Dunlop Direzza DZ03G vs Yokohama Advan A052: In the adrenaline-pumping world of race track performance, the Dunlop Direzza DZ03G and Yokohama Advan A052 stand out as top contenders. Designed for the sheer thrill of speed, both tires promise to elevate the racing experience to new heights. The Dunlop Direzza DZ03G, a track-only titan, is not permitted on public roads, embodying the essence of racing purity. In contrast, the Yokohama Advan A052 offers a unique blend of track capability and road legality, providing versatility without sacrificing performance.
As these two giants gear up for a head-to-head showdown, the air is thick with anticipation. Questions swirl around their potential: Who will clock the best lap time? And beyond the numbers, which tire will deliver the most subjective fun, making every turn and straightaway an exhilarating joyride? The stage is set for an epic duel, and only the track will reveal the victor.
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Results: Dunlop Direzza DZ03G vs Yokohama Advan A052
Results below were taken from 2023 Tegiwa RWD Track Day Tyre Test with a total of 6 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Dunlop Direzza DZ03G vs Yokohama Advan A052 based on the relevant performance category. The Dunlop Direzza DZ03G was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that since the primary goal was to see how well the tires perform on the track, dry handling lap time was used as an objective metric. The tire size of interest is 235/40R18 in the front and a 265/35R18 at the back which is a common setup for sports car like Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 AMG Line. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a F22 BMW M240i.
Dry
In the battle of dry performances, the Dunlop Direzza DZ03G and Yokohama Advan A052 offer an exhilarating showdown, with each tire showcasing its strengths on the track. The Direzza DZ03G slightly outpaces the A052, delivering a lap time of 111.96 seconds compared to the Advan A052’s 112.3 seconds, illustrating the razor-thin margin of 0.34 seconds between their performances.
Drivers commend the Direzza DZ03G for its exceptional handling and stability, noting a significant improvement in the car’s planted feel and confidence across various corners. This feedback underscores the tire’s ability to enhance the driving experience by allowing drivers to push the limits without concern over stability issues. In contrast, the Advan A052 receives praise for its immediate grip and balanced handling, making it highly responsive and agile on the track. This immediate grip suggests the Advan A052 is incredibly track-focused, potentially offering a slight edge in terms of initial performance.
In summary, the Dunlop Direzza DZ03G edges out the Yokohama Advan A052 in dry track performance with a slightly faster lap time, earning praise for its excellent handling and stability. Conversely, the Advan A052 is recognized for its immediate grip and agility, suggesting a strong focus on track performance. Both tires significantly enhance the driving experience by offering distinct advantages in grip and responsiveness.
Advan A052 :
- -0.3% in dry handling (lap time)
Wear
When it comes to wear, the Direzza DZ03G stands out for its durability, emerging from intensive track sessions looking almost new. This suggests a superior resistance to wear, making it an excellent choice for drivers looking for longevity in their track tires. The Advan A052, while delivering competitive performance, shows significant wear after similar use, hinting at a potential trade-off between its high performance and the lifespan of the tire.
- Mileage : Direzza DZ03G >> Advan A052
EU label
The EU label comparison between the Dunlop Direzza DZ03G and the Yokohama Advan A052 highlights significant differences, particularly in terms of road legality and environmental impact. The Direzza DZ03G does not have EU label ratings due to its ambiguous legal status for road use, which also exempts it from the EU’s labeling requirements that assess performance in wet conditions, rolling resistance, and noise levels.
| EU label | Direzza DZ03G | Advan A052 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet label | – | A |
| Rolling Resistance | – | D |
| Noise (dB) | – | 71 |
On the other hand, the Yokohama Advan A052 is fully compliant with EU labeling, receiving an ‘A‘ rating for wet grip, a ‘D‘ rating for rolling resistance, and a noise level of 71 dB. This demonstrates the Advan A052’s excellent performance in wet conditions and its adherence to environmental standards regarding fuel efficiency and noise pollution. The lack of EU label data for the Direzza DZ03G suggests it is primarily designed for track use, where such metrics might not be as critical to consumers as they are for road-legal tires like the A052.
In essence, the Advan A052’s EU label ratings not only affirm its road legality but also provide potential buyers with valuable information on its environmental impact and performance in key areas, contrasting with the Direzza DZ03G’s track-focused design that sidesteps these considerations.
Tread depth
The Dunlop Direzza DZ03G has a tread depth of 5mm, slightly less than the Yokohama Advan A052’s 5.6mm. Lower tread depth, as seen in the Direzza DZ03G, generally improves dry handling by offering a larger contact area between the tire and the road, enhancing grip and stability during high-speed maneuvers.
| Size 225/40R18 | Direzza DZ03G | Advan A052 |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth | 5mm | 7/32 (5.6mm) |
Despite its lower tread depth, the Direzza DZ03G exhibits low abrasion, translating to better mileage and durability, a notable achievement that suggests an optimal balance between performance and longevity. This contrast underscores the Direzza DZ03G’s ability to provide superior dry performance without sacrificing tire life.
Price
The Advan A052 is priced at $283, making it 27% cheaper than the Direzza DZ03G, which costs $359 for the same tire size of 225/40R18. This significant price difference highlights the A052 as a more budget-friendly option while still offering competitive performance.
Tire size: 225/40R18
- Direzza DZ03G: $ 359
- Advan A052: $ 283
Difference: -27% more cheaper for Advan A052
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve seen the Dunlop Direzza DZ03G and Yokohama Advan A052 perform exceptionally on the track. The Direzza DZ03G, with its slightly shallower tread depth, offers remarkable dry handling and stability, making it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking to push their vehicles to the limit. Its low abrasion rate is impressive, allowing for better mileage without compromising on performance—a testament to its engineering.
On the other hand, the Advan A052, being 27% more affordable, presents an excellent value proposition. It offers immediate grip and agility, traits that are crucial for track-focused driving, and its slightly deeper tread depth does not significantly detract from its performance. This makes the A052 a versatile option for drivers who prioritize both cost and capability.
In conclusion, both tires have their distinct advantages. The Direzza DZ03G stands out for its superior dry performance and durability, suited for drivers who demand the utmost from their tires. Meanwhile, the Advan A052 offers great performance at a more accessible price point, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious drivers who still want a tire that performs well on the track.
Dr Edwin Pang