A nonlinear dynamic contrastive analysis of face-gear drive with and without pinion tip relief is studied. Firstly, a 2-DOF lumped parameter dynamic model of face-gear drive, considering contact characteristics, backlash, time-varying mesh stiffness, is developed and the dynamic equations are deduced. Secondly, the mesh characteristics along the line of action are obtained by applying tooth contact analysis, and the time-varying mesh stiffness is calculated by using the FEA method. Finally, the dynamic equations are solved by using Runge-Kutta numerical integral method. By comparison of three cases of pinion tip relief on dynamic response, it is found that under the condition of pinion tip relief, the vibration amplitude is reduced.