Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS vs Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R: The automotive world is abuzz with anticipation as two titans of the track go head-to-head: the newly launched 2023 Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS versus the renowned 2018 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R. Both tires are engineered for ultimate performance, boasting cutting-edge technology and design.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R has already proven itself with superior grip and durability on various tracks. However, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS promises to redefine the standards with its advanced compound and innovative tread pattern. Which tire will dominate your track day? The battle is on, and the excitement is palpable as enthusiasts eagerly await to see which tire reigns supreme.
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Results: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS vs Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
Results below were taken from AutoBild’s 2024 The BestTrack Day Tires Test with a total of 6 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS vs Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R based on the relevant performance category. Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time. The tire size of interest is 335/30R21 which is a common tire size for Porsche 911 GT3 RS. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Porsche 911 GT3 RS which is one of the fastest track car you can get.
Dry
In dry braking, both the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS and the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R perform equally, stopping at an identical distance of 27.2 meters from 100 km/h to 0. However, when it comes to dry handling lap time performance, the P Zero Trofeo RS takes the lead with a time of 138.92 seconds, narrowly beating the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, which clocks in at 139.33 seconds.
Over a longer run, the P Zero Trofeo RS continues to dominate, averaging 142.45 seconds per lap over six laps, while the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R trails behind at 146.32 seconds. The battle between these two high-performance tires is incredibly close, with the Pirelli edging out its rival by the slimmest of margins.
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R:
- ~0% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (lap time)
- -3% in dry handling long run (lap time)
Wet
In wet braking, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS outperforms the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R by stopping 0.4 meters shorter, with distances of 29.4 meters compared to 29.8 meters from 80 km/h to 0. For wet handling, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS also excels with an average speed of 81.9 km/h, surpassing the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, which averages 78.9 km/h. The Pirelli demonstrates superior performance in wet conditions, delivering better braking and handling than its Michelin counterpart.
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R:
- -1% in wet braking
- -4% in wet handling (average speed)
Price
The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS, priced at €610 for a 335/30R21 tire, is significantly more affordable compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, which costs €800. This makes the Michelin tire 24% more expensive. With such competitive pricing and exceptional dry handling performance, the P Zero Trofeo RS definitely looks like a bargain.
Tire size: 335/30R21
- P Zero Trofeo RS: € 610
- Pilot Sport Cup 2 R: € 800
Difference: +24% more expensive for Pilot Sport Cup 2 R.
Summary
From a tire expert’s perspective, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS emerges as the deserving winner in this duel for several compelling reasons. Its exceptional dry handling capabilities, evidenced by a faster lap time of 138.92 seconds compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R’s 139.33 seconds, demonstrate its superior grip and precision. Over longer runs, the P Zero Trofeo RS maintains its edge with consistently quicker laps, highlighting its durability and performance stability.
In wet conditions, the Pirelli tire continues to impress, offering shorter braking distances and higher handling speeds, ensuring safety and confidence on wet tracks. Furthermore, with a price tag of €610, significantly lower than the Michelin’s €800, the P Zero Trofeo RS provides outstanding value without compromising on performance. This combination of top-tier performance across various conditions and cost-effectiveness makes the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS the clear winner in this head-to-head comparison.
Dr Edwin Pang