Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs. Giti GitiSportS2 – UHP Summer Showdown: In the ultra-high performance (UHP) summer tire segment, Michelin’s legendary Pilot Sport 5—renowned for precision, grip, and long-lasting performance—faces a bold new challenger: the GitiSportS2. Hailing from rising tire manufacturer Giti, with strong R&D roots in Indonesia and growing global credibility, this tire aims to shake the throne.
Can Giti’s latest weapon unsettle the Michelin giant? The battle for UHP supremacy begins here.
Table of Contents
Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Giti GitiSportS2
The results presented here are from the 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test, where 20 of the best tire models were selected from an initial pool of 50. Given the high cost and extensive nature of wear testing, we were delighted to have it included. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Giti GitiSportS2 across various performance categories, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 225/40R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series Audi A4. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard BMW 1 series as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stops 5.1 meters shorter than the GitiSportS2, which is a 11% advantage in braking distance. During wet handling, the Michelin also leads, managing an average speed of 73.3 km/h versus Giti’s 70.7 km/h—a difference of 2.6 km/h or roughly 4% faster through corners. However, when it comes to straight-line aquaplaning, the GitiSportS2 pulls slightly ahead, resisting hydroplaning at 81.4 km/h compared to Michelin’s 80.5 km/h, a 0.9 km/h edge or 1% better.
Overall, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 clearly dominates in braking and cornering grip, while the GitiSportS2 only edges ahead slightly in straight aquaplaning resistance.
GitiSportS2 :
- -11% in wet braking
- -4% in wet handling
- +1% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stops 1.9 meters shorter than the GitiSportS2, giving it a 5% advantage. For dry handling, the Michelin again leads with an average speed of 120.5 km/h, compared to Giti’s 117.7 km/h—a difference of 2.8 km/h or 2% faster.
GitiSportS2 :
- -5% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling
Wear
In terms of wear, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 lasts 21,090 kilometers longer than the GitiSportS2, which translates to a 40% longer lifespan. This significant mileage advantage highlights Michelin’s superior durability, making it the more cost-effective choice over time in the UHP summer category.
GitiSportS2 :
- -40% in mileage
Comfort & Noise
In subjective comfort, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scores 0.7 points higher than the GitiSportS2, giving it a 3% better comfort rating. However, in external noise, the GitiSportS2 is quieter at 72.6 dB versus Michelin’s 74.3 dB—a 1.7 dB difference, or roughly 2% less noise.
GitiSportS2 :
- -3% in subjective comfort
- +2% in exterior noise (-1.7 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 registers slightly lower at 8.94 N/kN compared to the GitiSportS2’s 9.02 N/kN. This 0.08 N/kN difference translates to about 1% better efficiency for the Michelin.
GitiSportS2 :
- -1% in rolling resistance
Price
For the 245/45 R18 size, the Giti GitiSportS2 is €35 cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, making it 26% more affordable.
Tire size: 245/45 R18
- Pilot Sport 5 : € 169
- GitiSportS2 : € 134
Difference: -26% more cheaper for GitiSportS2.
Summary
As a tire expert, I can confidently say the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is the clear winner in this matchup. It offers stronger wet and dry performance, better comfort, and most notably, a massive 40% advantage in wear—lasting over 21,000 km longer. That said, the GitiSportS2 deserves credit for its quieter ride and 26% lower price, making it a compelling budget-friendly alternative. But if you’re after all-out performance and long-term value, Michelin takes the crown.
Dr Edwin Pang