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Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S vs Yokohama ADVAN A052 — 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 | ADVAN A052 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 87 | 89 |
| Tire Rack owners | 95 | 93 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 92 | 99 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
| Dry Braking (% of best) | 92% | 100% |
| Dry Handling (% of best) | 96% | 99% |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | ADVAN A052 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 83 | 87 |
| Tire Rack owners | 88 | 68 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | 78 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
| Wet Braking (% of best) | 72% | 100% |
| Wet Handling (% of best) | 90% | 93% |
Snow
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | ADVAN A052 |
|---|---|---|
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | ADVAN A052 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 82 | – |
| Tire Rack owners | 87 | 78 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 71 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
Noise
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | ADVAN A052 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | 78 | – |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | ADVAN A052 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | 80 | 58 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 80 | 52 |
| SimpleTire owners | – | 100 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | Pilot Sport 4 S | ADVAN A052 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 86 | 96 |
| DriverReviews owners | 92 | – |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | Yokohama ADVAN A052 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 89 | 81 |
| Dry | 91 | 91 |
| Wet | 87 | 80 |
| Snow | – | 100 |
| Comfort | 86 | 78 |
| Noise | 84 | 100 |
| Treadwear | 90 | 58 |
| Handling | 95 | 96 |
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 | 92% #1/8 · 2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test | 100% #1/5 · 2019 17 inch Track Day Tyre Test | -8 | Different tests |
| Dry Handling | Dry | 96% #5/7 · Best Performance Tyres For 2025 | 99% #2/3 · 2025 AutoView Extreme Performance Tyre Test | -2.7 | Different tests |
| Overall Ranking | Overall | 100% #1/7 · 2020 EVO UHP Summer Tyre Test | 100% #1/5 · 2019 17 inch Track Day Tyre Test | 0 | Different tests |
| Subj. Dry Handling | Subj | 98% #2/6 · 2018 EVO UUHP Tyre Test | 100% #1/5 · 2019 17 inch Track Day Tyre Test | -2.4 | Different tests |
| Wet Braking | Wet | 72% #3/9 · 2018 Sport Auto 19 inch UHP and Track Day Tyre Test | 100% #1/5 · 2019 17 inch Track Day Tyre Test | -27.7 | Different tests |
| Wet Handling | Wet | 90% #3/10 · 2022 Tyre Reviews UUHP Summer Tyre Test | 93% #1/5 · 2026 AutoBild Track Day Tyre Test | -3.1 | 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 Yokohama Advan A052 is widely regarded as a benchmark-setting 200 treadwear tire, prized for its exceptional dry grip, rapid warm-up, and surprising wet-weather capability. While it is a favorite for autocross and spirited street driving, users frequently note that its performance can degrade during extended track sessions due to heat soak, and its tread life is notably short compared to more durable competitors.
Pros
- Class-leading dry grip and traction, often compared to dedicated racing slicks.
- Rapid warm-up time, providing peak performance almost immediately.
- Surprisingly high levels of wet-weather traction and hydroplaning resistance for a performance tire.
- Excellent road manners, including lower noise levels and better ride comfort than many rivals.
- Predictable breakaway characteristics that inspire driver confidence.
Cons
- Rapid tread wear, especially when used on heavy vehicles or without aggressive camber settings.
- Tendency to 'grease up' or lose performance during long, high-intensity track sessions.
- Soft sidewall construction can lead to vague steering feel or 'sponginess' compared to stiffer competitors.
- High price point relative to its limited longevity.
- Susceptibility to tread delamination or chunking under extreme track use.
Observations
- Lightweight vehicles like the Mazda Miata and Lotus Elise benefit most from the tire's characteristics, while heavier cars often experience accelerated wear and heat management issues.
- Users frequently report that the tires run 'wide' for their stated size, which can lead to fitment or rubbing issues if not accounted for.
- The tire is highly sensitive to alignment; vehicles without sufficient negative camber often suffer from rapid outside-edge wear.
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
Yokohama ADVAN A052
The Yokohama ADVAN A052 is widely recognized by community members as a high-performance competition and autocross tire that delivers exceptional grip and competitive edge. Users frequently discuss sizing, fitment on various sports cars, and balancing their incredible track capabilities with concerns about longevity and suitability for long road trips.
“Yokohama ADVAN A052 315/30R18 and 265/35R18 - BEEFY!”
“Staggered BBSs Need Tires I have a set of BBS wheels that i have been restoring for my 89 944 NA. I am trying to figure out what tires to get and am running into a bit of trouble. The set of BBSs are 15in staggered. The front are 8in wide and the rear are 9in wide. When i had purchased these wheels they had 215/60R15s all around. Would this be a good fitment? I am hoping the rear will not look stretched. As i was researching staggered tires i ran into problems finding a matching set in the sizes 225 50R15 and 205 55R15. A local shop helped me find these for the front Yokohama ADVAN Fleva V701 (205 55R15) and these for the rear Yokohama ADVAN A052 (225 50R15). Im concerned to get these due to the tread pattern being drastically different. Another shop has Kumho Ecsta 4x KU22 picked out for the front. I would like to have performance summer tires that do not break the bank. If i were to do 215/60R15s all around i was looking at Falken Sincera SN250 A/S (which are not performance) or Vredestein Sprint Classic which i am not sure of. I am a bit at a loss here and would greatly appreciate any advice or help selecting tires as this is not something i am comfortable with given the lack of options at this wheel size.”
“Long trip with Advans A052? I'm planning a trip to the Nürburgring to attend a trackday this October. The problem is that I live 1300 km away, so the tyres should be able to cope with that, some 20 laps at medium-fast pace at the Nordschleife, and the drive back home. Are the Advan A052 tyres way to soft for such a long trip? Will they last? Wouldn't it be wiser to settle for a more conservative set of Michelins PS4? The car is a 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera, 1210 kg... Read more”
Based on 8 community posts
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | B · Yokohama ADVAN A052 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Max Performance tires | Summer Trackday and Competition tires |
| Vehicle type | Passenger Car / Crossover | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | — | 21 |
| Rim diameters | — | 15″ – 20″ |
| Tread depth | — | 7/32″ |
| UTQG | — | 200 A A |
| Sidewall | — | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | — | 51 psi |
Which one should you actually buy?
Michelin
Yokohama
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S — better treadwear, comfort and wet. Pick the Yokohama ADVAN A052 if noise matters most to you.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 90 vs 58 on treadwear.
Yokohama ADVAN A052 scores 100 vs 84 on noise.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 86 vs 78 on comfort.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S scores 87 vs 80 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.