Relative Score (0–100): the weighted average of the categories below, each 60% road tests and 40% owner reviews (comfort 40/60). Based on 21 + 31 road tests and 12,714 + 910 owner reviews. How we score
Pilot Sport 4 is ahead, 81–72
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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.”
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”
Relative Score per category, 0–100. Open “Why this score” for the tests and owner ratings behind it.
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Azenis FK510 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 20 / 28 tests | 89 | 73 |
| Reviews found online | 84 | 74 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) · 18 shared tests · wins 15–1 | 98% | 94% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) · 15 shared tests · wins 12–0 | 98% | 97% |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 6–0 | 92% | 70% |
| Safety (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 | 90% | 60% |
| Steering Response (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 | 100% | 67% |
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 89.3 + 40% × 83.9 = 87
Azenis FK510: 60% × 72.9 + 40% × 74.2 = 73
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Azenis FK510 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 20 / 29 tests | 92 | 88 |
| Reviews found online | 84 | 78 |
| Curved Aquaplaning (% of best) · 5 shared tests · wins 3–1 | 91% | 89% |
| Straight Aquaplaning (% of best) · 13 shared tests · wins 12–1 | 98% | 93% |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) (% of best) · 6 shared tests · wins 4–1 | 89% | 77% |
| Wet Lateral Stability (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 0–1 | 70% | 80% |
| Wet Braking (% of best) · 18 shared tests · wins 10–7 | 95% | 95% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) · 2 shared tests · wins 1–1 | 97% | 97% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) · 16 shared tests · wins 13–1 | 97% | 96% |
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 92.5 + 40% × 84.4 = 89
Azenis FK510: 60% × 88.4 + 40% × 77.9 = 84
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Azenis FK510 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | – | ≈ 62 (est.) |
| Reviews found online | – | 45 |
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).
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Azenis FK510 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 6 / 6 tests | 82 | 40 |
| Reviews found online | 72 | 67 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) (% of best) · 5 shared tests · wins 3–0 | 87% | 75% |
Pilot Sport 4: 40% × 81.6 + 60% × 71.7 = 76
Azenis FK510: 40% × 40.3 + 60% × 66.9 = 56
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Azenis FK510 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 13 / 18 tests | 73 | 66 |
| Reviews found online | ≈ 66 (est.) | 67 |
| Noise (% of best) · 12 shared tests · wins 6–4 | 99% | 98% |
| Exterior Noise (% of best) · 1 shared test · wins 1–0 | 90% | 70% |
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 73.2 + 40% × 66.4 (est.) = 70
Azenis FK510: 60% × 66 + 40% × 66.9 = 66
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.
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Azenis FK510 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 3 / 5 tests | 78 | 73 |
| Reviews found online | 60 | 54 |
| Wear (% of best) · 3 shared tests · wins 1–2 | 88% | 86% |
Pilot Sport 4: 60% × 78.1 + 40% × 59.5 = 71
Azenis FK510: 60% × 73.1 + 40% × 54.2 = 66
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Azenis FK510 |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews found online | 81 | 72 |
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Azenis FK510 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) · 14 / 19 tests | 76 | 50 |
| Rolling Resistance (% of best) · 13 shared tests · wins 11–2 | 91% | 85% |
| Category | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | Falken Azenis FK510 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 81 | 72 |
| Dry | 87 | 73 |
| Wet | 89 | 84 |
| Snow | – | 55 |
| Comfort | 76 | 56 |
| Noise | 70 | 66 |
| Treadwear | 71 | 66 |
| Handling (owners) | 81 | 72 |
| Efficiency | 76 | 50 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Only one of the two tires has a score here, so this weight changes nothing in the head-to-head.
Pilot Sport 4
Azenis FK510
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
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, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 finished ahead 22 times and Falken Azenis FK510 0 times.
| Discipline | Category | Pilot Sport 4 | Azenis FK510 | Δ | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 98% | 94% | +4.4 | 15–1 in 18 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 98% | 97% | +1.0 | 12–0 in 15 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Dry Handling (tester's mark) | Dry | 92% | 70% | +21.5 | 6–0 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Safety | Dry | 90% | 60% | +30.0 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Steering Response | Dry | 100% | 67% | +33.3 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Curved Aquaplaning | Wet | 91% | 89% | +1.2 | 3–1 in 5 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Straight Aquaplaning | Wet | 98% | 93% | +4.3 | 12–1 in 13 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 95% | 95% | +0.2 | 10–7 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 | 97% | 96% | +1.3 | 13–1 in 16 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Wet Handling (tester's mark) | Wet | 89% | 77% | +11.5 | 4–1 in 6 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Wet Lateral Stability | Wet | 70% | 80% | −10.0 | 0–1 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Comfort (tester's mark) | Comfort | 87% | 75% | +12.6 | 3–0 in 5 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Exterior Noise | Noise | 90% | 70% | +20.0 | 1–0 in 1 shared test Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
| Noise | Noise | 99% | 98% | +0.3 | 6–4 in 12 shared tests Newest: 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tyre Test · 235/35 R19 |
| Wear | Treadwear | 88% | 86% | +2.6 | 1–2 in 3 shared tests Newest: 2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 91% | 85% | +6.2 | 11–2 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 | 58% | 79% | −21.1 | 0–9 in 9 shared tests Newest: 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tyre Test · 235/35 R19 |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Cost | #16/20 | #6/20 | – | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Value | Cost | 64% | 87% | −22.7 | 0–2 in 2 shared tests Newest: 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 245/45 R18 |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | #7/9 | #8/9 | – | 22–0 in 22 shared tests Newest: 2022 AUTO Straßenverkehr Summer Tire Test R19 · 245/45R19 |
Themes extracted from owner reviews found online — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Based on 246 community posts
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.
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
Based on 63 community posts
| Attribute | A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | B · Falken Azenis FK510 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer | Summer |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | 62 | 93 |
| Rim diameters | 16″ – 20″ | 17″ – 22″ |
| Tread depth | — | 10/32″ |
| UTQG | 300 - 320 A - AA A | 300 A A |
| Sidewall | — | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | — | 50 psi |
| Sizes in common | 45 | 45 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Falken Azenis FK510
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 — better efficiency, comfort and dry. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 76 vs 50 on efficiency.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 76 vs 56 on comfort.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 87 vs 73 on dry.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 81 vs 72 on handling.
Falken Azenis FK510 won 2 of 3 shared wear tests.
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Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 89 vs 84 on our wet score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 87 vs 73 on our dry score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 70 vs 66 on our noise score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 76 vs 56 on our comfort score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 71 vs 66 on our treadwear score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4, 76 vs 50 on our efficiency score.
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
