Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R vs Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129: In the realm of extreme performance tires, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R and Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 stand out, albeit for different reasons. The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R is a track day tire, engineered for those seeking the ultimate in performance on the circuit, offering unmatched grip and precision. On the other hand, the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 falls into the Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP) tire segment, designed to deliver exceptional performance on both the road and track, balancing high-speed stability with comfort.
While technically belonging to different segments, these tires represent the pinnacle of what’s available for extreme performance vehicles for these 2 brand. Comparing the two offers a unique opportunity to explore how each brand pushes the boundaries of technology and performance, making this duel not just about which tire is better, but about celebrating the heights of automotive excellence. Get ready for an exhilarating comparison between two of the finest contenders in the tire industry!
Table of Contents
Results: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R vs Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
Results below were taken from 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tire Test with a total of 10 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R vs Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 based on the relevant performance category. Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet & dry handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time & subjective rating. The tire size of interest is 235/35 R19 which is a common tire size for Audi R8 & Volkswagen Golf R. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Hyundia I30N which is a very fast car relative to its size.
Dry
When comparing the dry performances of the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R and the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129, it’s evident that both tires exhibit exceptional capabilities, yet with some notable differences. In terms of dry braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R stops in 36 meters, whereas the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 edges it slightly by stopping at 35.7 meters. This marginal difference of 0.3 meters in favor of the Hankook tire might seem minimal, but in the realm of high-performance driving, every detail counts.
Moving onto dry handling, which is crucial for track day enthusiasts who aim to shave off seconds from their lap times, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R leads with an average speed of 135 km/h, surpassing the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129, which maintains an average speed of 131.2 km/h. This difference indicates that the Pirelli tire provides superior grip and responsiveness on dry tracks, allowing drivers to navigate corners at higher speeds with confidence.
Dry handling is particularly important for track day users, as it directly influences the car’s ability to maintain high speeds in corners and stability through fast transitions, factors that are critical for achieving the best possible lap times. The ability of the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R to outperform in this area underlines its suitability for drivers focused on maximizing their performance on dry circuits, where the grip and precision of the tire can translate into significant improvements in lap times.
Ventus S1 Evo Z K129:
- +1% in dry braking
- -3% in dry handling (average speed)
Wet
In wet conditions, the performance of the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R and the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 reveals distinct advantages and characteristics of each tire. When it comes to wet braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 demonstrates superior stopping power, requiring only 34 meters to come to a halt, compared to the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R’s 40 meters. This significant difference of 6 meters showcases the Hankook tire’s enhanced capability in wet braking, offering drivers better safety and confidence under rainy conditions.
For wet handling, which is crucial for maintaining control and stability at high speeds during wet conditions, the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 again stands out with an average speed of 87.9 km/h, surpassing the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, which has an average speed of 80.4 km/h. This indicates that the Hankook tire offers superior traction and grip in wet conditions, allowing for faster cornering and better overall handling.
The wet circle test, measuring lateral grip in a constant radius turn, further emphasizes the Hankook tire’s advantage, achieving a speed of 7.08 m/s compared to the Pirelli’s 6.67 m/s. This difference highlights the Hankook’s superior ability to maintain grip and stability during wet cornering.
Lastly, in the straight aquaplaning test, which evaluates a tire’s ability to prevent aquaplaning at high speeds, the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 again outperforms with a slipping speed of 69.2 km/h, significantly higher than the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R’s 60.9 km/h. This demonstrates the Hankook’s enhanced wet performance, ensuring better safety and control when driving through standing water.
Overall, the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 exhibits superior wet performance across various tests, making it a preferable choice for drivers seeking reliable performance in rainy conditions, offering enhanced braking, handling, and aquaplaning resistance compared to the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R.
Ventus S1 Evo Z K129:
- +18% in wet braking
- +9% in wet handling (average speed)
- +6% in wet circle
- +14% in straight aquaplaning
Exterior Noise
The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 is quieter than the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, producing 68.1 dB of noise compared to the Pirelli’s 69.4 dB. This difference of 1.3 dB means the Hankook tire offers a slightly more comfortable and quieter ride, reducing the noise heard inside the vehicle.
Ventus S1 Evo Z K129:
- +2% in exterior noise (-0.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 exhibits lower rolling resistance at 9.5 N/kN compared to the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, which has a rolling resistance of 10.2 N/kN. This difference indicates that the Hankook tire is more efficient, potentially offering better fuel economy and a lighter environmental footprint due to its reduced energy loss during driving.
Ventus S1 Evo Z K129:
- +7% in rolling resistance
Price
The pricing for the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R and Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129, both in tire size 235/35 R19, highlights a significant difference, reflecting their positioning in different market segments. The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R is priced at €537, which is considerably higher than the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129’s price of €225. T
his substantial price gap underlines the premium segment that the Pirelli tire targets, often associated with track day enthusiasts who demand the utmost in performance and are willing to invest in advanced technology for their tires. In contrast, the more affordably priced Hankook tire is positioned in the Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP) segment, catering to drivers seeking high performance at a more accessible price point, balancing cost with exceptional capabilities for both road and occasional track use.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
- P Zero Trofeo R: € 537
- Ventus S1 Evo Z K129: € 225
Summary
As a tire expert, after evaluating the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R and the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129, it’s evident that each tire excels in its domain, catering to distinct driving needs, and their pricing underscores their placement in different segments. The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 emerges as an appealing proposition for several reasons. With its superior wet performance, lower noise levels, and reduced rolling resistance, it stands out for daily driving where versatility and efficiency are paramount. These attributes, coupled with its significantly lower price point, position the Hankook tire as an attractive option for those who value a blend of performance and practicality for everyday use.
Conversely, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, with its much higher price, retains a decisive advantage in dry handling. This makes it the preferred choice for track day aficionados who seek to push their vehicles to the limit in dry conditions. The exceptional grip and precision offered by the Pirelli tire are indispensable for those looking to optimize their lap times, where every fraction of a second can be critical.
In conclusion, for track day enthusiasts focused on extracting the maximum performance from their vehicle under dry conditions, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R stands out as the superior option, despite its higher cost. Its unmatched dry handling capabilities justify the investment for serious racers. Meanwhile, for drivers who prioritize a tire that delivers robust performance across a range of conditions, along with the benefits of a quieter, more efficient ride for daily use, the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129 undoubtedly holds the edge, offering a compelling package at a more accessible price.
Dr Edwin Pang