Pirelli P Zero PZ4 vs Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3: In the arena of ultra-high performance (UHP) tires, a thrilling duel unfolds between two titans: the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 and the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3. Both contenders are renowned for pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence, offering drivers unparalleled grip, precision, and responsiveness at the zenith of speed and power. The P Zero PZ4, with its legacy of performance pedigree, goes head-to-head against the innovative engineering of the Ventus S1 evo 3, a tire celebrated for its advanced technology and superior handling.
This face-off in the UHP segment is not just a test of speed—it’s a showcase of the future of driving dynamics. Prepare for an epic showdown where only the road can declare the ultimate champion. The anticipation is electric, and the automotive world watches with bated breath as these two giants battle for supremacy. Who will emerge victorious? The stage is set for an unforgettable clash of the titans.
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Results: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 vs Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
Results below were taken from the 2023 AutoBild Summer Test while includes an amazing 50 tires from its preliminary braking rounds. Only 20 tires made it through to the final round and a full detail evaluation was completed with these 20 tires. The wet & dry handling performances are evaluated objectively using the average lap speed rather than the preferred subjective ratings.
The graph above shows the comparison between Pirelli P Zero PZ4 vs Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 based on the relevant performance category. The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. The tire size of interest is 225/45 R18 which is a common tire size for Mercedes-Benz C 200 and Kia Stinger . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a BMW 3 series.
Wet
In terms of wet performance, the competition between the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 and the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 is incredibly close, with each tire showcasing strengths in different aspects. When it comes to wet braking, the distance needed to come to a complete stop from 100 km/h is nearly identical, with the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 marginally outperforming the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 by a tiny difference of 0.2 meters, stopping at 38.7 meters compared to the Pirelli’s 38.9 meters. This suggests that in emergency braking situations on wet roads, the Ventus S1 evo 3 could offer a slight advantage.
In wet handling, which measures how quickly and safely a car can navigate through a wet course, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 takes the lead. It allows for an average speed of 77.2 km/h, outpacing the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3’s 75.7 km/h. This difference indicates that the Pirelli tire provides better grip and control on wet surfaces, offering drivers confidence during turns and maneuvers in the rain.
As for aquaplaning resistance in straight-line conditions (Straight Aqua), which assesses the tire’s ability to maintain contact with the road surface under wet conditions at high speeds, both tires perform remarkably well and are nearly identical in performance. The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 achieves a slipping speed of 104.4 km/h, barely edging out the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3’s 104.3 km/h. This suggests that both tires are highly capable of preventing aquaplaning in straight-line wet conditions, ensuring stability and safety at high speeds.
Overall, the duel in wet conditions between the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 and the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 showcases their exceptional capabilities, with each tire having its slight advantages in specific tests.
Ventus S1 evo 3 :
- +1% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (lap speed)
- 0% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In the realm of dry performance, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 and Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 continue their close competition, each showing particular strengths. When looking at dry braking, the distance required to come to a full stop from 100 km/h highlights a small but significant difference between the two. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 slightly surpasses the Pirelli P Zero PZ4, needing just 33.3 meters to halt, compared to the Pirelli’s 34 meters. This indicates that in dry conditions, the Hankook tire could provide a marginally better response in sudden stopping scenarios, with a 0.7-meter advantage over the Pirelli.
Turning to dry handling, which evaluates the tires’ ability to navigate through corners and maintain stability at high speeds on dry roads, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 shines. It supports an average speed of 121.3 km/h, outperforming the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, which achieves an average speed of 119.4 km/h. This difference shows that the Pirelli tire offers superior grip and control in dry conditions, allowing for faster cornering and more confident handling, with a noticeable advantage of 1.9 km/h over the Hankook.
In summary, the battle of dry performance between these two tires is a showcase of their respective advantages in braking and handling. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 demonstrates a slight edge in braking efficiency, while the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 stands out in its handling capabilities, making each tire a strong contender depending on the specific priorities of the driver.
Ventus S1 evo 3 :
- +2% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling
Wear
When it comes to mileage performance, the difference between the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 and the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 is quite clear. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 demonstrates superior wear resistance, capable of lasting up to 35,200 kilometers before needing replacement. In comparison, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 shows a wear life of 32,800 kilometers.
This indicates that the Hankook tire offers an additional 2,400 kilometers of driving distance over the Pirelli tire, showcasing its enhanced durability and longer lifespan. This difference is significant for drivers prioritizing longevity and overall value from their tire investment, highlighting the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 as the more enduring option in the long run.
Ventus S1 evo 3 :
- +7% in mileage
Noise
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 is quieter than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 by 1.5 decibels, indicating a more comfortable, less noisy drive.
Ventus S1 evo 3 :
- +2% in exterior noise (-1.5 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 has a lower rolling resistance at 8.09 N/kN compared to the Pirelli P Zero PZ4’s 8.33 N/kN, indicating it’s slightly more efficient, by 0.24 N/kN, potentially offering better fuel efficiency.
Ventus S1 evo 3 :
- +3% in rolling resistance
Price
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 is 29% cheaper than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4, priced at €119 compared to €153 for the Pirelli, making the Hankook tire a more cost-effective option.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- P Zero PZ4 : €153
- Ventus S1 evo 3 : €119
Difference: -29% more cheaper for Ventus S1 evo 3.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve closely analyzed the performance of both the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 and the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 in wet and dry conditions. Both tires exhibit impressive capabilities, ensuring safety and reliability whether the road is bathed in sunshine or slick with rain. The real distinction, however, emerged in the aspect of wear.
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 demonstrated superior longevity, outlasting the Pirelli by a significant margin. This, combined with its more attractive price point and slightly better efficiency in terms of rolling resistance, positions the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 as the winner in this duel. It’s a tire that not only meets but exceeds expectations, providing both performance and value.
Dr Edwin Pang