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Michelin Pilot Sport 4 vs Pirelli Powergy — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
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6 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Powergy |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 89 | 71 |
| Tire Rack owners | 93 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 90 | 83 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 100% | 94% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Powergy |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 87 | 78 |
| Tire Rack owners | 87 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | 76 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 92% | 96% |
| Wet Circle (% of best) | 86% | 98% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 94% | 90% |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Powergy |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 84 |
| Tire Rack owners | 83 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 78 | 72 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Powergy |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 74 | 72 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Powergy |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | 67 | – |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 74 | 63 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 | Powergy |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 75 |
| DriverReviews owners | 90 | 82 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | Pirelli Powergy |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 89 | 73 |
| Dry | 92 | 76 |
| Wet | 89 | 77 |
| Comfort | 87 | 79 |
| Noise | 81 | 72 |
| Treadwear | 88 | 63 |
| Handling | 94 | 75 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Tire A
Tire B
The professional test results behind the scores
Each result is shown as % of the best tire in that test. “Same test” rows are the strictest comparison: both tires were measured side by side.
| Discipline | Category | Tire A | Tire B | Δ | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved Aquaplaning | Curved | 93% #3/14 · 2021 Tyre Reviews UHP Summer Tyre Test | 81% #8/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | +12 | Different tests |
| Dry Braking | Dry | 100% #1/9 · 2018 AZ Summer AND All Season Tyre Test | 94% #4/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | +6.5 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 88% #12/20 · 2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 81% #5/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | +7.5 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 98% #4/11 · 2019 Auto Bild Sports Car Tyre Test | 98% #1/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | -0.4 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 50% #2/16 · 2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test | 20% #5/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | +30 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 95% #3/10 · 2022 AMS Performance Summer Tyre Test | 92% #4/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | +3.2 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 100% #1/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | 93% #3/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | +7.1 | Different tests |
| Subj. Dry Handling | Subj | 90% #2/16 · 2018 Test World Summer Tyre Test | 93% #3/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | -2.8 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 92% #3/9 · 2021 EVO Summer Tyre Test | 96% #5/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | -3.1 | Different tests |
| Wet Circle | Wet | 86% #4/10 · 2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tyre Test | 98% #3/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | -12.6 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 94% #1/9 · 2018 AZ Summer AND All Season Tyre Test | 90% #2/10 · 2026 autozurnal Eco Summer Tyre Test | +3.9 | Different tests |
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is widely regarded as a premier high-performance summer tire, praised for its exceptional wet-weather traction and balanced daily-driving characteristics. While many users report a significant improvement in ride quality and noise levels compared to OEM run-flats or older performance tires, some enthusiasts note a softer sidewall that can feel less precise or 'darty' during aggressive cornering compared to dedicated track-focused rubber.
Pros
- Class-leading wet weather grip and hydroplaning resistance
- Excellent balance of comfort and road noise reduction for a performance tire
- Predictable and progressive handling characteristics
- Strong dry-weather traction and braking performance
- Significant upgrade over OEM run-flat tires in terms of ride quality
Cons
- Softer sidewalls can lead to a less 'sharp' or 'darty' steering feel
- Tread wear can be rapid, particularly with spirited driving or on high-torque vehicles
- Performance can drop off noticeably as tread depth decreases
- Higher price point compared to many competitors
- Some reports of increased road noise as the tire ages
Observations
- Tesla and EV owners frequently report a measurable decrease in range due to higher rolling resistance compared to OEM 'eco' tires.
- Users with heavy, high-torque vehicles (e.g., tuned sedans, performance wagons) often praise the tire's ability to put power down, though this comes at the cost of faster rear-tire wear.
- Drivers switching from run-flat tires on luxury vehicles (BMW, Audi, Mercedes) consistently report a transformative improvement in ride comfort and cabin noise.
The Pirelli Powergy is a polarizing tire that excels in dry grip and ride comfort but faces significant criticism regarding its longevity and inconsistent noise levels. While many users praise its performance as a cost-effective daily driver, others report rapid tread wear and disappointing fuel economy, leading to a mixed overall reception.
Pros
- Strong dry pavement grip and responsive handling
- High levels of ride comfort and impact absorption
- Competitive pricing compared to premium tier alternatives
- Generally quiet operation for many users
Cons
- Rapid tread wear and shallow initial tread depth
- Inconsistent reports on road noise, with some users citing extreme volume
- Noticeable negative impact on fuel economy for some vehicles
- Lack of steering feedback and 'soft' sidewall feel
Observations
- Users with high-torque or performance-oriented vehicles (e.g., M240i, 2.0TFSI Q3) reported issues with traction and wheelspin under load.
- Drivers of heavier vehicles or those with specific rim sizes (e.g., 235/19) noted a decline in fuel efficiency compared to previous sets.
- The tire is frequently cited as a significant comfort upgrade over factory-fitted run-flat tires.
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (and its variants) is widely praised by the community as a massive upgrade over stock run-flats and budget tires, offering exceptional dry and wet grip, precise steering feel, and improved ride comfort. While users frequently note trade-offs in tread life due to the softer rubber compound, and higher pricing, it remains a top-tier recommendation for spirited street driving and performance cars.
“Surprised by Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires - 2024 M440i Hey, BMW community. A year ago, I was lucky enough to order a 2024 M440i GC Xdrive. Spent hours driving different BMW's, tweaking my order sheet before my allocation was filled. Got the adaptive suspension, with 19's on Pirelli run-flats. After a few months, my San Remo GC was delivered. GREAT car. Now with ~17k miles, it was time for a routine service. And, apparently, new rear tires. Decided to just replace them all at the dealer. Went with what they recommended; Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (Star marked). What an upgrade! Steering feel, precision, comfort AND quiet. Anyone on the fence about the Pilot Sport 4 - highly recommended. Read more”
“Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires are noisy (a followup) I have been asked on this sub if the PS4 tires on my wife’s Bolt are noisy, and I wasn’t sure how to answer. Well, we made two 60-mile round trips this past weekend, mostly on highways with 55 and 70 mph speed limits, and I have to say that the tires are kind of noisy. Certainly not as quiet as EV-oriented tires are. The grip is fantastic, so we really like them. If you are sensitive to noise, though, these Max Performance class tires are probably not for you.”
“I just installed A/S PS4 from Michelin on my BRZ recently & man they are so nice. How quiet it is, is wow, night and day. They handle quite nice except when it's still cold (sub 40F) on highway, traction control triggers but it may bc I'm lowered and yet to do my alignment. I don't know compared to stock, I was on Falken prior. I am using different tire set-up then stock however. I have 245/35 at the front and 265/35 in rear. My only regret is not going up to 40 on the sidewall for more meat. This is on 18" wheels.”
“Those are Pilot sport 4 (all season). If it had s after the 4 it would be the summer high performance version. I put the pilot sport 4 on wife's GTI autobahn 2016. Great handling tire, stiff side walls, not the smoothest ride but best overall.”
Based on 117 community posts
Pirelli Powergy
Community opinion on the Pirelli Powergy line is mixed, with users noting it serves as Pirelli's budget or eco-oriented offering compared to higher-end models like the Cinturato. While some find them to be a decent, affordable upgrade over older worn tires, others report concerns regarding ride comfort, noise, and potential mixing issues with other tire models.
“Are Pirelli Powergy Winter the right winter tires for the GR? Hey, my parents bought a GR Yaris last week and it’s a great car but I looked at its winter tires and those are Pirelli Powergy Winter. I’m not an expert on tires but as far as I know the P-Zero Winter would be the right choice for a GR. My father didn’t bought them because he thought it was the right tires rather a tire salesman talked him into it. I talked him into Pirelli as those were the factory tires for his Volvo 850R and would be a better choice then his current Conti Premium 5 but somehow my father misunderstood me to that point that Pirelli’s are the greatest tires ever. So he asked the salesmen for the best Pirelli Tires and told the car it’s for but the salesman sold him those Powergy tires and said that not all Pirelli’s are in stock. As my father isn’t an enthusiast but loves likes to drive performance cars he didn’t knew better and now it’s too late. In my eyes a good salesman (not in the way of profit for the company rather costumer experience) would have told him that the P-Zeros winter are out of stock but can be ordered or would show him tires from different companies. Another option is the salesman though he meant the GR Sport Yaris for which P-Zero winters are too much as not many persons in their sixties drive a real GR. So my question are the Powergy enough for the GR or should he get P-Zeros next Winter (in a few weeks we will put on summer tires)”
“Ripples in side wall Just been washing the car and found what I can only describe as ripples in the side wall of my front-right tyre. Had these fitted in June, only just noticed the ripples. The other tyres are perfect. I’ve probably done around 2,000 miles on them. Should I be concerned, and do they look like a manufacturing defect, or as a result of damage? (I’ve not hit any serious potholes that I’m aware of). These tyres are Pirelli Powergy, fitted to a Volvo XC60. Date code is 3325. Any help gratefully received. Read more”
“Pirelli cinturato P7 and Pirelli Powergy Hi all 👋🏼 So I had 4 Pirelli Cinturato P7’s on my Ford Focus ST. I got a flat tire (front left) while I was on vacation so I decided to get 2 new tires at the front. I asked the guy at the tire shop to get the same tires (so the Pirelli Cinturato’s). He got me Pirelli Powergy’s instead… He didn’t really speak English and there was not time as I was driving home the next day. So I just accepted it. Now my question is what’s the main difference between these tires? And does it matter I got 2 different tires now? (2 powergy’s at the front and 2 Cinturato’s at the back) Thanks!🙏🏼”
Based on 15 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | B · Pirelli Powergy |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Max Performance tires | Summer Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | — |
Which one should you actually buy?
Michelin
Pirelli
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 — better treadwear, handling and dry. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 88 vs 63 on treadwear.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 94 vs 75 on handling.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 92 vs 76 on dry.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 scores 89 vs 77 on wet.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.