Menu

Pirelli P Zero - Test Results

Test Statistics

36

Tests Completed

4th

Average Position

1st

Best Result

25th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Pirelli P Zero - Official Image

Across 35 summer-focused tests, the Pirelli P Zero delivers consistently strong dynamic performance with numerous podiums and several overall wins, especially in the early-to-mid 2010s, and a standout complete package in 2015-2016. It regularly excels in dry and wet handling/braking shootouts and subjective driving feel, securing test wins (e.g., 2015 Sport Auto, 2012 EVO, 2012 Sport Auto, 2011 Auto Zeitung) and frequent top-3 finishes. However, results are more mixed in later large comparative braking tests (e.g., 2020 Auto Bild braking), and it underperforms in efficiency, noise, value, and aquaplaning versus class leaders.

Overall, the P Zero is a performance-led tyre prioritizing grip, precision, and wet capability over rolling resistance and cost metrics. It's best for drivers seeking engaging dynamics and strong wet/dry control, with trade-offs in economy and comfort-related categories.

Performance Strengths
  • Dry Performance (Braking/Handling/Laptime) Strong
    • 1st place dry handling 2019 Auto Bild (118 km/h, 1/20)
    • Fastest dry laptime noted 2010 Sport Auto (235/35 R19)
    • Multiple podiums: 2015 EVO 3/10 with class-leading dry lap feel
    • 2014 EVO 2/10 overall with strong dynamics
    • 2011 Sport Auto 2/7 citing only slight steering precision gap to PSS
  • Wet Performance (Braking/Handling Overall Balance) Strong
    • 3rd wet braking and 3rd wet handling 2019 Auto Bild (28.9 m; 75.7 km/h)
    • 2015 Sport Auto overall win driven by strong wet result ('Very recommended')
    • 2011 Auto Zeitung win credited to incredibly high wet grip
  • Overall Test Competitiveness/Awards Strong
    • Overall wins: 2015 Sport Auto 1/7; 2012 EVO 1/10; 2012 Sport Auto 1/9; 2011 Auto Zeitung 1/14; 2010 Auto Zeitung 1/9
    • Frequent podiums: 2014 EVO 2/10; 2011 Auto Bild 2/10; 2011 Sport Auto 2/7; 2010 Auto Bild 2/6; 2010 EVO 3/9
  • Subjective Handling/Steering Feel Strong
    • 2015 EVO praised for class-leading dry lap times and feel (P Zero comeback)
    • 2010 Auto Express notes superior steering precision and grip vs peers
    • 2014 EVO highlights dynamic strengths
Performance Weaknesses
  • Efficiency and Operating Costs (Rolling Resistance/Value/Wear) Strong
    • 2019 Auto Bild Rolling Resistance 16/20 (+37.1% from best)
    • 2019 Auto Bild Value 20/20 (+89.5% from best) and Price 18/20 (+51.7% from best)
    • 2019 Auto Bild Wear 14/20 (+33.8% from best)
  • Noise/Comfort Moderate
    • 2019 Auto Bild Noise 18/20 (+3.1% from best)
    • 2019 Auto Bild Subjective Comfort 11/20 (+33.3% from best)
  • Aquaplaning Resistance Moderate
    • 2019 Auto Bild Straight Aquaplaning 14/20 (+7.4% from best)
  • Consistency in Large Braking Shootouts Moderate
    • 2020 Auto Bild braking overall 25/49 with wet braking 28/49 (+20.6% from best) and dry braking 16/49 (+8.4% from best)
Performance Over Time

Test History

25
of 49
2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test

2020
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4

View Test
8
of 20
2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test

2019
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4

Recommended.
Strong:
Dry Handling
Weak:
Value
View Test
4
of 45
2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout

2019
Winner: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5

View Test
5
of 10
2018 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test

2018
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 6

View Test
7
of 11
2018 Ace 235/45 R18 Summer Tyre Test

2018
Winner: Falken Azenis FK510

View Test
7
of 9
2016 EVO Summer Performance Tyre Test

2016
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 6

The previous generation Pirelli P Zero performed excellently in the wet lap time, but struggled in the dry both objectively and subjectively with the tyre dropping off be nearly one second between ...
View Test
2
of 9
2016 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test

2016
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4

View Test
6
of 13
2016 Test World Performance Tyre Test

2016
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

View Test
4
of 8
2016 Sport Auto UHP Summer Tyre Test

2016
Winner: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3

Recommended
View Test
4
of 14
2016 GTU Performance Summer Tyre Test

2016
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

Highly Recommended
View Test
3
of 16
2016 ADAC Tyre Test - 225/45 R17

2016
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

View Test
3
of 10
2015 EVO Magazine Performance Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

The P Zero managed to combine best in test wet braking, with the third fastest dry times, earning it third place overall.
View Test
5
of 11
2015 Auto Express Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

The Pirelli P Zero won the test back in 2008, which makes it the oldest pattern on test. Naturally there have been updates to the tyre during its life, and they show. In the top 3 for all the handl...
View Test
2
of 9
2015 Auto Review Summer Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

The only UHP tyre included (we're not sure we agree, the Conti is a UHP tyre), Auto Review included it to highlight the differences between touring and performance tyres. Naturally, the P Zero h...
View Test
4
of 5
2015 Top 5 Summer Performance Tyres

2015
Winner: Michelin Pilot Super Sport

View Test
1
of 7
2015 Sport Auto 235/35 R19 UHP Tyre Test

2015

View Test
2
of 14
2015 AZ 225/40 R18 Summer Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

View Test
2
of 10
2014 EVO Max Performance Summer Tyre Test

2014
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

Whilst being a relatively old pattern, the updated P Zero put in a very strong performance in the key wet and dry handling tests. Often the only tyre to get close to the Continental in outright grip
View Test
3
of 11
2014 ACE Summer Tyre Test

2014
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

View Test
9
of 10
2013 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

Ninth place for the P Zero, test winner in 2008, shows how quickly the premium tyres develop. The P Zero still felt planted in the wet with no rear movement, and scored well in wet braking and corn...
View Test
7
of 10
2013 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Dunlop SportMaxx RT

While the P Zero pattern is starting to show its age, it's still an excellent wet weather tyre. Quick steering with lots of feedback in the dry leaves the Mercedes a little twitchy at the limit. Av...
View Test
1
of 10
2012 EVO Summer Tyre Test

2012

Overall the P Zero demonstrated a consistently strong showing in all the tests, other than rolling resistance where it finished last
View Test
1
of 9
2012 Sport Auto Summer Tyre Test

2012

Sensitive steering, but also very agile and very neutral on the limit - this is the Pirelli P Zero on both wet and dry surfaces. Couple that with extremely strong braking, the P Zero wins the test....
View Test
5
of 10
2012 EVO Max Performance Tyre Test

2012
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 3

Slightly ahead of the Bridgestone, the Pirelli P Zero offered a good all round performance - not the best in any test but usually in the top half in every test.
View Test
3
of 10
2011 Auto Express Ultra High Performance Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

The Pirelli P Zero just missed out on the top spot due to a high rolling resistance and average dry lap pace - however the P Zero was the clear winner in the wet tests, half a second quicker than t...
View Test
8
of 11
2011 AMS Ultra High Performance Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Nokian V

No comments
View Test
4
of 4
2011 Tirerack Max Performance Summer Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Michelin Pilot Super Sport

An older but still capable tire that can't quite match the capability of newer tires
View Test
2
of 7
2011 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Michelin Pilot Super Sport

The Pirelli P Zero is an excellent all round tyre with very balanced scoring and handling.
View Test
2
of 9
2011 Autoreview Max Performance Summer Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Continental ContiSportContact 5 P

While the P Zero is now 5 years old, a second second place proves Pirelli are doing a great job of keeping it up to date. It's raw grip in the wet and dry topped the tables, with its only negative ...
View Test
2
of 10
2011 Autobild Max Performance Summer Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Hankook Ventus S1 evo

View Test
1
of 14
2011 Auto Zeitung Max Performance Tyre Test

2011

Outstanding in the wet and great in the dry, the sport P Zero convinces and deserves to win the test
View Test
3
of 9
2010 EVO FWD Tyre Test

2010
Winner: Continental ContiSportContact 5 P

View Test
6
of 11
2010 Auto Express Ultra High Performance Tyre Test

2010
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 3

View Test
4
of 11
2010 Sport Auto Ultra High Performance Tyre Test

2010
Winner: Bridgestone Potenza S001

View Test
2
of 6
2010 Auto Bild Ultra High Performance Tyre Test

2010
Winner: Continental ContiSportContact 5 P

View Test
1
of 9
2010 Auto Zeitung Ultra High Performance Summer Tyre Test

2010

View Test