Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Bridgestone Potenza S001 vs Pirelli P Zero — 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.
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
TireWheelGuide may earn a commission from purchases made via links on this page.
7 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
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 86 |
| Tire Rack owners | 88 | 90 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 83 | 84 |
| SimpleTire owners | 80 | 93 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 93% | 97% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 99% | 100% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 91 | 84 |
| Tire Rack owners | 80 | 79 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 69 | 68 |
| SimpleTire owners | 80 | 83 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 87% | 83% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 100% | 99% |
Snow
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| SimpleTire owners | 40 | 72 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 34 | 26 |
| Tire Rack owners | 80 | 80 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 60 | 63 |
| SimpleTire owners | 80 | 88 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 80 | 73 |
| SimpleTire owners | 80 | 84 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | 62 | 63 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 67 | 57 |
| SimpleTire owners | 80 | 73 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | Potenza S001 | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 74 | 72 |
| DriverReviews owners | 84 | 84 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Pirelli P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 72 | 69 |
| Dry | 83 | 85 |
| Wet | 82 | 78 |
| Snow | – | 80 |
| Comfort | 45 | 42 |
| Noise | 80 | 78 |
| Treadwear | 67 | 58 |
| Handling | 74 | 72 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
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.
Tire A
Tire B
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
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 | 97% #5/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | -4.7 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% #12/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 100% #1/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | -1.5 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 93% #7/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 73% #16/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +19.7 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 100% #6/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 98% #18/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +1.6 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 83% #18/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 85% #18/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | -1.2 | Different tests |
| Value | Other | 100% #19/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 100% #20/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | -0.3 | Different tests |
| Wear | Other | 62% #12/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 66% #15/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | -4.2 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 20% #5/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 25% #4/45 · 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout | -5 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 95% #2/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 93% #14/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +2.4 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 70% #5/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 67% #14/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +3.3 | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Total | 0% #20/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 0% #17/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 87% #7/8 · 2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test | 83% #28/49 · 2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test | +4.5 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 100% #1/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 99% #3/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +1 | Different tests |
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 is widely regarded as a high-performance summer tire that excels in dry, warm-weather conditions, offering sharp handling and significant grip. However, user consensus is polarized by its rapid tread wear, inconsistent performance in cold or wet weather, and reports of high road noise, leading many owners to favor competitors like Michelin for daily driving.
Pros
- Exceptional dry weather grip and cornering stability
- Precise steering feedback and handling responsiveness
- Strong rim protection due to robust sidewall design
- Effective performance once the tire reaches optimal operating temperature
Cons
- Rapid and often uneven tread wear
- Poor traction and confidence in cold, wet, or damp conditions
- High levels of road noise, particularly as the tire ages
- Susceptibility to tramlining and vibration issues
Observations
- Users with high-performance EVs and heavy sedans (e.g., Tesla Model Y, Audi S7) frequently report faster-than-expected tread wear.
- Owners of front-wheel-drive hot hatches (e.g., Hyundai i30N, Fiesta ST) note significant wheel spin and traction loss in damp conditions.
- Drivers using larger rim diameters (19-inch+) often report a harsher ride quality and increased sensitivity to road imperfections.
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
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.
“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!”
“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?”
“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”
“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".”
Based on 16 community posts
Pirelli P Zero
Community opinion on the Pirelli P Zero lineup is sharply divided based on the specific variant. While summer tires and certain OEM specifications face severe criticism for poor wet weather grip, rapid wear, and difficult installation (particularly in cycling applications), the aftermarket All Season Plus 3 and newer high-performance variants receive strong praise for comfort, quietness, and excellent value compared to Michelin and Continental competitors.
“After one year with Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect 2020 SR+ I replaced the Michelins on my 2020 SR+ at 42,000 miles and 3.5 years with the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect on my 2020 SR+. Since there are so many "What tire should I buy" posts, I thought I would give a one year review. Background: Live in the Washington, DC area so mild winters and 85% of my miles are local, suburban driving. With local traffic and traffic cameras all around, I drive pretty conservatively only occasionally punching it. Efficiency- Pirellis are about 3% less efficient than Michelins Michelin OEM MXMs 42,006 miles before replacing, 204 Wh/mi lifetime Pirelli P Zero All Season Elect Plus 13,832 miles 210 Wh/mi after 1 year. started out higher for the first 1,000 miles or so, so I expect this to drop to 208 or 209 lifetime. Ride is definitely smoother and quieter. Handling, well, I don't push it, so for me, equal. Grew up locally learning to drive in snow with 60's and 70's RWD cars, so I know how to drive in the light snow we get and the Pirellis handled the snow we got just fine. Just a few inches of heavy, wet snow at a time. Overall I would recommend the Pirellis. I am a bit efficiency minded but am debating taking another hit and getting the caps and pulling the aero covers off, but keeping them for the couple of road trips I do. I expect that would take another 3% hit, so still better than the EPA rated 220 Wh/mi.”
“I put a set of Pirelli P Zero AS3's on my 2019 Mazda 3. After driving about 1,500 miles, I can say that I love them. The steering has a very direct feel - it turns in almost immediately. Needless to say the grip is fantastic. ... and that is only with outside air temps in the 50's. I can't wait to see how they perform when it gets to be in the 70's and they can get some heat in them. One of the reasons I was attracted to this tire is that Pirelli claims to have incorporated technology that helps the tires maintain the same level of performance as they wear over time. I have been frustrated in the past to see how tires loose their grip long before the treadwear gets low. Also, it didn't hurt that Pirelli had a $100 instant rebate!”
“I just put PZ5 on my vehicle! I live in Louisiana ! They are absolutely insanely sticky! Especially in the rain! My vehicle came with the P-zeros. I’ve had Pirelli’s on my car’s in the past and yes, Pirelli’s are soft. The trade off is sticking to the road! I am an aggressive driver & was aware the sacrifice. I have to change my tires every oil change. 9-12k miles. These PZ5’s grip in the rain. Crazy awesome! Pirelli knocked these suckers out!!! I love ‘em!!!”
“I used to ride Conti since the GP4K and switched over to Pirelli when I had my new bike 3 years ago. The P-Zero Race was fine I guess but the P-Zero Race RS TLR were the worst. Nightmare to put on and wore out quite fast as well. Punctured the one in the back after 300km and couldn’t seal it. I’m back on the GP5k STR now with no issues or mounting problems. Probably gonna stick to them for some time longer”
Based on 99 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Bridgestone Potenza S001 | B · Pirelli P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Max Performance tires | Summer Max Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 15 | 89 |
| Rim diameters | 17″ – 21″ | 17″ – 22″ |
| Tread depth | 8/32″ | 10/32″ |
| UTQG | 280 A A | 220 A A |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | 50 psi |
Which one should you actually buy?
Bridgestone
Pirelli
Winner: Bridgestone Potenza S001 — better treadwear, wet and comfort. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Bridgestone Potenza S001 scores 67 vs 58 on treadwear.
Bridgestone Potenza S001 scores 82 vs 78 on wet.
Bridgestone Potenza S001 scores 45 vs 42 on comfort.
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.