |
| SimpleTire owners | 80 | – |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 93% | 100% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 98% | 100% |
Wet
Score (0–100)
Potenza S001 leads by 1
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero PZ4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 91 | 85 |
| Tire Rack owners | 80 | 82 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 69 | 75 |
| SimpleTire owners | 80 | – |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 100% | 100% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 100% | 98% |
Comfort
Score (0–100)
P Zero PZ4 leads by 25
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero PZ4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 34 | 70 |
| Tire Rack owners | 80 | 83 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 60 | 69 |
| SimpleTire owners | 80 | – |
Noise
Score (0–100)
Potenza S001 leads by 7
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero PZ4 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 80 | 73 |
| SimpleTire owners | 80 | – |
Treadwear
Score (0–100)
Potenza S001 leads by 8
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero PZ4 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | 62 | 64 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 67 | 58 |
| SimpleTire owners | 80 | – |
Handling
Score (0–100)
P Zero PZ4 leads by 8
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero PZ4 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 74 | 82 |
| DriverReviews owners | 84 | – |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Pirelli P Zero PZ4 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 72 | 74 |
| Dry | 83 | 87 |
| Wet | 82 | 81 |
| Comfort | 45 | 70 |
| Noise | 80 | 73 |
| Treadwear | 67 | 59 |
| Handling | 74 | 82 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Personalize
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
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Recomputed
Headline score
72
/ 100
Tire A
74
/ 100
Tire B
Test data
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Tire A | Tire B | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 93% #7/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 100% #1/11 · 2019 Auto Bild Sports Car Tyre Test | -7.2 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% #6/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 100% #5/5 · 2025 AutoView Sports Tyre Test | -2.3 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 93% #7/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 95% #7/11 · 2020 AMS 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test | -2.4 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 96% #8/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 98% #17/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | -1.9 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 83% #18/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 97% #9/10 · 2019 Gute Fahrt Summer 18 Inch Tyre Test | -13.6 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 100% #19/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 100% #20/20 · 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | -0.3 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 62% #12/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 64% #16/16 · 2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test | -2.4 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 9% #11/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 20% #5/5 · 2025 AutoView Sports Tyre Test | -10.9 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 97% #7/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 94% #7/10 · 2019 Gute Fahrt Summer 18 Inch Tyre Test | +2.5 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 70% #5/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 94% #5/5 · 2025 AutoView Sports Tyre Test | -24.2 | Different tests |
| Subj. Dry Handling | Subj | 90% #2/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 100% #1/11 · 2018 AMS Summer UHP Tyre Test | -10 | Different tests |
| Subj. Wet Handling | Subj | 78% #3/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 100% #2/11 · 2018 AMS Summer UHP Tyre Test | -22 | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #20/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 0% #9/10 · 2025 AZ Summer Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 100% #1/49 · 2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test | 100% #3/10 · 2019 Gute Fahrt Summer 18 Inch Tyre Test | +0.2 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 100% #1/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 98% #2/8 · 2025 Sports Cars Tyre Test | +2.1 | Different tests |
From owners
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Bridgestone Potenza S001 is a polarizing performance tire that excels in dry-weather handling and steering precision but frequently disappoints users regarding comfort and wet-weather confidence. While many drivers appreciate its stiff sidewalls and sporty feedback, a significant portion of the user base reports excessive road noise, rapid tread wear, and unpredictable traction in damp or cold conditions.
Pros
- Excellent dry-weather grip and cornering stability.
- Sharp, responsive steering feedback and turn-in precision.
- Strong rim protection due to robust sidewall construction.
- Predictable performance when pushed in warm, dry environments.
Cons
- High levels of road noise and cabin drone, especially as the tire wears.
- Poor wet-weather performance, with many reports of sudden traction loss and hydroplaning.
- Rapid and uneven tread wear, often failing to meet mileage expectations.
- Harsh ride quality, particularly on rough or uneven road surfaces.
Observations
- Owners of lightweight sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 frequently report that the tire feels too stiff and lacks the necessary wet-weather compliance for the chassis.
- Drivers of high-torque vehicles (e.g., VW Golf GTI, BMW 340i) often note significant wheel spin and traction control intervention in the wet.
- Users with 18-inch and 19-inch fitments frequently complain about the harshness and noise, noting that the tire transmits every road imperfection into the cabin.
The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 is widely regarded as a high-performance summer tire that excels in dry handling, steering precision, and feedback. While many users praise its sporty character and comfort, consensus is divided regarding its longevity and wet-weather performance, with several reports indicating that grip levels drop significantly as the tread wears or temperatures fall.
Pros
- Exceptional dry grip and handling precision
- Excellent steering feedback and road communication
- High level of acoustic comfort and ride refinement for a UHP tire
- Effective rim protection design
- Strong performance when at optimal operating temperature
Cons
- Rapid tread wear and short lifespan
- Reduced performance and increased noise as tread depth decreases
- Poor grip and potential for aquaplaning in cold or wet conditions
- Susceptibility to sidewall damage or bulging from road hazards
- High price point relative to durability
Observations
- Users with high-torque EVs and performance sedans (e.g., BMW M-series, Audi RS) report significantly faster rear-axle tread wear.
- OEM-specific versions (e.g., HN for Hyundai, MO for Mercedes) show varied performance characteristics, with some users finding specific manufacturer-tuned compounds to be harsher or more temperature-sensitive.
- Drivers of heavy vehicles noted that the tire's performance is highly dependent on maintaining proper heat, which can be difficult to achieve in daily driving conditions.
Community buzz
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Mixed
Bridgestone Potenza S001
Community opinion on the Bridgestone Potenza S001 is divided, with some users praising their dry grip and stability, while many others criticize their rapid wear, stiffness (especially run-flat variants), noise, and cracking issues. Owners frequently compare them unfavorably to alternatives like Michelin or Pirelli, though budget-friendly deals tend to draw occasional interest.
r/BMWi3
·27 upvotes ·2024-01-09
“Mount all 4 tires Bridgestone Potenza S001 215/45R20 on i3s stock rims 5.5” front 15mm spacers and 6.5” rear After much convincing I have mounted all four tires of the same size purchased on TireRack for $83 each on i3s stock staggered rims. Smooth and stable. Looking gooddddddd!”
r/TyreReviews
·3 upvotes ·2026-02-22
“Replacing Bridgestone Potenza s001 RunFlats with Primacy 5 vs. PS5. Suggestions? I drive a VW Jetta which only has 160 Hp. I do occasionally really enjoy some spirited driving or taking aggressive turns. My considerations are that I do really care about Comfort and road noise and so that leads me towards the Primacy 5. At the same time, I don't think the power of my car justifies the PS5. My question is basically, I've online that for runflats to be runflats they have really stiff sidewalls, which might be contributing to the current feel of my car and I wonder if, even though everything else about the Potenza s001 is quite worse compared to the Primacy 5, I wonder if I will miss the stiff sidewall? And just because of that should I consider the PS5?”
r/CarTalkUK
·2 upvotes ·2023-11-15
“Brand New Bridgestone Potenza S001 Tyres worn after 10k mileage? So I got 4 brand new tyres last June from Costco, 255/35 R19. I only drive locally, occasional trips to another city. 10k mileage later, my front two tyres flagged up on my recent MOT as : Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge CHANGE ASAP (5.2.3 (e)) Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge EDGED (5.2.3 (e)) Seems surprising to me as I don't drive crazy, occasional spirited driving. 2011 Audi s5. is this normal? Thinking of getting another brand this time for the front two tyres. Car is a quattro but same types on same axis should suffice? Any recommendations on tyres? Read more”
r/BMWi3
·1 upvote ·2024-01-09
“I put the Potenza S001 tires on the rear of my i3s with that Tire Rack deal but I didn't think they would fit on the 5.5 inch rims. I think the rears are 6.0".”
Top themes
#Tread Wear and Longevity#Run-Flat Stiffness and Comfort#Road Noise and Harshness#Dry Grip and Stability#Quality and Cracking Issues#Value and Deals
Based on 16 community posts
Tire B
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
We haven't collected enough community discussion about this tire yet.
Specifications
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Bridgestone Potenza S001 | B · Pirelli P Zero PZ4 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Max Performance tires | Summer Max Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 15 | — |
| Rim diameters | 17″ – 21″ | — |
| Tread depth | 8/32″ | — |
| UTQG | 280 A A | — |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | — |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | — |
Final verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
72
/ 100
Bridgestone
74
/ 100
Pirelli
Winner: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 — better comfort, handling and dry. Pick the Bridgestone Potenza S001 if treadwear and noise matter most to you.
Pick tire B
You want the most comfortable ride
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 scores 70 vs 45 on comfort.
Pick tire A
You want the longest tread life
Bridgestone Potenza S001 scores 67 vs 59 on treadwear.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 scores 82 vs 74 on handling.
Pick tire A
You want a quieter cabin
Bridgestone Potenza S001 scores 80 vs 73 on noise.
Tire A · Bridgestone Potenza S001
Tire B · Pirelli P Zero PZ4
More comparisons
Also compared with
Bridgestone Potenza S001 also compared with
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 also compared with
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.