Tests 72 · 6 tests Owners 52 · 5,811 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test (wet braking)
“Had a set of run flats for a brief period, heavy tires, very stiff sidewalls, wouldn't run them again.. .”
Head-to-head
Updated
Bridgestone Potenza S001 vs Pirelli P Zero — Compared
Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 6 + 3 road tests and 5,811 + 3,484 owner reviews. How we score
Too close to call: Potenza S001 62, P Zero 61.
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Tests 74 · 3 tests Owners 48 · 3,484 reviews
Best test result: #1 of 20 in 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test (dry handling)
“New rubber for the road wheels Pirelli P-Zero RS TLR 30mm, measuring 33mm on 25mm inner rim width. Rides like a dream, but the center thread is narrow, so I'd not feel confident if I raced anything with tighter cornering.”
Category by category
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
-
72
Dry
P Zero +173Why this score
Source Potenza S001 P Zero Professional tests (TWG score) · 4 / 3 tests 79 80 Reviews found online 60 62 Dry Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 96% 92% Potenza S001: 60% × 79.4 + 40% × 60 = 72
P Zero: 60% × 79.6 + 40% × 61.9 = 73
-
75
Wet
Potenza S001 +471Why this score
Source Potenza S001 P Zero Professional tests (TWG score) · 4 / 3 tests 86 81 Reviews found online 60 55 Wet Braking (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 100% 83% Potenza S001: 60% × 85.5 + 40% × 60 = 75
P Zero: 60% × 81.5 + 40% × 55.4 = 71
-
50
Snow
Level50Why this score
Source Potenza S001 P Zero Professional tests (TWG score) ≈ 58 (est.) ≈ 58 (est.) Reviews found online 38 37 Potenza S001: 60% × 58.4 (est.) + 40% × 37.6 = 50
P Zero: 60% × 58.2 (est.) + 40% × 37.1 = 50
No road tests of snow for Potenza S001. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.37).
No road tests of snow for P Zero. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.37).
-
54
Comfort
P Zero +256Why this score
Source Potenza S001 P Zero Professional tests (TWG score) · 1 / 1 tests 63 70 Reviews found online 47 47 Potenza S001: 40% × 63.3 + 60% × 47.2 = 54
P Zero: 40% × 69.8 + 60% × 47.1 = 56
-
56
Noise
P Zero +258Why this score
Source Potenza S001 P Zero Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 1 tests 56 61 Reviews found online 56 54 Potenza S001: 60% × 55.7 + 40% × 55.8 = 56
P Zero: 60% × 60.7 + 40% × 53.6 = 58
-
52
Treadwear
Potenza S001 +250Why this score
Source Potenza S001 P Zero Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 1 tests 58 65 Reviews found online 43 28 Potenza S001: 60% × 58 + 40% × 42.7 = 52
P Zero: 60% × 65.2 + 40% × 27.8 = 50
-
60
Handling (owners)
Potenza S001 +357Why this score
Source Potenza S001 P Zero Reviews found online 60 57 -
41
Efficiency
P Zero +1859Why this score
Source Potenza S001 P Zero Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 1 tests 41 59
Scores at a glance
| Category | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Pirelli P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 62 | 61 |
| Dry | 72 | 73 |
| Wet | 75 | 71 |
| Snow | 50 | 50 |
| Comfort | 54 | 56 |
| Noise | 56 | 58 |
| Treadwear | 52 | 50 |
| Handling (owners) | 60 | 57 |
| Efficiency | 41 | 59 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
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Recomputed
Headline score
62
/ 100
Potenza S001
61
/ 100
P Zero
The professional test results behind the scores
Per discipline: the average % of the best tire over every test both tires were in, and how many of those tests each one won. “Different tests” rows compare results from separate tests.
In the overall rankings of 15 tests that ran both, Bridgestone Potenza S001 finished ahead 3 times and Pirelli P Zero 12 times.
| Discipline | Category | Potenza S001 | P Zero | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 96% | 92% | +3.6 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 99% #12/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 100% #1/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 97% #7/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 93% #14/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 100% | 83% | +17.1 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 100% #1/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 99% #3/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 70% #5/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 67% #14/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Noise | Noise | 96% #20/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 97% #18/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Wear | Treadwear | 85% #12/16 · 2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test | 66% #15/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 73% #20/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 73% #16/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Also published by the testers (not in the score) | |||||
| Price | Cost | 54% #18/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 66% #18/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Cost | #20/20 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | #17/20 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Value | Cost | 60% #19/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 53% #20/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | – | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #3/49 | #25/49 | – | 3–12 in 15 shared tests Newest: 2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test · 245/45 R18 |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
Tire A Potenza S001
Pros
- Precise and sharp steering response
- Strong dry-pavement cornering grip
- Stiff sidewalls providing robust rim protection and high-speed stability
Cons
- High levels of road noise and cabin drone
- Stiff, harsh ride quality (particularly noticeable on run-flat versions)
- Poor or unpredictable wet-weather grip and sudden loss of traction
Tire B P Zero
Pros
- Outstanding dry grip and handling performance
- Precise steering feedback and high-speed stability
- Good wet-weather braking and cornering when warm
Cons
- Rapid and uneven tread wear, often requiring replacement much sooner than expected
- Poor grip and unpredictable traction in cold temperatures (below 7°C/45°F)
- Prone to tramlining and tracking road imperfections
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Tire A
Mixed
Bridgestone Potenza S001
Community sentiment regarding the Bridgestone Potenza S001 is predominantly mixed to negative, particularly concerning the run-flat variants. Drivers frequently report stiff sidewalls, harsh ride quality, road noise, premature wear, and tread cracking, leading many to switch to non-run-flat alternatives like Michelin. However, several owners find them adequate for spirited driving, citing satisfactory dry and wet grip as well as acceptable ride comfort on specific vehicle setups.
mybmwi3.com
·2026-03-31
“I run the Bridgestone Potenza S001 Ultra-High Summer Peformance Tire 215/45R/20s on the rear and 195s on the front. They ride softer than stock tires. Not cheap tho.”
f30.bimmerpost.com
“Quote: Originally Posted by ProjectBoost Yeah and the Bridgestone's should be replaced too. +1 Bridgestone Potenza S001 are near the bottom of all run flat tires. If you prefer run flat tires, Pirelli P Zero are much better.”
r/tires
·1 upvote ·2025-10-01
“Bridgestone Potenza S001 all year in Portland Oregon? As a second car in the family, do you think I can get away with running Bridgestone Potenza S001, with good tread depth, all year in Portland Oregon? I've lived here my whole life so I know the climate well. As long as I don't drive during the 1-3 snow days, do you think I'm good? My other car is a Honda Pilot AWD that we do summer/winter tire swap and take skiing ~20 times a year. For a car I never plan on taking in the snow, doing summer/winter swap or summer/all-season seems like overkill.”
Top themes
#run-flat stiffness and harshness#premature tread wear#tread cracking issues#wet and dry grip#switching to non-run-flats#road noise generation#OEM tire replacement
Based on 43 community posts
Tire B
Mixed
Pirelli P Zero
Community opinions on the Pirelli P Zero tire line are divided depending on whether users are discussing the cycling tires or automotive variants. Cyclists generally praise the road and gravel options for speed, comfort, and grip, though some note they can be difficult to mount. Automotive users offer a more mixed review, praising the high-performance grip, responsive steering, and comfort of options like the P Zero AS Plus 3, while frequently criticizing summer and OE variants for rapid tread wear, wet weather traction issues, and susceptibility to sidewall bubbles.
r/Velo
·6 upvotes ·2026-05-07
“I've used the old P zero SL in a 26, was happy with grip and feel but they did not last very long, 2000k for me before they're basically started puncturing every second ride. That would have to be my only complaint”
r/Porsche
·2 upvotes ·2025-04-16
“Um I got my x3mc with p0's pz4 and I love them because there is no sideflex in them, you really only feel the suspension working and not the tire, so very darty steering if you will. Also put pzero all season plus on my cooper coupé s, and again excellent no sidewall flexing. May or may not try the Michelin one day. But the pzero on my x3mc burns really really fast in the back. 2 summers max, the front hardly get used, and can't swap since they are wider in the back”
r/bikewrench
·4 upvotes ·2026-02-17
“Impossible to install P Zero Race TLR I have Hollowgram R45 carbon wheels on my road bike and went for Pirelli P Zero TLR 700x30 after reading great reviews. The fact is, they are impossible to install. I tried and had two mechanics try and they said it’s absolutely impossible. The tire is too tight for the wheel and there is absolutely no way of putting it on. The wheel is ETRTO standard compliant and has a 21 mm internal canal. Has anyone had any similar experience? I am quite surprised”
Top themes
#Dry Grip and Handling#Rapid Tread Wear#Wet Weather Performance#Ride Comfort and Noise#Cycling Tire Installation#All-Season vs Summer#Value and Pricing
Based on 284 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Bridgestone Potenza S001 | B · Pirelli P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 55 | 194 |
| Rim diameters | 15″ – 21″ | 17″ – 24″ |
| Tread depth | 8/32″ | 10/32″ |
| UTQG | 280 A A | 220 A A |
| Sidewall | Blackwall | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | 50 psi | 50 psi |
| Sizes in common | 44 | 44 |
Which one should you actually buy?
62
/ 100
Bridgestone Potenza S001
61
/ 100
Pirelli P Zero
Too close to call: Bridgestone Potenza S001 and Pirelli P Zero are within 2 points overall. Bridgestone Potenza S001 is stronger on wet. Pirelli P Zero is stronger on efficiency.
Pick tire B
You want lower fuel or energy use
Pirelli P Zero scores 59 vs 41 on efficiency.
Pick tire A
Your priority is wet-weather safety
Bridgestone Potenza S001 scores 75 vs 71 on wet.
Tire A · Bridgestone Potenza S001
Tire B · Pirelli P Zero
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Potenza S001 or P Zero?
Which is better in the wet, Potenza S001 or P Zero?
Bridgestone Potenza S001, 75 vs 71 on our wet score.
Which grips better on dry roads, Potenza S001 or P Zero?
Neither, by our numbers: 72 vs 73 on the dry score, within 3 points.
Which is better in snow, Potenza S001 or P Zero?
Neither, by our numbers: 50 vs 50 on the snow score, within 3 points.
Which is quieter, Potenza S001 or P Zero?
Neither, by our numbers: 56 vs 58 on the noise score, within 3 points.
Which is more comfortable, Potenza S001 or P Zero?
Neither, by our numbers: 54 vs 56 on the comfort score, within 3 points.
Which lasts longer, Potenza S001 or P Zero?
Neither, by our numbers: 52 vs 50 on the treadwear score, within 3 points.
Which rolls more easily, Potenza S001 or P Zero?
Pirelli P Zero, 59 vs 41 on our efficiency score.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements), each result compared with every other tire in the same test and newer tests counting more. 40% comes from owner reviews found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates. Both use one scale: the average tested tire gets 70, the best 100. When a tire has only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from the other and the score stays closer to average; with no road test and fewer than five owner reviews it gets no score yet.
Handling is the exception: road tests measure it inside the dry and wet scores, so its own row comes from owner ratings only and starts as less important.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score. Full methodology