Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS vs Falken Azenis RT660: We have covered the semi-slick track day tires segment quite a bit with the introduction of Bridgestone Potenza Race & also the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS. We made a comparison between the newly launched Potenza RE-71RS and its predecessor to show the improvement gains of the new product. Now the real test begins as we will put the Potenza RE-71RS against one of its main rivals, Falken’s Azenis RT660. We will go through both wet & dry surfaces with various objective & subjective tests while also including the comfort test. Azenis RT660 was launched in 2019 and has been known for its strong dry performances. In the meantime Potenza RE-71RS was recently launched in North America this year 2022 replacing the highly popular Potenza RE-71R.
Table of Contents
Results
Results below were taken from the tire rack’s “Testing Extreme Performance Summer Tires 2022” test. A total of 4 tires were tested this time around in Tire Rack’s own proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS vs Falken Azenis RT660 based on the relevant performance category. The Potenza RE-71RS was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective comfort evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
As both tires are mainly focused on track performances, the dry performance naturally takes dominance over the wet. However as this is a street legal tire, it is also crucial to know how your wet performance is as you never know when you need it. The tire size of interest is a 225/45R17 which is a common size for Audi A3 and Hyundai Elantra. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice was the 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited
Dry
When it comes down to track day performance tires, you immediately connect to a picture of a “racing car” driving at the limit on a race track. This is exactly what these tires are all about, they are trying to optimize their dry track performances while balancing the wet legal trade off. Azenis RT660 has an advantage in dry baking as it managed to out brake Potenza RE-71RS by 2.3 feet (0.7m). This distance is huge as every braking point in the lap accumulates over a race not to mention it will also enable better overtaking opportunities.
While in the dry handling area, both tires were equally matched as Azenis RT660 only slightly edged Potenza RE-71RS by 0.03 seconds. Both tires scored almost the same in subjective with a rating 8.8/10 but the devil is in the details. Below is some of the feedback from the test driver.
Azenis RT660:
The immediate steering response combined with test-leading (tied) lateral traction meant the vehicle railed around turns and danced through the slalom faster than the other tires.
Test driver feedback on Azenis RT660
Potenza RE-71RS:
The steering was precise, linear, and had a great feel, though it didn’t have the immediate response that helps when trying to set ultra-low lap times around our track
Test driver feedback on Potenza RE-71RS
Overall Azenis RT660 had a better dry braking performances while having the best subjective feeling tire in the test.
Azenis RT660 :
- +3.2% in dry braking
- +0.3% in dry handling (subj)
- +0.1% in dry handling (lap time)
Wet
The friction of coefficient of the tire/road dramatically decreases in wet roads compared to dry roads. Hence it is more likely to get into a road accident during wet conditions rather than on a sunny day. It was so important that the EU label has wet braking as one of its three criteria. With regards to our comparison, Potenza RE-71RS had the lead in wet braking by stopping 10.9 feet (3.3m) earlier than Azenis RT660.
While in wet handling, Potenza RE-71RS maintained its advantage by being 1 second faster compared to Azenis RT660. For the subjective rating, Potenza RE-71RS was rated 8.5/10 points compared to a lower 7.78/10 of Azenis RT660. Overall in the wet category, Potenza RE-71RS has a clear advantage in wet performances.
Azenis RT660 :
- -10.1% in wet braking
- -3.6% in wet handling (subj)
- -3.1% in wet handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
Ride comfort, noise & comfort was tested and both the tires were quite equally matched. Potenza RE-71RS came out slightly ahead at 6.81/10 rating compared to the 6.75/10 rating of Azenis RT660.
Azenis RT660 :
- -0.3% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
UTQG rating
We have previously shown that UTQG tread wear rating can be a good indication of your expected mileage. Below are the UTQG values of both of the tirelines.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone | Potenza RE-71RS | All | 200 | A | A |
| Falken | Azenis RT660 | All | 200 | A | A |
Both tires form the now standard 200 UTQG tread wear rating track day tire segment. As the tires are used for people who frequently visit the track, it makes absolute sense to not provide any mileage warranty. With the same UTQG tread wear rating, we expect both tires to have a similar expected mileage. For more in depth information about UTQG, please check out this article here. We even have a free download on the latest UTQG values from the leading tire manufacturers.
Price
Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS being the premium brand cost 63 dollars more compared to Azenis RT660
Tire size: 225/45R17
Potenza RE-71RS: $231
Azenis RT660: $168
Difference: -37.5% more cheaper for Azenis RT660.
Summary
Looking into the overall package, Azenis RT660 excels clearly in dry performances as it was the best in dry braking & dry handling while having a relatively low price point. Potenza RE-71RS on the other hand had a strong showing in wet. If you are looking for an all out track day tire with absolute dry performance, Azenis RT660 is clearly your best choice !