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Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S vs Pirelli P Zero — 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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7 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 S | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 87 | 86 |
| Tire Rack owners | 95 | 90 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 92 | 84 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 93 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 98% | 97% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 97% | 100% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 84 |
| Tire Rack owners | 88 | 79 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | 68 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 83 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 92% | 99% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 92% | 99% |
Snow
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| SimpleTire owners | – | 72 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 82 | 26 |
| Tire Rack owners | 87 | 80 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 63 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 88 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 78 | 73 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 84 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | 80 | 63 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 80 | 57 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 73 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 86 | 72 |
| DriverReviews owners | 92 | 84 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | Pirelli P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 89 | 69 |
| Dry | 91 | 85 |
| Wet | 87 | 78 |
| Snow | – | 80 |
| Comfort | 86 | 42 |
| Noise | 84 | 78 |
| Treadwear | 90 | 58 |
| Handling | 95 | 72 |
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
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | Dry | 98% #3/10 · 2020 Auto Bild UHP 19 inch Tyre Test | 97% #5/45 · 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout | +0.6 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 97% #2/6 · 2018 EVO UUHP Tyre Test | 100% #1/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | -3 | Different tests |
| Rolling Resistance | Efficiency | 89% #8/15 · 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test | 73% #16/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +16.2 | Different tests |
| Noise | Other | 97% #8/15 · 2021 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test | 98% #18/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | -0.8 | Different tests |
| Price | Other | 100% #13/13 · 2021 Tyre Reviews UHP Summer Tyre Test | 85% #18/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +15.4 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 50% #2/10 · 2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tyre Test | 14% #7/11 · 2018 Ace 235/45 R18 Summer Tyre Test | +35.7 | Different tests |
| Straight Aqua | Straight | 97% #4/7 · Best Performance Tyres For 2025 | 93% #14/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +4.8 | Different tests |
| Subj. Comfort | Subj | 90% #2/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 67% #14/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | +23.3 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 92% #5/11 · 2023 Sport Auto UHP Tyre Test | 99% #3/45 · 2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout | -7.6 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 92% #5/9 · 2018 Sport Auto 19 inch UHP and Track Day Tyre Test | 99% #3/20 · 2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test | -7 | 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 S is widely regarded as a benchmark ultra-high-performance summer tire, consistently praised for its exceptional wet and dry grip, confidence-inspiring handling, and superior ride comfort compared to OEM run-flat alternatives. While most users laud its versatility and safety, some enthusiasts note that its relatively soft sidewalls can result in slightly less steering precision or feedback compared to more track-focused or stiffer-walled competitors.
Pros
- Exceptional wet and dry traction
- High levels of ride comfort and reduced road noise
- Predictable handling and stability at high speeds
- Excellent rim protection design
- Strong longevity for a high-performance tire
Cons
- Soft sidewalls can feel vague or sluggish during aggressive steering inputs
- High price point compared to competitors
- Performance can degrade significantly as the tread wears down
- Reports of sidewall cracking or perishing in some climates
- Not suitable for cold weather or snow
Observations
- Users transitioning from OEM run-flat tires on luxury and performance vehicles (e.g., BMW, Mercedes, Tesla) report a transformative improvement in ride quality and noise reduction.
- Drivers of high-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive vehicles frequently highlight the tire's ability to put power down effectively, though some note faster wear on rear axles.
- Some users with heavy vehicles or specific performance setups noted that the tire's soft sidewall can lead to a 'bouncy' or less precise feel during rapid direction changes.
The Pirelli P Zero is widely regarded as a high-performance summer tire that excels in dry, warm-weather conditions, offering sharp handling and significant grip. However, user consensus is polarized by its rapid tread wear, inconsistent performance in cold or wet weather, and reports of high road noise, leading many owners to favor competitors like Michelin for daily driving.
Pros
- Exceptional dry weather grip and cornering stability
- Precise steering feedback and handling responsiveness
- Strong rim protection due to robust sidewall design
- Effective performance once the tire reaches optimal operating temperature
Cons
- Rapid and often uneven tread wear
- Poor traction and confidence in cold, wet, or damp conditions
- High levels of road noise, particularly as the tire ages
- Susceptibility to tramlining and vibration issues
Observations
- Users with high-performance EVs and heavy sedans (e.g., Tesla Model Y, Audi S7) frequently report faster-than-expected tread wear.
- Owners of front-wheel-drive hot hatches (e.g., Hyundai i30N, Fiesta ST) note significant wheel spin and traction loss in damp conditions.
- Drivers using larger rim diameters (19-inch+) often report a harsher ride quality and increased sensitivity to road imperfections.
What real owners are saying
From Reddit, forums and review threads. Not part of our score
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is widely praised by the community as a premier max performance summer tire, offering exceptional dry and wet grip, precise steering feel, and refined road manners for daily driving and spirited street use. While some users note higher pricing and relatively quick wear on heavier vehicles or hot tracks, it remains a benchmark choice that many enthusiasts gladly return to despite alternatives like Continental or Kumho.
“Tire condition after 1st track day. PS4s on a GR86 First 2 pics are drivers front, rest pass front. This was at CMP, temps mid 70s, mostly cloudy. Lowered TP to 31psi. Highest I saw on track was 36 psi. The driver side l thought looked good, but passengers side inner looks like they melted. Is this track rubber I picked up or due to mostly turning right on this clockwise circuit?? Also was pleasantly surprised to only have used 1/16 of tread depth after 110 minutes on track. Given what I have read, thought the ps4s would be all used up. Maybe on a hot track surface they would have been eaten up. Read more”
“Am I the owner of the newer PS4s?😁 Hello everyone, new in the sub and just want to share my love for the Pilot Sport 4s. This is the third set and I love it. To me they are the perfect compromise beetween performance anche tyre wear. Last set last me 43k km, I do lot of highway and some spirited drive when possibile. I also had a set of Sport Contact 7, awesome grip, to me better than the PS4s, almost too much for my stock Golf. They also wear out faster. I saw yesterday the review of Potenza Sport Evo and they promise very week, maybe next time I’ll try!”
“I’ll say this. Going from the Pilot Super Sport to the Pilot Sport 4 S of the same size, I’m disappointed in the soft sidewall of the 4 S. This is an 8.5” wide wheel with 235/40/18 tires. The left-right fast slalom action got a bit mushy like the weight transfer was slowed down when I switched to the 4 S. I think a shorter sidewall 4 S would perform better in this way, or the same tire on a 9” wide wheel too. That said, the dry and wet grip is exceptional. To save money, I’d recommend the Continental ExtremeContact Sport.”
“Depending on the size they are absolutely overkill for street use on stock motor. I just installed a set of 245 ps4s on 17x9 rpf1s and its almost impossible to trigger the abs and traction co trol. The car is on absolute rails. That being said, if you have the money, there is not really any negatives from that. I intend to use mine on track days. Felt the cup 2s were overkill for 2 to 3 track days a year.”
Based on 104 community posts
Pirelli P Zero
Community opinion on the Pirelli P Zero lineup is sharply divided based on the specific variant. While summer tires and certain OEM specifications face severe criticism for poor wet weather grip, rapid wear, and difficult installation (particularly in cycling applications), the aftermarket All Season Plus 3 and newer high-performance variants receive strong praise for comfort, quietness, and excellent value compared to Michelin and Continental competitors.
“After one year with Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect 2020 SR+ I replaced the Michelins on my 2020 SR+ at 42,000 miles and 3.5 years with the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect on my 2020 SR+. Since there are so many "What tire should I buy" posts, I thought I would give a one year review. Background: Live in the Washington, DC area so mild winters and 85% of my miles are local, suburban driving. With local traffic and traffic cameras all around, I drive pretty conservatively only occasionally punching it. Efficiency- Pirellis are about 3% less efficient than Michelins Michelin OEM MXMs 42,006 miles before replacing, 204 Wh/mi lifetime Pirelli P Zero All Season Elect Plus 13,832 miles 210 Wh/mi after 1 year. started out higher for the first 1,000 miles or so, so I expect this to drop to 208 or 209 lifetime. Ride is definitely smoother and quieter. Handling, well, I don't push it, so for me, equal. Grew up locally learning to drive in snow with 60's and 70's RWD cars, so I know how to drive in the light snow we get and the Pirellis handled the snow we got just fine. Just a few inches of heavy, wet snow at a time. Overall I would recommend the Pirellis. I am a bit efficiency minded but am debating taking another hit and getting the caps and pulling the aero covers off, but keeping them for the couple of road trips I do. I expect that would take another 3% hit, so still better than the EPA rated 220 Wh/mi.”
“I put a set of Pirelli P Zero AS3's on my 2019 Mazda 3. After driving about 1,500 miles, I can say that I love them. The steering has a very direct feel - it turns in almost immediately. Needless to say the grip is fantastic. ... and that is only with outside air temps in the 50's. I can't wait to see how they perform when it gets to be in the 70's and they can get some heat in them. One of the reasons I was attracted to this tire is that Pirelli claims to have incorporated technology that helps the tires maintain the same level of performance as they wear over time. I have been frustrated in the past to see how tires loose their grip long before the treadwear gets low. Also, it didn't hurt that Pirelli had a $100 instant rebate!”
“I just put PZ5 on my vehicle! I live in Louisiana ! They are absolutely insanely sticky! Especially in the rain! My vehicle came with the P-zeros. I’ve had Pirelli’s on my car’s in the past and yes, Pirelli’s are soft. The trade off is sticking to the road! I am an aggressive driver & was aware the sacrifice. I have to change my tires every oil change. 9-12k miles. These PZ5’s grip in the rain. Crazy awesome! Pirelli knocked these suckers out!!! I love ‘em!!!”
“I used to ride Conti since the GP4K and switched over to Pirelli when I had my new bike 3 years ago. The P-Zero Race was fine I guess but the P-Zero Race RS TLR were the worst. Nightmare to put on and wore out quite fast as well. Punctured the one in the back after 300km and couldn’t seal it. I’m back on the GP5k STR now with no issues or mounting problems. Probably gonna stick to them for some time longer”
Based on 99 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | B · Pirelli P Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Max Performance tires | Summer Max Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | — | 89 |
| Rim diameters | — | 17″ – 22″ |
| Tread depth | — | 10/32″ |
| UTQG | — | 220 A A |
| Sidewall | — | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | — | 50 psi |
Which one should you actually buy?
Michelin
Pirelli
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — better comfort, treadwear and handling. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 86 vs 42 on comfort.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 90 vs 58 on treadwear.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 95 vs 72 on handling.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 87 vs 78 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.