Both the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 and the Cinturato P7 are max performance summer tires. The PZ4 offers better traction on both dry and wet roads due to its compact shoulder design, narrower grooves, and frequent sipes. Whereas the hydroplaning resistance of P7 is marvelous due to its wider grooves which results in a higher void ratio.
With more detail discussion, we understand why its like that.
Table of Contents
Comparing Pirelli P Zero PZ4 with Cinturato P7
Pirelli P zero PZ4
Pirelli Cinturato P7
The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 features an asymmetrical tread design along with narrower grooves, providing a higher contact patch, therefore, drivers get an excellent grip on dry roads. In addition to this, the optimized shoulders of the tire boost its handling under dry conditions. The traction of these tires on a wet road is enhanced by the frequent siping.
Other than that, its rolling resistance is also lower than its competitor even with the higher contact patch. Due to the lower rolling resistance, the fuel efficiency of these tires is higher. Not only this, but the lower rolling resistance also makes the PZ4 more durable as its tread wears out quicker. The only area where the PZ4 lacks in performance is its hydroplaning resistance. The narrow grooves are not effective when it comes to the evacuation of the water.
P7 Features a higher void ratio as compared to the PZ4, reducing its contact patch, hence, its on-road dry and wet grip. Its shoulders are also not optimized which reduces its handling capabilities in both dry and wet conditions. On the other hand, the hydroplaning resistance of this tire is excellent. However, this comes at the cost of its traction. On the brighter side, these tires cost a lot less as compared to their opponent.
Grip Comparison
The grip is dependent on the contact between the surface of the road and the tread. Here, the PZ4 features narrower grooves as compared to the P7. Therefore, its contact patch would be higher too and its performance would be better on roads. When we compared both the tires, we found out that the braking distance of the PZ4 is shorter than the P7. This is what makes it a better option on dry roads. However, when it comes to wet traction, the sipes also play a major role in addition to the contact patch of the tire. The PZ4 is surrounded by numerous sipes and circumferential grooves. As a result, these tires are capable of offering excellent grip on wet roads as well. Moreover, the tire’s wet braking distance is also shorter than the P7. So, overall, the PZ4 offers a far better grip than its competitor.
In the case of the P7, its contact patch is lower as compared to the PZ4. That’s because it has wider grooves, therefore, its braking distance is also higher than its competitor. Other than that, the sipes on the shoulders and central block are also lesser. These sipes are not as efficient when compared to the Pirelli P Zero. As a result, its stability on wet and dry roads is compromised.
Handling Comparison
The PZ4 displays remarkable handling capabilities due to its amazing shoulders. The tire features narrower grooves on its shoulders and central parts, leading to a higher contact patch. This in turn results in amazing traction on dry roads. Furthermore, the asymmetric tread pattern of the tire enhances its traction on dry tracks more. The same is the case with wet roads. The power sipes along with the higher contact patch of its shoulders increase its wet handling.
The Cinturato P7 also did a pretty good job with its shoulders as it was only a bit behind the PZ4 on both dry and wet tracks. The reason that it loses to its competitor in terms of handling is due to the design of its shoulder blocks and fewer sipes. The farther placed blocks are unable to maintain traction and as a result, the contact patch decreases. This hinders the tire’s dry handling. Also, its shoulder blocks lack decent siping, resulting in lower wet handling too.
Comparison of Hydroplaning Resistance
The hydroplaning resistance of the PZ4 is not that effective and it is one of the few factors that disappoint the drivers, even though the wet handling of these tires is good. The culprit here for the low hydroplaning resistance seems to be the narrower grooves of the tire.
On the other hand, the hydroplaning resistance of the Cinturato is much better in comparison. That’s because these tires have more prominent grooves. As a result, more volume of water can pass through them and the drivers get a much better drive on flooded roads.
Comparison of Rolling Resistance
The energy that is required by tires to maintain consistent speed over a surface is known as rolling resistance. The PZ4 has much more rolling resistance due to its higher contact, increasing the vehicle’s fuel consumption as a larger quantity of fuel will be used to rotate the tires.
The Cinturato P7 provides ample value when it comes to rolling resistance due to its lower contact patch. The fuel efficiency is also quite good.
Durability & Treadwear
When it comes to durability and treadwear, the Pirelli PZ4 has a longer tread life as compared to the Cinturato P7 even with higher rolling resistance. These tires are manufactured using special silica and carbon black tread compound. This is what makes them highly flexible as compared to the other tires out there. Owing to its great flexibility and high tread elasticity, it is durable even in rough road conditions and high temperatures. Not only this, but it will not wear out in tough conditions as well. This is what gives these tires a long life. The RUN FLAT tires used by Pirelli in its manufacturing mean safety. Thus, these tires provide greater control during an emergency and allow the driver to drive safely even when there is a rapid loss of inflation pressure.
Talking about the P7, its tread wears out quickly as compared to its competitor. That’s because the rolling resistance of these tires is higher. Since its tread is softer than the PZ4, it will wear out quicker. This will not only decrease the tire’s durability but will also provide it with low mileage.
Price
Even though the PZ4 is on the pricey side, it has a quite impressive traction and offers fuel efficiency along with higher durability. However, if you are in search of something that offers a higher hydroplaning resistance, then the P7 is worth considering.
Summary
- Both the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 and the Cinturato P7 are summer tires.
- The dry and wet traction of the PZ4 is better.
- The Cinturato P7 has better hydroplaning resistance.
- The rolling resistance of PZ4 is higher.
- P7’s tread wears out quickly as compared to the PZ4, even with lower rolling resistance.
- PZ4 costs are lower than P7.
