Comparison: Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 vs. Maxxis Victra Sport 5

In the world of high-performance summer tyres, two models that stand out are the Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 and the Maxxis Victra Sport 5. Manufactured by Pirelli and Maxxis respectively, these tyres have shown commendable performance in a variety of tests. Let's delve into their strengths and weaknesses, and how they stack up against each other.

The Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 secured an impressive rating of 85% from our experts. Renowned for its Dry Handling, Wet Braking, Wet Circle Cornering, and Aquaplaning - Longitudinal abilities, it has consistently ranked high in several tests. For instance, it bagged the 3rd position out of 50 tyres in the Autobild test, with specific praise for its Wet Handling and Aquaplaning abilities. In the ACE and SportAuto tests however, it took the modest 5th position out of 10 and 11 tyres respectively.

On the other hand, the Maxxis Victra Sport 5, manufactured in China, secured a rating of 69% from us. It performed best in terms like Wet Circle Cornering and secure driving behavior with short braking distances on wet and dry tracks, as noted in the Autobild 2021 test. However, it seemed to lag a bit in the tests, securing the 9th position out of 50 tyres in Autobild, 6th position in ACE, and 9th position in SportAuto. It is worth noting, though, that it didn't have a newer tyre replacing it.

Despite their strengths, both tyres also have their shortcomings. For the Pirelli P ZERO PZ4, its weak wet braking and increased rolling resistance was pointed out in the sportauto 2023 test. The price was also commented upon as being relatively high. The Maxxis Victra Sport, on the other hand, faced criticism for its average mileage and delayed steering response, as observed in the autobild 2023 test.

In conclusion, both the Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 and the Maxxis Victra Sport 5 carry their respective strong suits and weaknesses. The Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 dominates with excellent handling abilities both on dry and wet roads and is recommended for those who prioritize performance over cost. The Maxxis Victra Sport 5 though may not be a top-tier competitor, it still offers good safety margins for aquaplaning and a quiet performance. This makes it suitable for those who prefer value for money and a good balance of features in a tyre.