Head-to-head Updated

Falken Azenis FK510 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4 — 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 31 + 21 road tests and 910 + 12,714 owner reviews. How we score

Pilot Sport 4 is ahead, 81–72

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Falken Azenis FK510
Tire AFalken

Azenis FK510

Summer

± 4

Tests 74 · 31 tests Owners 66 · 910 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 9 in 2018 Sport Auto 19 inch UHP and Track Day Tyre Test (wet braking)

“I have Fallen FK510s and live where it rains 300 days a year, they perform great and I'm sure the 520 is even better”

Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Tire BMichelin

Pilot Sport 4

Summer

± 4

Tests 85 · 21 tests Owners 76 · 12,714 reviews

Best test result: #1 of 45 in 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout (dry braking)

“Those are Pilot sport 4 (all season). If it had s after the 4 it would be the summer high performance version. I put the pilot sport 4 on wife's GTI autobahn 2016. Great handling tire, stiff side walls, not the smoothest ride but best overall.”

Category by category

Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.

Key facts

  • In 18 tests that measured dry braking for both, Azenis FK510 won 1 and Pilot Sport 4 won 15 (average 94% vs 98% of the best).
  • In 18 tests that measured wet braking for both, Azenis FK510 won 7 and Pilot Sport 4 won 10 (average 95% vs 95% of the best).
  • In 16 tests that measured wet handling for both, Azenis FK510 won 1 and Pilot Sport 4 won 13 (average 96% vs 97% of the best).
  • In 15 tests that measured dry handling for both, Azenis FK510 won 0 and Pilot Sport 4 won 12 (average 97% vs 98% of the best).
  • In 13 tests that measured straight aquaplaning for both, Azenis FK510 won 1 and Pilot Sport 4 won 12 (average 93% vs 98% of the best).
  1. 73

    Dry

    Pilot Sport 4 +14
    87
    Why this score
    SourceAzenis FK510Pilot Sport 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 28 / 20 tests7389
    Reviews found online7484
    Dry Braking (% of best) · 18 shared tests · wins 1–1594%98%
    Dry Handling (% of best) · 15 shared tests · wins 0–1297%98%
    Dry Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 0–670%92%
    Safety (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–160%90%
    Steering Response (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–167%100%

    Azenis FK510: 60% × 72.9 + 40% × 74.2 = 73

    Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 89.3 + 40% × 83.9 = 87

  2. 84

    Wet

    Pilot Sport 4 +5
    89
    Why this score
    SourceAzenis FK510Pilot Sport 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 29 / 20 tests8892
    Reviews found online7884
    Curved Aquaplaning (% of best) · 5 shared tests · wins 1–389%91%
    Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 13 shared tests · wins 1–1293%98%
    Wet Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 1–477%89%
    Wet Lateral Stability (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–080%70%
    Wet Braking (% of best) · 18 shared tests · wins 7–1095%95%
    Wet Circle (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–197%97%
    Wet Handling (% of best) · 16 shared tests · wins 1–1396%97%

    Azenis FK510: 60% × 88.4 + 40% × 77.9 = 84

    Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 92.5 + 40% × 84.4 = 89

  3. 55

    Snow

    No comparison
    –
    Why this score
    SourceAzenis FK510Pilot Sport 4
    Professional tests (TWG score)≈ 62 (est.)–
    Reviews found online45–

    Azenis FK510: 60% × 62.4 (est.) + 40% × 45 = 55

    No road tests of snow for Azenis FK510. The test half is estimated from the owner ratings, as far as owners and testers agree (correlation 0.32).

  4. 56

    Comfort

    Pilot Sport 4 +20
    76
    Why this score
    SourceAzenis FK510Pilot Sport 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 6 tests4082
    Reviews found online6772
    Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 5 shared tests · wins 0–375%87%

    Azenis FK510: 40% × 40.3 + 60% × 66.9 = 56

    Pilot Sport 4: 40% × 81.6 + 60% × 71.7 = 76

  5. 66

    Noise

    Pilot Sport 4 +4
    70
    Why this score
    SourceAzenis FK510Pilot Sport 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 18 / 13 tests6673
    Reviews found online67≈ 66 (est.)
    Noise (% of best) · 12 shared tests · wins 4–698%99%
    Exterior Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–170%90%

    Azenis FK510: 60% × 66 + 40% × 66.9 = 66

    Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 73.2 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 70

    No owner ratings of noise for Pilot Sport 4. The owner half is the owners’ average (66): owners’ noise ratings barely follow the road tests, so the tests say nothing about how owners would rate it.

  6. 66

    Treadwear

    Pilot Sport 4 +5
    71
    Why this score
    SourceAzenis FK510Pilot Sport 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 5 / 3 tests7378
    Reviews found online5460
    Wear (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 2–186%88%

    Azenis FK510: 60% × 73.1 + 40% × 54.2 = 66

    Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 78.1 + 40% × 59.5 = 71

  7. 72

    Handling (owners)

    Pilot Sport 4 +9
    81
    Why this score
    SourceAzenis FK510Pilot Sport 4
    Reviews found online7281
  8. 50

    Efficiency

    Pilot Sport 4 +26
    76
    Why this score
    SourceAzenis FK510Pilot Sport 4
    Professional tests (TWG score) · 19 / 14 tests5076
    Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 13 shared tests · wins 2–1185%91%
Scores at a glance
Falken Azenis FK510 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4: scores by category (0–100)
CategoryFalken Azenis FK510Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Relative Score 72 81
Dry 73 87
Wet 84 89
Snow 55 –
Comfort 56 76
Noise 66 70
Treadwear 66 71
Handling (owners) 72 81
Efficiency 50 76

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.

Important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Important
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Neutral
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Only one of the two tires has a score here, so this weight changes nothing in the head-to-head.

Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
Less important
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Important
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Less important
NotLessNeutralImportantMost
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Recomputed
Headline score
± 4

Azenis FK510

± 4

Pilot Sport 4

Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.

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 22 tests that ran both, Falken Azenis FK510 finished ahead 0 times and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 22 times.

DisciplineCategoryAzenis FK510Pilot Sport 4ΔHead-to-head
Dry Braking Dry 94% 98% −4.4 1–15 in 18 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Dry Handling Dry 97% 98% −1.0 0–12 in 15 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Dry Handling (tester's mark) Dry 70% 92% −21.5 0–6 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Safety Dry 60% 90% −30.0 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Steering Response Dry 67% 100% −33.3 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Curved Aquaplaning Wet 89% 91% −1.2 1–3 in 5 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Straight Aquaplaning Wet 93% 98% −4.3 1–12 in 13 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Wet Braking Wet 95% 95% −0.2 7–10 in 18 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Wet Circle Wet 97% 97% 0.0 1–1 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tyre Test · 235/35 R19
Wet Handling Wet 96% 97% −1.3 1–13 in 16 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Wet Handling (tester's mark) Wet 77% 89% −11.5 1–4 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Wet Lateral Stability Wet 80% 70% +10.0 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Comfort (tester's mark) Comfort 75% 87% −12.6 0–3 in 5 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Exterior Noise Noise 70% 90% −20.0 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Noise Noise 98% 99% −0.3 4–6 in 12 shared tests Newest: 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tyre Test · 235/35 R19
Wear Treadwear 86% 88% −2.6 2–1 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18
Rolling Resistance Efficiency 85% 91% −6.2 2–11 in 13 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19
Also published by the testers (not in the score)
Price Cost 79% 58% +21.1 9–0 in 9 shared tests Newest: 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tyre Test · 235/35 R19
Total Cost of Ownership Cost #6/20 #16/20 – 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18
Value Cost 87% 64% +22.7 2–0 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18
Overall Ranking Overall #8/9 #7/9 – 0–22 in 22 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19

Pros, cons & observations

Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.

Tire A Azenis FK510

Pros

  • Outstanding grip in both wet and dry conditions
  • Exceptional value and lower price point compared to premium brands
  • Smooth and comfortable ride quality that absorbs road imperfections well

Cons

  • Accelerated tread wear and shorter overall lifespan
  • Softer sidewalls can result in slightly delayed initial steering response or a feeling of looseness during aggressive high-speed maneuvers
  • Occasional reports of increased tire noise or harshness on specific rough or concrete road surfaces
All owner themes in the Azenis FK510 review

Tire B Pilot Sport 4

Pros

  • Exceptional wet and dry traction with outstanding resistance to aquaplaning
  • Noticeable improvement in ride comfort and a reduction in cabin noise compared to standard run-flat tires
  • Progressive and predictable breakaway limits during spirited driving

Cons

  • Faster-than-average treadwear, particularly under aggressive driving or on rear-wheel-drive performance cars
  • Softer sidewalls can lead to a slight lack of initial steering precision and a vague feel at the limit for hardcore enthusiasts
  • Performance drops off significantly in cold, freezing, or snowy winter conditions
All owner themes in the Pilot Sport 4 review

What real owners are saying

From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score

Tire A

Falken Azenis FK510

Mixed

Community members frequently view the Falken Azenis FK510 as an affordable, budget-friendly alternative to premium tires like Michelin Pilot Sports, offering strong wet weather grip and good everyday road comfort. However, opinions are mixed due to rapid treadwear, with multiple drivers reporting bald tires in 10,000 to 15,000 miles or poor durability during track and autocross sessions. Furthermore, some users note compromises in steering response, road noise, and overall performance compared to top-tier max performance tires.

r/TeslaModel3 ·1 upvote ·2024-02-10

“I put the fk510 on my 2014 535d msport and the rears only lasted 10-11k or one year. Trying something different. They are a good performance summer tire but not worth replacing every year.”

r/tires ·2 upvotes ·2022-02-08

“Falken Azenis FK510 prices? Anyone know why the prices for Falken Azenis FK510's went up 25% or more in the last month? 235/40R18 went from $154 to $192. The whole benefit of these tires is that they offer PS4S performance for way less money. Now, you midaswhale just buy the Michelins. I haven't seen any other summer tires make that kind of a jump in price. I know Falken announced a price increase for 2022, but it was only like 5%. What's the dealio? Read more”

corvetteforum.com

“I've had a set of Falken Azenis FK510's on my car for a couple of months now, and just this past weekend took a trip through the twisties up to Prescott, and pushed the car as hard as I could heading up the mountain. I was a little nervous as I'd never used Falken tires before, but trusted in Tire Rack's reviews of them and pushed the envelope in every turn I hit. It was a pleasant surprise to find that the tires were gripping just as well as the much more expensive Michelin tires they'd replaced, and I even hit a personal best of .95g going around one of the more nasty turns. During this entire drive I never felt once like the tires weren't gripping perfectly, or that I was going to lose control from them breaking loose. Road noise is pretty much non-existent, and they seem to run pretty smooth over every surface I've driven them on so far. All-in-all I don't regret my purchase one bit, and if their longevity is anything like what I got out of my previous set of Michelins I'll definitely be buying another set once this one is done for.”

Top themes
#budget friendly pricing#wet weather traction#fast treadwear#track durability concerns#ride comfort#cabin road noise#daily street driving

Based on 63 community posts

Tire B

Michelin Pilot Sport 4

Positive

The community widely regards the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 line as a premium upgrade offering exceptional dry and wet grip, precise handling, and superior ride comfort compared to OEM or run-flat tires. While celebrated for performance, users frequently discuss its high price tag, faster treadwear, and noticeable drop in EV efficiency. Some drivers also note increased road noise and reduced traction when temperatures drop near freezing.

r/JettaGLI ·59 upvotes ·2026-09-27

“Reminder: Tires are the key to this car Just replaced my Michelin Pilot Sport 4 AS tires with a new set ahead of the rainy season. Lasted 36K miles. It was the best mod to the car and a fresh set reminded just how good a brand new set is. The car is glued to the road, riding wonderfully smooth and quiet. Spend the money, get the best tires for you. The tune can wait. And it will need it.”

r/BoltEV ·5 upvotes ·2026-04-29

“Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires are noisy (a followup) I have been asked on this sub if the PS4 tires on my wife’s Bolt are noisy, and I wasn’t sure how to answer. Well, we made two 60-mile round trips this past weekend, mostly on highways with 55 and 70 mph speed limits, and I have to say that the tires are kind of noisy. Certainly not as quiet as EV-oriented tires are. The grip is fantastic, so we really like them. If you are sensitive to noise, though, these Max Performance class tires are probably not for you.”

f30.bimmerpost.com

“Quote: Originally Posted by weston.__ I will be going down the non-rft route, Pilot Sport 4. You're not the only one to say the ride quality with non-rft is a massive improvement and this is the reason why I will change once the time comes. I went from Bridgestone S001 RFT to 'go-flats' and have found the suppleness an obvious difference. Since I put the pressure to the mid point between the low and high load plated pressures I have yet to have any of the heartstopping thumps come through the suspension that the Bridgestone seemed prone to.”

Top themes
#Wet and dry grip#Run-flat replacement upgrade#Treadwear and longevity#Cold weather performance#Road noise and comfort#EV range and efficiency#Comparison to Continental tires

Based on 246 community posts

Specs side by side

Attribute A · Falken Azenis FK510 B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4
CategorySummerSummer
Vehicle typePassenger Car / CrossoverPassenger Car / Crossover
Sizes available9362
Rim diameters17″ – 22″16″ – 20″
Tread depth10/32″—
UTQG300 A A300 - 320 A - AA A
SidewallBlackwall—
Max pressure50 psi—
Sizes in common4545

Which one should you actually buy?

Falken Azenis FK510

Michelin Pilot Sport 4

Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 — better efficiency, comfort and dry. It leads or ties in every category we score.

Pick tire B You want lower fuel or energy use

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 76 vs 50 on efficiency.

Pick tire B You want the most comfortable ride

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 76 vs 56 on comfort.

Pick tire B You want the most grip on dry roads

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 87 vs 73 on dry.

Pick tire B You enjoy sharp, responsive handling

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 81 vs 72 on handling.

Pick tire A Your priority is wear

Falken Azenis FK510 won 2 of 3 shared wear tests.

Tire A · Falken Azenis FK510
Tire B · Michelin Pilot Sport 4

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Azenis FK510 or Pilot Sport 4?

Which is better in the wet, Azenis FK510 or Pilot Sport 4?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 89 vs 84 on our wet score.

Which grips better on dry roads, Azenis FK510 or Pilot Sport 4?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 87 vs 73 on our dry score.

Which is quieter, Azenis FK510 or Pilot Sport 4?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 70 vs 66 on our noise score.

Which is more comfortable, Azenis FK510 or Pilot Sport 4?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 76 vs 56 on our comfort score.

Which lasts longer, Azenis FK510 or Pilot Sport 4?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 71 vs 66 on our treadwear score.

Which rolls more easily, Azenis FK510 or Pilot Sport 4?

Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 76 vs 50 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