BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS vs Falken Azenis FK460 A/S: In the ultra-high performance all-season tire market, BFGoodrich and Falken have been making waves with their stellar offerings. BFGoodrich launched its G-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS in 2020 and quickly garnered acclaim for its remarkable grip and exceptional performance in both wet and dry conditions. The G-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS brought along a sophisticated design with advanced materials, appealing to car enthusiasts looking for a tire that could enhance their driving experience across different terrains and weather conditions.
Fast forward to 2022, and Falken has made a grand entrance with its Azenis FK460 A/S. Falken’s latest offering boasts a cutting-edge rubber compound developed through award-winning Advanced 4D Nano Technology. The Azenis FK460 A/S is characterized by its perfect balance of high-performance capability, year-round traction, and an impressive tread life. What sets this tire apart is the intricate tread pattern with emerging grooves and interlocking sipes, which ensures poised handling in inclement weather without compromising on cabin noise. Additionally, a 50,000-mile limited tread life warranty and Falken’s Road Hazard Protection bring an added layer of assurance to performance enthusiasts.
While the BFGoodrich G-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS set a high standard in the ultra-high performance all-season tire segment with its 2020 launch, Falken’s Azenis FK460 A/S raises the bar even further. Falken’s new tire caters to drivers seeking the thrill of a high-performance tire without compromising on safety and comfort, making it a stellar option for driving enthusiasts. With its innovative technology and design, the Azenis FK460 A/S is poised to make a significant impact in the market. Let us dive in and see how both tires fare in a head to head battle !
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Results: BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS vs Falken Azenis FK460 A/S
Results below were taken from tire rack’s “Testing Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires 2023” test. A total of 4 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS vs Falken Azenis FK460 A/S based on the relevant performance category. The g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires, Tire Rack has planned the snow & ice in its testing portfolio. A detailed testing on snow including acceleration, braking & handling will be available only at the end of the 2023 winter season. The tire size of interest is a 225/40R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 Sedan. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited.
Wet
When comparing the wet performances of the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS and the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S, there are subtle differences that may influence a driver’s preference. Looking at the wet braking, the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS shows a slightly better performance, coming to a stop in 92.40 feet, whereas the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S takes 88.90 feet to come to a halt. This indicates that the BFGoodrich tire has a marginally superior braking capacity in wet conditions, which can be crucial in situations requiring sudden stops.
In terms of wet handling, both tires are quite close. Subjectively, on a scale of 1 to 10, the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS scores a 7.91, and the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S is just behind at 7.82. This implies that drivers might find the BFGoodrich tire to have a slightly better feel in terms of control and responsiveness when driving on wet surfaces. Considering the wet handling lap times, again, there’s not a significant difference, but the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS edges out the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S with a lap time of 31.10 seconds compared to the Falken’s 31.15 seconds. This indicates that the BFGoodrich tire could provide marginally quicker maneuverability in wet conditions. Below are an in depth look on wet handling evaluation by the test drivers:
Test Driver feedback:
In the wet track assessment, the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS and the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S were neck and neck, with BFGoodrich securing a slight advantage in both subjective and objective measures. The BFGoodrich’s performance in wet conditions mirrored its dry behavior, showcasing robust traction and a stable rear, allowing for considerable throttle application with little oversteer. Its steering was accurate but somewhat unresponsive, necessitating a precise and neat driving line for rapid, effective laps.
Contrarily, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S retained its distinctive features in wet conditions, though they were somewhat less appealing due to the diminished grip on the wet surface. Despite good traction, its ultra-responsive steering called for careful handling to smoothly navigate turns without veering off course. Additionally, the rear axle required cautious throttle use to prevent it from becoming unstable. The Falken tire was quick and proficient but challenging to master, particularly with occasional slight errors.
In conclusion, both tires exhibit impressive performance in wet conditions, but the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS has a slight edge in wet braking while being a fraction weaker in handling. However, the differences are minimal and might not be highly significant for the average driver. For someone who is looking for the utmost performance in wet conditions, the BFGoodrich might be the more attractive option, while others might find the Falken to be more than adequate for their needs.
Azenis FK460 A/S:
- +3.9% in wet braking
- -0.4% in wet handling (subj)
- -0.2% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
When analyzing the dry performances of the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS and the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S, both tires showcase commendable capabilities, with minor differences between them. In terms of dry braking, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S takes the lead, as it requires 78.80 feet to come to a complete stop, whereas the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS stops in 80.60 feet. This shorter stopping distance for the Falken indicates a slightly better braking performance in dry conditions, which could be advantageous in critical braking situations.
Regarding dry handling, the subjective score is incredibly close for both tires, with the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS scoring a 7.78/10, and the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S trailing just behind with a 7.72/10. These scores indicate that drivers may find a very similar level of control and responsiveness in dry conditions with both tires, with a marginal preference for the BFGoodrich. Considering the lap times in dry handling, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S comes out ahead, with a lap time of 29.26 seconds compared to the 29.39 seconds of the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS. This suggests that the Falken tire has slightly faster maneuverability in dry conditions.
g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS:
The BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS slightly triumphed in subjective evaluation, owing mostly to its superior braking feel. The tire exhibited firm and precise steering, though not as agile as one might expect in its category. It stood out for its strong cornering traction and stability, especially when accelerating out of corners, giving an overall planted feel throughout the lap. However, it didn’t offer the spirited or lively handling that some competitors did.
Test driver feedback on g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS
Azenis FK460 A/S:
The Falken Azenis FK460 A/S displayed characteristics quite contrasting to the BFGoodrich. It was notably agile and seemed to glide effortlessly around the track. Its steering was remarkably responsive, necessitating only a light touch to alter direction, which proved to be an advantage in quick transitions such as in a slalom. Nonetheless, this required the drivers to adapt to its sensitivity to avoid overburdening the front tires. Moreover, the Falken tire was eager to rotate when exiting corners, but this could swiftly turn into oversteer if pushed slightly too far. Though this oversteer was manageable, the sharpness in handling made it challenging to maintain a flawless lap.
Test driver feedback on Azenis FK460 A/S
In conclusion, both tires perform exceptionally well in dry conditions. The Falken Azenis FK460 A/S has a slight edge in dry braking and lap times, while the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS scores marginally higher in subjective dry handling. The differences are minimal and both tires are excellent choices for performance in dry conditions. However, for those prioritizing braking and slightly quicker maneuverability, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S may be the preferable option.
Azenis FK460 A/S:
- +2.3% in dry braking
- -0.3% in dry handling (subj)
- +0.4% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In the ultra-high performance tire category, enthusiasts often prioritize traction and braking performance over attributes like noise and ride comfort. However, it’s worth acknowledging that an increasing number of consumers are seeking a balance between high-performance and comfort. With this in mind, both the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS and Falken Azenis FK460 A/S were put to the test for noise, comfort, and ride quality.
Comparing the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS and the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S specifically in terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Falken tire takes the edge. The Falken Azenis FK460 A/S scored a 6.96/10, whereas the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS obtained a slightly lower 6.34/10. This difference suggests that drivers may experience a somewhat quieter and more comfortable ride with the Falken tire.
In summary, while both tires perform exceptionally in the ultra-high performance segment, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S offers a slight advantage in terms of noise reduction and ride comfort. For those who value a balance between performance and a smoother driving experience, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S could be a more appealing choice. Meanwhile, the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS remains a solid option, especially for those who might prioritize other performance aspects.
Azenis FK460 A/S:
- +3.1% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Ice & Snow
Stay tunned for more winter updates by the end of 2023 !
UTQG rating
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) is a rating system that provides consumers with information on tire tread wear, traction performance, and temperature resistance. In comparing the UTQG values of the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS and the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S, there is a notable difference in the treadwear ratings.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BFGoodrich | g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS | All | 400 | A | A |
| Falken | Azenis FK460 A/S | All | 500 | A | A |
The BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS has a UTQG treadwear rating of 400, while the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S has a higher treadwear rating of 500. This higher treadwear rating for the Falken tire suggests that it’s likely to have a longer lifespan in terms of mileage compared to the BFGoodrich tire. A higher treadwear number generally indicates that the tire will wear more slowly, implying that the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S may offer more durability and value over time due to this higher rating.
As for the traction and temperature grades, both tires have an ‘A’ rating in each of these categories, indicating that they are fairly comparable in terms of traction performance and resistance to heat generation. In conclusion, while both tires perform well in traction and temperature resistance, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S holds an advantage in treadwear, which suggests that it will likely provide higher mileage compared to the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS. This could make the Falken tire a more appealing choice for those seeking longevity and durability in an ultra-high performance tire.
Price
When comparing the prices of the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS and the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S in the 225/40R18 size, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S offers a more economical option. The g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS is priced at $166, while the Azenis FK460 A/S comes in at a slightly lower $153. This represents a price difference of approximately 9% in favor of the Falken tire. For consumers who are budget-conscious or looking for value, the Azenis FK460 A/S might be the more attractive choice due to its lower price point.
Tire size: 225/40R18
g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS: $166
Azenis FK460 A/S: $153
Difference: -9% more cheaper for Azenis FK460 A/S
Taking into consideration the previously discussed higher UTQG treadwear rating of the Azenis FK460 A/S, and its competitive performance characteristics, this tire offers not only a lower upfront cost but also the potential for long-term value due to its expected longer tread life. Consequently, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S could be seen as a highly compelling option for those seeking a balance between performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Summary
In summary, when comparing the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S PLUS and the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S, both tires exhibit strong performance characteristics in the ultra-high performance category. The BFGoodrich tire slightly edges out in wet handling. However, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S showcases a combination of agility in dry conditions, a more comfortable ride, and better value in terms of treadwear and price. With a 9% lower price and a higher UTQG treadwear rating, the Falken tire may offer better long-term value for those seeking a blend of performance and durability.
As performance in varied conditions is an essential factor for many drivers, we’re eagerly awaiting the results of how these tires perform in winter conditions. Make sure to stay tuned as we will be bringing you the winter performance results by the end of 2023, which will provide an even more comprehensive understanding of these two formidable contenders in the ultra-high performance tire segment.