Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS: In the ultra-high performance all-season tire segment, a thrilling battle is underway with the launch of two remarkable newcomers in 2023: the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS. Each boasting advanced technology and innovative design, these tires are set to redefine driving dynamics and performance. As we pit the Pirelli’s renowned precision against Bridgestone’s legendary handling, enthusiasts and drivers alike are eager to witness the clash of these titans in a true test of supremacy. Get ready for an epic showdown that promises to elevate the standards of all-season driving!
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Results: Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS
Results below were taken from Tire Rack’s Testing Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires 2023 test. A total of 4 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS based on the relevant performance category. The P Zero AS Plus 3 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
As both tires are classified as an all season tire but without the 3 peak mountain logo, Tire Rack has included snow & ice in its testing portfolio. A detailed testing on snow including acceleration, braking & handling were evaluated. The tire size of interest is a 225/40R18 which is a common tire size for Honda NSX & Volkswagen Golf R. The testing vehicle is a powerful 2022 Subaru BRZ.
Wet
In the realm of wet performance, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS demonstrate close competition with distinct strengths. When it comes to wet braking from 50mph to a complete stop, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 halts at 92.90 feet, slightly outperforming the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS which takes 96.20 feet, marking a modest but notable 3.3 feet difference in favor of the Pirelli.
In subjective wet handling, drivers rate the Pirelli at 8.44 out of 10, marginally ahead of the Bridgestone’s 8.25, indicating a slight preference for the Pirelli’s responsiveness and control. However, when clocking lap times on a wet course, the Bridgestone inches ahead with a lap time of 31.44 seconds compared to the Pirelli’s 30.99 seconds, suggesting that while the Pirelli might feel slightly better in hand, the Bridgestone offers a competitive edge in actual performance. This nuanced comparison highlights that both tires excel in wet conditions with each having its moments of superiority.
Potenza Sport AS :
Our team immediately noticed the steering of the Potenza Sport AS; it was sharp, substantial, and precise, leading with a firm hand. It smoothly navigated tight slalom courses thanks to its excellent side grip. While not the fastest on the track or the best at stopping quickly, it was still competitive and provided a very satisfying overall experience.
Test driver feedback on Potenza Sport AS
P Zero AS Plus 3 :
The P Zero AS Plus 3 stood out with some of the quickest lap times among a highly competitive set of tires and demonstrated impressive braking performance on our wet track, indicating it’s well-suited for these conditions. Although its steering didn’t feel as precise or solid as some other tires, the tire’s design seemed to balance its characteristics well. It managed to be predictably responsive without being overly aggressive, allowing for smooth transitions and controlled movements throughout the driving experience.
Test driver feedback on P Zero AS Plus 3
Potenza Sport AS :
- -3% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling (subj)
- -1% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry conditions, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS show their unique strengths and subtle differences. For dry braking from 50mph to a complete stop, the Pirelli stops at 81.80 feet, which is slightly better than the Bridgestone’s 84.30 feet, giving the Pirelli a slim 2.5 feet advantage.
When it comes to subjective dry handling, drivers rate the Pirelli at 8.19 out of 10, marginally higher than the Bridgestone’s 8.13, suggesting a slight preference for the Pirelli’s feel and control. However, in terms of dry lap times, the Pirelli again takes a slight lead with a time of 29.11 seconds compared to Bridgestone’s 29.37 seconds, indicating that the Pirelli not only feels slightly better but also performs a bit faster in dry conditions. Both tires offer commendable performance, but the Pirelli shows a small yet consistent edge in dry performance metrics.
Potenza Sport AS :
The Potenza Sport AS stood out for its steering, offering the right amount of heaviness, quick reactions, and sharp turns. It felt stable and comfortable taking charge with its front wheels.
Test driver feedback on Potenza Sport AS
P Zero AS Plus 3 :
The P Zero AS Plus 3 performed exceptionally well, especially noticeable in its consistent lap times. Some might feel its steering could be a bit firmer, but its excellent grip and smooth behavior when pushed to the edge made it effortlessly responsive, almost as if it could read the driver’s mind and react instantly.
Test driver feedback on P Zero AS Plus 3
Potenza Sport AS :
- -3% in dry braking
- 0% in dry handling (subj)
- -1% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS offer slightly different experiences. The Pirelli has a slight edge in ride quality, scoring 6.5 out of 10 compared to Bridgestone’s 6.25, suggesting it’s a bit smoother and more comfortable. In noise levels, the Pirelli again leads with a score of 7 out of 10, indicating a quieter ride than the Bridgestone’s 6.25, making for a more pleasant driving experience.
However, when it comes to steering and road handling, the Bridgestone outperforms with a score of 8 out of 10, compared to the Pirelli’s 7, suggesting better feedback and control from the Bridgestone. Interestingly, when you average out the scores for noise, comfort, and ride quality, both tires come to an identical average of 6.83 out of 10, showing that despite their individual strengths and weaknesses, they offer a remarkably similar overall NVH performance.
Potenza Sport AS :
- ~0% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality
Snow
In comparing the snow performances of the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS tires, there are subtle yet noteworthy differences. When it comes to snow braking, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS tire has a slight advantage, stopping about 0.5 feet shorter than the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 tire from 25 mph to a standstill. This indicates a marginally better performance in snowy conditions for the Bridgestone tire in terms of braking.
On the other hand, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 outperforms the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS in snow acceleration. The Pirelli tire accelerates from 0 to 12 mph approximately 2.3 feet shorter than the Bridgestone tire, showing better traction control and acceleration in snow. This suggests that the Pirelli tire may offer more confidence in gaining speed on snowy surfaces, contrasting with its slightly lesser braking performance compared to the Bridgestone.
Potenza Sport AS :
- -1% in snow braking
- +5% in snow acceleration
Ice
The ice performances of the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS tires are very close, with only minor differences between them. In ice braking, from 12 mph to a stop, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS tire stops marginally quicker than the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3, with a difference of just 0.4 feet. This suggests a slightly better braking capability on ice for the Bridgestone tire.
For ice acceleration, the times to accelerate to 60 feet from a rolling start are also very similar. The Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS completes this slightly quicker, taking 6.34 seconds compared to the 6.43 seconds taken by the Pirelli tire, a difference of just 0.09 seconds. This indicates a fractionally better acceleration on ice for the Bridgestone tire.
Overall, the differences in performance on ice between these two tires are minimal, indicating that both perform similarly well in icy conditions.
Potenza Sport AS :
- +1% in ice braking
- +1% in ice acceleration
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli | P Zero AS Plus 3 | All | 560 | AA | A |
| Bridgestone | Potenza Sport AS | All | 500 | AA | A |
The UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) ratings for the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS provide insights into their durability and performance. The Pirelli scores a treadwear rating of 560, which is higher than the Bridgestone’s 500, suggesting that the Pirelli may last longer under similar conditions.
Both tires have the same traction rating of ‘AA’, indicating excellent grip and stopping ability on wet surfaces. They also share a temperature rating of ‘A’, meaning both are capable of performing well under most thermal conditions. Despite these differences and similarities, it’s worth noting that both tires offer a 50,000 miles mileage warranty, providing reassurance of their longevity and durability over time.
Price
For the tire size 225/40R18, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 is priced at $202, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS comes in slightly cheaper at $197. This makes the Bridgestone tire about 3% less expensive than the Pirelli, offering a modest saving for those looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Tire size: 225/40R18
- P Zero AS Plus 3 : $202
- Potenza Sport AS : $197
Difference: -3% more cheaper for Potenza Sport AS.
Summary
In the competitive ultra-high performance all-season tire segment, both the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS stand out with distinct strengths. The Pirelli excels in wet and dry braking, showing superior grip and responsiveness, making it ideal for drivers who value precision and agility. Conversely, the Bridgestone shines in handling and comfort, particularly in challenging conditions like snow and ice, offering a stable and secure driving experience. Both tires cater to different driving preferences and conditions, ensuring that whether you prioritize performance or handling, there is a tire that meets your needs.
Dr Edwin Pang