Pirelli P Zero PZ5 vs. Bridgestone Potenza Sport — it’s time for another heavyweight showdown in the ultra-high performance arena! After taking down legends like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, the all-new Pirelli P Zero PZ5 has built a stellar reputation as a true giant slayer. Now, it sets its sights on Bridgestone’s sharpest weapon — the Potenza Sport. Can the reigning king of dry grip hold its ground, or will the rising force from Pirelli steal the crown? Let the battle begin!
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Results: Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5
The results presented here are from the Tyre Review’s Best Performance Tyres For 2025 Test, where 7 of the best UUHP tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Pirelli P Zero PZ5 across various performance categories, with the Bridgestone Potenza Sport serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 225/40R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series Audi A4. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Volkswagen Golf as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 stops 0.32 meters sooner than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, a 1% improvement. However, in wet handling lap time, the Potenza Sport is quicker by 2.57 seconds, translating to a 3% advantage. Subjectively, the Bridgestone also scores higher with a perfect 10 compared to the PZ5’s 9.5. In straight-line aquaplaning, the PZ5 edges ahead by 0.7 km/h, which is a 1% lead.
P Zero PZ5 :
- +1% in wet braking
- -3% in wet handling
- -3% in subjective wet handling
- +1% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 stops 0.95 meters shorter than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, offering a 3% improvement. Dry handling lap times are nearly identical, with the PZ5 being just 0.01 seconds quicker — a negligible difference. Both tires receive an equal subjective dry handling score of 9.75 out of 10.
P Zero PZ5 :
- +3% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling
- 0% in subjective dry handling
Comfort & Noise
The Pirelli P Zero PZ5 scores significantly higher in subjective comfort with 10 points compared to the Bridgestone Potenza Sport’s 8.5, marking an 8% improvement. In exterior noise levels, the PZ5 is quieter by 1.1 dB, which translates to a roughly 2% reduction in sound pressure.
P Zero PZ5 :
- +8% in subjective comfort
- +2% in exterior noise (-1.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Pirelli P Zero PZ5 has a lower rolling resistance of 8.9 N/kN compared to 10.7 N/kN for the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, making it 1.8 N/kN better, which equals a 20% improvement in efficiency.
P Zero PZ5 :
- +20% in rolling resistance
Price
For tire size 225/40 R18, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 is €4 cheaper than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, making it 4% more affordable.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- Potenza Sport : € 108
- P Zero PZ5 : € 104
Difference: -4% more cheaper for P Zero PZ5.
Summary
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport delivers razor-sharp dry handling and superior lap times in the wet, making it ideal for spirited driving. However, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 stands out with better comfort, lower noise, superior rolling resistance, and slightly better braking in both wet and dry conditions. If you value all-around refinement with strong performance, the PZ5 is the more complete package.
Dr Edwin Pang