Comparison: Pirelli P ZERO vs. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 K117 vs. Maxxis Premitra HP5

Pirelli P ZERO vs Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 K117 is a classic head-to-head among UHP summer tyres aimed at sporty road use. The P ZERO comes from Pirelli (made in Italy) and the Ventus S1 Evo 2 K117 from Hankook. Both target high grip and precise handling, but their test records reveal different character strengths.

Summary of test results across 9 mutual comparisons: it’s extremely close. Hankook finished ahead in 5 out of 9 shared tests (Gute-Fahrt, ACE, Auto Motor und Sport, Sportscars, Autoexpress), showing consistent upper-midfield pace. Pirelli placed higher in 4 of 9 (Auto Bild, ADAC, GTÜ, Sportauto) and crucially delivered two test wins (Auto Bild and sport auto). Looking at overall balance, the Pirelli achieved a slightly better average ranking, while the Hankook more often edged the direct head-to-head. This means: the P ZERO brings peak performance; the Ventus S1 Evo 2 K117 brings consistent competitiveness.

Where Pirelli P ZERO shines: In Auto Bild, the P ZERO won thanks to standout results in dry braking, wet braking, wet handling and wet circle. ACE also highlighted it for dry driving behavior, dry braking and objective wet handling. This aligns with its reputation for immediate steering and high peak grip. It also scored strongly in ADAC (3/16) and GTÜ (4/14), and clinched the win in sport auto (1/7). The trade-off is variability: it slipped down the order in some tests (e.g., 7/10 in Gute-Fahrt and 6/9 in Sportscars), indicating its performance can depend on size, test car or test focus.

Where Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 K117 shines: ACE praised the K117 for dry driving behavior, wet braking and notably exterior noise—pointing to a more refined, balanced setup. It regularly finished near the front (3/8 in Auto Motor und Sport, 2/9 in Sportscars, 4/11 in Autoexpress), and beat the Pirelli in more direct matchups overall. One low point was GTÜ (9/14), but otherwise the Hankook rarely put a foot wrong, making it a reliably strong all-rounder.

• Pirelli P ZERO – Key strengths: Best-in-test braking (dry and wet), excellent wet handling/cornering, sharp steering, multiple wins/podiums.


• Pirelli P ZERO – Potential drawbacks: Performance variability across tests; not always the quietest/most comfort-oriented option.


• Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 K117 – Key strengths: Consistent placements, balanced dry/wet performance, low exterior noise, strong handling composure.


• Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 K117 – Potential drawbacks: Fewer outright wins; one notably lower finish (GTÜ).

Which tyre is better overall? If your priority is ultimate grip and braking excellence, the Pirelli P ZERO edges it with more peak results and two victories. If you value a more consistent, refined all-round performance with competitive results in most scenarios, the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 K117 is the safer, more predictable choice. In short: Pirelli for sportiest stopping and wet prowess; Hankook for balance, noise comfort and steady scoring.

Replacement status: At the time of writing, neither model is marked as replaced by a newer tyre on our site.

Explore full specs, sizes and test details: Pirelli P ZERO and Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 K117.