Author Topic: ZE-512 vs Proxes 4 (Read 2006 times)

855t · « **on:** April 27, 2005, 12:01:38 am »

Hi all, I'm currently running Falken ZE-512 205-50/16 on my Volvo 850T wagon. Overall, I'm quite happy with the tire in terms of ride comfort and low noise, performance is pretty decent in wet and dry. My only complaint is that they wear faster than their 360AA rating having logged over 30K kms on them with less than 15% tread life. I was told the tires were good to over 40K.

How does the Toyo Proxes 4 compare to the ZE-512 in terms of ride comfort, noise, performance and longetivity? Proxes is slightly more $ but wondering if it's worth the extra bucks.

Thanks!

855t · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2005, 01:13:47 am »

Forgot to add to the mix ... Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S. Thanks.

morty · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2005, 01:44:46 am »

First question is whether you rotated the tires regularly? Can mean a significant differnce in how long the tires will last. Also, how are the tires wearing? Are they smooth or do you have some irregular wear, which could be indicative of an alignment problem that can cause premature wear?

Proxes 4 is more of a sport tire with larger tread blocks offering better highspeed stability and cornering. Not quite as good wet capability as the 512, but still very good. Longevity will be fairly similar or perhaps even a little better. Overall Proxes 4 has been a good tire and receiving good reviews.

TireTrends - A Life Less Ordinary!

morty · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2005, 01:48:59 am »

Pirelli P-Zero has a far higher treadwear rating of 420 and will give you significantly longer life. Also offer good wet capability and if you are looking for something that maintains the speed rating, but last longer this is a good option. In this catagory you should also consider the BFG Traction T/A and Kumho Ecsta ASX.

TireTrends - A Life Less Ordinary!

855t · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2005, 02:12:05 am »

Hi Morty,

Thanks for your reply. The ZE-512s were rotated regularly at approx every 10K at the tire store it was purchased (the store offered free rotation for lifetime of the tire). I've also had the car aligned on all 4 corners when the tires where mounted and balanced. The wear is evident on the outer edges. At around 20K, the tire developed tire pull to the right.

Ride comfort, noise and safety are tops on my list followed by performance - so it seems the ZE-512 is a better overall tire than the Proxes 4. I asked about the Pirellis because they are getting rave review as an all-around tire over at Tire Rack (but a lot more $$$).

BTW, I am in BC and am considering purchasing my next set at your store. Do you offer free rotation for lifetime of the tires? Does your shop also have wheel alignment services?

Thanks!

morty · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2005, 02:35:47 am »

Your description of a tire pull developed after 20K could be the result of some impact. Could even be a nasty pot hole may have done more damage than you think. I would definitely consider getting things inspected.

The Pirelli is a very nice tire. More expensive, but when you factor in the better treadlife, on a cost per mile the Pirelli might come out a little ahead.

We do not have a shop, just mail order/internet. However, if you are in our neck of the woods more than welcome to pick your order up and save the freight. Just make sure you have an order in the system

TireTrends - A Life Less Ordinary!

855t · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2005, 12:39:04 pm »

Hi Morty,

Do the P-Zeros and Proxes 4s have a rim guard? The guard on the ZE-512 is quite beefy and has saved my rims on many occasions.

Also, how does the 3 tires stack up in light BC snow?

Thanks again.

morty · « **Reply #7 on:** April 28, 2005, 02:48:03 am »

All performance tires have the bead flange protector AKA rim guard. This is something that every manufacturer has now adopted. Some may be a little more heavy duty than others, but essentially the same thing. Can protect against minor bumps, but not bullet proof.

Snow....not something any of the 3 should be asked to deal with. Will not recommend any AS for snow use.

TireTrends - A Life Less Ordinary!

mis3 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 28, 2005, 08:14:08 pm »

I just put on a set of Pirelli Pzero Nero M&S and they are great. They are staggered with sizes 225-45-17 and 245-40-17.

The ride is quiet, comfortable and road holding is decent. Too early to tell about tread wear.

So far, I highly recommend them.

tjmx6 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 02, 2005, 12:06:12 pm »

I just turned over 10k km's on my ZE512's and they look and feel as good as new. Im surprised that after 30k you have so little left.
Granted I had mine rotated twice already...Once because I happen to be near where I had them installed even if I was early due..and the 2nd time when I just had a 4wheel alignment..and they rotated the tires as part of the alignment process. But stil, I would expect more that 30k on the tires.