Nitto NT555 G2 vs Atturo AZ850 DR tires

Premium Grip vs. Budget Brawler: Nitto NT555 G2 vs. Atturo AZ850 DR

Nitto is an enthusiast-centric brand and has a huge fan following among American enthusiasts. Its tires are specifically tuned for drivers who demand high functionality and aggressive style. The unique design aesthetics and advanced performance engineering make Nitto tires the most reliable choice for use on sports cars, luxury sedans, and high-performance vehicles.

Atturo, on the other hand, is known for its value-offering range of tires. This American tire manufacturer was founded in 2009 and focuses on offering tires for use on light trucks, SUVs, and performance cars. Atturo has remarkably progressed in a very short time span and offers high-quality tires that allow enthusiasts to experience sporty performance and heavy-duty utility without breaking the bank.

The Nitto NT555 G2 is a high-quality ultra-high-performance (UHP) summer tire that’s engineered to offer solid dry grip, confident cornering stability, and responsive highway handling. On the contrary, the Atturo AZ850 DR is a specialized drag radial UHP summer tire that offers exhilarating traction, great straight-line stability, and sporty track-day performance, especially when used on high-horsepower street or strip vehicles.

If you want need a reliable set of ultra-high-performance summer tires, this NT555 G2 vs AZ850 DR tires comparison will help you pick a better option based on your driving needs, preferences, and budget. Here, we will use our in-house tire rating system, SimpleScore, to understand each tire’s overall ability and its capability in areas like traction, handling, and longevity on a scale of 0-10.

Nitto NT555 G2 tires

The Nitto NT555 G2 is optimized to handle intense driving pressures when used on high-horsepower sports cars, muscle cars, and performance sedans. This tire comes with an aggressive directional tread design and features massive twin center ribs. Features like these ensure great straight-line stability. Likewise, it features reinforced construction and has the ability to provide shorter stopping distances. For spirited daily driving, the NT555 G2 stands as a great option for buyers.

Overall, the NT555 G2 scores an impressive 8.4 SimpleScore, thanks to its sporty handling, great traction, and longer service life.

Get Nitto NT555 G2 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Atturo AZ850 DR tires

The Atturo AZ850 DR is made specifically for drivers who want maximum acceleration, great summer traction on the street and during drag races, and comes with immense abilities to ensure impressive handling response. The tire is great when it comes to straight-line stability and has construction and footprint optimized for hard acceleration, reduced wheel spin, and good tracking stability at high speeds.

Overall, the AZ850 DR earns a solid 8.0 SimpleScore, thanks to its great steering response, admirable launch traction, and good service life.

Get Atturo AZ850 DR tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Nitto NT555 G2 vs Atturo AZ850 DR tires on traction

With the overviews of both tires covered, now let’s get into more details of these tires, starting with the comparative analysis of traction.

The NT555 G2 earns a solid 8.4 SimpleScore in traction. This tire features deep, high-void taper grooves to force water out of the contact patch, offering solid traction and grip in warm and wet conditions while also preventing hydroplaning. Likewise, the optimized rubber compound adapts smoothly to warm road surfaces, ensuring consistent grip on dry surfaces and wet roads.

On the other hand, the AZ850 DR scores an 8.0 SimpleScore for its solid traction performance. This drag radial features a specialized compound that is soft and optimized to improve dry track launches. However, in wet conditions, the tire’s lesser number of sipes might require extra attention to maintain grip.

In the traction race, it is the Nitto tire that takes the lead for its balanced grip and traction.

ADVANTAGE: Nitto NT555 G2

Nitto NT555 G2 vs Atturo AZ850 DR tires on handling

Let us now find out which of the two tires is better in handling and offers better control, stability, braking, steering response, and cornering in warmer weather conditions.

Starting with the NT555 G2, the tire offers a superior handling performance, securing a superb 8.8 SimpleScore. Thanks to its massive twin center ribs, the structural stiffness is increased for great steering precision and confident straight-line stability. The outer shoulders of the tire are reinforced with large blocks to provide confident cornering.

On the other hand, the AZ850 DR is rated an 8.2 SimpleScore for its reliable handling performance. The center ribs are tuned for straight-line tracking and seamless maneuvering at higher speeds. Since the tire is made for drag competitions, it features a more flexible carcass to provide solid launches. The wider footprint of this Atturo tire additionally contributes to increased stability and better confidence behind the wheel.

In the handling battle, it is the Nitto tire yet again that surpasses the Atturo tire.

ADVANTAGE: Nitto NT555 G2

Nitto NT555 G2 vs Atturo AZ850 DR tires on longevity

Long-lasting ability of the tire corresponds directly to the value drivers get from their tires. Therefore, we will find out the better tire in terms of controlling wear and covering more miles in this section.

Commencing with the NT555 G2, the tire is rated an 8.1 SimpleScore for its admirable wear resistance and long-lasting ability. The use of a high-rigidity compound resists heat generation for continuous fast maneuvers. The flat contact patch of the tire evenly distributes driving pressures for longer and even wear.

Contrarily, the AZ850 DR is rated an 8.0 in the longevity area. This street-legal drag radial comes with an ultra-soft compound that focuses on offering higher traction than lasting wear. However, it has the strength and durability to handle heavy performance vehicle weights and can evenly distribute pressure for a good service life.

Both tires showcase good performance in wear resistance; however, the Nitto tire again wins the battle, securing a 3-0 clear win!

ADVANTAGE: Nitto NT555 G2

When to use each

Both the NT555 G2 and the AZ850 DR are UHP summer tires suitable for use in temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This means these tires should not be considered for driving in cold weather, or for use on snow or ice. While the Nitto tire is a daily-drivable ultra-high-performance summer tire and can be used during street drives and highway cruises in shine and rain, the Atturo tire is a drag radial for dry track days, drag racing events, and limited street driving.

As far as rim sizes are concerned, the NT555 G2 is available in 17- to 22-inch rim options, while the AZ850 DR is offered in 15- to 20-inch rim sizes.

Which one should you choose?

Looking at the overall SimpleScore, the NT555 G2 is a slightly better choice than the AZ850 DR (8.4 vs 8.0). However, your selection of tires should be based on whether you need a street-dominating tire or a drag strip performer.

Looking at the prices, the NT555 G2 is offered at a starting price of at least $166 per tire, while the AZ850 DR is available at a higher starting price of at least $276. This means a set of the NT555 G2 tires will cost you at least $664, and a set of the AZ850 DR will cost you at least $1104.

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Nitto NT555 G2 if you:

• Drive a vehicle like the Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Corvette, or BMW 3 Series.
• Need a tire that’s better in handling (8.8 vs 8.2).
• Need a tire that’s better in traction (8.4 vs 8.0).
• Need a tire that’s better in longevity (8.1 vs 8.0).
• Need a tire that’s an overall versatile performer and more affordable.

On the other hand, you should consider the Atturo AZ850 DR if you:

• Drive a vehicle like the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, or Volkswagen Golf GTI.
• Need a tire that offers maximum dry launch traction and superior cornering performance.
• Need a tire that’s specially optimized for drag strip or street-legal racing suitability.
• Are comfortable paying more to buy a punchy drag radial.

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.