Pirelli P Zero PZ5 vs Hankook Ventus Evo: The Pirelli P Zero PZ5, Italy’s latest ultra-high performance weapon, comes in with cutting-edge tech, laser-focused grip, and refined comfort — aiming straight at the segment’s crown. Facing it is the Hankook Ventus Evo, Korea’s sharp new challenger, built with improved wet grip, boosted mileage, and balanced everyday usability, ready to punch above its weight. It’s European pedigree vs Asian ambition — two fresh contenders, one UHP crown. Who comes out on top?
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Results: Pirelli P Zero PZ5 vs Hankook Ventus Evo
The results presented here are from the Auto Express Best car tyres to buy now 2025: Test, where 9 of the best UHP & UUHP tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 vs Hankook Ventus Evo across various performance categories, with the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 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 GTI as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 stops 1.37 meters shorter than the Hankook Ventus Evo, giving it about a 5% advantage. In wet handling, the Pirelli finishes just 0.18 seconds quicker, a negligible 0% difference. In straight aquaplaning, the Hankook carries 2% more speed than the Pirelli, showing a slight advantage. Overall, Pirelli clearly leads in braking while both tires are essentially equal in handling, with Hankook edging ahead in aquaplaning.
Ventus Evo :
- -5% in wet braking
- 0% in wet handling
- +2% in aquaplaning
Dry
Pirelli stops 1.13 meters shorter than Hankook in dry braking, giving it about a 4% advantage. In dry handling, Pirelli is 0.08 seconds quicker, a 1% difference. Overall, Pirelli shows a small edge in braking while both perform almost identically in handling.
Ventus Evo :
- -4% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling
Mileage
From the 2025 AutoBild summer tire test & the PZ5 improvements against its predecessor, the Hankook Ventus Evo is estimated to deliver 28% more mileage than the Pirelli P Zero PZ5. This makes Hankook the stronger option for longevity, while Pirelli focuses more on outright performance.
Ventus Evo :
- +28% in mileage (estimated)
Comfort & Noise
In noise and refinement, the Hankook Ventus Evo scores 3% higher than the Pirelli P Zero PZ5, giving it a slight edge in overall comfort. While the Pirelli dominates in performance metrics like braking, Hankook shows its strength in delivering a quieter and more refined ride.
Ventus Evo :
- +3% in interior noise & comfort
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Hankook Ventus Evo is 1% lower than the Pirelli P Zero PZ5, giving it a very slight efficiency advantage. Overall, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable in everyday driving.
Ventus Evo :
- +1% in rolling resistance
Price
For the 225/40 R18 size, the Hankook Ventus Evo costs €94 compared to €104 for the Pirelli P Zero PZ5, making the Hankook about 11% cheaper.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- P Zero PZ5 : € 104
- Ventus Evo : € 94
Difference: -11% more cheaper for Ventus Evo.
Summary
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 stands out with stronger braking performance and sharper handling precision, making it the better choice if outright performance is the priority. The Hankook Ventus Evo, on the other hand, delivers excellent value with its lower price, longer mileage, and slightly better comfort and efficiency. Both are strong contenders, but your decision ultimately depends on whether you value peak performance or all-round practicality.
Dr Edwin Pang