Falken Azenis FK450 A/S vs Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) tires

Falken tires and Kenda tires are two popular tire manufacturers known for their range of reliable, and affordable set of tires. Kenda tires was founded in 1983 in Japan and is a member of the Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc. The brand is currently headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and originated as a high-performance radial tire brand. Kenda, on the other hand, was founded in 1962 and is based in Taiwan. Kenda focuses on offering superb quality tires for different vehicle fitments. Both brands offer tires in various categories including all-season, all-weather, all-terrain, UHP, winter, highway, and so on.

UHP all-season tires are designed for the drivers of sports, and performance cars who also want their tire to deliver high-performance in dry, wet, and light winter weather conditions when driving at high speeds. We will take a look at two UHP all-season tires from the brands - Falken Azenis FK450 A/S vs Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400). We will discuss a few similarities and differences between these two tires to help you understand the better fit for you in this Falken Azenis FK450 A/S vs Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) tire comparison.

Falken Azenis FK450 A/S tires

The Falken Azenis FK450 A/S is an ultra-high-performance tire with all-season tread that is designed for use on premium sport coupes and sedans to offer excellent handling, and all-season traction. The tire features long grooves, tread notches, and a symmetrical tread pattern to deliver great performance paired with a 50,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.

Based on SimpleScore the Falken Azenis FK450 A/S scored an average SimpleScore of 8.1 out of 10.

Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) tires

The Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) is an ultra-high-performance tire with an all-season tread that’s designed for use on passenger and performance-oriented vehicles to offer great year-round traction, crisp handling, and improved stability. The tire features 3D sipes, a silica-rich rubber compound, an innovative tread design with a low void ratio, and other tire elements paired with a 50,000 miles mileage warranty.

Thanks to these features, the Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) scored an average SimpleScore of 8.3 out of 10.

Falken Azenis FK450 A/S vs Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) tires on traction

Maintaining traction is essential for keeping a secure grip on the road in any weather, ensuring you stay in control while driving. It's a key factor in road safety, affecting your braking distance, the tire's resistance to hydroplaning, and your overall ability to maneuver. The amount of traction a tire provides depends on various factors, such as its tread design, pattern, and the type of rubber used. These components work together to maximize performance.

The Falken Azenis FK450 A/S scored an impressive score of 9 out of 10 in traction thanks to the long grooves that boost driving performance on wet surfaces and tread notches that help minimize any traction loss.

In traction, the Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) scored a great score of 8.4 thanks to the 3D sipes that boost traction in wet and light winter conditions paired with a low void ratio tread design towards the shoulder that improves traction in dry weather and high void ration toward inboard side for improved wet grip.

While both tires offer great traction, the Falken tire takes the win here with a significantly higher SimpleScore.

ADVANTAGE: Falken Azenis FK450 A/S

Falken Azenis FK450 A/S vs Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) tires on handling

When selecting tires, prioritizing handling is essential, as it greatly impacts your control over the vehicle, especially at higher speeds. Excellent handling allows for smooth maneuvering and effortless lane changes, improving your overall driving experience. This critical aspect is influenced by various factors, including tread design, the type of rubber used, and the incorporation of advanced technology in tire manufacturing.

In handling, the Falken Azenis FK450 A/S scored an impressive score of 9.4 thanks to the symmetrical tread pattern and tread notches that ensure easy shifting between straight-line driving and turning.

The Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) scored a great score of 8.4 in handling as well thanks to the network of 3D sipes with an asymmetrical tread pattern that helps optimize cornering and turning performance.

In handling, the Falken tire takes the lead while the Kenda tire also offers reliable, and responsive handling.

ADVANTAGE: Falken Azenis FK450 A/S

Falken Azenis FK450 A/S vs Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) tires on longevity

Tire longevity is a top priority for drivers because it directly affects the number of miles a set of tires can cover. As the tread wears down, the importance of durable tires becomes evident, ensuring consistent handling and traction. The lifespan of a tire is determined by factors such as tread design, rubber composition, and tire construction.

In longevity, the Falken Azenis FK450 A/S scored a good score of 7 which is less than that of traction and longevity but expected from an ultra-high-performance tire. However, what the tire might lack in longevity, it makes up with a mileage warranty of 50,000 miles.

The Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) takes the lead in longevity with a great score of 8.2 paired with 50,000 mile mileage warranty, thanks to the silica-rich tread formulation and a wear-resistant rubber compound.

In longevity, the Kenda tire takes the win with a much better SimpleScore.

ADVANTAGE: Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400)

When to use each

As both Falken Azenis FK450 A/S and Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) are UHP all-season tires, they can be used on passenger and performance-oriented vehicles in dry, wet, and light winter weather conditions. However, as these tires are not Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, they should not be used in moderate to severe winter weather conditions. To combat winters with dependable traction, you can always go with a set of winter tires.

Which one should you choose?

So which UHP all-season tire might be the right fit for you? Well, the answer depends solely on your personal preference. Both tires have their set of advantages and disadvantages as mentioned above. The Falken tire offers better traction, and handling performance, while the Kenda tire offers considerably better longevity.

The Falken Azenis FK450 A/S is an older-generation tire replaced by Faken Azenis FK460 A/S. So if you have an older generation vehicle and want a more affordable set of tires without worrying about longevity, the Azenis FK450 A/S might be a great fit for you. Otherwise, you can consider the FK460 A/S or the Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400).

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Falken Azenis FK450 A/S if you:

• Drive a car like the 2015 BMW X3, or a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
• Want a tire with better traction (9 v 8.4), and handling (9.4 v 8.4)
• Drive an older vehicle

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose Kenda Vezda UHP A/S (KR400) if you:

• Drive a car like the 2016 BMW 528i or something like the 2018 Ferrari 812 Sueperfast
• Want a tire with better overall SimpleScore (8.3 v 8.1) and longevity (8.2 v 7)

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.