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Last updated 10/24/2024 - Originally published 10/24/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Founded in 1931 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Bridgestone is the second-largest tire manufacturer with a presence in more than 150 countries. It offers tires for passenger cars, SUVs, CUVs, light trucks, EVs, OTR applications, farm equipment, and commercial vehicles.
Falken is also a Japan-based tire manufacturer, and has been active since 1983. Although not as popular as Bridgestone, Falken still has a strong fan base in the US and sells tires for passenger cars, light trucks, CUVs, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and trailers.
Both of these manufacturers have dedicated tires in the ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season category. The two famous UHP all-season tires offered by these manufacturers are the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ and the Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S. Let’s compare them and find out which of these two tires better matches your driving preferences, using our proprietary tire rating system SimpleScore.
In this Potenza RE980AS+ vs Ziex ZE960 A/S tires comparison, we will analyze the traction, handling, and longevity performances along with other important attributes of these tires. So, read on and find the perfect match for your drive!
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ tires
Launched in 2021, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is made for use on sedans, coupes, sports cars, EVs, and hybrids. This ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season tire comes with year-round driving ability and offers the essential punch of performance that enthusiasts crave. Its braking performance, handling response, and road gripping ability in dry, wet, and light wintry conditions are admirable. Bridgestone has also introduced features and technologies that boost solid snow traction, ensure optimum hydroplaning resistance, and offer excellent stability. Additionally, you get the Potenza RE980AS+ backed by warranty coverage, which we will discuss later during the longevity analysis in this comparison.
Overall, the Potenza RE980AS+ is awarded an outstanding 9.5 SimpleScore rating on a scale of 10 because of its excellent traction, superior handling, and longer tread life.
Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S tires
The Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S was introduced in October 2019 and this ultra-high-performance all-season tire optimized to offer exceptional performance and responsive handling year-round. There are features incorporated to boost snow traction and smooth rides, and likewise, the overall design and structure of the tire ensures enhanced controllability. The compound of the Ziex ZE960 A/S increases grip in wet, snow, and icy conditions, and there is a tread life warranty coverage that eases the ownership experience.
Overall, the Ziex ZE960 A/S scores an impressive 8.5 out of 10 SimpleScore rating, thanks to its longer tread life, responsive handling, and solid traction.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S tires on traction
Let’s commence the comparison of Potenza RE980AS+ and Ziex ZE960 A/S tires with the traction analysis that defines the tires ability to maintain surefootedness and offer motion to the vehicle with its biting ability.
The Potenza RE980AS+ scores a whopping 9.9 SimpleScore rating in traction, which means it is loaded with many impressive abilities to deliver suitable performance in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. The advanced ultra-high compound boosts traction performance in these conditions and the see-through void and open shoulder slots prevent hydroplaning by evacuation water out of the footprint. Thanks to the detailed sipes present on the tread, the Potenza RE980AS+ helps maintain a commanding grip and traction in wet and light snow conditions.
On the contrary, the Ziex ZE960 A/S scores an 8.4 SimpleScore rating in traction, which means the tire can deliver a decent level of traction performance year-round. The tire sports patented Canyon Groove Technology, which improves driving in light snow conditions, while the new-gen silica tread compound is optimized to maintain flexibility in low temperatures for improved contact with the surface. The tread of the tire features Flask Siping and wider grooves for improved water evacuation and hydroplaning resistance.
Comparing the traction scores of both tires, we found the Potenza tires to be better than the Ziex tires.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S tires on handling
Handling is another important area that gives a glimpse of a tire’s controllability and defines how better a tire can respond to lane changes and cornering pressures, alongside maintaining optimum stability and braking efficiency. So, let’s find out how are these Bridgestone and Falken tires on the handling front!
The Potenza RE980AS+ also surprises with a higher 9.9 SimpleScore rating in handling and gets an innovative tread pattern featuring 3D full-depth sipes and chamfered slots for improved braking and sharp handling in dry and wet conditions. The advanced rubber compound boosts its steering response ability in light snow conditions. The footprint is wider, which means the stability at high speeds and cornering performance won’t be an issue with a set of Potenza tires installed. The rubber compound is optimized to handle faster accelerations and the ribs and overall tread block arrangement contribute to quicker lane changes.
Contrarily, the Ziex ZE960 A/S scores an 8.6 SimpleScore rating in handling. The optimized tread pattern rigidity and robust construction assure dynamic handling performance, and similarly, Canyon Groove Technology boosts braking performance in light snow conditions. The exclusive silica compound provides controllability year-round and then, there is Flask Siping that adds to the braking performance of the tire. The unique tread with solid shoulder and dual ribs helps the tire maneuver better at higher speeds and even helps corner better.
Looking at the scores of the Ziex and Potenza tires, we would say that the Potenza RE980AS+ is way ahead with a higher rating, but the Ziex ZE960 A/S isn’t on the negative side though but doesn’t surpass the competitor.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S tires on longevity
Longevity is also an important factor during tire purchase as it is related to the tire’s ability to serve in the long run and cover a decent number of miles. Less scoring in the longevity area means the tire isn’t as great as its peer on the longevity front. So, let’s check that out!
The UHP all-season tires are designed more for performance and longevity is more like a bonus if that’s good in such a tire. Similar is the case with the Potenza RE980AS+ which earns a respectable 8.8 SimpleScore rating in longevity, which means these tires can cover a good number of miles. Bridgestone has also backed the tire with 50,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty, highlighting the tire’s ability to serve longer. The solid rubber compound and new-gen tread pattern allow the tire to absorb driving pressures and accelerations and the reinforced inner construction prevents irregular wear by holding the tire’s shape in the long run. Likewise, the flat footprint of the Potenza tire assures even wear for longer use.
On the other hand, the Ziex ZE960 A/S isn’t way behind in the race and scores an 8.7 SimpleScore rating. It is also covered by a higher 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. This tread life warranty underlines the tire’s ability to cover a good number of miles and not wearing too early. The optimized pattern rigidity and robust construction of the Ziex ZE960 A/S increase its ability to withstand driving pressures and control the wear rate, while the rubber compound absorbs the vibrations for additional long-lasting use.
On the longevity front, the Potenza tires marginally beat the Ziex tires because of a slightly higher score.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
When to use each
Both, the Potenza RE980AS+ and the Ziex ZE960 A/S are built and designed for year-round traction and grip in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. These tires are more for performance seekers rather than traditional all-season tire buyers, who look for tires for year-round use. Simply put, if performance and high-speed stability are not your focus areas, switch to all-season tires. Likewise, if you need tires to drive on thick snow or ice, winter tires should be your preferred choice. It is to be noted that none of these tires are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified and are not suitable for use in moderate to severe winter conditions.
While the Potenza RE980AS+ is suitable for use on sedans and sports cars having wheels in the rim size range of 17- to 20-inch, the Ziex ZE960 A/S can be used on coupes and sedans that have wheels ranging between 15- to 20-inch rim sizes. Additionally, these tires are engineered for use on paved roads and should be considered for driving on off-road or rough driving conditions.
Which one should you choose?
Looking at SimpleScore of both tires, we found that the Potenza RE980AS+ tires were ahead of the Ziex ZE960 A/S tires with a higher overall rating of 9.5 vs 8.5. However, both tires are different from each other and have their own attributes that must be considered before making a purchase.
Price-wise, the Potenza RE980AS+ is offered at a starting price of at least $176.99 per tire, while the Ziex ZE960 A/S comes at a starting price of at least $81.00 per tire. This means, a set of four Potenza tires will cost you at least $707.96, while a set of four Ziex ZE960 A/S tires will cost you at least $324.00.
Based on SimpleScore, you should prefer the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ if you:
- Drive a compact premium sedan like the BMW 3 Series, a small sedan like the Chevrolet Cruze, a premium mid-size sedan like the Jaguar XF, or an all-electric car like the Telsa Model 3
- Need tires that offer better traction (9.9 vs 8.4)
- Want tires that offer better handling (9.9 vs 8.6)
- Need long-lasting tires (8.8 vs 8.7)
- Are comfortable paying extra to buy a better tire for your drive
On the other hand, you should choose the Ziex ZE960 A/S if you:
- Drive a compact luxury sedan like the Lexus IS, a luxury mid-size car like the Acura TLX, or a mid-size sedan like the Mazda 6
- Need tires that come with a better tread life warranty
- Need tires that are performance-worthy but affordable
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.